Formal Education for Ministry

Formal Education for Ministry at CLI

My name is Andrew Temple, and I am receiving formal education for ministry free at the Christian Leaders Institute. I am 37 years old. Currently, I reside near Dallas, TX.

A Life of Addiction

I grew up with parents that were heavily involved in the drug scene. Due to this, I quickly followed in their footsteps. I was very active in my addiction for all of my early adult years. There were times I was homeless and did not know where the next meal would be.

My grandmother introduced me to Christ and took me to church much of my younger years. I am thankful for this foundation, even though I strayed from that path for many years. I knew who Christ was and what the “walk” was. However, I chose not to follow Him, but I knew of Him.

God Set Me Free

On December 23, 2013, the Lord spoke to me. Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” – started playing over and over in my head. It was at that moment that I walked away from the life of drugs. I enrolled in a year-long discipleship program (drug rehab) and completed the program. I was filled with the Holy Spirit and had a new way of life.

Called to Serve God

Fast forward to six years later, and I am now an active member of a motorcycle fellowship that concentrates on spreading the Word through recovery from addiction (I serve as Chaplain for my chapter). I also go into local prisons and jails to witness to the men there and serve at my church. I am now married to a wonderful woman, Mindy, who is also a warrior for Christ. Together, we serve our community.

God has indeed made beauty out of ashes. Serving God in these past years was and is a blessing to me. He has called me to work with men that struggle with addictions. Addicts speak a different language, and I can speak that language. I have an understanding of where these men are and what their outlook is. While living a life of addiction, there is zero hope, there is zero grace, and there is zero redemption. If one man can change from a life of addiction and start to follow Christ, generations can be changed.

Formal Education at Finding CLI

I felt a yearning to obtain formal education so that God might use my opportunities. So, I decided to take the formal minister training at the Christian Leaders Institute so that I might have a better understanding of leadership. I am excited to watch what God will do through this free formal education.

Learn about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.