Introduction
Hello, my name is Carol Behrens. I’m a child of God, a wife to a wonderful husband, a mother of five. We live in Durban, South Africa, and attend a small Methodist Church in our neighborhood for the past 15 years. I am thankful for the Christian Leaders Institute with its online Theology and ministry courses (Learn more about free online Bible courses, Click Here).
My Life Before Receiving God’s Calling
I grew up in a family of four, with a much older brother. We attended church every Sunday. After school, I started working for a Petroleum Company in a male-dominated industry. In those years, women were either stay-at-home moms or managed an office-bound position. Everything else was a man’s job. Determined to prove myself, it took many years to reach the rank of Regional Sales Manager within this male-dominated industry.
The Calling
Although I managed to achieve a Senior Management position at the company I worked at, it did not feel like I accomplished anything. I felt something was missing in my life. Therefore, we joined our current church in 2006. After my parents-in-law moved to the suburbs, we automatically followed them. My mother passed away in 2006, making me realize that life is not all about work and what type of work you have. At our local church, I started putting my hand up. I volunteered for more duties, from Bible Reading to joining the Choir to becoming a Society Steward.
In June 2011, during a Sunday morning service, it felt like God spoke to me. God was calling me to preach. After talking to my husband about this feeling, we decided to pray and see if the feeling persisted after a few months. However, the feeling did not go away. So, in November 2011, we made an appointment to speak to our Reverend. Our Reverend invited me to attend the “Listening Committee” for the Local Lay Preacher Department of the Methodist Church. They listened to my testimony and allowed me to join the Methodist Church of South Africa as a Lay Preacher.
In 2012, I officially started my training as a Lay Preacher. For the next three years, I studied at a Christian College to obtain a Senior Certificate in Theology. I also studied at the Methodist Church (Wesley Studies), while doing services in my local church. I had one trial service per quarter marked also for study purposes. In 2016, the Methodist Church of South Africa accepted me as an Official Local Lay Preacher after I completed my studies.
My hope for the future
I always hoped to complete a degree in Theology and to start an online Ministry. Further, it became apparent over the past two years due to Covid that our Churches are suffering. People are too scared to attend, and they are searching for spiritual guidance online. I’m so thankful that God led me to the Christian Leaders Institute for online Theology and ministry courses. Now I can further my studies and work towards my goal of starting an online ministry. Thank you, CLI!
Steps to Sign Up At Christian Leaders Institute
Step 1 – Register for a free study account that automatically enrolls you in the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2.
After you register, you will automatically be enrolled in the “getting started” course. You will locate the course at your “home” button when you are logged in. Scroll down to find the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2 Link. Click the link and open the course.
Step 2 – Complete Part 1 of this course, and then you are allowed to enroll in mini-courses or regular courses.
The Christian Leaders Getting Started Class Part 1 shows you how to enroll in courses and mini-courses. Part 2 of the course connects your calling into ministry with programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute. Part 2 will offer some ministry training and introduce you to the other programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute.
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost college degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
My name is Heather Hageness, and I am taking free bible and ministry courses online at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about free Bible and ministry courses, Click Here). I am a married mother to three beautiful little girls (aged 8, 7, and 5). Our family currently lives in Southern Wisconsin, where my husband and I grew up.
Early Years
In our adolescence, we both attended Lutheran churches. I was active in my local church mainly due to my grandparents’ influence. I attended church regularly, was in the youth group, volunteered in summer VBS programs, and participated in several mission trips within the USA.
My middle school and early high school years were marked mainly with church participation for the community but not any connection to the Lord. I believed in God’s existence. However, it was only in a “pray when I need You – please, don’t punish me” kind of way. I knew nothing of the Holy Spirit or having a relationship with Christ. As I entered my high school years, I became the subject of a significant amount of bullying. Severe anxiety and depression marked my freshman and sophomore years. I prayed consistently to a God who I wasn’t sure was seeing or hearing me. I often considered ending my life.
Fearing and Disbelieving
Enter the summer following my sophomore year of high school. I was 16 and loved being outdoors. Nature was always my safe space. To this day, it is where I meet with Jesus most often; although, this was stolen from me for some time. One sunny summer day, I rode my bike to the gas station not a mile from our home. On my ride back, I met a man waiting outside his truck parked alongside the road. He smiled at me, and I smiled back. At that moment, the trajectory of my life forever changed. He knocked me off my bike as I rode by. Threatened by knife-point, he dragged me across the road, over a hill, through a field, to a wooded area near a creek. There, he proceeded to rape me.
I kept my rape a secret for 14 years, not releasing myself from memory until several years after finding Christ. After my rape, I went into a severe depression. It was so noticeable that my parents had me change schools, thinking it was due to bullying. However, I was an avid student and lost myself in the sciences. It eventually led to me identifying as an atheist for the next 12 years.
To attend a different high school, I lived part-time with my aunt and uncle to claim residency in their city. My aunt and uncle were the second set of parents to me. My uncle battled cancer on and off for 14 years, and within two months of me moving in with them, he finally succumbed to his battle. It was in this season I decided there was no possible way God could exist. How could He allow such terrible things to happen?
Alcohol, Abuse, and Atheism
From my junior year on, I actively pursued disproving God’s existence. I wrote papers and poetry denouncing Him. I sneered at Christians and viewed them as ignorant. Also, I dove into the teachings of Richard Dawkins. I was adamant. God was not real. Through my walk with Christ, I have realized that this period was marked with anger at God rather than disbelief. I proceeded to enter college, seeking a degree in the sciences. However, my depression persisted. This led to me dropping out of college and re-attending on several occasions. I was determined yet incredibly lost. I made unhealthy life choices involving alcohol and abusive relationships and sought my worth in all the wrong places.
God’s Saving Grace
I believe the Lord brought my husband into my life to save it. He was the first man who treated me with respect. He was kind, loving, hardworking, and above all – steadfast. I still adamantly did not want to believe in God and voiced this loudly and with pride. We dated for eight months before becoming engaged. With some bumps in the road, we were married with zero mention of God in our vows by a county clerk at my request. We immediately started a family. There was no honeymoon period! I was five weeks pregnant when we married. As is apparent from the ages of our children, we continued to grow our family rather quickly. There are three years, almost exactly between the day our oldest and our youngest were born.
Through the early years of marriage, pregnancy, and child-rearing, I often suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts. I was haunted by my past yet unwilling to be freed. I was 21 when my husband and I began dating, 23 when we married, and 24 when our first daughter was born. The next several years were tumultuous for us. I suffered various forms of chronic pain throughout my life due to what we would eventually discover were endometriosis and PCOS. In addition, I dealt with intense migraines for weeks out of each month.
The depression and anxiety persisted, coupled with crippling insomnia. Soon, I was on a multitude of medications. Prone to most side effects due to my liver functions, by the age of 28, I was taking nine different medications. The drugs eventually took their toll on my body. I experienced a minor stroke. I was in a wheelchair, unable to walk, and in constant pain, being tested for nearly every autoimmune disease out there.
God Uses All Things for the Good of Those Who Love Him
During this time, my husband remained a believer in God, though not a follower of Christ. Shortly after having our second daughter, someone gifted us a substantial amount of money that allowed us to move into our current home. I’m taking a step back in this story to show how God was always working toward bringing His prodigal daughter home. Through this monetary gift, we were able to finance a home. We wound up across the street from a strong Christian woman. She would persistently invite me to church with her for three years. I found every excuse I could to turn her down, though I continued to build a relationship with her.
God worked through her to begin the softening of my heart. My first two pregnancies were two weeks overdue and both induced. During my third pregnancy, we had scheduled an induction date on our daughter’s due date. My beautiful neighbor came over to our home the night prior and prayed over me, anointing my head with oil. I thought it was the strangest thing. But within hours, I went into labor on my own and delivered our final daughter within hours. It happened in August of 2016.
It took two more years of her hospitality, love, care, and urging to get me to church. Finally, in August of 2018, after having my stroke and finding no medical answers to my pain, I decided to accompany her one Sunday morning. That morning, I heard the testimony of a woman who would become a dear friend and mentor. I was wheeled up to the front to receive prayer and gained partial healing in my body that day. I began making connections with Godly women through a discipleship program. Thus my journey with the Lord began.
Radical Transformation
I have always been a “go big or go home!” – “all or nothing” type of person. Once the Lord had captivated my heart, there was no stopping His call on my life. I slowly entered into Children’s Ministry, volunteering in both the elementary and preschool programs. We were a multi-location church, and I eventually became the Children’s Director of one of our campuses. Still, I felt called to something even more. I knew my testimony could and would be powerful within the right ministry. So, the Lord called me to begin serving in Youth Ministry, as well. Here, I found my niche. I found purpose in my identity in Christ. I continued to serve as the Children’s Director while serving as a youth leader.
Our church was eventually “adopted” by a much larger church. My husband and I began to feel called away. We recently started attending a new church, where we feel at home. We remain in community and fellowship with our friends from our previous church as God’s kingdom does not reside in the four walls of a singular church. I have grieved the surrender of my earlier ministry, but I am determined to remain obedient to God’s leading. My husband and I both believe we are called to ministry in some fashion.
Further, the Regional Children’s Pastor I previously served under for three years became one of my closest friends and mentors. As a result, we have dreamed of beginning a ministry outside of the church. One that would come alongside churches, helping those struggling to find themselves and their God through Christ.
Free Bible and Ministry Courses at CLI
My main goal in taking courses is to dig deeper. I am called to minister to youth, particularly young women who have suffered trauma and have lost sight of their Lord and Savior. As I began listening to what Christian Leaders Institute offered and how they viewed training disciples, I quickly realized CLI was the perfect fit for me with their free Bible and ministry courses. With my three children attending school, I can begin a career after staying home for the last eight years.
I look forward to becoming a better leader through the free Bible and ministry courses at CLI. I am discovering how exactly my testimony fits into my calling. The accessibility and flexibility of the courses offered answer many prayers regarding equipping myself for ministry. It will allow me to remain present in my home, maintain a job, and be an active member serving in ministry. All the while, I can gain wisdom through knowledge and mentorship. I truly appreciate the opportunity CLI offers and look forward to where God is leading my family and me!
Steps to Sign Up At Christian Leaders Institute
Step 1 – Register for a free study account that automatically enrolls you in the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2.
After you register, you will automatically be enrolled in the “getting started” course. You will locate the course at your “home” button when you are logged in. Scroll down to find the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2 Link. Click the link and open the course.
Step 2 – Complete Part 1 of this course, and then you are allowed to enroll in mini-courses or regular courses.
The Christian Leaders Getting Started Class Part 1 shows you how to enroll in courses and mini-courses. Part 2 of the course connects your calling into ministry with programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute. Part 2 will offer some ministry training and introduce you to the other programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute.
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost college degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
GET ORDAINED AS A MINISTRY CHAPLAIN
The Christian Leaders Alliance, in partnership with the Christian Leaders Institute, offers ordination credentials for individuals who complete required courses and recommendations. In chaplaincy, there are two paths: Ministry Chaplain and Professional Career Chaplain. Ministry Chaplains often volunteer in community settings like clubs, hospitals, prisons, or emergency services. This role is ideal for caregivers, such as hospice nurses or retirees, who wish to extend their expertise to serve their communities. Through the Christian Leaders Institute, individuals can study and pursue ordination for various ministry roles offered by the Christian Leaders Alliance.
THE VISION
The Christian Leaders Ministry Chaplaincy program is designed to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge, skills, and biblical principles to serve as chaplains in various settings. The program’s course outcomes focus on providing a comprehensive understanding of the role of chaplaincy and the specific practices and qualifications required for effective ministry. Here are the key outcomes of the program:
- Knowledge of biblical principles and practical guidelines for chaplains: Participants in the program gain a solid foundation in biblical principles relevant to chaplaincy. They learn how to integrate these principles into their chaplaincy work, addressing the spiritual needs of individuals in various contexts. This knowledge helps them provide guidance and support based on sound theological principles.
- Development of personal qualifications and skills to be a chaplain: The program emphasizes the personal qualities and skills necessary for effective chaplaincy. Participants are encouraged to develop their interpersonal skills, empathy, active listening, and compassion. They learn how to establish trust, build relationships, and provide spiritual care to those they serve.
- Understanding of basic practices for ministering to the ill, grieving, and dying: Chaplains often encounter individuals who are experiencing illness, grief, or the end of life. The program equips participants with the understanding and skills needed to minister to these individuals effectively. They learn how to provide spiritual comfort, offer prayers, and facilitate healing and reconciliation in these challenging situations.
- Knowledge of several types of chaplaincy positions and general guidelines for serving in them: The program familiarizes participants with various types of chaplaincy positions, such as firehouse chaplain, military chaplain, and prison chaplain. They gain insights into the unique challenges and responsibilities associated with each role. Additionally, participants learn general guidelines for serving in these positions, including ethical considerations, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of confidentiality.
- Recognition of theological aspects of chaplaincy: Chaplaincy is deeply rooted in theological perspectives and beliefs. Participants in the program explore the theological aspects relevant to chaplaincy work, such as theodicy (the study of God’s goodness in the face of evil and suffering), the importance of spiritual discernment, and the integration of faith into chaplaincy practice. This understanding allows them to engage with individuals from diverse religious backgrounds and provide spiritual care that is respectful and inclusive.
Overall, the Christian Leaders Ministry Chaplaincy program provides a comprehensive foundation for individuals seeking to serve as chaplains. By focusing on biblical principles, personal development, practical skills, specific ministry contexts, and theological aspects, the program equips participants to meet the spiritual needs of others effectively and compassionately in a variety of settings.
HEAR FROM A CLI STUDENT
Greetings to all my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ! I’m Nicolas Badolato from the USA. First and foremost, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about free online Bible courses, Click Here). CLI gives me the opportunity to receive Chaplain ministry training and ordination. It also allows me to be a part of this amazing ministry fellowship. I’m eternally thankful to The Holy Spirit for leading me here at the very moment when I needed to be. It’s all about divine timing, and God is the best architect and clockmaker.
My Story
I’m 51 years old and have never been married nor do I have any children. I come from an Italian lineage with a Roman Catholic upbringing. Further, I have a strong and supportive family unit. My family consists of my mother and father, happily married 57 years, as well as three brothers, two of which are also happily married. I fall right in the middle of the flock, so growing up, I was definitely a poster boy for the middle-child syndrome. In retrospect, I was very blessed in having my brothers. We were and still are always there for each other.
Throughout my 30’s and 40’s, I always considered myself a spiritual person. But, I was definitely a nominal Christian. I rarely, if ever, attended church or read the Bible. Also, I never agreed with all the dogma and creeds that came with it. Well, my nominal view of Christianity came to a screeching halt the moment I was saved by Christ and the grace of God.
Although I stated that I was always very spiritually-minded, I spent many years drifting at sea as it related to my true walk with The Lord. I battled with what I rationalized as “completely functional” substance abuse for many years. Thank God, I never had any run-ins with the law, but my “criminal record” was certainly spiritually-based. It wasn’t until I was saved that I had this major epiphany.
Broken, Surrendered, and Rebuilt
God only gives us so many warnings concerning situations that take us down the wrong roads before He finally says, “Ok, I’m letting go for now. You’ve forced me to show you the painful way, unfortunately. But don’t fret because I’ll absolutely be there when you need Me. Just call out and I’ll be there.” Well, that moment came for me. My repeated failures to heed His warnings about the paths I was on with complacency and ignorance led to very quick and major blows in my life. In a matter of about three weeks, I lost my job, my unemployment benefits, my girlfriend, and my apartment. Needless to say, I was crushed and trampled underfoot on multiple fronts: spiritually, financially, emotionally, and relationally.
I know now that God needed to break me in order to build me back up. Just like King David, I cried out to The Lord and asked Him to save me. The moment I cried out to Him was the exact moment He began rebuilding me in all the areas He wanted me to grow. God worked through my family members, most notably my parents, to get me back on my feet again. I have since found new employment in a completely different industry. It’s a role that’s also completely remote work. The irony of it all is that I asked God for a new start with a new vocation prior to this opportunity. He does listen and work all things for good according to His will.
Chaplain Ministry Training and Ordination
Since Jesus saved me, I have a continuously strong inner pull from the Holy Spirit to serve others in ministry. I was always a generous, forgiving, and compassionate person. I now had this “knowing” that God wanted me to pay it forward. He uses our past failures and successes to help others. That was another huge revelation for me after Jesus saved me. It’s so bizarre on a human level how the Holy Spirit makes you aware of so much about yourself once you surrender to His will.
I was re-baptized and recently received my licensed ministry ordination from another association that also offered courses for growth. However, I chose to redirect and devote my entire Chaplain ministry training and ordination exclusively to Christian Leaders Institute. My goal is to acquire Commendation, Licensing, and Ordination as a Chaplain Minister. I have always had an affinity toward people who are suffering in any capacity – spiritually, emotionally, relationally, physically, or psychologically. I have experience in all of those areas, which is why I strongly feel that the Spirit is calling me down this path.
Ministry Dream
Specifically, I aspire to minister to those who are in crisis, hospice care, nursing homes, and hospitals. I have a soft spot for the elderly. In 2010, I cared for my grandmother for four years prior to her passing at age 98. I also held the hand of a friend as she passed away in hospice. That was a powerful moment for me. Those reminders serve as strong reinforcements and affirmations in my decision to pursue this specific ministry role.
God is now giving me this season for preparation and training. Even though I desperately want to put my knowledge into practice right away, I feel like in John 7:6 when Jesus said, “My time has not yet come.” I have to remain humble and trust that He will send me out when it is time. God sent Moses out in the wilderness for 40 years in preparation for delivering Israel out of Egypt. That’s a good reminder.
God Leads Me
There are no coincidences in life. Our Heavenly Father is an amazing architect. My turnaround was COMPLETELY engineered by Him. He also led me to CLI while researching which training avenue would best suit my needs. I’m very excited to begin my Chaplain ministry training and ordination pilgrimage here so that I can eventually pay it forward. I want to spread The Good News.
I’m truly blessed to have this opportunity to pursue my studies with and among you all. Make no mistake, there’s an absolute divine purpose why we are all here at CLI and our respective callings are a testament to that. I am mindful in every situation moving forward in what Jeremiah said about making decisions from our heart (Jeremiah 17:9) and what Solomon said about our trust in The Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6). In closing, heartfelt blessings to all of you on your respective journeys. May God bless us all as we stand firm in our faith.
STEPS TO SIGN UP
Step 1 – Register for a free study account that automatically enrolls you in the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course
After you register, you will automatically be enrolled in the “getting started” course.
Step 2 – Figure out what Chaplain program, you want to pursue. Click here to read more about chaplain options.
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance.