My name is James C. Norman. I am studying at Christian Leaders Institute on my called to minister journey (Learn more about free online Bible courses, Click Here).
My Journey
My childhood through high school was on Oakwood Bayou in Dumas in Arkansas, USA. I grew up and lived under the segregated conditions of the ’50s and ’60s. My biological father asked me to come to Cleveland, Ohio. He wanted to help me find a good job and/or help send me to college. I chose the latter. Shortly after I attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, he passed. Then, I relocated to Los Angeles, California, where a brother, aunts, and a host of other relatives lived. I met my wife, Bernice, in Long Beach, California. Forty years and two children later, I experienced a calling that was more like an awakening.
Called to Minister Journey Led to CLI
There is an expression, “One cannot see the forest for the trees.” I had returned to visit my place of birth with my family on many occasions. I watched the changeless existence of life on Oakwood Bayou with little interest and felt that’s just the way of life. However, on my last visit, after seeing the grass on the church and elementary school lot grow as tall as me thru neglect, I felt moved. Also, the church-managed graveyard was unkempt. It is where the gravestones of my parents, grandparents, and other relatives lie.
Upon returning home, unlike other times, I pondered, “Can I do anything?” The verse from Isaiah 6:8, “I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” With that message in my heart and mind, I am answering the call. In addition to having decided to return home, I am returning as a soon-to-be minister. I want to minister to the needs of my hometown on Oakwood Bayou, to the world, and as the Holy Spirit leads me.
Praise the Lord for the Christian Leaders Institute and the fantastic staff they have. These Godly, dedicated people are helping me to prepare for my called to minister journey one step at a time.
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.
Free Women’s Ministry Training
My name is Margaret Kuria, I was born and raised in Kiambu, Kenya. Currently, I live in Arizona, USA. I work as a Direct support professional, therapeutic home provider, and a volunteer in the ministry as a worship leader. I am taking theology courses and free women’s ministry training at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about free online Bible courses, Click Here).
Growing up all I knew was church, school, fellowships, conferences, and overnight prayer meetings. My parents were Reverends in our local church. They played a great role in discovering our gifts in the kingdom of God. At the age of 12, I was born again, baptized, Spirit-filled, and spoke in tongues. In Sunday school, I led praise and worship even though I did not have the full revelation of who Christ was to me at that time. I operated and functioned only by the Bible stories and never grew past Sunday class training.
The Drifting
In spite of that amazing upbringing, I drifted a long way from the faith. The challenges of adulthood, ignorance, and lack of persistence in the Word of God pushed me off the track. My naivety and need to fit in the city lifestyle left me with two pregnancies, rejection, insecurity, low self-esteem, and no confidence. I was no longer the Christ-centered or Spirit-filled girl. Of course, to many, there was no hope for me to rise again. Many people watched me as my dreams shattered.
But, thank God for His saving Grace! My parents supported and prayed for me all the time. Although the experiences were horrible, giving up was not an option. In the self-discovery process, I contributed and was fully involved. It was time to lose some relationships and balance my life as a parent and create time to build up my dreams. Deep in me, the truth about God was real, but I kept running away from it.
Rising and Shining
Finally, in 2016, it was time to grow and re-dedicate my life to Christ. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” In addition, God’s grace took over for my sorrows, hurts, pains, rage, self-condemnation, tears, and fears. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” It opened my eyes, and I chose to be a teacher and role model to my girls.
All of this birthed a desire in me for the girls, teenagers, and single women. I felt the desire to see women change and shine despite the challenges of life they face. Women in the world should never kill their dreams, live in regret, or succumb to a helpless position they find themselves in. There is hope and a place for women. This is especially true in Africa where women suffer in silence and college girls find themselves vulnerable, misused, and dumped. The zeal to see change drives me to always share my wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in my walk with God and salvation from my past experiences. Life has not been easy, but the willingness, commitment, and passion to see other women shine keep me going. I see myself in relation to God and others.
Free Women’s Ministry Training at CLI
A close friend introduced me to Christian Leaders Institute for free women’s ministry training. He understood my passion and vision for women’s ministry and the need to go beyond my personal sphere of influence. My area of interest now is theology and kingdom business. By joining CLI, I will learn more and be equipped for my Women’s ministry calling. The Getting Started and the Connection courses were very informative, well structured, and free. They will contribute to me being more creative, skillful, and growing the vision to empower women according to Biblical principles. I desire to be Bi-vocational like the Apostle Paul, who was a tentmaker and a minister. Women need encouragement and training to be productive in society and God’s kingdom.
God bless CLI for creating this opportunity for me and others all over the world!
Check out Women in Ministry, Click here
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost college degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
A Work in Progress
I am Joshua Ligan from the Philippines. I graduated high school in 2009. Currently, I am working on finishing my college degree in Business Management. Being a student of Christian Leaders Ministries is a blessing for me! There are no hindrances or any problems in focusing on these studies. My family is also supporting me in studying the online Bible education for free at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about free online Bible courses, Click Here).
Born into a family that knows Christ and loves Christ, my father was a pastor in our local church in our province. I’ll never forget that my dad always had the time to disciple us and teach us God’s Word from when I was still a kid. I first knew God’s salvation when my dad shared the gospel with me when I was 12 years old. My spiritual dream (and also my heart’s desire and prayer) is to proclaim, preach, and teach God’s Word to all people.
When I grew into a young man, there were a lot of struggles in my life. I started my college degree in 2009, but my heart back then was hard. So, I lived my life my way, which resulted in me having failing grades. It forced me to stop studying. I needed to work so I could provide for my studies. Again, I failed big time and almost did not live the Christian life.
God Changed My Life
Then, 2015 happened. I was living in sin until God personally and dearly spoke to me in Luke 15:20 “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him.” In this verse, I realized how compassionate and gracious my God is. Even though I am dirty and full of sin, God is always there to welcome me back, hug me, and even kiss me.
Since that day, God has changed my life. I am a sinner saved by the grace of God through faith. This blessed gift God has given me. I am still a sinner, but His grace and faithfulness are always there to keep me from living a sinful life. I am to live a holy life and be sanctified by Him every day of my life. God is good! God is faithful and all to the glory of God alone!
Online Bible Education for Free at CLI
Now, I know that God has a great purpose in my life. I don’t know what. I don’t know when. But one thing that I do know is that I am to pursue God, seek His will and do the things that honor the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That’s why I am here at CLI to study the Word of God deeper. I want to become a humble and effective minister and be trained for God’s glory and praise! Thank you, CLI for your online Bible education for free!
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.