Never Too Late for the Call to Ministry
My name is Mark Saumur, and I am taking classes at Christian Leaders Institute for free online pastor training (Learn more about online Bible classes, Click Here). God has called me to be a pastor.
I grew up in a solid nuclear family within the Roman Catholic Church. My family attended St. Pancratius weekly. I attended their school for eight years and continued four more years at St John Bosco High School. The connection with God and my family was vital, but I was lost in the ritual aspects of the church.
The lingering doubts of my denomination contributed to my lukewarm walk with God. The rituals were a mystery to me. Why did I have to pray the rosary? Why did I have to stand, sit, and kneel throughout the service constantly? How come I couldn’t talk directly with Jesus instead of the various saints? I did not have an intimate relationship with Jesus because I did not think I was worthy. I went through life like it was me against the world, and I struggled.
After a failed marriage in which God and Religion were void, I finally found a Godly woman that I married. She was from an Assembly of God (AOG) Church and was very patient with me on my walk with Jesus. We both attended the Roman Catholic and AOG services for a while. I felt more comfortable in the AOG services but felt allegiance to my family to stay Roman Catholic. The clincher was when I attended a Catholic Bible study, and the only two people with a Bible were the leader and me. I converted to the AOG church quickly after that.
God Saves Me
BUT…How did I get saved? At the age of 38, I went to a Promise Keeper’s Conference at the Pepsi Center, Denver, CO. Joe White, who had cancer at the time, did a very powerful skit about Jesus’s crucifixion. Joe carried a full-scale cross for at least 100 yards and hammered it together while talking about his life. He lectured us about the two criminals crucified on Jesus’s right and left.
My church group was in a skybox, and I saw a person on the arena floor praising the Lord without any regard to the environment around him. I initially thought he was an idiot. But looking back at my fellow “Christians” being more concerned about a football game on the TV, I realized that I wanted what he had. So I went to the altar call, gave myself to Jesus, and never looked back!
After my conversion, I became a Royal Rangers Leader to guide youth to the Lord. I wanted them to receive the same joy in the Lord that I had. I stepped up to train new Royal Rangers Leaders so they could lead more boys to Christ. Since I enjoyed being a Boy Scout, I loved sharing the camping experience. I worked along with some very powerful mentors that guided me. They taught me how to be a Godly man and husband and effectively teach the gospel to the youth. My life became alive since I was grounded with God and my wife.
College and Career Dreams
I was a Jack of All Trades. Growing up, I learned construction, auto mechanics, gardening, and interior design. I was in the Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller and attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. After earning Bachelor of Science Degrees in Professional Aeronautics and Safety Engineering, I thought I wanted to be an Airport Manager, but it never materialized. Since then, I have been an animal control officer, retail stocker, beer vendor, realtor, fix and flipper, property manager, kitchen/bath designer, and finally, an airline operations agent. Looking back on these jobs, God was in all of them and forming my character. Every single one of these jobs has some attribute that a Pastor needs to be successful. God was grooming me for ministry!
Seeking Free Online Pastor Training at CLI
Right now, God has shown me that I need to step up and lead a local church and shepherd a flock. I need to prepare because I do not have the confidence and the competence to do so. This lack is because, as a Roman Catholic early in my life, emphasis was not on Bible memorization and application. I need a pastoral covering to teach and groom me for the ministry. I have consistently recognized that the Holy Spirit gifted me the abilities of Prophecy, Teaching, Healing, and Wisdom.
God has reminded me that “the harvest is great, but the workers are few.” I need to be prepared to harvest as many souls as possible for God in these end times. I praise God for leading me to Christian Leaders Institute while I was searching online. I enrolled because I embrace my calling. The free online pastor training is what I believe God has called me to do to be ready.
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.
Online Bible School Learning at CLI
Hello, my name is Kim Thompson, and I am receiving Bible School learning at the Christian Leaders Institute. I live in Yucaipa, California. I’m the youngest of two daughters. My parents both lived through the Great Depression and World War II, modeling a strong work ethic. After high school, I attended the cosmetology trade academy. Hairdressing was my occupation. I met my husband, married, and we have two grown children.
As a child, my family and I went to a Methodist church a few times. But, the most intriguing thing to me spiritually were the bells tolling from the Catholic church next door. I remember thinking I wanted to be a nun feeling the Holy Spirit’s presence.
My Salvation
I came to my salvation at age 31 when Jesus Christ came to me at my lowest point in life. He came to my apartment in a vision.
We went for a short jaunt next door from my home to Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California. As we floated along, He showed me I would sleep on this particular park bench, eat from a certain trash can while using newspapers from it to warm myself on cold nights if I continued living my sinful lifestyle.
Falling asleep that Friday night, I awoke Sunday afternoon. A Calvary church was across the street. Desperate to get in, I had to wait until the evening service. Finally, when the music started and the pastor spoke the Word, I realized Jesus saved my soul. I had asked Him for help, and I was radically saved!
Finding My Faith in Jesus
Starving for the truth, I devoured the Bible and spent hours a day in prayer. I would have lived at church if they would have let me. Not a person I came in contact with went without hearing about how Jesus loves them. He’s amazing.
Two big obstacles stood in my path to my young Christian growth: The grievance of having a sinful nature and addictions. Celebrate Recovery, Christian counseling and the Book of Romans were my healing tools. I’m so grateful to God for healing and delivering me. Christian education is an ongoing process. I still attend Celebrate Recovery sponsoring others, teaching Sunday school, singing on the praise team, and helping the homeless.
My spiritual dream has been to help people know God loves them, exemplified by sending His Son as our Savior and Great Physician, plus being reproducible to them while holding on to my joy! I’m pursuing ministry courses for my spiritual growth in working with people and deepening my relationship with the Lord. I love Him.
Finding Christian Leaders Institute
Christian Leaders Institute is a blessing. To attend Bible school, be entrenched in His Word, and learn from those who have gone before was my desire. I’ve learned so much from the videos already. They are encouraging and I can always get help from the support team when needed.
Currently, I’m saving for retirement and education was not in the budget. The generosity of the Christian Leaders Institute is unmatchable. I wouldn’t have been able to attend a college or even purchase an online school curriculum. It is God’s will for me to receive an education. Thank you, Father God and Christian Leaders Institute for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I look forward to giving back and learning and serving through CLI!
Steps to Sign 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.
STUDY THE BIBLE WITH FREE ONLINE COURSES
STUDY THE BIBLE WITH FREE ONLINE COURSES
STUDY THE BIBLE WITH FREE ONLINE COURSES
In a world hungry for hope and transformation, the power of the Gospel is more relevant than ever. Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) has emerged as a beacon of light, offering free online Bible school courses accessible to individuals across the globe. CLI empowers a new generation of trained ministers, equipping them to bring the message of faith and love to their communities and beyond.
Breaking Barriers of Accessibility:
CLI understands that the desire to learn and serve knows no boundaries. That’s why we have embraced technology, ensuring that our free Bible school courses are available anywhere on every internet device. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote village, all you need is an internet connection and a passion for ministry to embark on this transformative educational journey.
This commitment to accessibility is not limited to physical barriers. CLI recognizes the diverse cultural and linguistic landscape of our world. Our courses are designed to be inclusive and relevant to individuals from different cultural backgrounds, offering translations and adaptations to reach and resonate with people from all walks of life.
Changing Lives through the Gospel:
The Gospel has the power to change lives, heal brokenness, and bring hope to the darkest places. CLI understands the urgency of raising up trained ministers who can effectively share this life-transforming message. Through our free online Bible school courses, CLI is nurturing a generation of leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities.
These courses provide a comprehensive theological foundation, covering topics such as biblical studies, pastoral training, evangelism, leadership development, and more. Students engage with experienced instructors and learn from a wealth of resources to deepen their understanding of the Scriptures and enhance their ministerial skills.
The Need for Trained Ministers:
In a world grappling with complex challenges and searching for spiritual guidance, the need for trained ministers has never been greater. CLI recognizes this pressing need and is dedicated to equipping individuals to meet it head-on. By providing free online Bible school courses, CLI is tearing down financial barriers and ensuring that passionate individuals can pursue their calling without the burden of tuition fees.
Trained ministers have the opportunity to impact lives, foster community, and bring hope to the lost and broken. They become the hands and feet of Christ, embodying His love, compassion, and grace. CLI’s mission is to empower and support these individuals, enabling them to fulfill their calling and make a lasting difference in their spheres of influence.
Christian Leaders Institute is revolutionizing ministry training by offering individuals free online Bible school courses worldwide. With a strong emphasis on accessibility on every internet device, CLI ensures that no one is left behind. Through the power of the Gospel, lives are being transformed, communities are being revitalized, and hope is being restored.
If you feel the call to ministry burning within you, CLI invites you to embark on this incredible educational journey. Let the free online Bible school courses equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be an agent of change in a world hungry for God’s love. Join CLI and become part of a global community that is dedicated to making a positive impact and sharing the message of hope, one life at a time.
- HEAR IT FROM A CLI STUDENT -
My Spiritual Journey
Hello, my name is Stephen Gatete, and I am thankful for the online Bible School courses at Christian Leaders Institute. I am from Kigali, Rwanda, in the eastern part of Africa. I am a husband to a beautiful wife. God blessed us with two exceptional children: a four-year-old daughter and a two-year-old son. Because of the history of our country dating back to the political instability in 1959, my grandparents fled to the neighboring country, Uganda. I was born as the third generation of refugees because my parents were born in Uganda as refugees also. We were repatriated to Rwanda in 1994 after the Genocide.
My Youth
My mother is a born-again protestant. From my early years, she used to share the Word of God with us, but I was not as interested as my siblings were. We attended local church services every Sunday, where my two sisters were singing in the worship team.
As I grew up and went to high school at a boarding school, I became part of peer groups. These groups influenced me to drink alcohol at an early age. Then, one day, my mother visited me at school, and she spoke some fantastic things about my life. She said that I would travel the world and study and finish my studies without any problem. At that time, I thought that these were just her wishes, but I lived to witness all that she spoke into my life.
Personal Salvation & The Calling
My first encounter with Christ happened in September 2011. As I was going home, I heard a voice telling me that if I kept taking alcohol, I would become a useless person in life. This message humbled me a lot. From that time, I surrendered everything to God. After quitting alcohol, I started to get enough time to go to church.
However, this did not come without challenges. I had to start a new life and leave the peer groups and friends I used to have around me. I prayed to God to bring new people to help me grow in my new life. Finally, in 2012, I gave my life to Christ as my Lord and Savior. During this time, I started to feel a calling within me to serve and proclaim His Word to people.
Spiritual Dream & Online Bible School Courses at CLI
My spiritual dream is to live for the Lord and do what He envisioned in me when I was born. Additionally, I want to proclaim His Word to as many people as I can. Then those who are still in darkness may know how He loves them abundantly. The Christian Leaders Institute online Bible School courses are an opportunity for me. Through CLI, I know more about the ministry and how better to serve God and His people. Furthermore, it is an opportunity for me to increase my knowledge and confidence to serve the small group from our local church that my wife and I lead.
These free online Bible School courses are a blessing sent from God because they help many who otherwise couldn’t afford it. Also, many do not have time to attend a regular Bible school to discover their calling, develop their confidence in the Word, and earn credentials that will allow them to meet the requirements to lead God’s people. Thank you, CLI, for providing these!