My Story from an Aerial View
My name is Scott Bates, and I live in Fredericktown, MO. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Historic Preservation from Southeast Missouri State University. As a student at the Christian Leaders Institute, I can continue my education in my free time, which can sometimes be limited. My knowledge of the Bible and ministry has expanded at CLI.
My Story
I grew up in a Christian home with parents who believed in God. My parents worked, and my father was a bi-vocational pastor and evangelist. I began my relationship with Jesus at a Vacation Bible School around Middle School age. I grew exponentially in the Lord during High School and served as a guitar player and vocalist on the Praise and Worship team.
During my senior year of high school, I married when we were expecting our first child. Once I graduated High School and left home, I went to fulfill my dream in the military. The transition into military life began a very long road for me. I spent ten years in the U.S. Army, went to war multiple times, and ended up losing my wife and children, my home, and nearly everything I owned, as well as my walk with Christ. My life was a complete wreck!
Wake Up Call
In March 2008, I married my current wife, Amanda (Mandy), and left for my last combat tour in November. In November of 2009, two weeks before returning home, as I went to my night shift, the enemy attacked by indirect fire. The enemy forces fired several rockets at the base, and one of those rockets landed approximately 30 feet away from where I was. That moment was my wake-up call! I spent the rest of that night determining where my life was heading and what God had in store for me.
In 2010, we moved to Fredericktown, MO, to be closer to my parents. Then, the Lord began a new work in my family’s life. God moved us away from the old things we did. He began to cleanse my heart and slowly draw me closer to Him. In 2012, we attended a local church, where I rededicated my life to Jesus.
Study at CLI: Knowledge of the Bible and Ministry
Since then, God has used my gift of helping to build His kingdom. I have served as a small group leader, Sunday School teacher, Praise and Worship team member, and church Deacon. My spiritual dream is to share my testimony with others and walk on the path God has for me.
The Christian Leaders Institute training will give me a more profound knowledge of God’s Word and practical knowledge about how to apply my spiritual gifts within the ministry. I have been longing for a better understanding of the Bible. However, I ran into a financial barrier to attaining that knowledge. Christian Leaders Institute has allowed me to grow in that academic knowledge by offering its classes tuition-free. Praise God for breaking down the financial barrier and for the Christian Leaders Institute, which allows me to grow in my knowledge of the Bible and ministry.
Register a Study Account
Register for a free study account, automatically enrolling you in the Getting Started Class at the Christian Leaders Learning Platform. The Getting Started class will take you less than an hour to complete.
When you log in to the Learning Platform, you will notice that the Getting Started Class automatically appears on your dashboard.
The Getting Started Class will orientate you to the Christian Leaders Learning Platform and the Programs offered, including:
- Ministry Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- Minister Credentialling (Ordination) with the Christian Leaders Alliance, including local Soul Center registration possibilities.
Note: You can enroll in tuition-free courses or mini-courses immediately without finishing the getting started class.
Find out more about women in ministry here.
BECOME AN OFFICIANT OF THE GOSPEL
Have you been asked to perform a wedding or conduct a funeral? Are you recognized for how you bless people? Are you feeling called to a more profound role within your Christian community? Have you thought about serving as an officiant through the ministry credentialing arm of the Christian Leaders Alliance? Officiants serve a pivotal role as clergy, leading from churches or embedded in communities for significant life events from weddings to funerals and everything in between. This role isn’t just about officiating events. It’s guiding, teaching, and blessing those you serve. See the Role of the Officiant
The Christian Leaders Institute offers a training path that is not only comprehensive but deeply rooted in Christian tradition and scriptural foundations. Officiants trace their roles to biblical figures like Melchizedek, who blessed Abraham, marking a long tradition of spiritual guidance and community leadership. This role continues today, mirroring the duties of Old Testament priests who led community ceremonies and taught religious principles.
As an officiant, you are more than just a facilitator; you are a vital bridge connecting your community to the timeless teachings of Christianity through life’s significant moments.
WHY CHOOSE CHRISTIAN LEADERS?
WHY CHOOSE CHRISTIAN LEADERS
The Christian Leaders Institute is renowned for providing the most extensive officiant training program worldwide. Its curriculum is designed to prepare you thoroughly for any officiant role you might feel called to, from weddings and funerals to romance and general ministry. See the Accreditation Status.
Each program segment focuses on specialized skills, ensuring that officiants are well-equipped to handle the specific needs of their community roles. The Christian Leaders Institute also stands out because it includes a connection to ordination credentials through the Christian Leaders Alliance. This path requires a recommendation, ensuring that your officiant ordination is locally attested and not just an “online” only transactional ordination.” You are not only well-trained, well-supported, and recognized within your community.
THE OFFICIANT ROLES AND TRAINING OFFERED
- Wedding Officiant: Trainees complete a Wedding Officiant Skills Course and are licensed to conduct pre-marriage counseling, assist in wedding preparations, and perform the ceremonies. See Free Wedding Officiant Skill Course
- Romance Officiant: This role fosters and celebrates long-term relationships grounded in Christian values. Training includes handling romance-related consultations and officiating romantic events. See Free Romance Officiant Skills Course
- Funeral Officiant: Officiants are trained to support families during grief, including conducting funerals and providing ongoing support. See Free Funeral Officiant Skills Course
- Ministry Officiant: For those called to a broader ministry, this training includes performing religious duties like administering the Lord’s Lord’se and baptisms and even serving as a pastor or minister in various settings. See Ministry Officiant Skills Course
Each role requires completing a dedicated skills course and submitting a recommendation for endorsement, ensuring each officiant is thoroughly prepared and vetted.
THE IMPACT OF YOUR ROLE AS AN OFFICIANT
Choosing this ministry role with the Christian Leaders Institute means stepping into a role that significantly impacts individual lives and the entire community. You’ll continue a sacred tradition, bring ancient wisdom to contemporary settings, and make spiritual guidance accessible and relevant.
Your training at the Christian Leaders Institute will equip you with the necessary skills and place you within a network of Christian leaders, enhancing your ability to serve effectively and with authority. Whether your goal is to become a licensed officiant in one area or to pursue further training for comprehensive ministerial roles, the Christian Leaders Institute provides a clear, structured, and supportive path to achieving your aspirations. Study at your own pace, in your own time, pursuing your calling and interest.
YOUR PATH TO ORDINATION
On the Christian Leaders Institute. website, we provide a clear pathway for those called to serve as officiants in their communities through our Free Officiant Training program. Here’s how you can follow this path towards ordination with the Christian Leaders Alliance:
Step One: Understand Your Calling
First, determine your specific calling within the officiant ministry. Whether you’re drawn to officiating weddings, engaging in romance ministry, or serving in other ministerial capacities, recognizing your interest is the initial step.
Step Two: Start Your Training
Begin your journey with our Free Ministry Training. The foundational course for all aspiring officiants is the Wedding Officiant Skills course, which requires less than 10 hours to complete and is free of charge. This course lays the groundwork for your officiant training.
Step Three: Move Towards Recognition
After completing the foundational course, proceed to the Licensed Christian Wedding Officiant Recognition Course. You’ll need to complete your minister profile and obtain one recommendation. Following verification, you’ll officially join the clergy of the Christian Leaders Alliance and appear in our Minister Directory
Step Four: Complete Your Training or Celebrate Your New Role
Upon finishing your initial training, you can choose to further your education in other officiant roles or celebrate your accomplishment. Successfully completing this stage earns you Licensed Wedding Officiant Status with the Christian Leaders Alliance, and you can acquire the Clergy Recogntion Kit. This kit includes a Licensed Wedding Officiant Certificate, a Letter of Good Standing, and a clergy ID card.
Step Five: Expand Your Recognition
To gain recognition in additional officiant roles, enroll in the required training programs. There’s no need for another recommendation if you’ve already submitted one for your wedding officiant status.
This streamlined process is designed to support you from discerning your calling through achieving ordained status, enabling you to serve your community effectively as an officiant.
The Christian Leaders Alliance offers the first clergy status program for Christians who feel called to serve as officiants in their communities.
Check out More Officiant Skills Courses
