Hi, my name is Carley Rutkowske, and I am receiving needed Bible training at the Christian Leaders Institute. I live in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, with my husband Jeff and our five kids. From oldest to youngest, there is Dominic(15), Peyton (8), Preston (7), Landon (5), and Avery (20 months). I was, however, born and raised in Michigan just south of Detroit in a city named Lincoln Park.
My great-great-grandma (Ma) raised me. My mom always had medical issues, and for her to have a child was something amazing within itself. I grew up Christian. Ma did her best to make sure God was a part of my life. She had me go to church. Ma did not drive, and I don’t know why. She always pointed me towards a path of God. I went to church and enjoyed learning. At the same time, though, I didn’t see it any different than going to school. I was a bit rebellious. Looking back now, it seems silly.
Knowing God
I believe with my whole heart that this has been a long time coming; however, it wasn’t until now that things have been put into motion. I always felt the need to guide, help, and make a difference. At the same time, I felt as if something was missing. We all go through things, and each situation is different because it is a new experience. My most horrible experience did not bring hate nor blame. Of course, grief and sadness came; I am still sad at times. Instead of questioning God or turning away from God, I turned to him. Can I 100% explain it? No, I had God in my heart; I was just not always listening.
No longer was God just a convenience when I wanted. Now I have an everyday relationship with him. I talk to him, read the Bible, and study it. I ask God for guidance in all things. Sometimes it is not easy. It is not easy to not be stressed at times. It is hard to be patient at other times, not to worry when something does not go according to plan. I can see God’s building blocks for me leading to this moment.
Needed Bible Training at CLI
I want to represent God in all things. For that, even to be possible, I needed Bible training. I need to continue learning. My dream is to be a tool for God, to do all things through him. A judge in Detroit was asked to go up for a Supreme Court Judge. He refused, saying, “I’m already doing God’s work right here.” I want to do God’s work well.
A new door opened with the Christian Leaders Institute. Not just for me but for individuals around the world as well. I have to admit the cost of this education is shocking-in a great way. Thank you to those that donate and make that possible. Without them, it wouldn’t even be an option for me. Of course, it is helpful financially because there will not be debt like there is with traditional institutions. It is also beneficial due to the opportunities it will bring, both within the church and the community. Most importantly, it will prepare me to lead others better than before this training.
I’m excited to be a part of the Christian Leaders Institute. I will work hard and give it my all in the classes I take. I finished my first course and know that great things will come from being part of the Christian Leaders Institute. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Learn about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
GET ORDAINED IN TENNESSEE
Have you been asked to officiate a wedding in Tennessee by someone you love? Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) will equip you with all the training required to perform weddings. This program also includes a local endorsement which localizes your licensing as a wedding officiant.
This is not an ordination mill where you buy a licensing or ordination with no training; we have free-given in-depth study training that will equip you to perform weddings. Our wedding officiant credentials have been approved throughout Tennessee. You will be able to officiate a wedding in Tennessee with no worries. We provide all the training and certifications needed for you to be recognized as a wedding officiant under the Christian Leaders Alliance, an international religious non-profit that maintains a global directory of ministers. See Directory.
TENNESSEE'S STATE LAW
Step one: Complete the Christian Leaders Registration Class. This class will get you orientated to Christian Leaders Institute. Select Christian Wedding Officiant in the drop-down menu. You will immediately be put into the registration class. You can start by creating your free CLI student account by clicking here
Step Two: Complete the Licensed Christian Wedding Officiant Class (1 Credit)
The License Christian Wedding Officiant Class teaches you the skills of being a Christian Wedding Officiant. Here are the outcomes you can expect if you complete this free Course.
The outcomes:
- Learn what the ministry of the wedding officiant is all about.
- Learn what needs to happen at the first meeting with a couple.
- Learn God’s design for marriage.
- Learn about Christian Courtship from a marriage worldview perspective.
- Get the skills to help a couple develop a wedding program.
- Learn the basics of a thriving marriage if you are placed in a situation where you can encourage the couple to discuss pre-marriage issues.
Step Three: Join the Christian Leaders Alliance.
You must gather one endorsement that attests to your Godly character and life. You will join the Christian Leaders Alliance, which includes your name in a minister directory.
After you have become licensed, we encourage you to order your Clergy Recognition Kit. This kit will include the embossed physical copy of your CLA wedding ordination license as well as much more that will provide recognition of the completion of your studies. There is a low-cost fee to order a Recognition Kit; prices depend on the kit you would like to receive.
Purchasing the kit is optional, but know that this supports this ministry to raise up more leaders in your community and throughout the world! We appreciate your willingness to keep Christian Leaders free for all who need ministry training.
EXPAND YOUR MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY
The Christian Leaders Institute (CLI):
We are thrilled to introduce the Christian Leaders Institute, a warm and welcoming online educational platform that provides free ministry and ordination training programs. Our mission is to make theological education accessible to individuals from all backgrounds, empowering them to deepen their understanding of Christianity and prepare for various ministry roles. Our comprehensive courses cover a wide range of subjects, including biblical studies, theology, church history, leadership, and pastoral care.
The Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA):
Through our partnership with the Christian Leaders Alliance, we offer an ordination program for individuals who have completed CLI’s training and courses. The Christian Leaders Alliance has been empowering ministers since 2014 and has ordained thousands of individuals. By joining CLA, you will receive formal recognition and authorization as an ordained minister, allowing you to perform weddings and other religious ceremonies in Tennessee, in accordance with state law.
By enrolling in the Christian Leaders Institute and participating in the Christian Leaders Alliance program, you will join a vibrant and compassionate community of fellow ministers. We are here to support, encourage, and walk alongside you on your ministry journey in Tennessee. Our warm and inclusive atmosphere will ensure that you feel welcomed and valued as you pursue your calling.
Together, let’s embrace the beauty of serving others in the great state of Tennessee. Take the first step towards ordination and expand your ministry opportunities by joining the Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance today.
GET STARTED AT CLI
GET STARTED AT CLI
To enroll in the program, follow these steps:
- Create a free study account with the Christian Leaders Institute and get familiar with the Study.christianleaders.org platform.
- Enroll in the Christian Wedding Officiant Skills course and commence your training.
- After completing the Skills course, you will enroll in the Licensed Christian Wedding Officiant Recognition Class. This class recognizes your online training and completes your ordination into a local geographic endorsement-based ordination credential. You will be listed in the Christian Leaders Alliance Directory, and you may order your ordination credentials. You are eligible to register a local ministry at a Soul Center.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How is the Christian Leaders Institute funded? Christian Leaders Institute is funded through a “Give It Forward” Approach. Click here to read more.
Can I register my church or religious society under the banner of Christian Leaders Alliance? Yes. Locally registered Soul Centers are being register all over the world. Click here to read more.
Can I receive a College degree after I enroll at Christian Leaders Institute?
At Christian Leaders Institute, our college degrees are offered through our Leadership Excellence School. We provide access to both Associate Degrees and Bachelor Degrees. To begin our degree program, you must first enroll as a student in our School of Christian Development. Every student starts by creating a study account at the Christian Development school. Once you complete the “Getting Started” class, you can proceed to enroll in our Leadership Excellence School, where our degree programs are hosted.. Click here to set up you account.
This degree is ideal for those who desire to pursue their Master’s Degree with one of our partner Seminaries like North Point Bible College and Seminary, Kairos University, Calvin, Western, Northern, and more.
Christian Leaders Institute is your access or gateway many professional ministry opportunity.
Hi, my name is Alecia Smith, and I am receiving free training at the Christian Leaders Institute for Women’s Ministry. My family and I live in the United States of America.
I graduated from high school in 1991. Then I ventured off to Florida and received a diploma in the Travel and Hospitality field. In 2001, I got into the field of Early Childhood. I taught in the Young 5’s program and helped in other preschool positions for ten years, started college to get a degree in Early Childhood, and received my CDA. I’m only halfway to an associate’s degree in Early Childhood, but God has different plans for me.
I went through a dark time, which then led me to eat healthily and exercise. That led me to get a certificate in Nutrition Science. God is working. I feel sometimes God lays it on my heart to use my license in health and nutrition as a ministry. I’m still waiting to see how He wants me to do this.
True Identity In Christ
God has laid on my heart for a couple of years to be a mentor to women. He brought me out of all the dark times I went through; all the doubt, guilt, worry, and insecurity. He brought me out of all of those things. I struggled with trying to find my identity in Christ and truly understanding what that meant. He brought me out of that! All of this was about a 5-year process. God is good! He never left my side and was there the whole time.
Love The Broken
My spiritual dream is to be in Women’s Ministry to mentor other women that they are a child of God. Their identity is in Christ. I want to pray with them and for them, to cry with them, to hug them, or whatever they need. To help them understand that they are not alone is vital. I fully understand because I was there myself for quite some time. But, I am not there anymore because God took me out of all that.
Proverbs 31
God showed me the importance of serving and praying for my family. Actions speak louder than words. I am to set an example for my family. When they see things happening, I give God all the glory, honor, and praise because He is working!
I have a wonderful and supportive husband who is on board for me to take these Christian classes to become the woman God has called me to be. Our family consists of two daughters, a son, and three granddaughters. I have a lot of eyes on me, so God is using me as His instrument.
Build Bridges
I’m genuinely grateful for the free training at Christian Leaders Institute! While I was on a walk and praying, God revealed to me to take classes, and I ran across the CLI Facebook page. I believe this is an answer to prayer and my calling!
Learn about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.