Hi, I’m Tony, and I am 53. Further, I am studying for the Bachelor’s degree program at the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI).
Happily married, my wife and I have a 23-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old granddaughter. Saved in 1992 in Killeen, Texas, close to Ft. Hood, I found my faith in a modest home-based service led by a Pentecostal pastor. Over the years, I’ve predominantly identified with the Baptist denomination.
My Journey
My pursuit of biblical knowledge was at once insatiable. I audited many free courses offered by seminaries. I was involved in church life, active in roles like Sunday School Director and Youth Pastor, and as a part of the Pastoral Leadership Team in my mid-30s. However, it’s been a journey marked by spiritual ebbing and flowing periods, a cycle of distancing and returning to my faith.
Throughout my spiritual exploration, I’ve traversed various doctrinal landscapes, from Dispensationalism to Covenant Theology and Arminianism to Calvinism. Looking back, I now realize that these theological intricacies, while important, are secondary to the essence of Salvation. My love for the study of theology overshadowed its true message. Now, at this point in my life, I feel profoundly grateful for the opportunity to refocus and realign my spiritual priorities.
Future Plans: Bachelor’s Degree Program at CLI
Just starting back on my journey, I feel compelled to write of my future versus the present. My wife and I are in the process of finding a home church. Once there, I intend to volunteer while studying at the Christian Leaders Institute. We also donate to various charities.
Once the bachelor’s degree program level is close at hand, I intend to start looking at various partner schools with CLI, such as Kairos University, for credit transfers and to continue towards their Bachelor’s Degree. I will start looking to become a bi-vocational Associate Pastor at a local church and stay there until the Bachelor’s degree is complete. Then, I will pursue a full-time pastor’s position while working on an MA in Theology and finishing with a DTh.
This is my 10-year plan, and after that, we shall see. It is in God’s hands, though, and I will follow His lead in this journey. If the Lord leads me in another direction of service, I am willing to follow it, though.
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.
Hello, my name is Sarah Thornburg. I am from Colorado Springs, CO, now living in Oklahoma. I graduated from high school in 1997 and, for one year, attended a Bible college associated with my parent’s church in Rock Island, IL. Since then, I have not done any further education. Recently, God called me to ministry and led me to the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) for Bible knowledge for ministry. I enjoy being part of the Christian Leaders Institute.
My Journey
I grew up in a good Christian home. We went to church every time the church opened its doors. I accepted Jesus into my heart very young, at 12 or 13. As an adult, God restored my life in Him. God is merciful and led me to a good church. There, I lead the singing and help wherever needed.
At this point, I am unsure of what area of ministry God wants me involved in. However, my heart is open to whatever He leads me into.
Challenges and New Direction
In my life, I faced many obstacles that became stumbling blocks for me. I married an abuser and let others influence me to live life for myself and not for what God wanted. God has led me into a relationship with love and respect in our hearts and minds.
Bible Knowledge for Ministry Service
At rock bottom and not knowing how I would get back up, I realized that I needed Christ back in my life. So, I started to read the Bible and pray. That got me back to God. Over the last few years, God has become so real to me. I know that God wants to use me for ministry. That knowledge brought me to CLI.
My hope and prayer is to clearly understand what God wants me to do and grow stronger in my spiritual life.
The free training at CLI is helpful because I am starting over in life. CLI allows me to learn and grow in my Bible knowledge and understanding for ministry as I further the Kingdom.
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.