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.
My name is Jeff Hopple. I live in the south-central portion of the state of Virginia, U.S.A. I married my high school and youth group sweetheart in 1999. Julie and I are happily married, and we have four wonderful children. The preaching and teaching ministry training at the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) equips me for my ministry calling from God.
My Journey to Jesus
Having grown up in a Christian home, I always believed what the Bible said. There was never a time when I didn’t think that God existed and that Jesus was His son who died for me. I was on the Bible quiz team, paid attention in church and Sunday School, and had all the head knowledge possible.
However, there was still one problem. I wasn’t trusting Jesus as my Savior. My pride convinced me that I was good enough. My sins were the acceptable kind. You know, the ones no one ever calls anyone out on, a lie here or there, pride, gossip, and such. I wasn’t one of those nasty, rebellious kids. Therefore, I never thought I needed to repent of anything.
Then, one weekend at youth camp, the message that Saturday night hit home. For the first time, I realized MY sins put Jesus on the cross. My sins, even those “acceptable” ones, put nails through Jesus’ hands and feet. That was the night I put my trust in Jesus for the payment of my sins. That changed everything for me. I wasn’t doing good to make me look good anymore. After that, I desired to please God with my life. My perspective changed. My motive and life changed.
Living for Jesus
As I began to live for Jesus, I also started studying to teach what I was learning. There were doors of opportunity to serve Him, and I felt called to open them. With no formal training, I had opportunities to teach the youth group I was in. Since that time, I desired to serve in whatever capacity was necessary (deacon, setting up chairs for church, youth leader, worship team, VBS sets, etc.). However, I have always felt God’s calling to teach and preach.
Preaching and Teaching Ministry Training at CLI
My purpose for studying with the Christian Leaders Institute is because I can’t, and shouldn’t, put off God’s calling anymore. Since I trusted Jesus as my Savior, I always felt that my spiritual gift was preaching. I currently serve our church as a youth leader and adult Sunday School teacher. Therefore, I am led to formal preaching and teaching ministry training. CLI teaches these ministry points and so much more.
Furthermore, my wife and I see a great need in our community and church for marriage counseling and ministry. There are numerous areas that I can grow in to allow me to minister more effectively and broadly. The format of CLI is a blessing. It enables me to continue to work and support my family while giving me the flexibility to do all the other things that life requires.
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.
Ministry in Criminal Justice System
My name is Deborah Martinez Aragon, and I grew up in the west side of San Antonio, Texas. I am called to minister to people who have drug addiction and trauma and are incarcerated or recently released from the criminal justice system. As a student at the Christian Leaders Institute, I can get the education to become an ordained chaplain. I pray that taking this step will continue my journey to help transform people, change lives, restore, heal, and help set them free to walk in freedom every day. I grew up in a Catholic home, which was the foundation of my spiritual walk and my desire to help those who need encouragement to start anew.
Personal Growth with Drug Court and Methadone Program
I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Texas A&M and started working as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in 2009. Mainly, I worked with individuals in detox, residential, and outpatient treatment. I grew up in the poorest part of town, which had a high rate of substance dependency, domestic violence, and recidivism. I saw classmates fall into addiction during high school and lost a few friends to gang-related murders. Even at an early age, I knew I wanted to work with this population.
After my years as a case manager for the drug courts, I realized that I needed to get back to where it started: counseling. In 2016, while working for a methadone clinic, I met my future business partner. She was very involved with her church. She invited me to her Pentecostal Church. It was new to me since I went to the Catholic Church my whole life. Soon after, I was baptized in the beautiful name of Jesus Christ. We saw the need was more significant than just medication management and an hour of counseling a month. Therefore, we needed God at the center of everything we did. We started our non-profit with our husbands. It provides counseling and freedom groups, and finally, two years ago, prison ministry.
Called to Minister to People with Drug Addiction
While building my relationship with God, I realized that through God’s ordained direction, I, too, could help people. I could encourage them to overcome their addiction with the understanding that God is loving, merciful, and forgiving. Many people think they have sinned too much or are so far gone that God couldn’t possibly love them and call them by name. Redemption is possible. I have helped my church by using my skills and ties to the community to obtain aid for the homeless and the addicted. I have prayed with and over people who would never otherwise step into a church or place of worship. It is my mission to spread the word and love of Jesus Christ.
Education to Become an Ordained Chaplain
My vision of chaplaincy is to be where I am needed, not only in a church building. The sick, elderly, incarcerated, and homeless need to hear that God loves them and understands their heart even when they do not speak the words of their need. In a hospital or prison setting, depression is real, and isolation is common. Having experience as a licensed counselor, I listen to understand, not just respond. People need freedom from the chains that bind them to the cycles of hopelessness and despair.
Participating in this Chaplain ministry training at CLI has blessed me. I could not otherwise afford the education and licensing to become an ordained Chaplain. Therefore, I will serve with confidence. Furthermore, I can care for my family and work as I get the education and receive the leadership and direction I have always prayed for.
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.