Total Fitness

BECOME A MINISTER

Do you feel a calling but are unsure of the next steps? Perhaps you’re curious about how one becomes a Christian leader or minister. What level of study is required? How does one get ordained? Is there an ordination path specifically for volunteer or bi-vocational ministers?

For over 2,000 years, Christians have pursued the path of becoming ministers. The Christian Leaders Institute offers a unique approach by providing high-quality, biblically-grounded ministry training free of charge to those called to serve.

3 PATHS TO BECOMING A MINISTER

Path One: Study Free Ministry Training Courses and Become a Minister in Your Local Church

The Christian Leaders Institute offers more than 165 courses for budding Christian leaders. These range from mini-courses, ministry skill courses, to Bible courses and beyond. As you study, you can earn awards, certificates, and diplomas. Share your progress with your existing church leadership and find ways to actively serve. Introduce your church ministry leaders to the Christian Leaders Institute through our website.

Path Two: Engage in Free Ministry Training Courses and Begin Your Journey to Ordination through the Christian Leaders Alliance

We offer a variety of programs including those for Wedding Officiants, Licensed Ministers, Chaplains, Coaching Ministers, and fully ordained ministers.

Explore the diverse programs we offer

Path Three: Enroll in Our Degree Program at the Leadership Excellence School

If you’re interested in pursuing formal academic qualifications, consider our degree programs, where you can earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. The Christian Leaders Institute offers a comprehensive degree program that paves the way to higher education.

Learn more about our degree programs

At the heart of our mission, the Christian Leaders Institute exists to mobilize ministers of hope in a world filled with despair. Many of those called to serve are grassroots Christians eager to make a difference in ministry.

HOW TO BECOME A YOUTH MINISTER

Youth ministry is a pivotal facet of many Christian communities. Through it, young individuals are afforded the opportunity to develop a closer relationship with their faith, absorb essential life values, and connect with a more significant purpose. If you feel an inner calling to support and shepherd young souls on their spiritual expeditions, becoming a youth minister might just be your destined path. Here’s a more comprehensive guide to help you journey this fulfilling vocation.

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE

A youth minister nurtures the spiritual growth of young people, guiding them to develop a personal relationship with God and understand their identity in Christ. Through teaching, mentoring, and organizing activities, they create a supportive and engaging environment that fosters faith, builds strong relationships, and equips youth to navigate life’s challenges with biblical wisdom. They also encourage young people to serve others, grow in their gifts, and live out their faith boldly, becoming active members of the church and their communities.

QUALITIES OF A YOUTH MINISTER

A youth minister shapes the spiritual growth of young people, guiding them through formative years of faith. Key qualities help them connect, inspire, and mentor effectively, creating a space for youth to grow closer to God and discover their purpose.

Leadership Skills
A youth minister guides and mentors young people, organizing programs and activities that foster spiritual growth and community. Strong leadership ensures they can inspire and manage effectively.
Empathy and Understanding
Connecting with young people requires the ability to listen and relate to their unique struggles, offering guidance and support tailored to their needs.
Patience and Adaptability
Youth ministry often involves unexpected challenges, making flexibility and the ability to remain calm under pressure essential qualities.
Deep Biblical Knowledge
A solid foundation in Scripture equips a youth minister to teach God’s Word accurately and meaningfully, helping young people apply it to their lives.
Creative Problem-Solving
Engaging youth in today’s fast-paced world requires innovative approaches to ministry, from interactive lessons to dynamic events.
Authentic Faith
Living out a genuine relationship with Christ sets an example for young people, showing them how to walk in faith and trust God in all aspects of life.
Strong Communication Skills
A youth minister needs to communicate clearly and effectively with youth, parents, and church leaders, building trust and collaboration.
Servant’s Heart
Above all, a youth minister serves selflessly, creating a safe and nurturing space where young people can grow spiritually and thrive.

START YOUR JOURNEY WITH CLI

For those aiming to bolster their credentials and deepen their commitment, the Christian Leaders Alliance offers ordination opportunities. At the Christian Leaders Alliance, you start with foundational ordination roles in ministry. Once these roles are completed, you can specialize according to your calling, gifts, and interests. For example, to become a Licensed Youth Minister, you would first establish your foundational role as a licensed minister and then pursue specialized studies in youth ministry.

LICENSED WEDDING OFFICIANT WITH YOUTH MINISTRY SPECIALIZATION

Once ordained, you can assume the role of officiating weddings. This often intersects with youth minister roles as the youth you mentor enter new eras in their lives and find their life partners, and look to marry. They might seek pre-marriage counseling and request that you officiate their ceremonies. As the initial clergy role, this can be specialized with a focus on youth ministry.

Foundational and Specialized Ordination Roles

Licensed Wedding Officiant – Click Here for details
Licensed Wedding Officiant with Youth Ministry Specialization – Click Here to review additional courses.

LICENSED YOUTH FIELD MINISTER

By serving your local community as a field minister, you pave a path of spiritual guidance. CLI’s curriculum offers foundational courses to equip you properly. This program builds upon the Licensed Wedding Officiant role by adding more courses to enhance your competencies in ministry. As a volunteer minister, you can continue your ordination journey. This role is adaptable for various life scenarios. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, retired, or serving as an office bearer in a church, you can tailor this role to specialize in youth ministry.