I am Mitch Needelman from the United States. The tuition-free minister education at the Christian Leaders Institute is equipping me for my ministry service.
My Journey
My relationship with the Lord was a slow, smoldering burn over time. It ultimately caught fire once it got the oxygen it needed.
I grew up Jewish. I believed in God and revered Him during various times of my life. However, my upbringing felt more like family traditions or a lifestyle than having a personal relationship with God. Once I moved away for college, a time came when I questioned religion.
Trauma and Marriage
The seeds of my walk with Jesus were sewn through my wife. Before I came to Christ, my two most traumatic experiences were losing my mom when I was 20 and my wife losing her dad five years later.
When I lost my mom, I was very distant from God and turned away from Him. When my wife lost her dad, she turned toward the Lord and leaned on Him. Witnessing her find comfort in the Lord, rededicating herself to Him, reevaluating and re-prioritizing her life had a profound impact on me. I admired her conviction when I asked her to marry me and even agreed she could raise our kids Christian – if that’s what it took for her to say “yes.” However, I made it clear to her not to try and convert me!
Growth and Salvation
Like many guys, my life before Christ revolved around trying to advance at work and make a good living, being a good husband and dad, and providing a life for my family. For several years, my wife faithfully attended church. When each of our kids came of age, she brought them with her while I stayed home with the baby. We went to church for Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, and perhaps other Sundays. However, mostly, I was home taking care of the youngest.
When our fourth child was no longer an infant, I started wanting to go to church. I became conscious of the little miracles and “God winks” occurring in our lives and others around us. God sent people who were “full” – wise, at peace, confident, and complete – into my life. I developed a passion for learning about Jesus and was intrigued by the linkage between Christianity and Judaism.
For any new believer, there ultimately comes a time when you intentionally decide to step out in faith, surrender, and accept Jesus into your heart. That time was October 23, 2010, at our church’s men’s retreat. Afterward, I became a student of the Lord and trusted Him. I gave up my identity and began to rely on Him. I was accountable to Him and strived to become the spiritual leader of my family.
Health Challenge
A little over two years after I gave my life to Christ, I discovered I had stage 3 colon cancer. It was a lot to accept. I was 41 with a beautiful wife and four extraordinary kids to think about. I wondered if the youngest would even remember me if I passed.
Sometimes, I’m asked if I was ever mad at God or lost faith while going through my trial. In reality, I leaned on Him and witnessed Him work through my life. There genuinely are gifts received throughout one’s trial. That’s not to say being sick was fun or without fear or difficulties. However, I certainly experienced intense love, joy, and an appreciation that can only be realized when one is in Christ and has rid oneself of all mental clutter. In addition, it made a lot of people in my life stop in their tracks and evaluate their own life and health. I like to believe people who witnessed my sickness also saw my faith throughout. It also brought them closer to the Lord.
Looking Ahead: Tuition-Free Minister Education at CLI
Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks ahead. So here I am, over 12 years into my walk with Jesus, and trying to make the most of my “bonus time.” I am as hungry for Him as ever and want to say “Yes” when I know I am called. My spiritual dream is to live a Christ-centered life that encourages people and glorifies God.
For the last ten years, my wife and I have shepherded engaged couples through a six-session program based on scripture. It gives them practical tools that equip them to overcome the challenges of marriage and start their journey on a rock-solid foundation (www.marriagebygod.org).
I was asked to officiate a wedding in May of 2023, which is how I found the Christian Leaders Institute. My classes were helpful and enjoyable, so I want to continue my tuition-free minister education at CLI. I don’t know exactly where it will lead me, but I’m excited to find out.
If you had told me 15 years ago that I’d share my testimony online, proclaim my love for Jesus, and pursue a path that leads to ministry — I would have told you you’ve lost your mind. But then again – we’re talking about God here!!
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.
Name Change Announcement:
Since 2019, the higher education arm of Christian Leaders Ministries has held the name Christian Leaders College. Throughout the college, however, the name used by staff, faculty, administration, board, and students has been Christian Leaders Institute, a ministry of Christian Leaders Ministries.
Effective immediately, the education arm of Christian Leaders is Christian Leaders Institute. The Institute will provide education through two schools, Christian Development School and Leadership Excellence School. CLI’s Christian Development School will offer non-degree programs, such as awards, certificates, and diplomas. Many have taken these programs under the name of Christian Leaders Institute, which will now describe only the entire institution.
CLI’s Leadership Excellence School will offer degree programs in the tradition of higher education and will include graduation requirements as have been included in degree programs at the college from the beginning.
New Self-Care Mini Course
Christian leaders are called to serve others, but they also need to take care of themselves. Self-care is not selfish; it is essential for effective ministry. When leaders are thriving and physically and spiritually rested, they are better able to serve others with love, compassion, and joy.
This course will provide Christian leaders with the tools and resources they need to practice self-care and teach self-care to others
Last chance to sign up for the 2023 Convention!
Don’t miss the opportunity for in-person fellowship and a drawing for 3 sponsored degrees for eligible students.
GET ORDAINED IN RHODE ISLAND
Are you drawn towards officiating weddings in Rhode Island? Whether your interest lies in becoming a ministry chaplain, coaching minister, or a credentialed minister, Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) and Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) can guide you on this journey, helping you to discover your calling.
RHODE ISLAND'S STATE LAW
In Rhode Island, legally authorized wedding officiants include ordained or licensed ministers of any religious denomination and deacons of the Roman Catholic Church. Provided that you’re ordained or licensed by a recognized religious organization, you can perform marriage ceremonies.
Ordination: Obtain ordination or recognition as a leader in your religious organization. This is often accomplished through Christian Leaders Institute training and Christian Leaders Alliance ordination licensing.
Planning the Ceremony: Collaborate with the couple to plan the ceremony, incorporating religious content, vows, and other elements as needed.
Conducting the Wedding: Officiate the wedding ceremony, adhering to any specific requirements outlined by the couple and your religious organization.
Completing the Marriage License: Following the ceremony, complete the marriage license, detailing your title, date and location of the ceremony, and address. The couple usually obtains the license from the county clerk prior to the wedding.
Returning the License: The completed license should be returned to the county clerk’s office within a designated period post-ceremony. Christian Training with Christian Leaders Institute
EXPAND YOUR MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY
Becoming a licensed Christian wedding officiant in Rhode Island involves understanding and meeting the state’s specific legal requirements. CLI and CLA provide a reliable roadmap for this journey, offering comprehensive training, personalized support, and recognition from the wider Christian community.
Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) has been providing Biblical free ministry training through its “give it forward” program since 2006. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of accounts have been created. CLI offers various recognitions, including awards, certificates, and diplomas, through its Christian Development School. Additionally, CLI provides college degrees through its Leadership Excellence School, known as CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
Christian Leaders Alliance (CLI) is a strategic partner of CLI and operates an international Global Ministers Commission. This commission oversees the ordination path for clergy in various ministerial roles based on their studies and recommendations. Since 2014, thousands of officiants, ministers, and ministry chaplains have been credentialed and are serving their communities. See Directory. Christian Leaders Alliance also manages Soul Centers, where credentialed ministers can register their local geographic ministries if they choose to do so.
Flexible Timeline for Ordination
This program is designed to accommodate your schedule, making it ideal for those who occasionally officiate weddings for loved ones. The licensing process requires less than ten hours of study, with only a single recommendation. However, if you’re seeking higher ordination levels, you’ll need to engage more deeply with studies and secure additional recommendations.
Credibility through Christian Leaders Alliance
Your ordination gains validation and credibility through your membership with the Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA). This association demonstrates your commitment to thorough training and endorsement from your local Christian community, lending authenticity to your ordination.
Emphasizing Legitimacy
In Rhode Island, where the sanctity of marriage is respected, wedding officiants must emphasize legitimacy. Couples need to be confident that their wedding officiant is well-trained, possesses the necessary credentials, and complies with the state’s legal requirements. By choosing CLI and CLA, aspiring wedding officiants in Rhode Island can provide professional and reputable services that are in accordance with the law and honor the sanctity of marriage.
Becoming a licensed Christian wedding officiant in Rhode Island involves understanding and meeting the state’s specific legal requirements. CLI and CLA provide a reliable roadmap for this journey, offering comprehensive training, personalized support, and recognition from the wider Christian community.
With CLI and CLA, individuals in Rhode Island can be confident that they are well-equipped to meet the state’s demands, uphold the highest integrity, and offer professional wedding officiation services, all in compliance with Rhode Island law. Embark on your journey today and make a meaningful contribution as a licensed Christian wedding officiant in Rhode Island, guided by the Christian Leaders Institute and Alliance.
GET STARTED AT CLI
GET STARTED AT CLI
- 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.
VARIOUS OPPORTUNITIES
Do you feel drawn towards a significant and enriching spiritual voyage in the delightful state of Rhode Island? Whether your ambition is to become a wedding officiant or delve into various ministerial roles, the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) and Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) are here to assist you on your journey.
Wedding Officiant: Picture yourself as a beacon of love, bringing couples together in holy matrimony. With ordination from the Christian Leaders Alliance, you can officiate weddings in Rhode Island, forming treasured memories set against the state’s scenic landscapes, charming cities, and warm communities.
Field Minister: Your time is as precious as Rhode Island’s varied and captivating beauty. Embrace the role of a Lay Minister, where you can engage with complimentary introductory courses. Here, you’ll lay a strong foundation for your ministry, serving as a dedicated minister, elder, or deacon, enriching lives within your community.
Licensed Minister: Unlock a myriad of ministry roles with the Licensed Minister program. You’ll be equipped to serve in multiple capacities through in-depth studies and practical courses, making a difference in Rhode Island’s diverse and engaging communities.
Licensed Ministry Chaplain: Stand as a beacon of unwavering hope in times of need, offering spiritual comfort and support. Participate in enlightening chaplaincy studies through CLI, gaining the knowledge and skills to serve in hospitals, military environments, or specialized fields, mirroring the soothing landscapes of Rhode Island that bring comfort to weary hearts.
Licensed Coaching Minister: Strive to guide and nurture a faith community, just like a shepherd tending to their flock. Allow CLI’s leadership and church development courses to inspire your spirit, enabling you to flourish like the lively, vibrant communities that dot Rhode Island’s dynamic terrain.
Ordained Minister: Anticipate a profound and transformative ministry experience as an Ordained Minister. Engage in comprehensive study and practical training, empowering you to lead with wisdom, empathy, and grace, making a lasting spiritual impression on the souls of Rhode Island.
As a called minister, you offer hope and solace, much like Rhode Island’s inspiring landscapes. Let Matthew 5:14’s message inspire you, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Equip yourself with spiritual tools, chart your path, and cultivate your ministry in Rhode Island through the programs offered by the Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance. With God as your guide and the backing of these organizations, you’ll confidently pursue your mission, spreading the Gospel across Rhode Island’s spiritual landscape.
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.