My name is Anthony Clark, and I live in the United States of America. In this country, we have the opportunity to practice the freedom of religion which is part of our constitutional rights. Ministry is such a challenge everywhere, but because it is so many things to keep you distracted here in the United States it can be a bigger challenge than some may expect.
I have known the Lord since I was a young toddler. I was raised in a Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On my birthday, August 26, 1984, I gave my life to Christ. I join the military 5 years later (6 month after graduating from high school) and stayed in for twenty years. I have backslid in my adult life. I was an adulterer, and did many things that were not right. However, by God’s grace I was able to make it through. In 2010, I was remarried and decided to rededicate my life to Christ. Five years later I am on fire for Christ. I have been active in the Church, but I am most excited about my personal relationship with God. It has grown so much over the past 5 years that there is not a day goes by that I do not read my bible, pray, and speak to Jesus frequently. I know I have come a long way, and I will not turn around.
My ministry dream is to become an Ordained Minister. I do not want to become Ordained for a title, but I want to be able to be equipped since I have been appointed by my Pastor to be the Chief Operating Officer for my Church. I am also involved in the Men’s Ministry, and I know with the more knowledge and experience I get, I can be better equipped to do Kingdom business.
The word that best describes me is simply Minister. I cannot say that I will be in one area, but I do know that I have a heart to serve in many areas in the ministry. I want to be able to witness to people on all levels and spread the good news to everyone I am able to come in contact with. If I had to pick one word for now it would be Elder
The key experience in my life that prompted me to pursue ministry is when my Pastor came to me and wanted me to help him start a church. I was so honored that he looked at my walk and wanted me to be one of the founding members. The Pastor had someone that he had placed as an Assistant Pastor, but the individual did not commit to the ministry. That is what made me want to pursue becoming ordained so I can be better equipped for the church. This is how I found Christian Leaders Institute, and I am so glad I did.
Some of the unique challenges in my area is that so many churches are stuck in tradition. It is something that many of us have experienced, and we know that in order for God to work in us the right way, we need to not be distracted by religion, and build the relationship that Jesus wanted the church to have with him.
My family is involved in my ministry calling. My wife is supporting me and we are active members in the church. My son is also involved ushering and helping with the collection of tithes and offering, and he is only 8!!! We are starting our devotional studies at home thanks to CLI and the Walk with God ministry.
A scholarship at CLI is so important to me because it would allow me to fulfill my dream to become an ordained minister and be able to go out and make disciples. I am so excited about the Walk with God ministry. I have already told my Pastor that this is something that we need to implement to our members so that they can teach their families at home what we are teaching them at church. The scholarship would help me accomplish this and in return allow me to start giving donation to CLI and be able direct others with a call for ministry to CLI.
CLI can pray that my ministry will continue to grow. We have started a church on 3/7/14, and we want to continue to grow. Please pray that our Pastor and all members keep focused on the Kingdom of God in all that we do. Please pray that we continue to increase so that we can start to donate to the school regularly because of the good things that the school is doing to help those that are called to minister. The name of the church is called Word Covenant Christian Center, and is an extension of World Changers International and World Covenant Christian Center out of Atlanta. Our church is in Orlando, FL and we want to have a fruitful and prosperous church. In Jesus name, Amen.
Work with Children – Angela Rankin
Hello my name is Angela Rankin. I was raised in a home where the Bible was always laid out on a table for anybody to read. Yet we never really talked about God or religion. I would say I truly found God about three years ago during a time in my life were I felt completely lost. I am married to a great man who shares my love of God and we have three wonderful daughters. I currently teach Sunday school at my Community Church.
I am the mother of three with one on the way. My husband and I both want to be in ministry. We have not always lead a life of God and we actually found each other when we were both in dark spots of our lives , but after a high risk pregnancy that forced us to slow down and take a look at our lives , we both turned to God and prayer. Two years later we have an amazing little girl and teach Sunday school. I believe I am living proof of what can happen when you turn to God and want to reach others with our story.
I currently working on a degree in Criminal Justice through St. Leo University. I would love to use my knowledge to work with children from less than perfect family lives. I hope to start my own non profit for this cause. My husband plans on working with me in this adventure.
I believe the courses from CLI will help me work toward my goals of working on the calling God wants me to do. I hope that with the knowledge I receive from my studies I will be able to reach children with the word of God and positive Christian role models they other wise may never know.
Young Christian Leader Has Passion to Change the World! Here is her story!
I am Teagan, a 16 year old young Christian leader from Australia.
Ministry in Australia is everywhere, from small churches to big organizations. It is so inspiring to see so many growing and prospering. Bringing people to Jesus is the main commission of churches.I came to know the Lord through moving schools, after being bullied and isolated I got an opportunity to attend a wonderful Christian School. I was born with no mum and dad and so it is so reassuring that the Lord will never forsake me and that he has plans for my life. I battled with depression for 3 years. Circumstances are still touchy, but now I am in Jesus Christ. Jesus is amazing! My pop had a mental breakdown and has got emphysema. He is also an Atheist, but I pray for his salvation!
My ministry dream is to minister to those who need Christ both here and in other countries in order to enrich peoples lives with Christ! I believe it is an honor to preach and minister the Word of God!
Personally I love being an Evangelist, and telling people about Christ. After my past wrongs, sadness and depression, I love the fact I can trust God to help me be a blessing to others. I want people to benefit from my trails so that they can be helped in their trials. There is so much more to my story, and it is only just beginning with our amazing God.
At school I have been told that I am a leader. I think about that, and I am amazed at it. When they keep repeating it, I go to God and tell him and ask him to open doors, and he has!
There are challenges for the spreading of Christianity in where I live. Half of my town does know Christ and I just want to help everyone come to know the Father. My church leaders encourage me to encourage Christians and reach other who does not know Christ.
The ability to study for free and receive high quality ministry training benefits me in so many ways. As young Christian leaders who needs training, I will learn and apply ministry training that will help me change the world for Christ. I will share the gospel, love one another and simply devote my life to bringing people to God. This free training will set me up for the future. Opportunities have come to me! It is amazing to have this chance to change and impact the world.
Note from Christian Leaders Institute: New mentor centers called micro-seminaries are being formed. Young Christian leaders like Teagan can invite their friends to study online. They can meet one a week or twice a month to support each other on the journey in ministry training. Not only Teagan but others can be raised up to become a mighty force for Christ and his love. If you are a young Christian leader and you see your calling to invite raise up more leaders to join you, enroll now and get your Christian leaders Basic certificate. Check out more stories about CLI students at Facebook.