The Lord Saved Me!
My name is Joshua Curtis. The tuition-free ministry training program at the Christian Leaders Institute equips me for my ministry calling.
My Story
I grew up in several different coastal towns south of Houston, Texas. I am 32. Now divorced, I have a 5-year-old son. I always felt I knew God. However, I did not know Him or live how He wanted me to.
After my divorce, depression set in. I couldn’t seem to find a way to shake it. I fell into using drugs, trying to dull the pain I was experiencing. However, I had absolutely no success with that. I ended up in jail and am on probation at this time. While in that county jail, I picked the Bible up for the first time in a long time. But this time was different. It spoke to me. I found so much peace; it was unreal to me. I read and read. Further, I found myself in discussions with others, and I was proclaiming the love I felt for Jesus Christ.
I was lying down one evening, and a much older man asked me what the scripture said about forgiving others. At the moment, I was unsure what scripture to quote. However, I used what I knew to tell him my interpretation of how I thought he should handle his situation. When we concluded, he told me I ought to be a preacher. Instantly, I felt the calling. I called my mom the next day and said to her that this was the path I wanted to pursue. Then, I asked her to start looking into Bible colleges for me.
Ministry Training Program at CLI
I was searching for a seminary to enroll in a few days out of jail. However, I had no money, and I mean none! I saw the link for Christian Leaders Institute (CLI). I read a few lines and instantly enrolled. Finding this ministry training program is a blessing for me. I knew I needed more than my life experiences to lead people to God properly. I have found it at CLI, praise God!!!
In conclusion, I was lost, but now I am found! I cannot fully express my joy at this opportunity to get closer to God. I genuinely look forward to bringing revival to the world! Thank you, CLI!
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, and Diplomas with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- College Degrees with the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
- 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 Vattessa Colbung, and I am a mother of four children living in Perth, Western Australia. The online Christian studies at the Christian Leaders Institute are a blessing.
My Story: Missing Spirit
I was born in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, and grew up in Ceduna, South Australia. Christianity has surrounded me, and I have attended various churches. However, I always felt a sense of restlessness, desiring a deeper purpose in my relationship with God. This is the story of my spiritual journey.
I am proud to be a descendant of the Bibbulman nation, belonging to Wagyl Kaip (the Minang peoples of King George Sound) and Southwest Boojarah in Busselton. Additionally, I have ancestral connections to the Wongatha nations through the Tjalkatjarra people in the Northern Goldfields and the Tjerradjal peoples in Kakarra, Central-Eastern, and Western Goldfields. By Australian Aboriginal identities and protocol, it is essential to understand our heritage, geographical boundaries, and the preservation of our “Tjukurrpa” stories.
My maternal and paternal sides of the family and their ancestors have experienced the painful history of the Stolen Generation. This refers to the forced removal of Indigenous children in Australia. It resulted in intergenerational trauma, including issues related to attachment, disconnection from extended family and culture, and heightened stress levels among Aboriginal children and communities. I am grateful for God’s grace and mercy, as through Jesus Christ, we have been able to overcome these traumas.
Separation and Challenges
As a teenager, I experienced a significant separation. I am thankful for Jesus’ blood and the true meaning of forgiveness and repentance. At that time, I unknowingly became pregnant, and as a young girl carrying a child, my daughter was taken away by welfare services. This separation caused me to struggle with my identity, unsure whether I was still a teenager or already an adult. I experienced substance abuse, violence, and various forms of abuse throughout my childhood. I turned to alcohol and drugs as a means to numb the pain. However, even in my darkest days, I found comfort without realizing that it was the work of the Comforter.
From my early 20s to my 40s, I returned to Western Australia and pursued various avenues in an attempt to forget the past. I engaged in activities such as karate, martial arts, studying, and working two jobs to support my children as a single mother. I pushed myself in different areas, always eager to learn and explore overlooked aspects of life. From a young age, I felt a strong calling to serve and care for others, a value my mother, grandmother, sisters, and aunties instilled in me. I was drawn to those who had experienced rejection in various aspects of their lives. However, at that time, I failed to recognize that I needed a personal, one-on-one relationship with God to heal from my past traumas.
Helping Others
Instead, I focused on helping others. One rainy evening, while driving with my mother to her workplace, we noticed a young girl sitting on the side of the road, drenched in the rain, with her head lowered. I recognized her from school and the community. I told my mom, “Stop; we must check if she’s okay. She can’t stay in the rain like this.” We pulled over, and it was evident that she was vulnerable. We agreed to let her stay with us until she could return to her family.
The Missing Piece: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
During this journey, I realized we all have a missing piece in our lives. For me, that missing piece was my connection with God. I needed to return to Him more deeply. One evening, I attended a crusade with a friend, and the atmosphere differed from any other crusades I attended. People were going forward, giving their hearts to Jesus. I sensed a presence that I later identified as the Holy Spirit.
Further, I felt a stirring, prompting me to go forward. I dedicated my heart to Jesus that night. It was a transformative experience unlike anything before. I felt the fire of the Holy Spirit burning within me. At the time, I was a smoker, but the next day, I heard a stern voice commanding me to throw away my cigarette. I immediately obeyed. From then on, I had many encounters with the Holy Spirit.
Preparing for Ministry: Online Christian Studies at CLI
I am no longer restless, disobedient, or distracted because I know who I am. Why now? Because of the Holy Spirit and my desire to fulfill God’s mission and purpose in my life. I am here to live out His calling and bring glory to His name. Reflecting on Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens,” I realize this is my time.
I searched the internet for many years for free online Christian studies and tried a few. However, because they were complicated, I didn’t continue. Then I came across Christian Leaders Institute (CLI). The website immediately inspired me, and I eagerly delved into the courses that suited me. I appreciate the user-friendly structure of CLI’s platform. I thank God for men of God like Pastor Henry Reyenga. Further, I honor the anointing God has bestowed upon him and everyone who brought this website together. Therefore, I will introduce other brothers and sisters in Christ to the Christian Leaders Institute website. CLI’s online Christian studies will prepare them for ministry.
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, and Diplomas with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- College Degrees with the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
- 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.
GET ORDAINED IN NEW YORK
Do you have a calling to officiate weddings in New York? Are you eager to be part of their most significant day? The Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance offer an online study program to train you for various ministerial roles, including wedding officiating. This program is not only. There is also local endorsement necessary.
NEW YORK'S STATE LAW
In New York, the Domestic Relations Law, Section 11, stipulates who is authorized to officiate weddings. They include:
Ordained or licensed ministers or clergymen from any religious denomination, sect, or society. Certain judicial figures, including judges and justices of various courts, and some retired judges. Mayors or city clerks of cities, recorders, and certain other municipal officers.
Becoming a wedding officiant in New York presents numerous opportunities. By joining the free online study program offered by the Christian Leaders Institute and the minister credentialing community of the Christian Leaders Alliance, you can become trained and officially ordained. This will open doors for your ministry confidence and credibility.
EXPAND YOUR MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY
The Christian Leaders Institute (CLI):
We are thrilled to introduce the Christian Leaders Institute, a warm and welcoming online educational platform that provides free ministry and ordination training programs. Our mission is to make theological education accessible to individuals from all backgrounds, empowering them to deepen their understanding of Christianity and prepare for various ministry roles. Our comprehensive courses cover a wide range of subjects, including biblical studies, theology, church history, leadership, and pastoral care.
The Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA):
Through our partnership with the Christian Leaders Alliance, we offer an ordination program for individuals who have completed CLI’s training and courses. The Christian Leaders Alliance has been empowering ministers since 2014 and has ordained thousands of individuals. By joining CLA, you will receive formal recognition and authorization as an ordained minister, allowing you to perform weddings and other religious ceremonies in New York, in accordance with state law.
Upon completing your training and receiving approval, your ordination details are stored by the Christian Leaders Alliance in Spring Lake, Michigan. This centralized system simplifies the tracking of your documents and includes you in the Christian Leaders Alliance Directory.
GET STARTED AT CLI
GET STARTED AT CLI
To enroll in the program, follow these steps:
- 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
In addition to wedding officiation, the Christian Leaders program also equips you for other roles within the church. These roles enable you to carry out various types of work in your community.
Roles in New York Beyond Wedding Officiant
Field Minister: Designed for individuals with limited study time but a strong desire to perform church work. The program provides free courses and mini-courses for lay ministers, church elders, and deacons.
Licensed Minister: Aimed at part-time ministers seeking more training. The program comprises 13 study credits and six mini-courses to refine your skills.
Coaching Minister: Suitable for those interested in incorporating coaching techniques into their ministry. The program includes two free coaching courses and requires 15 credits and six mini-courses for completion.
Licensed Ministry Chaplain: Developed for volunteer chaplains in local settings such as fire departments or veteran groups. This program necessitates 18 credits and six mini-courses.
Ordained Minister: Ideal for those already engaged in ministry work or those seeking comprehensive training and credentials. The program entails 21 credits and seven mini-courses. Conclusion:
The Christian Leaders Alliance provides many avenues to perform ministry work in New York. Whether your calling is to officiate weddings or assume other roles such as Field Minister, Licensed Minister, Coaching Minister, Licensed Ministry Chaplain, or Ordained Minister, there’s a path tailored for you.
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.