Hi, I am Mrs. Geanine Lynn Rees from the USA. I am taking tuition-free biblical courses for ministry online at the Christian Leaders Institute.
My Story Begins
Born into a very strict Catholic family, I went to church and CCD every week in the city. I was baptized and received my Holy Communion as a child. I just loved going to church with my grandpop because of his smiling eyes and soul. My grandmother was Lutheran and read the Bible every morning until she finished and started right over. They were my role models. I lived with them at age four while my mom was in rehab and jail. I even remained with them and volunteered at the Catholic church in Philadelphia during high school and college.
In 2001, I graduated high school with the “Technical Honor Society” focusing on Videography and Graphic Arts. Right after I got my diploma, I moved to Florida with my mom and sister. I got a job as a Videographer at my new church, which lasted for a year. Then, I started college at the “International Academy of Design and Technology in Orlando.” However, I moved back to Philadelphia on July 4, 2002. I was so overwhelmed by college and by my family’s mental sickness that I wanted to be home with my grandparents and great-grandmother to care for them. In 2006 I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree from the “Art Institute of Philadelphia” with a 4.0 GPA.
My Story Continues
I now see that God was always my inspiration in school and work. I’m so thankful because I could have easily turned to jail, meth, and alcohol like my parents. After college is when I found out about Non-Denominational Christians. In 2007, my coworker brought me to my first Christian concert and service. She saw how depressed and overwhelmed I was when buying a duplex alone. The church had all kinds of instruments. I was in shock by all the music and joy. I continued there for a year until my depression spiraled due to my overloaded life as a single business owner and student.
All I wanted was to be a wife. After my grandparents and great-grandmother passed, I looked for love and support in all the wrong places. I lost my way with God after losing them. I wasn’t able to pass my Master in Education program at Holy Family University in Philadelphia. My father committed suicide when I was in 8th grade, so I started thinking of suicide too. Then, I partied in the neighborhood for a few years until I heard my best friend’s mother preach. She finally reached me!
Salvation and Service
I started attending the church’s weekly services and prayer services and got baptized in 2012! I was the youth leader along with my best friend’s mom at the local rec center. We went on Apostolic retreats and sang loud with joy for all the neighbors to hear. We also traveled to prayer conferences and laid hands until we were on the floor!
Throughout the past two decades, I served other churches at the same time. That’s because I enjoy seeing God everywhere! I taught bible school and attended young adults conferences, bible studies, and prayer groups at Calvary Chapel in Philadelphia. I attended there faithfully until 1.5 years after I married.
My Marriage Story
So, my husband and I married within a month of meeting online! We made a promise together that we would always seek God first. We eloped at the town hall in Center City, Philadelphia. Then, we sold my duplex and moved into a quiet suburban neighborhood outside of Philadelphia. We attended the church down the street from us, “New Life Community Church,” for years until my infertility made me hide. I hurt and didn’t want anyone to feel my pain. So I didn’t go to church for a few years and then got diagnosed with PTSD and Adult Autism because of spiritual warfare.
Then COVID happened in 2020, so I was in isolation for years writing my memoir, all for God. In 2022, I accepted that we were not having nor trying for kids after extensive trauma therapy and hospitalization. I’ve always focused on God, even when I wasn’t inside a church building.
In early 2023, I earned a certificate online after four months of training. I then traveled to and was spiritually restored in Florida through Lake Mary Church. My eldest sister recently started evangelizing there. It was also near the house I used to live in. I’ve been doing a lot of spiritual and self-care. I finally published my book online and in paperback on 2/14/2023. My darling husband and I recently had our 10-year wedding anniversary, and we are rooted in Jesus. Therefore, after ten years of marriage, I am still amazed by how God’s plan was always written for my good.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Biblical Courses in Ministry at CLI
As of 2023, I remain a faithful member of the “City Church of Philadelphia.” Plus, I attend Sunday service at my local Lutheran church, where I serve as the Girl Scout Leader. Occasionally, I visit and chat with the pastors at New Life Church since 2014. I love my neighborhood and am the School Crossing Guard and Admin to the town’s Buy Nothing recycling and regifting program. I want to continue to focus and learn more about Jesus. He has always been so good to me through the hills and valleys and never forsaken me.
My pastor at New Life Church referred me to Christian Leaders Institute for biblical courses in ministry. He is a graduate of CLI! So in 2019, I signed up for CLI and finished my first course. Sadly, I abruptly stopped when my infertility struggles and the devil worked together to fill me with panic, fear, and self-doubt as a woman. As a Christian wife, I wanted to be fruitful and multiply. I was humbled when Pastor at New Life Church said my community is my baby, the child I never had. He saw my countless acts of service in my neighborhood.
My spiritual dream has always been to tend to the spiritually sick because I know what it’s like from experience. I will no longer believe or live in shame and suffering because that is not of my Almighty God. All my time in hiding, the enemy tried to dim my light. However, I heard God clearly call me. I am a Job, as I have never swayed from His love, and a Jeremiah, for I have fervently and endlessly preached His truth and light. The biblical courses in ministry at CLI are grounding me and preparing me for further service.
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.
BECOME A WEDDING OFFICIANT IN CALIFORNIA
In California, presiding over a wedding ceremony is an honored task, involving substantial responsibility and deep satisfaction. Not in California, Click here.
If you’re considering becoming a wedding officiant or have been asked to fulfill this role, this guide will walk you through the California-specific process and rules, particularly focusing on the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) and Christian Leaders Alliance‘s offerings.
RECIEVE THE RIGHT TRAINING
Training is a pivotal initial step in becoming a wedding officiant. The CLI offers a comprehensive Wedding Officiant program, providing necessary training and credentials to officiate weddings. This program connects the training to the highly respected Christian Leaders Alliance, a minister credentialing organization that has licensed thousands of ministers. See Directory of Ministers. The program encompasses an array of essential topics:
- The Christian interpretation of marriage
- Basic pre-marriage counseling and conversations
- Legal requirements for officiating weddings in most states. Click here for specific requirement in California.
- The officiant’s role in the wedding ceremony
- Crafting a wedding ceremony
- Preparing for a wedding ceremony
- Assisting at rehearsals
- Conducting a wedding ceremony
ORDINATION WITH CLI & CLA
Upon completing your training with CLI, you are invited to get ordained as a Licensed Christian Wedding Officiant with the Christian Leaders Alliance. This Alliance is a minister credentialing organization that recognizes the CLI’s wedding skills training. Once you finish the program, you’re eligible to receive a Christian Leaders Alliance Licensed Christian Wedding Officiant credential, enabling you to conduct weddings professionally and effectively. To Become a wedding officiant in California, unlike some other states, ordained ministers do not need to register with the local government. However, it’s crucial to keep a copy of your ordination certificate, as you may be asked to provide it as proof of your credentials.
FULFILLING LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
As a wedding officiant in California, you hold the key to ensuring the legality of the marriage ceremony. You are required to verify the couple’s marriage license before the wedding. The license is valid for 90 days, and the marriage ceremony must take place within this period.
After the ceremony, you, the couple, and the witnesses sign the marriage license. The completed license should be returned to the county recorder’s office within 10 days following the ceremony to be officially recorded.
START STUDYING TODAY
- Register for a Study Account with the Christian Leaders Institute. This free study account provides you access to over 150 courses and mini-courses. You will be automatically enrolled in a Getting Started Course that takes less than one hour to complete.
- Enroll in the Wedding Officiant Skills Course, worth 1 CLI Credit. This Christian Wedding Officiant Skills class is a one-credit course that imparts you with the skills needed to officiate a wedding. This tuition-free course takes approximately 5-10 hours to complete.
- Complete your credential program with the Wedding Officiant Recognition Course, which carries no credits. This course commends your ordination status and registers you with the Christian Leaders Alliance, where you will be listed as a minister in their directory.
- Finally, don’t forget to order your credentials.
If you want to get ordained as a Wedding Officiant in less than two weeks, this Christian program will help.
FAQs
Is online ordination recognized in California? Yes, online ordinations, such as those provided by the Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance, are recognized in California. Remember to keep a copy of your ordination credentials for verification, if needed. One additional comment: This is not an “online only” transactional ordination. This credentialing process includes graded study with local recommendations and inclusion in the global Christian Leaders Alliance directory.
Do I need to register with the State of California to officiate a wedding? No, California does not require ordained ministers to register with the state. However, you should keep your CLI and Christian Leaders Alliance ordination credentials on hand in case they are requested.
Becoming a wedding officiant in California is a journey involving training and understanding your legal responsibilities. However, the joy and satisfaction derived from playing a pivotal role in a couple’s special day make it an endeavor worth pursuing. Whether you’re planning to become a full-time minister or officiate a single ceremony, the Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance offer a robust program to equip you with the skills and credentials you need.
Is this an instant ordination? No. This ordination is a study and local-recommendation-based credential with the Christian Leaders Alliance that credentials ministers worldwide. See Directory. This is similar to how other established Christian denominations.
What is the funding concept of Christian Leaders Institute? Christian Leaders is a religious non-profit that includes an Institute, Alliance and a College. Christian Leaders is a donation-based religious non-profit that seeks to multiply difference-makers. All the courses are free and supported by vision partners who believe that everyone should have access to free ministry training. Christian Leaders Institute asks participants to donate if they desire. Small administration fees with are called “mission shares” cover the cost of sent documents and materials. We use a give it forward approach to raising funds.
What does this credential mean? Getting the Licensed Christian wedding officiant recognizes you as ordained in the first core minister role with the Christian Leaders Alliance. Click here to see the entire Minister Credential Program.
Do you credential women ministers? Yes. This Christian leaders program welcomes men or women in this Biblically-based program. Click here for more.
How long has this organization been around? Rev. Henry Reyenga, an ordained minister with the Christian Reformed Church, and Rich DeVos founded Christian Leaders on September 20, 2001. Christian Leaders have been ordained ministers through the Christian Leaders Alliance since 2014. This program is for study-prepared and recommended ministers. Click here to read more.
Are there other Christian Leaders Alliance Wedding Officiant in the State of California?
Yes. Over 175 fully licensed Christian Wedding officiants has completed this program in California since 2014. These Christian wedding officiants are now part of the worldwide Christian Leaders Alliance. This global religious society in not an “only ordination only” ordination mill. You join an army of difference-maker who serve Christ and share his love and goodness.
After I become a Wedding Officiant with Christian Leaders Alliance, Can I go further into other minister roles.
Yes. Click here to find out more details to pursue more studies and more minister credentials.