My Calling and Ministry
I am at the Christian Leaders Institute for study and growth after God called me into ordained full-time ministry.
I thank God I grew up in a Christian home and attended a Christian school throughout my K-12 years. Saved and baptized as a four-year-old, that moment remains vivid in my memory. At such a young age, God placed a calling on my life, and I had a heart for evangelism, eagerly sharing the Gospel with anyone who would listen. I even preached to my stuffed animals!
After completing school, I pursued a medical career and spent nearly 40 years considering the hospital my mission field. I can’t even begin to count the numerous patients and families God led me to pray with, share my faith with, and encourage.
Ordained Full-Time Ministry
In 2018, God led me out of medicine and into full-time ministry. That’s how I found myself at Christian Leaders Institute, where I was ordained that same year. God began opening doors that I never knew existed. As a result, my evangelism and discipleship work is worldwide. I have ministered in Pakistan, India, various locations in Africa, Turkey, Japan, and even in my own country, the USA. Further, I have written discipleship manuals and teach online classes, helping other churches learn how to disciple effectively. I freely provide them with my materials and remain available as a contact for questions, offering advisory support whenever needed.
Trust me when I say that when you give God your “yes,” He will surpass your wildest expectations with His plans! I intend to continue in ministry until the whole world knows, which is the name of my ministry. Additionally, I have recently launched a local ministry called “Rescue California 23.” My talented musician and singer husband joins me in some of my programs. He also supports and guides men who may benefit from a male perspective on various issues.
It’s important not to focus on excuses like age, gender, or finances when serving God. Instead, recognize God’s ability to transform your “liabilities” into something beyond your imagination. So give your “yes” to God, and He will take care of the rest!
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.
Blind Faith
Hello everyone. My name is Lynette Kendall. The tuition-free Ministry Program at the Christian Leaders Institute is preparing me for my calling from God.
My Spiritual Development
I was born and raised near Detroit, Michigan, USA. But I have spent most of my adult life in Southwest Virginia since 1995. I am grateful to live in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by the wonders of God’s creation. My home sits atop a mountain. I feel incredibly blessed to reside in a picturesque setting on five acres with my husband, Ron, and three of our six children. The other three are married and have families of their own.
My faith journey has been gradual, without a specific “coming to Jesus” moment. From a young age, my maternal grandparents took me to Sunday School and church, providing my initial exposure to God. Since my parents were not strong believers then, my grandfather became my first Christian influence. I witnessed his regular Bible reading, which left a lasting impression on me. In the days before the internet, he and his brother would record themselves reading scripture aloud and send the tapes to one another.
I observed the local Jehovah’s Witnesses visiting my grandfather’s house during that time. Despite their differing beliefs, he welcomed them in and engaged in conversations about the Lord for hours. Little did I realize the impact this had on me. When I turned fifteen, just two days later, my grandfather passed away. Marking my first experience with loss but certainly not my last.
Tragedy and Development
Tragedy struck when I was twenty-three, as my younger brother suffered a sudden heart attack, leaving him with significant brain damage. Although the paramedics and doctors managed to revive him, his essence seemed to be replaced by someone unrecognizable—a grown man trapped in an infant’s body. Nevertheless, my parents decided to care for him at home without outside assistance. Over the next two decades, my mother and father dedicated their lives to his well-being. Their selfless love and sacrificial care for my brother, despite his state, showed me a glimpse of Christ’s actions right before my eyes.
My parents and older sister found salvation in Christ during this challenging journey, further reinforcing the impact of their unwavering love and devotion. My father, despite his stage 4 cancer, fervently prayed to God when my mother passed away after battling various health conditions. He pleaded for God to transfer my mother’s sins and wrongdoings onto him to ensure her entry into Heaven. Though he did not fully understand the theological complexities, his self-sacrificing love for my mother profoundly impacted me.
Health Challenges
Amidst these challenging times, my relationship with the Lord deepened, and my desire to follow Him grew stronger. I married and had children and grandchildren but also battled health issues. I have lived with Crohn’s Disease since my teenage years, which went undiagnosed for a decade due to the focus on my brother’s care. Lack of insurance and financial constraints delayed treatment until my forties, resulting in irreversible damage and life-threatening situations. I have also been dealing with Fibromyalgia and Hashimoto’s Disease, causing chronic pain and limited mobility, rendering me unable to work for several years. However, throughout it all, I have sensed God’s calling.
Tuition-Free Ministry Program at CLI
While I am uncertain of the exact nature of this calling, considering my physical limitations, I am confident that God has led me to the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) for a purpose. Despite the lack of recognition in Virginia, where I reside, CLI’s tuition-free ministry program allows me to pursue my degree from home. My husband and I hope to relocate to the Clearwater, Florida, area within the next five or six years. As I engage in this program, God equips me for His plans for me and my family. Although I walk by blind faith, I trust that He is with me every step of the way.
I hold fast to the promise in 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.'”
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 Ministry Journey
Hello! My name is Lane Wallis, and I am from the United States. I am at the Christian Leaders Institute online for ministry service courses.
Salvation Testimony
I grew up in a Christian home in North West Arkansas. At the age of seven, I came to the realization that I was a sinner and that my sins would lead to eternal separation from God if I were to die. However, God showed me that through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross, forgiveness for sins and eternal life are mine.
Calling to Ministry
As I grew older, I felt a calling from the Lord to enter into ministry. This calling became evident when I was attending a youth conference at the age of 13. Six months later, I accepted and publicly declared the calling that God had placed upon my life. At the age of 13, I had the opportunity to deliver my first sermon to a supportive congregation.
After graduating high school, I pursued theological studies at a seminary and obtained an associate’s degree in theology. Additionally, when I turned 18, I began volunteering for my local fire department, following in the footsteps of my family as a third-generation firefighter and first responder. This experience opened up a whole new avenue of ministry for me, and I became the chaplain for the department.
Ministry Service Courses at CLI
Up until May of 2023, I served as the youth director and worship team leader for a recently transitioned mission church in Arkansas. However, I have now relocated to southern Alabama to take on the role of Camp Director at a Christian Camp.
With this new direction for ministry, I wanted more training for ministry. I searched online and found the Christian Leaders Institute with its ministry service courses.
As my family and I embark on this new journey, I humbly ask for your prayers for myself, my wife, Victoria, and our two children, Copeland and Carter. We seek to faithfully follow God’s leading and serve in this new capacity.
Ministry service courses offered at institutions like Christian Leaders Institute are often considered valuable and needed for several reasons:
- Accessibility: These courses are freely offered, making them accessible to individuals who may not have the financial means to attend traditional seminaries or ministry training programs. This accessibility allows a broader range of people to receive training and education in ministry.
- Equipping and Empowering: Ministry service courses aim to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools necessary for effective ministry. They cover a wide range of topics, including theology, biblical studies, pastoral care, leadership, evangelism, and more. Christian Leaders Institute offers these courses to empower individuals to serve their communities and fulfill their callings without financial barriers.
- Global Impact: Christian Leaders Institute has a global reach, training aspiring leaders and ministers worldwide. This is particularly important in regions where formal ministry education may be inaccessible. By offering free courses online, Christian Leaders Institute extends its impact and helps cultivate Christian leaders in various parts of the world.
- Flexibility: The online nature of these courses allows students to study at their own pace and convenience, accommodating individuals with busy schedules, work commitments, or other responsibilities. This flexibility lets learners balance their ministry training with their personal and professional lives.
- Community and Support: Christian Leaders Institute fosters a supportive online community where students can connect with instructors and fellow learners. This sense of community provides encouragement, accountability, and networking opportunities crucial for personal and spiritual growth.
Overall, the freely offered ministry service courses at Christian Leaders Institute address the need for accessible, quality training and education for individuals who desire to serve in ministry but may face financial, geographical, or time constraints. By removing these barriers, these courses enable more people to receive the necessary preparation for effective Christian leadership.
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.