Hi. My name is Tina Carder. I’m a student at the Christian Leaders Institute for Ministry Training and Biblical Knowledge.
I live in Abingdon, Illinois, with my husband of almost 37 years and two cats. We were blessed with three children and five grandchildren. We lost our oldest son a year and eight months ago at the age of 34 with IgA nephropathy. This has been the most challenging thing we have been through. I’m not sure where we would be without our faith in Christ.
My Journey
As a child, my grandma played a massive role in my learning about Jesus and that He died for our sins. I lived with her for a year when I was nine and always stayed a week during summer vacation. During the year I lived with Grandma, she had me attending three different Vacation Bible Schools. While attending one of them, I accepted Christ as my Savior for the first time.
I’ve always had faith. However, my faith has definitely grown stronger as I’ve grown older. In church after 9-11, we were all in a circle at the front of the church, holding hands and praying for those who lost their lives and their families. I felt a hand on my left shoulder. When I looked, there wasn’t anyone there. I knew then that Christ was with us and hearing our prayers. I’ve also felt a tingling sensation when I’m talking to someone about Christ. It’s the Holy Spirit letting me know I’m on the right path. These experiences have strengthened my faith as I’ve felt Christ’s love.
Ministry Training Knowledge at CLI
Furthermore, I dreamed I was walking with someone who didn’t speak to me. The person walked by my side while I talked about wanting to be a minister. While reading my Bible the following day, I remembered and thought, “Why can’t I?” I began looking for education opportunities and found one costing $ 8,000. I knew I couldn’t afford it. When I thought I might be unable to start classes immediately, I found the Christian Leaders Institute with free ministry training. I knew then that God had a more excellent plan for me.
I work as an Activity Director in a Skilled Nursing facility. At times, we have had a minister not show up. I didn’t feel qualified to step into that role at the time. However, thanks to my calling and the Christian Leaders Institute, I can gain ministry training knowledge and become a minister. I can help my residents with their fellowship with Christ. I couldn’t be more excited to fulfill God’s plan in gaining my ministry training knowledge with 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, 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.
