My name is Art Briles. I am studying at the Christian Leaders Institute for free online ministry and ordination training (Learn more about free Bible and ministry training online, Click Here).
My Story
Born in California and moved to Colorado when small, I spent my formative years on a small farm on the east side of Denver. Then, it was engulfed by the urban sprawl when I was a teenager, so we moved to Aurora, Colorado.
I have worked in the Denver metro area for over 50 years, the last 30-plus years in Law Enforcement on the west side of Denver. I retired 2 years ago and moved back down to the family farm in southeastern Colorado.
My Spiritual Journey
As a young child, I was baptized and raised in the Presbyterian church. When I became a teenager I was able to talk my parents into not attending church. (My Father was working nights and weekends) Through high school and college, I drifted away from God and the church. However, I like many, continued to present God with my wish list of prayers, always for my wants and desires.
I worked my way through college working at a local grocery store while I pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Science in 1981. In the fall of 1982, I met a young lady at the store that would come in and pick up day-old bread and outdated items for her work. She was working as a counselor for Teen Challenge Ministries. We started dating in February of 1983. When I started talking about marriage, she said that she wanted to marry someone that loved Jesus and had Him as his Savior. In September of 1983, we married and began attending a church near our home. I rededicated my life to the LORD. By 1985, we led a home Bible Study for newly married couples.
My Journey Continues
In 1989, I started working in law enforcement. The schedule and demands of the job kept me from regular church attendance. I still studied as often as I could and prayed daily. When I was able to get Sundays off, I attended church on Sundays. I also participated in Bible Study on Tuesday nights. I served on the security team and as an usher. Further, I provided security for and attended several conferences.
My job exposed me to a plethora of religions, which lead me to start studying apologetics. I diligently searched the internet and bookstores for books on Christian apologetics. This helped me to understand the viewpoints of others, and I was able to defend and explain my Christian views. Lately, I have listened to podcasts by Michael Heiser.
When I retired, I moved to the family farm in southeastern Colorado and attend the local church. It has been without a pastor for several years and we currently watch sermons on YouTube. About a year ago, they asked me to teach the Sunday Bible studies at the church and occasionally give sermons. The church Board requires that their Pastor is properly trained and ordained. The online ministry and ordination training at the Christian Leaders Institute will help me to complete this objective.
Steps to Sign Up At Christian Leaders Institute
Step 1 – Register for a free study account that automatically enrolls you in the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2.
After you register, you will automatically be enrolled in the “getting started” course. You will locate the course at your “home” button when logged in. Scroll down to find the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2 Link. Click the link and open the course.
Step 2 – Complete Part 1 of this course. Then you can enroll in mini-courses or regular courses.
The Christian Leaders Getting Started Class Part 1 shows you how to enroll in courses and mini-courses. Part 2 of the course connects your calling into ministry with programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute. Part 2 will offer some ministry training and introduce you to the other programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute.
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost college degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
