Word of God – Studying to Be A Minister

Hello, my name is Andrew Shreffler and I am from Springfield, Missouri, United States.

I would like to first say thank you to Christian Leaders Institute for providing me – as well as many others – with a wonderful opportunity to study the Word of God online!

My walk with the Lord hasn’t always been on solid ground. Sometimes, I’ve hit jagged rocks and slippery terrain. Many ups and downs have been encountered in my walk of faith, but overall, I believe these struggles have been for the best, as they have made me a stronger and more faithful person.

The idea of becoming a minister wasn’t always my cup of tea. In fact, until it hit me that God wanted me to preach His Word, I was appalled by the thought of it. But as I read more and more of the Word of God, my love for it grew, as well as my desire to share it. Eventually, I got to the point where I decided to make it my life.

It hasn’t been an easy road, though. I have faced opposition from all possible directions, especially from my parents. They called my love of the Word of God an “obsession” and tried to put me on medications for it. I also have Tourette’s Syndrome, which has added some difficulty to reaching out to people.

Nevertheless, I will remain vigilant. My current goal is to start and lead a church after completing my courses here at Christian Leaders Institute. I believe my primary gifts are as a pastor and evangelist. My only obstacle now is to be able to talk to people and get over stage fright.

Christian Leaders Institute is such a blessing because it enables me to study the art of ministry without breaking the bank. If Christian Leaders Institute wasn’t here, I wouldn’t be able to study, due to the horrific college costs. With a dead-end job and a child to feed, college is an impossibility!

Thank you so much, Christian Leaders Institute, for all you do, and GOD BLESS YOU!