Called to Youth Ministry

Called to Youth Ministry?

Do you have a heart for guiding and mentoring young people in their faith? The Christian Leaders Alliance offers an ordination pathway that equips you with free, high-quality ministry training through the Christian Leaders Institute.

Becoming a Youth Minister is a deeply rewarding calling, allowing you to disciple, mentor, and lead young people in their walk with Christ.

What You’ll Gain

Biblical & Theological Foundations – Develop a deep understanding of Scripture and Christian doctrine.
Recognized Ordination Through CLA– Be credentialed through the Christian Leaders Alliance, giving you credibility in ministry.

Practical Ministry Training – Gain hands-on experience to lead youth groups, teach Bible studies, and organize events.
Youth Ministry Leadership Skills – Learn how to mentor, disciple, and engage young people effectively.

The Youth Minister Program provides comprehensive training designed for those who want to serve in youth ministry roles—whether as a volunteer, part-time, or full-time leader. This affordable and flexible ordination option ensures that you receive biblically sound training while preparing you to work in churches, schools, camps, or outreach ministries.

Whether you’re called to launch a youth group, become a youth pastor, serve as a campus minister, or lead a student discipleship program, this free study-based ministry training program with a low-cost ordination pathway gives you the tools and support to thrive in youth ministry.

What You Will Learn in the Youth Ministry Program

Engaging Youth

Capturing the attention of young people is essential to help them connect with their faith in a relevant and impactful way.

Fostering Spiritual Growth

Guiding youth in deepening their relationship with God lays a strong foundation for lifelong discipleship.

Developing Young Leaders within the Church Community

Empowering youth to lead equips them to serve boldly and make a lasting difference in their churches and beyond.

Two Ordination Options for Youth Ministry with Christian Leaders Alliance

Are you feeling called to serve in youth ministry? Are you interested in single ministry? Do you have a passion for guiding young people in their faith journey? The Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) offers two distinct ordination pathways tailored for those who want to lead, disciple, and officiate in youth ministry.

Both ordination programs equip you with theological, biblical, and practical ministry skills, ensuring you are prepared to mentor youth, officiate ceremonies, and lead impactful discipleship programs.

Which Ordination Pathway is Right for You?

FEATURE	YOUTH MINISTRY OFFICIANT	YOUTH MINISTER
Focus	Officiating ceremonies & ministry events	Leading youth ministry & discipleship
Best For	Volunteer Christian leaders called into youth ministry	Those who want to become full-time, part-time
Skills Developed	Basic Youth Ministry training, plus other key officiating training	Preaching, youth discipleship, leadership, ministry development
Includes Ministerial Training?	Yes, but focused on basics and officiating	Yes, includes theological, leadership, and practical ministry training
Ordination Credential	Ordained Youth Ministry Officiant	Ordained Youth Minister
Course Modules	5 + courses	10+ Courses

YOUTH MINISTER

Called to Youth Ministry: Christa and Russell Smith’s Journey of Faith and Leadership

Christa J. Smith of Mustang, Oklahoma, shares a powerful sense of calling alongside her husband, Russell Smith. Together, they are pursuing the Deacon Minister Ordination through the Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance. Their shared mission is clear: they are called to youth ministry.

“We both feel called to youth ministry,” Christa shares. “This program has been a huge blessing as we prepare to step into leadership roles that will impact the next generation.”

That’s when he found Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance.

“As soon as I read their mission, I knew this was the right place.”

Christa and Russell are raising four children, with their three youngest sons—ages 16, 16, and 17—still living at home. Their family life and ministry vision are deeply connected, rooted in a desire to serve and guide youth toward Christ.

Already active in their local church, Christa and Russell both serve as youth sponsors and regularly help lead the teen group on Wednesdays. “We currently work alongside another leader who serves as the youth pastor,” Christa explains. “Our hope is to grow into that role ourselves one day.”

Christa is currently enrolled in the Deacon Minister Ordination class at Christian Leaders Institute. “I am taking this class to further my education in God’s Word. I want to grow spiritually, gain ministry credibility, and learn to pray more confidently and comfortably.”

The free online ministry training offered by Christian Leaders Institute has made a significant impact on her life. “This training has not only expanded my Bible knowledge,” Christa says, “but also equipped me to be a stronger leader in many different situations.”

As they continue their studies and ministry work, Christa and Russell remain grounded in prayer and driven by purpose. “Please pray that my husband and I will continue to grow and further our knowledge,” Christa asks, “so that we can fully live out our calling to be youth pastors in our church.”

Start Your Ordination Journey Today!

If you feel called to youth ministry, take the next step toward ordination through the Christian Leaders Alliance. Whether you want to officiate youth ceremonies or lead a youth ministry, a pathway is designed for you.

Gain biblical knowledge

Develop youth ministry skills

Be recognized as a trusted leader

Step into your calling with confidence

Additional Sources:

Officiant Ordination Roles

Minister Ordination Roles

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Author: Henry Reyenga

Henry Reyenga is president of Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance.