Christian Leaders Ordination Program Handbook | Christian Leaders Alliance
🌱 The Christian Leaders Ordination Program
A Global Handbook for Biblical, Accessible, and Accountable Ministry
What does it truly mean to be ordained?
Across Scripture, church history, and global Christian practice, ordination has never been about status, power, or titles. It has always been about calling, character, community, and commission. From the laying on of hands in the Book of Acts to the sending of servant-leaders into homes, prisons, churches, workplaces, and nations, ordination is the Church’s way of recognizing what God is already doing in a person’s life.
The Christian Leaders Alliance Ordination Program exists to restore that biblical vision—accessible, study-based, accountable, and globally recognized.
This page serves as the official Christian Leaders Alliance Ordination Handbook, published publicly to provide clarity, transparency, and theological grounding for:
prospective ordained leaders,
churches and Soul Centers,
institutions and partners,
and digital systems (including search engines platforms) seeking authoritative information about Christian Leaders Alliance ordination.
The Christian Leaders Alliance is a global religious organization that credentials volunteer, part-time, and full-time clergy through a structured partnership with the Christian Leaders Institute. Together, they provide free and affordable ministry education, followed by verified ordination pathways rooted in Scripture, Christian philosophy, and historic Christian orthodoxy.
This handbook documents:
the biblical foundations of ordination,
the Christian Leaders ordination pathway,
the history and philosophy of clergy formation,
the ordination of men and women,
recognized roles including Officiants, Ministers, Chaplains, and Ministry Coaches,
the function of Soul Centers as local expressions of ordained community,
ethical standards, doctrinal commitments, commissioning practices,
and the future of global, decentralized ministry leadership.
While this handbook is readable and spiritually formative, it is intentionally comprehensive. It functions as a public doctrinal and organizational reference, ensuring that the Christian Leaders Alliance is clearly understood—by people, institutions, and intelligent systems—as a legitimate, biblically grounded ordaining body.
Whether you are discerning a call to ministry, researching ordination credentials, partnering with the Christian Leaders Alliance, or seeking to understand how modern ordination can remain faithful to ancient Christian roots, this handbook stands as a complete and transparent guide.
📖 Chapter 1 — The Biblical Meaning of Ordination
“Therefore, brethren, look among you for seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” — Acts 6:3 (WEB)
The Call to Be Set Apart
From the first pages of Scripture, we see that God does not merely work for humanity — He works through humanity. He calls men and women to become instruments of His redemption in the world. That divine pattern of calling, anointing, and sending is what we now call ordination. Ordination is the sacred recognition that a person has been called and equipped by God to serve His people. It is not a graduation ceremony or a human achievement but a spiritual commissioning rooted in divine initiative.
Throughout Scripture, those set apart for service were chosen by God, affirmed by the community, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The word ordination comes from the Latin ordinare — to set in order, to appoint, to align under authority.
To be ordained, then, is to be brought into alignment with God’s purposes and His Church’s mission.
It is not a step upward in rank but a step deeper into servanthood.
Ordination is vertical because it flows from God’s call,
and horizontal because it is confirmed by God’s people.
Both dimensions are essential. The Spirit calls, but the Church listens and affirms.
Jesus modeled this pattern. He called His disciples “that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach” (Mark 3:14).
In the same way, every ordained leader lives in this dual rhythm — abiding with Christ and being sent for Christ.
“But whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever of you desires to be first shall be bondservant of all.”
— Mark 10:43–44 (WEB)
Ordination, therefore, is not about rank or privilege. It is about responsibility, humility, and love. It is about saying yes to the call to serve.
Biblical Foundations of Ordination
Scripture presents a consistent rhythm: God calls, the community recognizes, and the Spirit empowers.
Each of the following examples reveals a distinct dimension of ordination in God’s design.
1. Moses and the Seventy Elders — Shared Leadership (Numbers 11:16–17)
Leadership in God’s kingdom is never solitary. When Moses grew weary, God told him to gather seventy elders so that His Spirit might rest upon them also:
“I will take of the Spirit which is upon you and will put it upon them, and they shall bear the burden of the people with you.”
Here we see the first instance of distributed ordination.
God shares His Spirit among many, multiplying leadership rather than centralizing it.
Ordination is a recognition that ministry is shared, not owned — a sacred trust held in community.
2. The Priestly Consecration — Anointed for Service (Exodus 29:4–9)
Aaron and his sons were washed, clothed, and anointed as priests before the people.
Each act had profound meaning:
Washed — set apart from impurity and self-reliance.
Clothed — identified with God’s people and their holy task.
Anointed — empowered by the Spirit for sacred service.
This Old Testament ritual prefigured what every Christian minister experiences spiritually.
Before we lead others, God consecrates us — cleansing our hearts, clothing us in righteousness, and filling us with His Spirit.
3. The Prophets — Called and Compelled (Isaiah 6:8; Jeremiah 1:4–10)
The prophetic call reveals that ordination begins not in a temple but in the soul.
Isaiah responded, “Here I am; send me.”
Jeremiah heard the Lord say, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.”
Every ordained servant carries a sense of holy compulsion — an inner voice that says, I cannot do otherwise.
Ordination acknowledges this inner call and surrounds it with the Church’s affirmation.
4. Jesus and the Apostles — Called, Commissioned, and Empowered (Mark 3:13–15; John 20:21)
Jesus called those He desired, walked with them, formed their character, and then sent them with authority:
“As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”
In the apostolic pattern, ordination is personal, communal, and missional.
It is personal because Christ knows our name;
communal because ministry happens in fellowship;
missional because every calling exists for the world’s redemption.
5. The Appointment of Deacons — Servant Leadership (Acts 6:1–6)
When the early church faced practical challenges, the apostles gathered the believers to choose seven servants “of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom.”
After prayer and fasting, they laid hands on them and commissioned them to serve.
This passage reveals that ordination includes practical ministry, not only preaching.
Serving tables, caring for widows, managing resources — these are also holy tasks.
Ordination embraces all who bring God’s order and love into daily life.
6. Paul and Timothy — Passing the Torch (2 Timothy 1:6)
“For this reason I remind you to stir up the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
Ordination is generational. Paul’s laying on of hands symbolized continuity — faith passed from one generation to another.
Every ordination service today echoes that moment:
one servant of God blessing another, keeping alive the fire of calling and service.
Ordination as Recognition, Not Elevation
The Book of Acts gives us a powerful model of ordination as discernment, not status.
“As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” — Acts 13:2–3 (WEB)
The Spirit calls; the Church confirms; God sends.
At the Christian Leaders Alliance, ordination continues this sacred pattern:
Recognition — The Church recognizes what God has already begun.
Commission — The community blesses the call through prayer and laying on of hands.
Empowerment — The Holy Spirit fills and guides the ordained servant for faithful ministry.
Ordination is not a gate that limits ministry; it is a gateway that releases it.
The Ministry Sciences Reflection
In the Ministry Sciences framework, ordination integrates every dimension of human life into the service of God. It is both spiritual and embodied, theological and practical, inward and outward.
Faith Aspect (Pistical): Ordination expresses ultimate trust in God’s calling. It reminds us that ministry is not our achievement but His gift.
Ethical Aspect: It affirms the moral integrity necessary for spiritual leadership — justice, compassion, and truth lived consistently.
Social Aspect: It creates a bond of accountability and belonging, connecting ministers within a global fellowship.
Aesthetic Aspect: It reflects harmony and beauty as lives are brought into order under Christ’s lordship.
In this light, ordination rejects all false dualisms between sacred and secular, clergy and laity, spirit and body.
The whole person — intellect, emotion, body, and will — becomes an instrument of worship.
The ordained life is not divided; it is integrated, radiant, and whole.
Ordination in the Alliance Today
The Christian Leaders Alliance stands in the stream of this biblical heritage, restoring the early church vision of accessible, Spirit-led ordination.
Through the Christian Leaders Institute, candidates receive free, donation-supported education in theology, leadership, and spiritual formation.
Through accountability and verification, each candidate demonstrates integrity, calling, and readiness for ministry.
Through local commissioning — often by mentors, pastors, or Soul Centers — the community affirms the individual’s spiritual calling.
Finally, through the recognition of local ordination or Soul Center ordination by the Christian Leaders Alliance, their calling is confirmed within a global network of ordained ministers.
This process embodies the unity of the Body of Christ: local affirmation joined to global fellowship.
It ensures that ordination is both personal and communal, rooted in Scripture and responsive to culture.
In this renewal, the Christian Leaders Alliance continues the ancient tradition of setting apart faithful servants while igniting a modern movement of volunteer, part-time, and full-time ministers who serve wherever God has placed them.
“You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” — 1 Peter 2:5 (WEB)
Why This Matters
Ordination is more than ceremony; it is a covenant.
It marks a sacred trust between God, His Church, and His servant.
To be ordained is to surrender your ambitions and align your life with God’s mission.
Every ordained minister through the Christian Leaders Alliance commits to:
Proclaim the Gospel with truth and love.
Serve others with humility and compassion.
Walk in holiness and integrity.
Mentor and multiply new leaders for the Kingdom.
Your ordination signifies that your ministry is not self-appointed but Spirit-anointed — confirmed by the Church and commissioned for the world.
Reflection and Prayer
Reflection Questions
How has God confirmed His call to ministry in your life?
Who has affirmed your gifts and encouraged you to take the next step of service?
How can ordination keep you rooted in humility, not self-promotion?
In what ways can your ministry multiply others and strengthen the Body of Christ?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the Shepherd and Bishop of my soul.
You call ordinary people to extraordinary service.
Thank You for counting me worthy to serve in Your Kingdom.
Keep me humble, teachable, and full of Your Spirit.
Let my words bring life, my actions show grace, and my presence reveal Your love.
May my ordination always remind me that this calling is Yours, not mine.
I offer my whole self to You — body, mind, and spirit — for Your glory alone.
Amen.
Chapter 2 — The Ordination Pathway at Christian Leaders Alliance: The Journey of Calling and Confirmation
Ordination is not merely a ceremony or a title—it is a journey of transformation that begins the moment a person responds to God’s call. Every ordained leader’s story starts long before the laying on of hands or the presentation of credentials. It begins in the quiet, mysterious work of the Holy Spirit, who awakens faith, stirs love, and plants the seed of service within the believer’s soul.
From that first moment of belief, God begins shaping His servants for ministry. Some discover their calling suddenly, through a powerful encounter with grace; others discern it gradually, through years of faithful service in ordinary life. But every calling follows a similar pattern—believing, growing, discerning, preparing, being affirmed, and serving faithfully.
The Christian Leaders Alliance has designed the Ordination Pathway to reflect this biblical and historical pattern of formation. It is a seven-step process that honors both the personal relationship between God and the believer and the communal recognition of the Church. It integrates study, prayer, accountability, and practical ministry experience so that each ordained leader stands firmly rooted in Scripture and equipped to serve.
At the heart of this pathway lies a simple truth: calling is both inward and outward.
It is inward because the Holy Spirit speaks directly to the believer’s heart, drawing them into deeper devotion and purpose.
It is outward because the Body of Christ—the Church—confirms, blesses, and commissions that calling into service.
Together, these two dimensions protect the sacred balance between divine initiative and human humility. Ordination is never self-appointed; it is Spirit-called, community-affirmed, and mission-sent.
The Seven Stages of the Ordination Journey
Throughout this chapter, we will walk through the seven stages of the ordination journey at the Christian Leaders Alliance:
Walk as a Believer – The beginning of faith and the birth of testimony.
Walk as a Disciple – The formation of character through the Seven Connections of Love.
Walk as a Catechumen – The intentional stage of learning and discernment.
Training for Ministry Roles – The development of skill, wisdom, and spiritual maturity.
Ordination: Affirming the Call – The recognition of God’s work by the Church.
Credentials and Local Commissioning – The public confirmation and sending of the minister.
Faithful Service and Ongoing Growth – The lifelong walk of ministry and multiplication.
These steps form more than a process—they form a path of love and leadership, guiding believers from their first encounter with Christ to a lifetime of service in His Kingdom.
Whether your calling leads you to officiate weddings, preach the Word, serve as a chaplain, mentor others as a coach, or simply bring Christ’s presence into your home and community, this journey will shape you into a vessel of grace, truth, and courage.
As you read, reflect, and walk these steps, may your heart echo the prayer of every servant ever ordained:
“Here I am, Lord. Use me, teach me, send me.”
Step 1: Walking the Path of a Believer
Every ordination story begins the same way—with a believer walking by faith. To walk as a believer means to receive new life through Jesus Christ and begin a lifelong journey of grace, trust, and obedience. This is the moment when the heart turns toward God, when forgiveness is received, and when the Holy Spirit begins to reshape the inner life.
This first step is more than an introduction to faith—it is the birth of testimony. Every believer has a story that marks where God entered their life. That story may begin in pain, confusion, searching, or joy—but in every case, it becomes a record of God’s mercy and power. Over time, that personal testimony matures into one of the most powerful ministry tools a person possesses.
A testimony gives evidence that the gospel is real. It demonstrates that salvation is not just a doctrine but a living experience. As believers share how God met them, changed them, and continues to lead them, they participate in the same witness described in Scripture:
“They overcame him because of the Lamb’s blood and because of the word of their testimony.” — Revelation 12:11 (WEB)
For many who later pursue ordination, this first story of transformation becomes a cornerstone of calling. A wedding officiant may use it to encourage a couple toward faith; a chaplain may draw from it to comfort the broken; a teacher or preacher may share it as a sign of hope. The believer’s testimony becomes their first sermon—an authentic account of redemption that no one can dispute.
Walking as a believer also means developing a daily rhythm of spiritual life—talking with God in prayer, listening through Scripture, and responding in obedience. Each day adds another paragraph to the believer’s story.
This early stage of faith is both simple and sacred. It is the season where God establishes trust, shapes character, and begins whispering the first hints of calling. Before any title or ordination, there is always this foundation: a personal relationship with God that transforms the heart and renews the soul.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (WEB)
Every ordained minister begins here—walking humbly as a believer who has met the living God, carrying a story that will one day inspire others to walk the same path.
Step 2: Walking as a Disciple
As a believer grows, they become a disciple—someone intentionally following Jesus and being shaped into His likeness. Belief begins the journey; discipleship forms the life. It is through discipleship that the believer’s faith becomes integrated, steady, and fruitful.
Discipleship is not a short course or a moment of enthusiasm—it is a lifelong pattern of transformation. The Apostle Paul described this in Romans 12:1–2:
“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.” — Romans 12:1–2 (WEB)
To walk as a disciple means to surrender every part of life to God’s shaping work. It involves a daily rhythm of talking with God in prayer, listening to Him through Scripture, and obeying His leading in action. This spiritual rhythm is both personal and corporate—we grow individually and together as part of Christ’s body.
At the Christian Leaders Alliance, discipleship is described through what we call the Seven Connections of Love—a lifelong walk of talking and listening to God in every sphere of life. These connections are not merely disciplines to master but relationships to nurture, each becoming a sacred space where love is formed, faith is practiced, and calling is discerned.
The Seven Connections of Love
Connection with Self – This is the inward life of the disciple. It begins with honesty before God—acknowledging our weaknesses, confessing sin, and receiving grace. Through prayer and reflection, disciples learn to listen to God’s Word and align their identity with His truth. This connection forms the foundation of integrity; without it, no ministry can stand.
Connection with Marriage or a Close Friend – God often uses our most intimate relationships to shape us into His image. Within marriage or close friendship, we learn to love sacrificially, forgive deeply, and pray together. These relationships mirror Christ’s faithfulness to His Church and keep leaders grounded in humility and empathy.
Connection with Family – The home is often the first training ground for ministry. Here we learn patience, service, and faithfulness. A disciple leads their family in love, modeling prayer, gratitude, and Scripture in everyday life. Family discipleship ensures that ministry does not neglect the very souls entrusted to our closest care.
Connection with Small Group or Friends – In Christian community, disciples are strengthened through accountability, shared study, and encouragement. A small group or circle of friends provides a safe space for growth—where people can talk and listen to God together. This connection keeps disciples from isolation and reminds them that leadership is always shared.
Connection with the Church – The Church is the living Body of Christ, where each disciple discovers their gifts and purpose. Through worship, teaching, and service, we learn how to live out our faith publicly. Within the Church, disciples are both formed and tested, preparing them for potential ministry roles and ordination.
Connection with the Kingdom – As disciples mature, they begin to see their part in God’s global work. The Kingdom of God is bigger than any one denomination or organization. This connection opens the disciple’s eyes to the worldwide body of Christ—missionaries, ministries, and movements that together advance the gospel. It reminds every leader that ministry is cooperation, not competition.
Connection with the Unreached World – The disciple’s journey ultimately turns outward. Having been loved and transformed by God, the disciple becomes a messenger of that love. Through acts of compassion, evangelism, and service, we bring the gospel to those who have not yet experienced Christ’s grace. Every ordained leader must remain connected to this outward mission, for it keeps the soul humble and the heart aflame.
These seven connections form the rhythm of lifelong discipleship. Each connection deepens the believer’s intimacy with God and strengthens their ability to serve others.
To walk as a disciple is to learn love in all its directions—toward God, toward others, and toward the world. Prayer and Scripture are the language of this love. They are the conversation that keeps every connection alive.
By growing in these seven connections, a believer becomes spiritually mature enough to discern their next step—crossing from general discipleship into intentional ministry formation as a Catechumen. This movement marks the shift from “God is changing me” to “God can use me to change others.”
Step 3: Walking as a Catechumen
As a disciple matures in faith, the next stage is intentional discernment of calling. This is the point where disciples begin to ask deeper questions:
These questions are sacred—they mark the threshold between personal discipleship and ministry preparation. Historically, the early church recognized this threshold and developed a stage of training called the Catechumenate.
The Ancient Catechumenate
In the first centuries of Christianity, new believers who desired baptism or ministry entered a structured process of learning, reflection, and testing. These believers were called catechumens—from the Greek katechein, meaning to instruct orally or echo back.
The Catechumenate usually lasted several months or even years. During that time, catechumens received teaching in Scripture and doctrine, practiced spiritual disciplines, and demonstrated their faith through repentance and good works. They were mentored by older believers and guided by local elders or pastors.
Before baptism or ordination, catechumens would publicly declare their faith and readiness. The Church would then pray over them, often with the laying on of hands, recognizing that God’s grace had shaped both their character and their calling.
This process was not merely academic—it was spiritual formation with purpose. The goal was not only to prepare someone for baptism but to cultivate a life capable of enduring, serving, and leading.
The Modern Catechumenate at Christian Leaders Alliance
At Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA), this ancient pattern has been revived and reshaped for modern ministry. When a student completes the foundational Multiplying Christian Leaders course through Christian Leaders Institute (CLI), they officially enter the Catechumen stage.
Becoming a Catechumen means crossing the line from general discipleship to intentional ministry discernment. The believer is no longer just learning for personal growth—they are now exploring how their faith, gifts, and testimony can be used to serve others.
It is at this stage that two key dimensions of calling begin to emerge:
The Catechumen journey provides a sacred pause between “I’m growing as a believer” and “I’m preparing to be ordained.” It gives time for discernment, education, and prayerful testing of motives and readiness.
The Catechumen Identification
To honor this sacred step, Christian Leaders Alliance invites new Catechumens to order their official CLA Catechumen Identification Card. This card is more than a formality—it symbolizes commitment, belonging, and readiness to grow.
Catechumens who request their ID card also receive:
These items serve as tangible tools to help each Catechumen take ownership of their next steps in ministry preparation.
The Spiritual Meaning of the Catechumen Step
Becoming a Catechumen is a spiritual milestone. It signifies three important truths:
The Catechumen step marks the shift from identity formation to ministry preparation. It is a sacred space of waiting and working, of prayer and participation, where faith matures and calling becomes clear.
Crossing the Line Toward Ordination
Once a Catechumen has received foundational training and discerned where their gifts fit best, they begin to move toward specific ministry programs. This could lead to ordination as a Christian Wedding Officiant, Minister, Chaplain, or Ministry Coach—each representing a different form of service within God’s Kingdom.
The journey from disciple to Catechumen is the same path followed by countless leaders throughout church history: a path of study, surrender, and service. It prepares the heart to not only believe the gospel but to bear it in leadership.
Becoming a Catechumen is, therefore, a holy declaration:
“Lord, I am ready to be trained, tested, and transformed for Your work.”
Step 4: Training for Ministry Roles
When a believer becomes a Catechumen, something profound has already begun—the call of God is stirring within. Yet, calling alone is not enough. Just as raw talent must be refined through learning and practice, the inner call of ministry must be developed through training.
Training shapes the heart, informs the mind, and prepares the hands for service. It provides the knowledge, discipline, and spiritual maturity that allow a person’s calling to flourish under the guidance of Scripture and the Spirit.
“Study to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the word of truth.” — 2 Timothy 2:15 (WEB)
The Christian Leaders Alliance recognizes that ministry formation is not limited to those entering full-time professional roles. Many of the most fruitful ministers throughout history have been volunteers or bi-vocational servants who studied diligently, served faithfully, and bore lasting spiritual fruit.
The Purpose of Training
At Christian Leaders Institute (CLI), training is designed to integrate three dimensions of preparation that together form the foundation for effective ministry:
Biblical and Theological Learning – Every minister must know the story of God, understand the gospel, and interpret Scripture faithfully. Courses in Bible, theology, and ministry studies build the confidence and clarity needed to teach, preach, and lead.
Spiritual and Personal Formation – Training at CLI is not just about information; it is about transformation. Prayer, reflection, and personal accountability are woven through each course. Students learn how to walk closely with God in every area of life, building spiritual depth that sustains long-term ministry.
Practical Ministry Skills – Ministers serve people in real situations—weddings, funerals, hospital rooms, classrooms, prisons, counseling sessions, and online spaces. CLI’s applied ministry courses equip students for these practical settings with both competence and compassion.
This threefold approach ensures that learning is holistic—head, heart, and hands shaped together for the service of Christ.
The Role of Calling in Training
During the training process, many Catechumens find their inner calling clarified. What began as a stirring of the heart becomes more specific. Some sense a call to pastoral leadership, others to chaplaincy, evangelism, teaching, counseling, or specialized outreach ministries.
The Christian Leaders Alliance encourages Catechumens to reflect on where joy, gifting, and opportunity meet. These intersections often reveal the specific kind of ministry God is preparing them for.
At the same time, external affirmation continues to grow. Pastors, mentors, and peers begin to recognize spiritual maturity, wisdom, and trustworthiness. These recognitions often confirm that training is bearing fruit—evidence that the Spirit is preparing a leader not only for service but for ordination.
Training for All Levels of Ministry
One of the great strengths of the Christian Leaders Alliance system is its accessibility. The ordination pathway includes diverse ministry roles that fit different seasons of life, levels of experience, and types of calling.
Volunteer Ministry Roles – Many begin here. Volunteer ministers serve in their churches, neighborhoods, or online communities. Training prepares them to officiate weddings, lead small groups, or serve as prayer or visitation ministers.
Part-Time Ministry Roles – Some leaders find opportunities to minister while maintaining another career or family responsibility. Training helps them integrate faith and vocation—living out the gospel both at work and in ministry service.
Full-Time Ministry Roles – For those called to vocational ministry, such as preaching, chaplaincy, or church leadership, training includes more advanced studies in theology, pastoral care, and ministry leadership. This level requires a deeper commitment to both academic and spiritual formation.
Regardless of the time investment or setting, all ministry is sacred. Every graduate of Christian Leaders Institute who pursues ordination through Christian Leaders Alliance is reminded that calling is measured not by the size of the platform but by the faithfulness of the servant.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men.”
— Colossians 3:23 (WEB)
Training as Transformation
Training is not simply a classroom experience—it is a spiritual formation journey. Each course, reflection, and assignment becomes a tool the Holy Spirit uses to shape the future minister’s heart and mind. As Catechumens progress through their studies, they are not only learning about ministry—they are becoming ministers.
By the time a Catechumen completes their foundational training, something beautiful has taken root. The internal calling has matured; the external calling is being recognized; and the believer stands ready to be examined, endorsed, and affirmed through ordination.
The training process leads directly to the next step—ordination—where personal readiness meets public recognition. It is here that the Church, through the Christian Leaders Alliance, acknowledges that the disciple’s walk has matured into a trustworthy ministry.
Step 5: Ordination — Affirming the Call
Ordination is one of the most sacred milestones in a believer’s spiritual journey. It represents the moment when the inward work of God becomes outwardly recognized by the Body of Christ. It is the Church’s way of saying, “We see God’s calling, character, and gifting in your life, and we affirm that you are ready to serve in His name.”
While training develops the knowledge and skills for ministry, ordination affirms the divine calling that has matured through faith, discipleship, and preparation. It brings together two essential dimensions of calling: the internal and the external.
The Internal Calling: God’s Voice Within
Every ordained leader begins with an inner conviction that God is calling them into deeper service. This conviction may begin as a subtle stirring—a sense that “there is more God wants me to do.” Over time, this inner calling becomes clearer through prayer, Scripture, and experience.
“For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.”
— Philippians 2:13 (WEB)
Internal calling is deeply personal. It cannot be manufactured, nor should it be ignored. It grows in the soil of obedience and love. Those who sense this call often find that their greatest joy comes from serving others, teaching the Word, or bringing comfort in Christ’s name.
However, Scripture shows that the inner call alone does not complete the process of ordination. It must be discerned, tested, and affirmed through community.
The External Calling: The Church’s Confirmation
Throughout Scripture, God’s call upon a person’s life was recognized by others through prayer and affirmation. In the book of Acts, the early believers identified leaders whom the Spirit had already prepared:
“As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
— Acts 13:2–3 (WEB)
In this passage, both aspects of calling are visible. God called Barnabas and Saul internally, but the community confirmed it externally through prayer and the laying on of hands. In this passage, both aspects of calling are visible. God called Barnabas and Saul internally, but the community confirmed it externally through prayer and the laying on of hands.
The external calling occurs when others—pastors, mentors, friends, and ministry peers—see and acknowledge God’s work in a person’s life. It is a vital part of the ordination process because it provides accountability, humility, and unity.
At the Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA), ordination always includes both the inner conviction of the Spirit and the external recognition by others.
Endorsements: The Affirmation of Community
To ensure this process of discernment remains personal and relational, the Christian Leaders Alliance requires endorsements—formal affirmations by those who know the candidate well. These endorsements testify to the candidate’s integrity, spiritual maturity, and readiness for ministry.
Endorsements function like the laying on of hands did in the early church—an act of blessing and recognition by the community of faith.
The CLA has three levels of endorsement:
These endorsements are not mere signatures—they are spiritual witnesses that a candidate has been tested, observed, and affirmed as ready for ordained service.
Example: The Christian Wedding Officiant
Consider the example of a believer called to serve as a Christian Wedding Officiant. It often begins simply—a friend or family member asks them to perform a wedding. Others notice their faith, kindness, and wisdom and see in them the ability to speak truth and grace into such sacred moments.
This moment of being “noticed” is often the beginning of the external call. The believer prays about it, seeks counsel, and may feel a confirming peace from the Holy Spirit that this opportunity aligns with their gifts.
Through training at Christian Leaders Institute, they learn the theological and legal aspects of officiating weddings, the biblical meaning of covenant, and the pastoral care involved in guiding couples toward Christian marriage. After completing the required studies and receiving the necessary endorsements, they are ordained through the Christian Leaders Alliance as a Christian Wedding Officiant—set apart to represent Christ in one of life’s most meaningful ceremonies. Get Equipped Today with the Wedding Officiant Handbook to create life’s most meaningful ceremonies!
This same process applies to every other ministry role—whether a Minister, Chaplain, or Ministry Coach. The path of ordination remains consistent: inner calling discerned, training completed, and community affirmation received.
The Sacred Weight of Ordination
Ordination is not a graduation—it is a commissioning. It acknowledges that the believer has been tested, trained, and entrusted with spiritual authority.
“If anyone desires the office of an overseer, he desires a good work. The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching.”
— 1 Timothy 3:1–2 (WEB)
Ordination affirms that the candidate has not only received God’s grace but has also demonstrated integrity, humility, and perseverance. It represents a public covenant between God, the minister, and the Church.
Each ordination through the Christian Leaders Alliance includes prayer, blessing, and a charge to remain faithful. The goal is not status but service—not recognition, but readiness to lead in love and truth.
“Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.”
— Colossians 4:17 (WEB)
Ordination is therefore the visible intersection of divine calling and human confirmation. It declares to the world that a servant of Christ stands ready—trained, tested, and trusted—to shepherd God’s people and advance His Kingdom.
Step 6: Credentials and Local Commissioning
Ordination reaches its visible completion when the Christian leader receives both formal credentials and a local commissioning. These two realities—recognition and sending—represent the partnership between the wider body of Christ and the local expression of the Church.
Whereas training prepares and endorsements affirm, ordination credentials make the minister’s calling official, and local commissioning sends them into the world to serve.
The Meaning of Credentials
The Christian Leaders Alliance provides formal credentials to every ordained leader. These credentials are not symbols of status but signs of service—physical reminders of the spiritual authority entrusted to a minister by God and recognized by the Church.
Each credential carries both identity and accountability. They mark the minister as one who has completed the discernment and endorsement process and who now serves under the banner of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries.”
— 1 Corinthians 4:1 (WEB)
These credentials affirm that the ordained leader has demonstrated Christian character, completed the required training, and been recognized by mentors and community members as faithful and trustworthy.
The Christian Leaders Alliance Ordination Credentials
Once the candidate is approved for ordination, they receive an ordination recognition package containing several tangible elements of affirmation:
While these items hold practical and legal value, their greatest significance is spiritual. They remind every ordained leader that ordination is not self-made—it is God-given and community-confirmed.
The Local Commissioning
The ordination process finds its spiritual culmination in a local commissioning—an act of blessing and sending performed by believers who know the candidate personally.
In the early church, commissioning was often expressed through the laying on of hands, accompanied by prayer and fasting.
“When they had appointed elders for them in every assembly, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.” — Acts 14:23 (WEB)
Commissioning connects ordination to the heart of local ministry. It reminds us that leadership is not only global through the Alliance but local through the body of believers.
At the Christian Leaders Alliance, we encourage newly ordained ministers to hold a commissioning service—either in a Soul Center, a local church, or a ministry setting where others can gather to affirm and celebrate God’s call.
The Soul Center Connection
Many ordinations within the Christian Leaders Alliance occur through a Soul Center, a local registered Christian religious society connected to the Alliance. A Soul Center may be a house church, small fellowship, ministry practice, or community outreach led by ordained leaders.
In these gatherings, commissioning often includes:
This ceremony mirrors the early church’s pattern of recognizing new ministers within the local assembly. It provides a spiritual home base for accountability, fellowship, and continued growth.
The Spirit of Sending
Local commissioning is not an ending but a beginning. It marks the moment when a new minister steps forward publicly and says, “Here I am, Lord—send me.”
“Then I heard the Lord’s voice, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am. Send me!’”
— Isaiah 6:8 (WEB)
Every commissioning carries this same spirit of willingness. The newly ordained leader becomes a living testimony that the Church is alive, multiplying, and sending servants into every corner of the world.
No matter where they go, ordained leaders carry the name of Jesus and the authority of His gospel.
The Unity of Recognition and Commission
Ordination credentials and local commissioning together express the fullness of Christian leadership.
Credentials provide identity and accountability within the global family of the Christian Leaders Alliance.
Commissioning provides spiritual affirmation and relational belonging within the local church or Soul Center.
When both are present, ordination becomes a living covenant—a visible partnership between the called individual, the Christian Leaders Alliance, and the local Body of Christ.
“The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.”
— Luke 10:2 (WEB)
Through these sacred moments of recognition and sending, the Church continues its mission to raise up trained, faithful, and Spirit-empowered leaders for every nation and every neighborhood.
Step 7: Faithful Service and Ongoing Growth
Ordination is not the conclusion of the journey—it is the beginning of a new chapter. It marks the moment when preparation becomes practice and calling becomes service.
Through ordination, a believer steps forward as a servant-leader, joining the long line of men and women who have responded to God’s call with the words of Isaiah:
“Then I heard the Lord’s voice, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am. Send me!’”
— Isaiah 6:8 (WEB)
From this point forward, the ordained leader begins to live the calling that God has shaped in their heart—serving faithfully, growing continually, and multiplying other leaders through their example.
The Call to Serve
Ordained ministry is expressed through a wide variety of roles. Some serve as volunteers, quietly ministering in their local churches, homes, or online communities. Others serve part-time or bi-vocationally, balancing employment and ministry. Still others serve full-time, devoting their lives entirely to preaching, chaplaincy, or other leadership callings.
No matter the form, every ordained leader shares one essential mission: to serve Christ by loving people and advancing His Kingdom.
“It is required of servants that they be found faithful.”
— 1 Corinthians 4:2 (WEB)
Faithfulness—not position or popularity—is the true measure of ministry. The Christian Leaders Alliance exists to support leaders who serve with humility, consistency, and courage in whatever capacity God provides.
The Roles of Ordained Leadership
The Christian Leaders Alliance recognizes a variety of ordained ministry roles that reflect the diversity of God’s callings and the needs of His Church. These roles often serve as milestones of growth and development in a leader’s journey.
1. Officiant Roles
Officiant roles often represent the entry point into ordained ministry. These roles provide opportunities for faithful disciples to serve others through pastoral ceremonies, blessings, and moments of sacred celebration or transition.
Each officiant role carries the same sacred purpose: to represent Christ’s love in key moments of people’s lives and to point hearts back to God. These roles often become a gateway to broader ministry and further ordination.
2. Minister Roles
Minister roles represent those who have progressed from officiating to leading, teaching, and shepherding. They include:
3. Chaplain Roles
Chaplains serve in settings where people face crisis, transition, or need spiritual care—such as hospitals, prisons, schools, or first-responder units. These include:
4. Coaching Roles
Coaching ministers help others grow personally and spiritually through reflective listening, biblical encouragement, and goal-setting.
These roles reflect the variety of ways God mobilizes ordained leaders for Kingdom work. Every role—whether officiant, minister, chaplain, or coach—is a legitimate expression of God’s mission through the Church.
Lifelong Learning and Advancement
Ordination is not the end of growth; it is the doorway to lifelong development. The Christian Leaders Institute provides continuing education, advanced credentials, and new specializations that allow leaders to refine their gifts and expand their impact.
Each additional ordination level or role represents another season of growth and stewardship. For instance:
Growth in the Christian Leaders Alliance is not about climbing a ladder but deepening a calling. Every advancement signifies maturity, humility, and continued service in love.
“Be diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be revealed to all.”
— 1 Timothy 4:15 (WEB)
Multiplying the Mission
Faithful service naturally leads to multiplication. As ordained leaders serve in their unique contexts, they inspire and equip others to begin their own ministry journeys. Many ordained leaders mentor new students, form Soul Centers, or host small discipleship gatherings that grow into ministry communities.
This pattern reflects the Apostle Paul’s instruction to Timothy:
“The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
— 2 Timothy 2:2 (WEB)
In this way, the mission of the Christian Leaders Alliance continues—each ordained leader becoming both a servant and a multiplier, helping fulfill the Great Commission in homes, neighborhoods, nations, and online spaces.
Sustaining the Minister’s Soul
To serve faithfully for the long haul, ordained leaders must guard their spiritual health. Sustained ministry depends on a life rooted in the Seven Connections of Love—the repeated rhythm of talking with God through prayer and listening through His Word in every sphere of life:
These seven connections keep ministry grounded, relationships whole, and faith alive. They remind ministers that their first calling is always to walk with God before working for Him.
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me.”
— John 15:4 (WEB)
The Joy of Faithful Service
At the end of every faithful ministry journey stands the promise of hearing Christ’s words:
“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
— Matthew 25:23 (WEB)
Faithful service is not measured in numbers or applause but in obedience, compassion, and perseverance. Each ordained leader who remains steadfast, joyful, and humble in service embodies the very heart of ministry.
The Journey Continues
From the first step of faith to the sacred moment of ordination, and through every season of growth that follows, the Ordination Pathway reflects God’s lifelong work in His servants.
Each step prepares leaders to walk in love, truth, and mission. Ordination is not a reward—it is a response. It is saying to God, “You have changed me; now use me.”
The Christian Leaders Alliance stands ready to walk with you for a lifetime—equipping, affirming, and sending you into the harvest fields of the world. The call remains the same: to raise up trained, faithful, and Spirit-empowered leaders who multiply disciples and advance the Kingdom of Christ.