Just like the Holy Unmercenaries of the early church, today’s volunteer clergy are modern “saints without silver.” They are reclaiming the joy of freely giving what they have freely received, and they are stepping into vital ministry roles around the world:
Volunteer clergy who perform weddings, baptisms, funerals, and other milestone ceremonies—often for families who cannot afford traditional clergy fees. They serve as spiritual guides at life’s most sacred moments.
Called to lead and serve within local churches, house fellowships, digital faith communities, and mission fields. Many are bi-vocational or part-time leaders who preach, teach, shepherd, and disciple—without expecting a salary.
Bringing spiritual care to the front lines—in hospitals, jails, public schools, addiction recovery centers, and disaster zones. These volunteer chaplains are trained in emotional, relational, and spiritual care, offering sacred presence where it’s most needed.
These ministers walk with others as they discern God’s purpose and navigate life’s challenges. Whether in areas of identity, relationships, spiritual growth, career direction, or romance, Ministry Coaches provide soul-deep encouragement and wisdom—rooted in biblical truth and Spirit-led insight.
This revival of volunteer clergy is not a regression—it is a return to the powerful DNA of the early church. It’s a grassroots movement of believers who refuse to let ministry be defined by money, position, or prestige.
Through study-based ordination, community accountability, and global connectivity, Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance are raising up leaders who don’t wait to be paid—they show up because they are called.
All made possible by donor-supported, study-based ordination—designed to be:
The following figures from early Christian history embody the spirit of volunteer clergy—faithful men and women who ministered without seeking profit, relying instead on the power of the Holy Spirit and the authority of Christ. Their lives demonstrate how selfless service, healing, and pastoral care were essential to the witness of the early church.
One of the four prophetic daughters of Philip the Evangelist mentioned in Acts 21:9, Hermione is remembered not only for her gift of prophecy but also for her ministry of healing. According to tradition, she traveled to Ephesus where she founded a Christian medical clinic, offering care to the sick in body and soul. Her work united prayer, medicine, and Gospel proclamation. She was ultimately martyred for her faith, becoming a powerful symbol of the integration of spiritual leadership, pastoral presence, and fearless witness—all without charge.
These twin brothers served as physicians and ministers in Syria and Asia Minor during the 3rd century. Renowned for their miraculous healings, they treated both physical and spiritual ailments while never accepting payment for their services. They became iconic examples of the “saints without silver,” demonstrating how professional skill and Gospel compassion can be offered freely in the name of Christ. Their story inspired generations of clergy and Christian caregivers to serve without seeking profit.
These two saints are often seen as early chaplains—known for their compassionate ministry to the imprisoned and suffering. Cyrus, a physician, and John, a soldier-turned-disciple, offered healing, comfort, and spiritual encouragement to persecuted Christians and those awaiting martyrdom. They were eventually arrested and executed for their faith. Their legacy affirms the role of chaplaincy in early Christian witness—especially in ministering to those facing death or persecution with dignity and hope in Christ.
A highly skilled physician and Christian minister in Nicomedia, Panteleimon combined his medical knowledge with spirit-empowered healing and evangelism. He boldly healed in the name of Jesus Christ, and like the other Unmercenaries, refused to accept compensation. His fearless proclamation of the Gospel and refusal to submit to pagan authorities led to his martyrdom under Emperor Diocletian. He is honored as a model of professional excellence, pastoral courage, and sacrificial service.
These early Christian leaders exemplify the volunteer clergy culture—serving from calling, not compensation. Like them, today’s clergy through Christian Leaders Alliance are reclaiming a sacred tradition: ministry that is freely received, freely given, and deeply rooted in Gospel love.
We are living in a moment of deep spiritual hunger and widespread leadership scarcity. Across neighborhoods, nations, and digital spaces, people are searching for truth, healing, guidance, and hope. Yet in many places, access to trained, trustworthy, and Spirit-filled clergy is shrinking, especially among communities that cannot afford professional pastors or religious staff.
As institutional models strain under financial and cultural pressures, the return of volunteer, part-time, and full-time clergy is no longer just a historical curiosity or idealistic vision—it is a Kingdom necessity.
At Christian Leaders Alliance, this ancient model is being reclaimed and multiplied. Every believer is invited to discover their kleros—the Greek word used in the New Testament meaning “lot, share, or divine inheritance.” Ministry is not reserved for the elite, the professional, or the seminary-credentialed. It is the birthright of every Spirit-filled Christian who is willing to say, “Here I am. Send me.”
Just like the Holy Unmercenaries of the early church, today’s volunteer clergy are stepping forward not with silver in their hands, but with the treasure of the Gospel in their hearts.
They are ordinary people with extraordinary calling.
They are accountants leading house churches, nurses offering prayer in hospital halls, teachers mentoring teens in public schools, and retirees starting Bible studies in prisons.
They are digital missionaries, chaplains in underserved areas, and officiants helping couples begin their life together in Christ.
This movement is growing—and it’s open to you.
The Church does not need more celebrity leaders. It needs more servants. More tentmakers. More faithful shepherds who will minister whether or not there’s applause or a paycheck. More saints without silver.
Through the Christian Leaders Institute’s free training and the Christian Leaders Alliance’s global ordination network, we can raise up hundreds of thousands of volunteer clergy—grounded in Scripture, led by the Spirit, and sent with joy.
This is more than a ministry program. It is a reformation of access and a recommissioning of the Church to fulfill its mission in this generation.
Ministry was never supposed to be a caste system. It was always meant to be the work of the called, not the credentialed elite.
If you’re ready to answer that call—to serve, heal, and proclaim Christ freely—you can begin today. Christian Leaders Alliance offers study-based, recognized ordination that equips you to freely give what you’ve freely received. Clergy is not a caste. It is a calling.
Through Christ, you too can become a modern-day “saint without silver.”
I am a walking miracle of God!
As I share my story of my walk with God, it has not been all roses. I was raised in a Christian home where summers were spent at a pool or Christian summer camps. My parents were always encouraging me in the faith. I attended a small college in NC. the summer between my Freshman and Sophomore year I worked 2 jobs to cover my college fees. I have a Monday through Friday 8-5 job and then Thursday through Sunday evening 6 to midnight, at a fast food “Tastee Freez”. In August that year I was training a 15 year old to change the french fry grease when he spilled on me. I had 50% of my body with 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns. I spent 6 weeks with intensive care at the hospital and the last scab fell off the following February.
The following summer, I had some surgeries but no counseling. This was a hard road for a 19 year old woman but God walked me through it and never left me. I returned to college and worked on my degree. I sheltered myself from the world but through music always worked in the church. Music was my joy and I loved sharing my gift in the church. As time passed I found my confidence and started enjoying people again.
God opens doors for us if we wait on Him. Years past and I me try husband, now of 42 years. He was not as strong in his faith. Once again time changed things and his faith grew. We had 3 sons and raising the boys in the church was interesting because we decided to be Baptist.He was from an Episcopal background and i was from a Methodist background. The Baptist church was growing in our community and we wanted our children to know the Lord. We joined and I became one of the choir directors, helped in VBS, and Sterling was the Treasurer. Our sons attended the preschool and then moved on to public school.
Our family moved to North Central Virginia because of my husband’s job. We established ourselves in the area, getting involved locally as well as in the church. During our membership in the small church,I started a children’s choir, adult bell choir, children’s bell choir, praise team and started leading the adult choir. The leadership of the church did not like a woman standing in front of the congregation during worship. They asked me to step down.
Once again I faced low self-esteem but my Father in heaven and my husband stood beside me. We stepped out in faith. After a year of searching we joined the local Lutheran Church. The Pastor I work with today, was truly called by God. He encourages each member to step up as God has called. I once again am serving our Lord, I informed the Pastor that I would attend and give my 10% but i would not get involved. He smiled and said “We accept you where you are, Tish”.
Pastor knew that God would change my heart. He did and I am not only sharing my love for Jesus in music. I am growing in my faith. Learning and teaching the word is important to me. The children I teach understand how to have a relationship with the Lord. They read the word, study and know the Bible, better than I did as a child. I use music, games, and videos to help with their retention.
A couple years a go I mentioned to my Pastor that I wanted to do some type of mission work. I have been building shoe boxes with Operation Christmas Child for years. I also participate at a processing center in Charlotte, NC. I decided to apply for a year round volunteer position with OCC. I am now the North Central Church Relations Committee chair. The Committee works through out the year preparing for the national collection week. Members write thank you notes, provide support to the churches preparing for the collection week. They also reach out to new organizations about participating in OCC. This is a great way to share in the love for Jesus at Christmas.
I love sharing my faith with others. God is good to me and continues to bless my life.
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