Become a Chaplain: A Clear Pathway to Ministry Through Christian Leaders Alliance

Have you ever felt a deep calling to bring comfort, spiritual guidance, and hope to those in need? Do you desire to serve as a presence of Christ in hospitals, prisons, schools, or communities during life’s most challenging moments? If so, now is the perfect time to become a chaplain through the study-based, accessible pathway offered by the Christian Leaders Alliance and Christian Leaders Institute.

A Study-Based Path to Chaplaincy

Unlike traditional seminary routes that can cost tens of thousands of dollars, Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) offers a free, donation-supported education model. This means you can begin your chaplain training without the burden of student loan debt. Whether you are exploring a volunteer role or aiming for a professional position, this flexible program helps you move forward with confidence.

Here is the step-by-step pathway to become a chaplain through the Christian Leaders Alliance:


1. Access Free Ministry Training

The journey begins with free online classes at Christian Leaders Institute. These classes cover key topics such as biblical studies, pastoral care, communication, and more. With no tuition fees, anyone—anywhere—can start their training today. All you need is a willing heart and an internet connection.

“CLI removed all the barriers for me. I didn’t have to worry about cost—I could just focus on growing in my calling.” — Morgan, CLI student


2. Earn Certificates and Diplomas

As you progress in your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to earn recognized credentials, including the Ministry Basics Certificate, Christian Chaplaincy Certificate, and more. These provide solid foundational training and demonstrate your commitment to ministry excellence.

These stackable credentials give structure and direction to your learning, and they can be completed at your own pace. Many students complete them while working full-time or raising a family.


3. Become a Ministry Chaplain through Ordination

After completing your core coursework, you can pursue ordination as a Ministry Chaplain through the Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA). CLA ordination is based on a combination of education, recommendations, and spiritual calling. It is recognized in many contexts and gives you credibility to serve in various chaplaincy roles, whether volunteer or professional.

As an ordained chaplain with CLA, you also join a global network of ministers who are actively serving Christ in their communities.


4. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Chaplaincy

For those seeking to go further, CLI’s Leadership Excellence School offers low-cost, accredited bachelor’s degrees in Chaplaincy, Christian Leadership, and other ministry fields. This degree can open doors to employment in institutional chaplaincy settings like hospitals, military service, or corrections.

You don’t have to choose between affordability and quality. With CLI’s flexible online learning and academic excellence, you can prepare for long-term impact—without long-term debt.


Why Now is the Time to Become a Chaplain

People are hungry for spiritual care in a hurting world. Whether it’s a grieving family in a hospital room, an inmate seeking forgiveness, or a high school student facing anxiety, chaplains bring the presence of Christ into spaces where healing and hope are desperately needed.

Morgan’s testimony echoes what many students discover:

“Becoming a chaplain through CLI gave me more than knowledge—it gave me purpose. I now serve with clarity, confidence, and compassion.”


Start Your Chaplain Journey Today

Are you ready to take the next step in your calling? Visit Christian Leaders Institute and begin your free training today. When you’re ready, the Christian Leaders Alliance will walk with you through the ordination process.

There’s a place for you in ministry. Become a chaplain and bring the light of Christ to those in need.


📌 Explore. Learn. Get Ordained. Make an Impact.

Start your journey now at Christian Leaders Institute
Learn more about ordination at Christian Leaders Alliance

Become a Chaplain – Texas Testimony

About ten years ago, I attended an orientation for hospice volunteers, where one of the speakers was a hospice chaplain. I had never met a hospice chaplain before or even heard about their role. Her story was Become a Chaplainincredibly inspiring, but at the time, I felt that I could never become one. My life was simply too full. I was a single mother of two sons, and other family members were relying on me while dealing with their own challenges.

My life took a major turn when I got married and moved from Maryland to Texas in response to God’s calling on both my husband’s and my life. Now, I am walking in obedience to God’s Word and moving forward with the ministry He has set before me.

I believe chaplaincy goes beyond the walls of traditional settings. God is calling me to reach out to those in need—even in places others might overlook—in order to help bring hope and salvation to His people.

Virginia Testimony
By Philip Walker

My name is Philip Walker. I am currently studying at the Christian Leaders Institute to become a chaplain. (Learn more about studying the Bible online – Click Here) The Deacon Minister ordination through Christian Leaders Alliance is an important step in my chaplaincy journey. (Learn more about ordination at Christian Leaders Alliance)

My Journey

Originally from Minnesota, I now reside in Virginia. I proudly served in the U.S. Navy and continue to serve Become a chaplainmy community as a Deputy Sheriff. As a young boy, I attended Sunday school regularly until I was about 12 or 13. While my family didn’t attend church services, I always believed in God and Jesus.

My journey of faith deepened in high school when a friend invited me to church. Before long, I was singing in the choir. Although I believed in God from a young age, my faith grew stronger over time.

I gave my life fully to Jesus as my Lord and Savior after meeting my wife. Her vibrant love for life and others was contagious. As we dated, I began attending church regularly with her—and the rest is history. We’ve been together for 15 years and have six wonderful children.

One of the most humbling and faith-shaping moments in our lives was losing our son ten years ago. He was born with severe heart defects and lived for only 34 minutes. It was a traumatic time—my wife had to undergo an emergency C-section without medication. Yet, our strong faith in Jesus pulled us through.

That difficult experience became a powerful testimony. Some members of our medical team came to Christ after witnessing our prayers and God’s healing in other areas of our son’s condition. Even in sorrow, God was at work.

Call to Become a Chaplain

While we’ve been foster parents, my strongest call to ministry lies within my profession. I have served in law enforcement for over 22 years, and I feel God calling me to chaplaincy—to minister to my co-workers and the incarcerated individuals I interact with daily.

I began ministry training at the Christian Leaders Institute to equip myself for this calling. The Deacon Minister ordination program has not only deepened my understanding but also provided me with credibility. Now I have verifiable, ministry-based training—not just a heart or desire to serve.

Recently, the administration at my agency asked if I would be interested in becoming a sworn chaplain. Our sheriff is currently petitioning for this chaplaincy role to be included in our department’s budget—a true answer to prayer.

Beyond my professional work, this training has helped me in my local church. Our pastor has been facing significant challenges that have affected both him and the congregation. With the training I’ve received, I’ve been able to step up and offer support where it’s needed.

I frequently assist others—both colleagues and inmates—with relationship guidance, forgiveness, and prayer. This ministry feels like a natural extension of who I am and the calling God has placed on my life.

Prayer Request

Please pray for continued support as I walk this ministry path and for more doors to open—both now and in the future. Thank you for reading my testimony and for your prayers!

Henry Reyenga
Author: Henry Reyenga

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