Discover the Meaning, Calling, and Impact of a Christian Minister

The word minister carries deep spiritual and biblical significance. To minister means to serve, to care, and to lead—not from a place of power, but from a posture of humility and purpose.

In the Bible, ministry is not limited to pastors or apostles. It is the calling of every believer to serve others in the name of Jesus. The early church embraced this truth from the beginning. One powerful example is found in Acts 6, where the apostles appointed seven Spirit-filled men to serve the growing Christian community:

“Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” – Acts 6:3–4 (WEB)

This moment shows the clear distinction between two types of ministry:

  • The ministry of the Word—preaching, teaching, and discipling

  • The ministry of service—caring for needs, bringing unity, and building up the church

Both are essential. Both are forms of being a minister.


Explore Minister Roles and Training

This category page gathers resources, articles, and opportunities related to the calling and training of Christian ministers. Whether you’re exploring:

…you’ll find practical and spiritual guidance here.


Minister Training with Christian Leaders

The Christian Leaders Institute provides free, online courses to train and equip Christian ministers. Whether you’re called to be a pulpit preacher, a community chaplain, or a wedding officiant, CLI gives you access to high-quality, biblically grounded training.

Graduates of CLI can be ordained through the Christian Leaders Alliance, stepping into recognized minister roles that serve the local and global Church. Many also start Soul Centers—local ministry hubs where the love of Christ is shared through word and action.


Start Your Ministry Journey Today

Explore the calling. Embrace the training. Step into your role as a Christian minister.

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10

Campground Minister Ordination

Campground Minister Ordination

Campground Minister Ordination Journey My name is Tony C. Sparks, and I am on a campground minister ordination journey. I am 63 years old. My childhood was reasonably typical. I grew up in a household that regularly attended church while I…
Journey to Deacon Ordination

Journey to Deacon Ordination

Journey to Deacon Ordination with the Christian Leaders Alliance Hi! I'm Sandy from Upstate South Carolina, and here is my journey to deacon ordination. I am happily married, have an adult son, and a Siamese cat. In 2011, I had a (benign) brain…
Pursuing Ordination

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Pursuing Ordination for Ministry My name is Matthew LaPlaca, and I am pursuing ordination through CLI and with CLA. My wife, our two children, and I live in Vernon, CT. I have been in public education as a teacher, mentor, supervisor, and administrator…
Needed Ordination Credentials

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Evangelist for Christ who Needed Ordination Credentials My name is Alice Birch, and I am receiving needed ordination credentials with the Christian Leaders Alliance. I was born in East St. Louis, Illinois. Currently, I live in Bonner Springs,…
Ordination Journey at CLI

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My Ordination Journey at CLI Hi, my name is Shine Morrison, and my ordination journey at CLI is just beginning. Currently, I live in Washington State. I have been serving at my home church for a long time as a worship leader, head-deaconess,…
Chaplain Ministry Education

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Free Chaplain Ministry Education at CLI and Ordination at CLA Hello, my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ! I am excited about the free chaplain ministry education I am receiving at CLI. My story began 40 years ago in the San Francisco Bay…
Called to Minister

Called to Minister by God

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Called to Minister My name is Jerry Pierce, and I am called to minister. I am 59 years old. I've been married to Tammy for 38 years. I have three children: Jeremy, Travis, and Brittany. Also, I have three grandchildren, Katlyn, Skylar, and…
Ministry Education

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Ministry Education at CLI and Ordination with CLA I am Susan Pogue. I live at Riverview Pointe, which is a nursing home in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, USA. My ministry education at Christian Leaders Institute and ordination with Christian Leaders…
Ordination and Study Opportunity

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Ordination and Study Opportunity My name is Josh Stroud, and I am grateful for the ordination and study opportunity at CLI. I am a Youth Pastor on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I chose the Christian Leaders Institute as an additional path to…
Minister Ordination Credibility Journey

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Minister Ordination Credibility Journey I am Roda Brecht, and the following is my minister ordination credibility journey. I reside in Bellevue, Washington. I am a mother to three kids and stepmom to two. So I have a family of five kids and…