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

Ordained Minister Training

Ordained Minister Training Dream

Ordained Minister Training My name is Paschal Nwachukwu Chidi, and I am excited about CLI's free ordained minister training. I was born at Aba Abia state but now live at Orlu Imo state, all in Nigeria in West Africa. I was born and brought…
Youth Minister Call

Youth Minister Call Journey

Youth Minister Call Journey My name is Chastity Parks, and I have a youth minister call on my life. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is where I live. I am a single parent with one child, and I attend Freedom Fellowship Church in Mustang, Oklahoma. I…
Servant Minister

Servant Minister Journey

Servant Minister Calling My name is Wade Winger, and I am called to be a servant minister. The state of Minnesota in the USA is where I call home. I learned of Christian Leaders Institute after beginning work on a degree in Business Management.…
Formal Ordination

Formal Ordination Journey

Formal Ordination Generally, people call me Minister Judith, and here is my formal ordination journey. The UK is where I was born and raised. I am one of five children, the only girl. I am a mother and blessed grandparent. My career path has…
Ordination Calling Path

Ordination Calling Path

Ordination Calling Path My name is Mark W. Mathis, and I am on an ordination calling path from God. My wife, Debra, and I live in Lindale, Texas, in the United States of America. I am the middle child of three, raised in a Christian family…
Ordained Deacon Ambassador

Ordained Deacon Ambassador

Ordained Deacon Ambassador My name is Mitchel DeYoung, and I am an ordained deacon ambassador for Christ. Like many here at Christian Leaders Institute, I've traveled rough roads before I repented and followed Jesus Christ. I grew up in…
Ordained Ministry Goal

Ordained Ministry Goal

Read Karen's story about how God has brought her through trials to realize her calling and to set her ordained ministry goal and dream. Ordained Ministry Goal My name is Karen Seddon. I live in Moulton, Iowa in the United States of America.…
Ordination Pastorship Path

Ordination Pastorship Path

Ordination Pastorship Path Hi, my name's Bryan, and this is my ordination pastorship path. I'm 52 years old and live in Virginia with my wife and three children. For some time, I have been interested in getting ordained and running my own church…
Minister Ordination Opportunity

Minister Ordination Opportunity

I am Israel Kojo Aglanu, and I am grateful for this minister ordination opportunity. Originally, I am from Akatsi, Volta Region, Ghana. Currently, I reside in Nigeria. I am a teacher, preacher, and international evangelist. I am married to my…
Deacon Ordination

Deacon Ordination Journey

Deacon Ordination Journey My name is Christian Thompsen, and here is my deacon ordination story. I live in a small town in West Michigan called Holton. I was born and raised in Fremont, Michigan. For a short time, I also lived in Savannah,…