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 as a Deacon Minister

Ordained as a Deacon Minister

Story of My Salvation and Calling to Ministry My name is Donald Bland. I live in the United States in the beautiful Northwest in a small town in Oregon. I am 74 years old, a husband of 48 years, a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a Vietnam…
Study for ministry ordination

Study for Ministry Ordination

When God Calls Me, I Will Answer My name is Paul Kiundu Ngugi. I am a born-again Christian. I fellowship with Full Gospel of Kenya Muguga and am one of the leaders in the fellowship. Furthermore, I work with Word of Life Kabete Kenya as an…
Journey to chaplaincy

Journey to Chaplaincy

My name is Ed Johnston, and I live in the Adirondacks of New York State, USA. I worked in the Human Services field for 27 years. Throughout my career, I have supported people with developmental disabilities, senior citizens, and the terminally…
minister ordination profile

Minister Ordination Profile

Hello, my name is Stephanie Demers. I live in Wisconsin with my wonderful husband and two children. I am making this minister ordination profile since I have completed my deacon minister ordination course at the Christian Leaders Institute.…
becoming on ordained minister

Becoming an Ordained Minister

How Becoming an Ordained Minister Brings Glory to God Hi! My name is Ed Meshechek. I am 70 years old. Wow! Why would someone 70 years old want to go to college and work on his ministry degree? That's a great question.  I have a simple answer…
ministerial credentialing

Ministerial Credentialing

"I just want to be useful, Lord," was the prayer I prayed when I returned to the Lord and rededicated my life in service to Him. The Lord called me after I engaged in prodigal living for many years, criminal activity, drunkenness, drugs, and…
minister training and credentialing

Minister Training and Credentialing

I loved my grandma and grandpa very much when I was a little boy. I also went to church with them every Sunday. One service, I remember sitting in church and looking up at my granny. Then, suddenly, she started talking in a language I had never…
Women's Ministry Calling

Women's Ministry Calling

A New Perspective My name is Donna Peterson, and I live in Show Low, Arizona, USA. I have lived here for less than two years as I am originally from Wichita, Kansas, where I have lived most of my life. With a Women's Ministry calling, I study…
Deacon Minister of Ordination

Deacon Minister of Ordination

Hi everyone, or should I say Aloha! I'm Marci Muraoka and I live in Hawaii. The Deacon Minister course for ordination at the Christian Leaders Institute is a blessing for me. Right now, because of COVID, I minister at home. My twins are eight,…
Ordained Minister Credentials

Ordained Minister Credentials

In Season and Out of Season (2 Timothy 4:2) When I converted to Christianity more than three decades ago, God instilled the zeal to serve Him in my heart. I derive immense joy and fulfillment from the divine mandates placed upon me. Called…