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

Free ministry education opportunity

Free Ministry Education Opportunity

Free Ministry Education Opportunity My name is Amber Carmichael, and I am grateful for this free ministry education opportunity at CLI. My family and I live in Franklin County in Virginia. I am a wife and a mother of two girls. I am also a…
Ministry Calling

Minister Calling and Deacon Ordination

Minister Calling and Deacon Ordination My name is Erik Pruitt and I have a minister calling. My wife is named Hope. I thank God for her daily. We have four sons and one daughter. I was born in 1980, in Troy, AL. I was from a broken home due…
Minister Ordination Goal

Minister Ordination Goal: The Road to Service

Minister Ordination Goal My name is John Bailey, and I have a minister ordination goal for service. I currently live in Luling, which is in South Central Texas in the United States. My wife and I have been married for 39 years and have four…
Ordained Gospel Minister

God Is Faithful To His Word

Ordained Gospel Minister My name is Liz Ketcher Catlin. I am called to be an ordained Gospel Minister. I am 56 years old, a wife of 37 years, and mother to two children. My son is 35 and a father to four (one of which is a miracle baby), and…
Minister Ordination Calling

Minister Ordination Calling

Minister Ordination Calling My name is Candace McRae, and I have a minister ordination calling on my life. I live in Atlanta, Georgia. Kermit McRae is my husband and together we have 7 children, 3 grandchildren (one in Heaven with Jesus) and…
Ordination Credibility

Seeking Ordination Credibility

Seeking Ordination Credibility My name is Ben Vaughn. I live in Greer, SC. My church family asked me to serve as associate pastor to our pastor, Fred Brown. I am not licensed or ordained through the Baptist association in which Echo Hills Baptist…
Minister Ordination free training

Minister Ordination Free Training

Minister Ordination Free Training My name is Stephanie Gibson, and I am receiving minister ordination free training at CLI. I live in Lawton, Oklahoma. In my heart and soul, I believe that God has called me to be a light to the lost. I am…
Prison Ministry

Prison Ministry Ordination Call

Prison Ministry Ordination Call My name is Troy Don Sharp of Papillion, Nebraska. My education is an opportunity to become trained in as many classes and qualifications as possible. Currently, I work a full-time job (not in ministry), and I…
Military Ministry

Military Ministry Ordination

Military Ministry Ordination My name is Melissa and I am called to military ministry. I live in Albany, NY with my husband, son, dog and two cats. My work is as an administrative assistant, and I enjoy researching my family tree. At church,…
Servant Minister Ordination

Servant Minister Ordination

Servant Minister Ordination My name is Aalden Guilmette. I am receiving my servant minister ordination with Christian Leaders Alliance. Ortonville, Michigan in the United States of America is where I live. I'm forty years old and work full…