Called to Chaplaincy? Become a Licensed Ministry Chaplain with the Christian Leaders Alliance

Are you someone who feels drawn to walk alongside the hurting, the broken, the searching? Do you sense God’s call to bring hope, comfort, and spiritual care into hospitals, care homes, shelters, or community outreach settings?

If so, you may be called to serve as a licensed ministry chaplain.

What Is a Licensed Ministry Chaplain?

A licensed ministry chaplain is a Christian leader who has been trained and ordained to bring spiritual guidance, biblical care, and pastoral support to people in a variety of life situations. These chaplains are often the first line of support in times of crisis, transition, or grief. They may volunteer or serve part-time in hospitals, nursing homes, recovery programs, homeless ministries, church outreach, or as support to full-time career chaplains.

Thanks to the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) and the Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA), this calling can now be pursued through a free, study-based credentialing program—equipping you with recognized training, licensing, and clergy status.


📘 What You’ll Learn in the Ministry Chaplain Program

The Ministry Chaplain Ordination Program combines practical ministry skills with college-level theological training, preparing you to serve in sensitive and significant moments. You’ll learn to:

  • Officiate weddings, funerals, baptisms, and dedications

  • Offer spiritual and emotional support through pastoral care visits

  • Guide individuals in confession, forgiveness, and healing

  • Lead sacred ceremonies such as the Lord’s Supper and anointing

  • Be spiritually available during crises or pastoral emergencies

  • Work independently or support the work of career chaplains


✅ How to Become a Licensed Ministry Chaplain

This pathway involves a few key steps, all supported by CLI’s online correspondence model:

Step 1: Complete the Required Coursework

Finish the nine foundational ministry courses, which include topics like chaplaincy, ministry communication, officiant skills, doctrine, and spiritual leadership.

Step 2: Secure a Level Two Endorsement

Gather two personal recommendations from people who affirm your readiness, character, and calling to chaplaincy.

Step 3: Update Your CLI Profile

Tell your story—share your passion for ministry chaplaincy with the Christian Leaders community.

Step 4: Submit Your Testimony (Optional)

Your journey may inspire others to follow the same path. CLI offers the chance to publish your story as a model for others.

Step 5: Order Your Official Chaplain Credentials

Once you complete the program, you can request your official Ministry Chaplain License and Recognition Packagefrom the Christian Leaders Alliance.

Step 6: Attend a Commissioning Service (Optional)

Many graduates choose to celebrate their new role through a local commissioning event at their church or ministry.


🎓 What You Receive

After completing this program:

  • You’ll be ordained as a Ordained Ministry Chaplain

  • Your name will be listed in the Christian Leaders Alliance Clergy Directory

  • You’ll gain official clergy recognition that can be cited by churches, government agencies, and institutions

  • You’ll have credentials to officiate ceremonies and offer pastoral care wherever God leads you


💼 Ministry Roles You Can Step Into

As a licensed ministry chaplain, you’ll be prepared and authorized to serve in roles such as:

  • 💍 Wedding Officiant

  • ⚰️ Funeral and Memorial Leader

  • 💧 Baptism and Dedication Minister

  • 🍞 Leader of the Lord’s Supper

  • 🙏 Confession and Forgiveness Facilitator

  • 🛐 Anointing and Healing Ceremonies

  • 🏥 Visitation Chaplain in hospitals and care facilities

  • 🛡️ Prayer Warrior in spiritual warfare moments

  • 💬 Pastoral Counselor and Outreach Support

Hello, my name is Sarah Grace, though many know me as Dr. Grace.

I have been serving God and others for over 25 years—some of those years in informal roles, and many following formal licensing and ordination. Over time, I’ve come to recognize a deep calling to go beyond the four walls of the church and reach people in the world through a wide variety of efforts.

These efforts have included church and conference speaking, outreach and benevolent work, and sharing the Gospel Licensed Ministry Chaplainthrough diverse media platforms such as television, radio, online content, and print publications. I have also served as a biblical counselor and ministered in chaplain-style roles for many years—often standing in the gap between the church and individuals in need, whether they were new believers, disconnected from a local faith community, or simply lost and searching.

I discovered Christian Leaders Institute during a season when I was seeking to deepen my theological roots and sharpen my ministry skills. I am currently pursuing chaplaincy ordination as the next major step in this journey. I have loved what I’ve experienced so far and look forward to continuing to grow and serve as God leads me forward.

📚 Required Courses for the Ministry Chaplain License

To qualify for this ordination and license, you must complete the following courses with a GPA of 2.0 or higher:

unchecked Multiplying Christian Leaders (1 Module)

unchecked Wedding Officiant Skills (1 Module)

unchecked Christian Basics: Introduction to Christian Doctrine (3 Units)

unchecked Ministry Sciences and Communications (3 Units)

unchecked Introduction to Chaplaincy (3 Units)

unchecked Influence Smart (1 Unit)

unchecked Funeral Officiant Skills (2 Modules)

unchecked Romance Officiant Skills (2 Modules)

unchecked Licensed Chaplain Minister Recognition Class (0 Modules)


🌍 A Global, Accessible Path to Ministry

This licensed ministry chaplain program is available online, free to access, and supported by donations from generous vision partners. Whether you’re in the United States or on the mission field overseas, this program empowers you to fulfill your calling with confidence and credibility.


Ready to Begin?

You don’t need to wait for permission to serve—you just need the right preparation.

👉 Start your journey to become a licensed ministry chaplain today at Christian Leaders Institute.
👉 Learn more about official ordination through the Christian Leaders Alliance.

Let your heart for chaplaincy become a Spirit-empowered mission. Your calling is real—and now there’s a pathway to help you live it out.

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