Multiplying Ministers in Every Rank, Race, and Region

A Minister Credential Guidebook

Christian Leaders Alliance mobilizes and multiplies called Christians to proclaim the gospel and minister to others. We serve those who spread Christianity through reproducible and credentialed ministry roles. 

Tens of thousands are studying ministry! See Directory.

Thousands are credentialed! See Minister Directory

We provide tuition-free ministry courses and minister credentialing to Christians, church leaders, and others called into ministry. 

This grassroots program of training and credentialling is available to every race, rank, and region of the English-speaking world. 

This program fits many situations. Here are some of them:

  • You are a Christian, and you are looking for a ministry training and credentialing program. You desire to perform at a wedding. You want training and credentials to become a recognized wedding officiant. Maybe you see the great need for ministry and are saying “yes,” Lord. You are looking for a program where you can get started. 
  • You are a church leader looking for a training and credentialing program for elders, deacons, or staff ministers. The program must allow dual credentials. Many denominations have expensive and cumbersome training and credentialing programs that will not work for volunteer, part-time, or even full-time leaders.
  • You are developing or funding ministries in your community. You need a training and credentialing program to help you build volunteers or staff. 
  • You are developing a ministry practice in your community. You need a training and credentialing program that gives you credibility. Are you starting a coaching or chaplain practice in your community?
  • You are planting a church or house church. You need a training and credentialing program.

There are so many applications. Ministers are trained with over 160 courses and credentialed through fifteen roles and over 30 specializations. Each trained and credentialed minister can easily share this grassroots program with others with the calling to ministry.

Each credentialed minister is welcome to consider Soul Centers, Soul Centers are local religious societies where ministry is registered and shared.

Minister Mobilization Cycle

Think about this mobilization cycle: If each called, trained, and credentialed minister serves in their local sphere and mobilizes six or more Christians called, trained, and credentialed to minister in their local sphere who find six Christians to repeat that mobilization cycle, Christianity would spread even faster.

As you further your education, you are also advancing the Kingdom. Make disciples who make more disciples until the world hears the good news. 

Our program also suits Biblical churches that seek commonality and collaboration. As you read this document, you will learn about the word “ecuministry.” Ecuministry speaks to finding the common ways diverse Christians minister. It does not try to solve every disagreement.

This Minister Credential Guidebook details how the Christian Leaders Alliance uses the training of the Christian Leaders Institute to credential ministers for the local church and Kingdom. In addition, this handbook lays out a “Mobilization of Local Ministers” process.

Why are grassroots tuition-free and low-cost credentialing programs needed?

The early church modeled a grassroots program that depended on maturing ministers. The disciples of Jesus and apostles like Paul scattered to different places. In the book of Acts, we read how these Christian leaders reached and trained others who repeated this process.

As this process repeated, Christians multiplied. Ministers multiplied. These ministers matured and reached new Christians to become ministers. A Christian movement spread. 

Some of these ministers welcomed the responsibility of becoming super-spreaders of Christianity. These were the bishops talked about in 1 Timothy 3.

Early Grassroots Ministers

Consider early grassroots ministers. 

These early ministers tenaciously reached every race and rank. The stories of the first 100 years of the church reveal how God raised enslaved people, free, rich, poor, men and women, to be Christians and Christian leaders.

Celsus, a pagan writer in the early second century, complained that Christianity included “only foolish and low individuals, and persons devoid of perception, and slaves, and women, and children, of whom the teachers of the divine word wish to make converts.”

Today, the gospel still reaches every race and rank. Ministers multiply from every stratum. Every Christian is a possible candidate to become a minister. God calls and sends. God calls us to offer tuition-free training and credentialing. 

Christian Leaders Alliance employs the world wide web to support a grassroots approach that allows the courses to be shared tuition-free. 

Christian Leaders Alliance uses the tuition-free courses of Christian Leaders Institute to train prospective ministers. Each minister has a mentor and must walk through a local recommendation process. 

Christian Leaders Alliance credentials these leaders and posts their credentials in the Christian Leaders Alliance Minister Directory.

Thousands of ministers have completed programs at Christian Leaders Alliance in over 100 countries. Click here to see the Christian Leaders Alliance Minister Directory. These credentialed ministers can serve in churches or register their local ministry with Soul Centers. More on Soul Centers later. Click here to visit the Soul Centers website. 

Minister Recognition

Credentialing in the early church included a ceremony of laying on hands. This ceremony credentialed and empowered the new minister with the Holy Spirit’s sending. So we see in 2 Timothy 1:6 that Paul reminds Timothy about his ordination and commissioning as a minister.

“For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

Credentialing gave Timothy more confidence to minister. Timothy did not credential himself and “order online only credentials.” He was not like Simon the Sorcerer. “When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money.” (Acts 8:18)

Conclusion:

Christian Leaders Alliance offers a low-cost training and credentialing program, including as many as possible. Further, the program consists of Biblical and rigorous training with a credible credentialing process. 

Start Your Ministry Training and Credential Program. Click Here

Offering Supported Concept 

The Bible describes the offering practice as the funding model. Each person shares as able to share. Funding ministries come out of this offering method. This offering concept has worked for Christianity since the beginning. 

Offerings supplied the needs of the Christian associations, including missions, ministries, and churches, for 2000 years. Christian Leaders Alliance aligns with this approach as much as possible. The ministry training courses are tuition-free, and the program credential costs are low. 

We have seen the blessing of God. The Vision Partners of Christian Leaders have supplied the budget for free ministry training. This approach is an ongoing faith walk. As funds are donated, the program continues. 

We invite churches, individuals, and foundations to consider supporting or partnering with this offering-supported approach.

Become a Vision Partner. Click Here

Early Church Minister Credentialing Program

You may be wondering if you could be called to be a minister. Jesus Christ now lives in you, but you may have secretly disqualified yourself. You have whispered to yourself that you:

  • are not perfect enough
  • have a past that is too broken
  • cannot afford ministry training
  • are a woman
  • are damaged
  • are too poor
  • are too rich
  • are too old

Calling to ministry often defies all common sense conventions. 

If you have disqualified yourself up to this point or have resisted the calling to ministry but “know” you are called, keep reading.

The Christian Movement Launched

The Holy Spirit launched an unlikely “saving grace” movement with surprising characters. 

  • Tax collectors like Matthew and Zacchaeus 
  • Fishermen like Peter and John
  • Women like Mary of Magdala, Johanna, and Phoebe
  • Pharisees like Nicodemus and young zealot Saul, later named Paul. 

The mobilizing minister story of early Christianity starts moments before Jesus ascends to heaven with a promise. He promised his disciples and every disciple who has ever lived the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

This promise started the global Church and the movement of Christianity. 

 Called to Be a Witness

Do you identify with being called to be a witness? Acts gave us a “play by play” of the multiplying-ministers story. So After Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, the movement of Christianity started. 

Forty days after Jesus’ ascension, the Holy Spirit empowered more followers of Jesus on a feast day called Pentecost. These followers ministered in other languages. Peter preached and introduced a revolutionary concept for that day. 

Quoting from the prophet Joel, the prophets of this movement included daughters and sons, men and women, enslaved or free, old and young, poor and rich. All strata. 

As Jesus sent twelve ordinary men, the Holy Spirit calls and mobilizes ordinary people like you and me to be the prophets. See Acts 2:1-18.

Numbers of Christians Added

The Holy Spirit added many people in those first days of Christianity. 

The Apostles added more ministers. Barnabas signed on. Phony ministers showed themselves, like Ananias and his wife, Sapphira. They died in their deceit. Sincere and honest people are candidates for ministry. 

 As with every movement, including Christianity, needs arose. The Acts 6 conflict between widows prompted the expansion of ministry roles to include deacons. The Greek word “deacon” is the word “diakonos” The word deacon means minister or servant. 

A ministry program of fair food distribution to the widows began. This ministry program rejected racism and favoritism. Six deacons made up those ministers. They were: Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus. Three decades later, we know of the first-named woman minister (deacon), Phoebe (Romans 16:1). 

Appointing Deacons – A Watershed Moment

Interestingly, appointing the deacons was a watershed moment for mobilizing and multiplying ministers. One of those appointees, Stephen, was the first martyred minister (Acts 7).

Robert M. Johnson, in a published article titled “Leadership in the Early Church During Its First Hundred Years,” pointed out,

There was only one appointive ministry. The book of Acts records no other. Since there was only one, we could call the officer either diakonos (suggested by “diakonein” in Acts 6:2), a word describing function, or (presbuteros), a word describing dignity (maturity when the appointive ministry was first begun when it was only one without any ranks in it.” (Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, 17/2 (Autumn 2006): 2–17)

In other words, All appointed leaders are ministers. New ministers (diakonos) serve, grow and learn. They become elder or maturing (presbyteros) ministers. Some mature ministers become bishop (episcopos) ministers who are ministry super-spreaders. 

Multiplying Leaders Pattern

This pattern was the reproducible multiplying minister pattern that continued after the Disciples and Apostles.

As the Church expanded, the minister’s office became more distinctively separated into minister (diakonos) and bishop (episcopos). Ministers would continue their discipleship or training, and they would become more and more advanced in their leadership. They would become senior ministers in their local areas. Some of these would sense the calling to organize more ministries or churches. These leaders would become bishops (episcopos). 

In other words, ministers (diakonos) were the typical newer ministers, the elders/ministers (presbyteros) were the established ministers, and the bishops (episcopos) were the Christian movement spreaders.

Eventually, the Catholic church hierarchy, influenced by the Roman style of governing, formalized and centralized ordination. Christian Leaders Alliance uses the pre-catholic hierarchy approach, which still benefits significantly from how God used the Catholic church and other ancient churches to pass down Christianity. 

Now that you know how the early Church reproduced new ministers, the focus is on your calling. Is God stirring your heart toward a ministry role future? 

Christian Leaders Programs

Maybe you wonder about Christian Leaders Alliance?

Christian Leaders Alliance is a program of a Christian religious non-profit called “Christian Leaders Ministries” out of Largo, Florida, USA. This ministry multiplies difference-makers everywhere and offers programs that educate, mobilize, credential, connect, launch, and reproduce Christian leaders worldwide.

The seeds of Christian Leaders go back to 1993 when Amway co-founder Rich DeVos agreed to mentor Henry Reyenga and Steve Elzinga in the reproducible leadership principles Rich had discovered co-founding Amway with Jay Van Andel.

This mentorship centered on how to help Christian leaders reproduce themselves while also ministering in their spheres of influence. This mentorship asked questions centered on the ministry science of reproducing leaders who reproduce leaders. By 2001, a formal organization prompted by the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center was born.

Christian Leaders Founded

Christian Leaders was founded on September 20, 2001, by Henry Reyenga, Ron Parr, and Rich DeVos and finally registered as a religious non-profit in 2005. Many leaders were instrumental as Christian Leaders launched: Pamela Reyenga, Steve Elzinga, Marty Ozinga III, Ed Van Drunen, Brian DeCook, David Feddes, and Jerry Lorenz.

Christian Leaders began exploring ways to raise reproducing grassroots Christian leaders who would reach more leaders who would reach more leaders. The strategy was developed to create training and credentialing programs around Christian and ministry topics.

“Christian Leaders” was the original name, which we use today to describe our essence.

What are the programs offered by Christian Leaders?

Christian Leaders employs three main programs: Christian Leaders Institute, Christian Leaders College, and Christian Leaders Alliance.

Christian Leaders Institute Christian Development School  – Started in 2006, the Christian Leaders Institute offers tuition-free ministry training. Much of this training is college-level courses. Christian Leaders Institute will serve you well if you are a Christian or minister and need tuition-free courses or low-cost Ministry Awards, Certificates, and diplomas.

Christian Leaders Institute Leadership Excellence School  – If you need to have a degree to transfer to a Master’s degree program, check out our Leadership Excellent School for a low-cost degree that has many transfer options.

Christian Leaders noticed the need for accredited college degrees for people who need those credentials. In 2019, Leadership Excellence School was born. This School is seeking accreditation with ABHE as a United States Department of Education-recognized credentialing body. Many accredited institutions accept our programs already (See current partners).

Christian Leaders Alliance Program – If you are called to study the ministry courses that precisely fit your calling and credential needs, Christian Leaders Alliance has a program that starts you out with Diakonos-level training and credentials. If you are called to progress with more advanced training, more advanced training, and credentialing categories are available. The advanced categories are Presbuteros and Episcopos level training and credentialing (more on these levels later).

The Minister Credentials are overseen through the Christian Leaders Alliance, which has a Global Ministers Commission, an international commission of licensed and ordained ministers.

What is the difference between a licensed and an ordained minister? 

In the Christian Leaders Alliance and many other denominations, there are two distinct paths for individuals seeking to carry out religious duties: the path of a “licensed minister” and the path of an “ordained minister.” Here’s a clearer explanation of each path within the Christian Leaders Alliance:

Licensed Minister:

A licensed minister has obtained a license to perform specific ministerial duties. The requirements for obtaining this license are less stringent and time-consuming than becoming a fully ordained minister. At the Christian Leaders Alliance, the process involves completing basic ministry training through the Christian Leaders Institute, receiving one or two recommendations, and being listed in the Christian Leaders Alliance Clergy Directory.

For some individuals, becoming a licensed minister is the extent of their calling, and they may serve in this capacity without pursuing further ordination. However, for many others, the role of a licensed minister is considered a stepping stone toward full ordination. It allows individuals to gain practical experience and demonstrate their commitment to the ministry before embarking on the more comprehensive ordination process.

Ordained Minister:

On the other hand, an ordained minister has undergone more rigorous theological education and training. This process includes obtaining at least three endorsements that carefully evaluate one’s spiritual calling and suitability for ministry.

Once ordained, ministers are recognized as more qualified to lead in various ministry roles within their local context. They are considered formal representatives of the Christian Leaders Alliance and carry broader authority and recognition within their religious organization.

In summary, both licensed ministers and ordained ministers are on the path of obtaining ministerial credentials. However, ordained ministers have completed a more comprehensive and demanding process, granting them greater authority and recognition within the Christian Leaders Alliance. On the other hand, Licensed ministers may have more limited responsibilities and are often seen as individuals in training or preparing for potential ordination in the future.

What is the Global Ministers Commission of the Christian Leaders Alliance? 

This Commission is the spiritual covering for the certification, licensing, and ordination process and program at Christian Leaders Alliance. We understand that many credentialed through the Christian Leaders Alliance also have local or denominational oversight for local ministry.

Global Ministers Commission provides credentialed ministers with a connecting point to encourage, inspire, and support current and future Christian Leaders Alliance minister members in their daily walk with Jesus Christ from a ministering credentialing point of view.

This Commission is led by Henry Reyenga, president of Christian Leaders, NFP., and Brian DeCook serves as the General Secretary. In serving the church worldwide, the Commission honors the diversity of opinions on women as credentialed ministers.

The Levels of Training and Credentialing at Christian Leaders Alliance

Diakonos Level Minister Training and Credentialing Program

Diakonos level minister training and credentialing are for those called to ministry who want to serve their local churches and communities.

The Diakonos level of training and credentialing is inspired by the Greek word, διάκονος {dee-ak’-on-os}, which means deacon, minister, and servant.

The Diakonos program includes six roles:

Presbuteros Level Minister Training and Credentialing Program

Presbuteros level minister training and credentialing are for those ministers who are advancing in their experience in ministry and in their training.

The Presbuteros level of training is inspired by the Greek word, πρεσβύτερος {pres-boo’-ter-os}, which means an elder or a maturing one.

Five more minister roles are available for those seeking more training and minister credentials. These roles are:

  • Evangelist
  • Professional Coaching Minister
  • Pastor/Shepherd/Priest
  • Bi-vocational Pastor/Shepherd/Priest
  • Ordained Ministry Chaplain

The Presbuteros level of training is ideal for those seeking part-time or full-time ministry positions. This role is suited for planting a church or house church, registering a soul center, and much more.

Episcopos Level Minister Training and Credentialing Program

Episcopos level minister training and credentialing are for ministers who are called to multiply Christianity at advancing levels. These minister roles match the bishops of the early church. These early bishops continued the work of the disciples and the first apostles. These bishops spread Christianity with great tenacity. Many died as martyrs.

The Episcopos level is inspired by the Greek word, ἐπίσκοπος {ep-is’-kop-os}, which means episcopate, supervisor, or bishop.

The Episcopos program includes four advanced roles, including:

  • Commissioned Minister
  • Apostle/Missionary
  • Kingdom Chaplain
  • Minister of the Word.

Ministers at this level are often serving in full-time minister positions.

Specializations

There are over thirty specializations that can be paired with all ministry roles. More on that later.

Conclusion

If God is calling you to become a volunteer, part-time, or full-time minister, please continue reading and seeking the Lord.

Christian Leaders Alliance will train and credential you in core minister roles that include Diakonos, Presbuteros, and Episcopos roles with over 30 specializations that meet more and more ministry needs.

General and specialized ministry needs exist in every community. As churches identify needs in the community, Christian Leaders Alliance will serve those churches to train and credential ministers to meet the needs and increase the impact of that local church.

Many of these specialized ministers will become movement leaders (bishop types). These movement leaders will recruit new ministers, many of whom come into ministry as volunteers or part-time ministers in a specialization.

Christian Leaders Alliance offers a “Minister Mobilization Process” to help find ways to mobilize more ministers in local communities.

Start Your Ministry Training and Credential Program. Click Here

What Credentialed Roles Are Available?

Christian Leaders Alliance has established three categories of ministry training and credentialing. Each category has roles appropriate to the ministry level.

Diakonos Level Minister Training and Credentialing Program

The Diakonos level includes six core minister roles. Each core role includes appropriate training and local endorsements. This level is specifically designed for volunteer and part-time church or kingdom ministers. A church minister usually serves in a local church, and a kingdom minister usually serves through a soul center category or another ministry. The Diakonos level of training and credentialing gets called Christians into the ministry world and mobilized as Christian ministers.

Six Core Diakonos Level Roles

Officiants (1 CLI Credit) – The Officiant role begins with training and credentialing to perform local weddings. This would allow your church to launch a wedding ministry in your community. A wedding officiant must gather one recommendation.

Field Ministers (Commended) (8 CLI Credits and seven mini-courses)  – The Commended Minister program consists of several mini-courses and complete courses that prepare a volunteer minister for fruitful service in a local church. A commended minister must gather one recommendation. This program is ideal for local elders and deacons. One benefit of this program includes building on the Licensed Wedding Officiant role.

Licensed Ministers (13 CLI Credits and six mini-courses) – The Licensed Minister program consists of a well-rounded program of ministry courses, including mini-courses and college-level courses. Licensed ministers are often considered ready for part-time employment in a local church. This program requires two recommendations.

Coaching Ministers (15 CLI Credits and six mini-courses)   –  The Coaching Minister program comprises many ministry courses, coaching, and life coach training for ministry application. Coaching ministers in a local church offer the church and community another way to help people live well in Christ. This program requires two recommendations.

Licensed Ministry Chaplain (18 CLI Credits and six mini-course) – Are you called to share the presence of Christ with those in challenging circumstances? Have you seen yourself as a volunteer or part-time Ministry Chaplain? The Ministry Chaplain program is ideal for volunteers trained and licensed as clergy to serve at hospitals, fire departments, police stations, businesses, and many more places. (Career Chaplains need degrees, usually including a Master’s Degree)Licensed Ministry Chaplain

Ordained Ministers (21 CLI Credits and seven mini-courses) – The Ordained Minister program has more extensive training in ministry, including more college-level ministry courses. Ordained ministers often become volunteer, part-time and full-time ministers. This program requires the gathering of three recommendations.

Presbuteros Level Minister Training and Credentialing Program

The Presbuteros credentialing level is for those interested and willing to go further in their ministry effectiveness. Four minister roles at this level require three recommendations: Evangelist, Professional Coaching Minister, Pastor, and Commissioned Minister.

Evangelist (36 CLI Credits and ten mini-courses)  – The Ordained Evangelist program is for those primarily called to reach people for Jesus Christ. The Ordained Evangelist has all the basics for being a fully ordained minister and includes many additional topics that inform and equip the called evangelist in this mission.

Professional Coaching Minister (42 CLI Credits and nine mini-courses) – This ordained coaching role gives extensive training in professional coaching. We recommend the completion of the plus practicum, where these coaching principles are further developed.

Pastor/Shepherd/Priest (52/53 CLI Credits and ten mini-courses) – This ordained Presbuteros level training and credentialing are designed for a local church pastor. This role can be called pastor, shepherd, or priest, depending on where the minister serves.

Ordained Ministry Chaplain (62 credits and twelve mini-courses) –  Ministry Chaplains serve their communities as ministers who structure their ministry efforts around chaplain expectations.

This means that these ministers understand they are not in their setting to preach sermons at a church to a congregation. They are there to minister to a diverse group of people, some of whom may seek them out to welcome the presence of God into their situation. People may seek them out for a conversation about something that is troubling them. They may not know where to turn, and they may not attend any other religious society. However, they are aware that they are a chaplain. Perhaps they are connected to a business, organization, or community.

Episcopos Level Minister Training and Credentialing Program

It is desirable to seek the Episcopos level training and credentialing as 1 Timothy 3:1 says. These roles in the early church were filled by bishops who continued the work of the apostles and spread Christianity throughout and beyond the Roman empire. There are three roles at the Episcopos training and credentialing level at Christian Leaders Alliance which all require three recommendations.

Commissioned Minister (74 CLI Credits and ten mini-courses) – This training exceeds the expectations of commissioned minister programs in many historic denominations. This program is equivalent to an associate’s degree at a ministry college.

Apostle (91 CLI Credits and ten mini-courses) – The Apostle’s role is for the kingdom multiplier. It is called the Apostle role because, like the early apostles, these mature ministers have the gift of faith and the desire to plant churches or encourage others. These are movement leaders who study the ministry science of the spread of Christianity.

Kingdom Chaplain (122 CLI Credits and 15 mini-courses) – This Episcopos-level training is not for the career chaplain. A career chaplain must complete the bachelor program at Christian Leaders College and a master’s degree at another accredited school. Kingdom Chaplains are special operations ministers who wear many hats in a community, region, or online.

Kingdom Chaplains minister to bring the presence of Christ to their spheres of influence. Kingdom Chaplains often work behind the scenes praying and serving in various venues. These venues could be:

  • Volunteer Political Chaplain
  • Business Chaplain
  • Coaching Minister Practice
  • Volunteer Ministry Chaplain
  • Full-time Corporate Chaplain
  • Community Developer
  • Non-Profit Leader

These Kingdom Chaplains often operate a registered soul center in their community as they work behind the scenes as “ministry angels.” This rigorous program equips leaders for many operations.

Minister of the Word (123 CLI Credits and 15 mini-courses) – This Episcopos-level training and credentialing is our most extensive ministry program. A minister trained and credentialed at this level has gone over every facet of ministry.

This Minister of the Word training includes academic, ministry, and ministry skill training to minister well in a community and multiply Christianity. This position would be ideal for a church planter, senior pastor, or large church minister.

Start Your Ministry Training and Credential Program. Click Here

What Ministry Specializations Currently Exist?

These specializations apply to all Christian Leaders Alliance minister roles. For instance, you are recognized as a licensed wedding officiant (1 Credit) and a minister of the word (123 Credits), yet specialize in each role with the matchmaker specialization. Even though the Licensed Wedding Officiant is only one study credit and the Minister of the Word is 123 credits, that specialization will apply in both cases.

Ecumininistry Credentials

Christian Leaders Alliance partners with called ministers in training and with their local church or ministry and the leader mentoring them. Christian Leaders Alliance coined the word “ecuministry” as a combination of two words. One part of the word is “ecu,” which refers to “church” from the word “ecclesiastical.” The word “ministry” focuses on shared ministry as the goal. This word differs from “ecumenical”, which seeks to agree on the various Christian traditions.

Ecuministry seeks to find agreement in the places we can do ministry together. The fact is that there is much room for agreement and room to agree to disagree on many issues in Christianity. Ecuministry credentials often function as co-credentials with the local church. A called ministry candidate completes a minister credential program at Christian Leaders Alliance and receives a minister credential. A representative of the Christian Leaders Alliance signs the credential. There is also a place for the signature of a local church or ministry leader.

“We are part of a denominational church: what then?” 

If you are part of a denominational church, you will not need to involve the larger denomination in this process. Denominational churches often ordain this leader as a “deacon or elder” as it relates to the local church. Further, as it relates to community recognition, they are also credentialed through the Christian Leaders Alliance.

The local church and leaders recognize their journey in ministry training and recommend them to a local ministry. The Christian Leaders Alliance recognizes the training process at the Christian Leaders Institute and the recommendation process at the Christian Leaders Alliance. The Christian Leaders Alliance posts these leaders as credentialled ministers.

“We are a non-denominational church; what then?”

Your church recognizes the Christian Leaders Alliance credentials as accepted. You mentor the minister candidate through the process, grant local approval, and schedule a commissioning service.

Administering the Mobilization of a Minister

We recommend a few more steps in mobilizing a Christian Leaders Alliance minister. These are helpful administration procedures that complete the mobilization process.

  1. Develop Volunteer or Part-time Minister Position Job Descriptions –  A job description in the work world outlines the expectations and parameters of a work role. A minister position description does similar things for volunteer or part-time positions in the local church.
  2. Schedule a Commissioning Service – The Commissioning Service publicly recognizes the local minister’s training and ecuministry credentials. Ministers trained and credentialed with the Christian Leaders Alliance are encouraged to be commissioned at a local church event. President Reverend Henry Reyenga from Christian Leaders Alliance signs their credentials. An ordained leader from the local church must also sign them.
  3. Schedule Effectiveness Meetings – Depending on the role, there is an expectation that these local credentialed ministers meet with church leadership for mentorship and effectiveness monitoring.

Start Your Ministry Training and Credential Program. Click Here

What about College Credentials and Minister Credentials?

Christian Leaders Alliance connects to Christian Leaders College. It is also beneficial to take a college track in your specific situation. The college track is optional for minister credentials in the Christian Leaders Alliance. Take note: Many full-time career minister positions require a college degree.

You have options.

Alliance and College Option:

With this option, you get your credentials sooner than later. Get experience in ministry as you are completing your college degree. You will notice that the Christian Leaders Alliance programs include many courses you need for a college degree later on.

The advantages of this option are:

  • You get credentials sooner so that you can begin to multiply Christianity sooner.
  • You gain experience in credentialed ministry sooner. For instance, the first minister credential level is the licensed wedding officiant with only one course and one recommendation. If you can lead couples to prepare for their marriages and perform weddings, this is an excellent experience for later advanced ministry roles. Next, you can become a field minister, then a licensed minister. Soon you may be credentialed as an evangelist. Eventually, you could be a Minister of the Word in the Christian Leaders Alliance.
  • You get to be part of the Christian Leaders Alliance the whole time you work toward your college degree. If you cannot complete your degree, your study already offers minister credentialing value.
  • This option often suits older called Christians who have life experience and now want to get the training to make them more effective.

College Priority Option:

With this option, you put your advanced minister credentials on hold until your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. However, you should complete some diakonos level (core) minister credentials while you get your college degree.

With this option, your main priority is completing your degrees, but you are still dipping your toe in the water of ministry.

The advantages of this option are:

  • You can stay focused on getting the college degrees needed in your context while still testing to see if ministry suits you.
  • There are career ministry callings that require advanced degrees. If you are serving the Lord in a traditional denomination, you are usually required to have a bachelor’s and Master’s degree education. Christian Leaders College is a low-cost option if you still need a bachelor’s degree. Many Seminaries welcome the Christian Leaders College degree even though Christian Leaders College is still on the USDE accreditation journey. Another calling where you often need advanced degrees, and clinical training is “career chaplain.” Christian Leader College has partner Colleges and Universities where you can complete your Chaplain expectations.

College Only Option:

With this option, you are reading this guidebook for later consideration. In addition, you can check our low-cost Bachelor’s Degree options at Christian Leaders College.

The advantages of the option are:

  • Stay out of debt while you get your college degree. Many degree programs are perfect for Christians who want a solid Biblical degree. Home-schooling and debt-free-minded families often benefit from this college program,
  • We have also noticed that some existing ministers or academically inclined Christians find low-cost credentials attractive for their goals.

Start Your Ministry Training and Credential Program. Click Here

Existing Credential Ministers Are Welcome to Affiate with Christian Leaders Alliance? 

Are you an Ordained minister, Ordained Minister, Ordained Pastor, or Minister of the Word who has completed your ministry training at a Bible School, Bible College, or Seminary?  

Were you previously licensed or ordained with another denomination or church religious society (non-denominational church)?

Would you like to affiliate with Christian Leaders Alliance as a good-standing minister? 

Christian Leaders Alliance welcomes credentialed Christian leaders to join the Alliance in a minister role similar to what you are currently holding with your current or previous religious society, whether that society is a denomination, non-denominational church, or Christian ministry. 

This minister credentialing program for minister affiliation and recognition fits you if: 

  • You are looking to affiliate with a global religious society.
  • You are looking for a worldwide religious organization that allows you to keep your credentials in your current religious society or only at Christian Leaders Alliance. Christian Leaders Alliance enables you to hold dual credentials if you choose that. 
  • A local church ordained you, but you moved to another location. Therefore, you would like to keep your minister credentials in good standing. 
  • You know or are a mentor to students of the Christian Leaders Institute and ministers of the Christian Leaders Alliance, and you are interested in pursuing the minister credential program for yourself. 
  • You are interested in registering a soul center for your ministry work. 

Courses Program Requirements: 

  • Calling and Connection Course (1 Credit) or Christian Leaders Connection Course (3 Credits)
  • Recognizing Ministers With Credentials (1 Credit)

Steps to Affiliate (this course will walk you through):

  1. Complete the courses program requirements
  2. Demonstrate your Bible School, Bible College, and Seminary Credentials. 
  3. Establish your good standing as a minister. You will need to submit three recommendations. 
  4. Review and agree to the statement of faith 
  5. Complete an interview with a representative of the Christian Leaders Alliance. 
  6. Order your Active Credentials. 
  7. Learn about the Soul Center Local Registration Opportunity.

Credential Role Received:

Affiliated Minister: This recognizes that you are now a minister in good standing with the Christian Leaders Alliance. You will be listed in our minister directory, allowed to purchase your credential package and register a soul center.

What About Women as Ministers?

Ordained Women Ministers Are Allowed And Encouraged

The debate on whether ministry-trained women are allowed to be ministers has raged throughout history and in various faith communities.

Christian Leader Alliance enthusiastically encourages the training and credentialing of women ministers. Why?

Ordained Women Ministers Are Allowed Based on the Pentecost Sermon

The first sermon of Peter on Pentecost mentioned that women have a role as gospel messengers.

Shortly after Jesus rose from the dead and forty days later ascended on high, the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost. Inside the house, a violent wind and tongues of fire spread and came to rest on each disciple. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues.

Outside, the wind and fire were noticed by the God-fearing Jews from other nations that were in Jerusalem. Acts 2:7-11 recounts,

Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who arespeaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?  Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”

The question on everyone’s mind was: What does this all mean? Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” (Acts 2:12) Some people interpreted the scene as out of control. Maybe alcohol was involved. They mocked them.

Peter, the early spokesman for the new Christian movement, filled with the Holy Spirit, gave the first Christian sermon. He began:

“You men of Judea, and all you who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and listen to my words. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning!

Peter had the stage, and his next lines disruptively identified the future leaders of this new movement.

No, this is what was spoken in the prophet Joel:

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:  And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.” Acts 2:15-18

The message was simple.

Everyone who called on Jesus would be saved. Later in his Pentecost message, Peter centers the new movement on one central truth. Jesus rose from the dead.

God has raised Jesus to life, and we have all witnessed this fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. Acts 2:32-33

Peter’s message ended with a call to repent and be baptized.

Christian Leaders Alliance recognizes that in these last days, ministry-trained men and women are called to be messengers.

Ordained Women Ministers Allowed Based On Roman 16

The Apostle Paul mobilized educated women ministers.

As the Apostle Paul raised another generation of Christian leaders to spread Christianity beyond the first apostles, he included educated women ministers.

How did he launch Christianity beyond himself?

As he spread Christianity on his missionary journeys, he recruited, educated, and ministry-trained men and women to help.

One of the educated and ministry-trained women he recruited was Phoebe.

Phoebe was a well-educated woman with resources from Cenchrea, a coastal town near Corinth. Paul describes her as a great help; Greek means a benefactor to the Apostle Paul and others. When Paul sent one of his letters, he carefully picked his messenger. This educated woman carried the letter from Paul to the Roman believers.

Paul picked Phoebe to answer any questions. Was this possibly considered out of the ordinary? Yes. So, Paul writes,

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a (DIAKONOS), that is a deacon, a minister, and a servant of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me. Romans 16:1-2

Throughout history, it has been debated whether or not Paul meant that Phoebe was a servant, deacon, or minister here. The word used here is “diakonos.” Most scholars agree that she was a “diakonos” or a minister.

It is essential to acknowledge that Paul put a high premium on those who received education and ministry training.

A short distance from Cenchrea was Corinth. The general pattern of education in those days excluded women or, more likely, wives from schooling. The gospel includes both men and women, but the leaders were usually educated men. Roman law did not promote women’s education or encourage women’s role in society’s development. Most women were not educated, so Paul generalizes that reality. We read in 1 Corinthians 14:33-35

As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

At that time and that day, only a few women were educated and trained in ministry. Phoebe was one of the few. She was the minister who carried the book of Romans to Rome.

Paul promoted other women like Priscilla (Romans 16:3). Paul mentioned Junia in Romans 16:6, calling her remarkable among the apostles. Richard Bauckham proposes that Junia is the Latin name for Joanna, an early supporter (Luke 8:3) and disciple of Jesus who was at the empty tomb (Luke 24:10). (Bauckham, Richard. Gospel Women: Studies of the Named Women in the Gospels. Eerdsmans, 2002, pp. 172-80)

Women ministers are allowed based on 1 Timothy 3:11

Some might disagree that Paul allows women ministers based on 1 Timothy 3:11. Others may see the possibility, and others might agree that the Apostle Paul refers to women ministers in this passage.

Modern translators usually translate 1 Timothy 3:11 as referring to the wives of deacons, not to women deacons. Remember, the deacon is the word diakonos, where we get the word minister. Let’s look at the original Greek text and then some translations.

1 Timothy 3:11  γυναῖκας (gunakas – woman or wife)  ὡσαύτωςσεμνάς, μὴδιαβόλους, νηφαλίους, πιστὰςἐνπᾶσιν.

Wives-only Translation Option: 

New International Version Translation – 1 Timothy 3:11     In the same way, their wives, are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

Women Minister Option

American Standard Version  – 1 Timothy 3:11  Women in like manner must be grave, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.

Here is the issue: The Greek word γυναῖκας (gunakas) means either women or wives, depending on how you read the context to interpret the meaning.

Many of the earliest commentators in the early church opted for the women minister option, and these women could marry.

Take, for instance, John Chrysostom. John was born in 347 and died in 407. He was the archbishop of Constantinople and Antioch. This was a Greek-speaking place that read the New Testament in ordinal Greek.  Men and women at these places in the early church were credentialed as married, single women, and single men.

Kevin Madigan and Carolyn Osiekin in their book Ordained Women in the Early Church, quote John Chrysostom and then make further comments on John Chrysostom Homily 11 on 1 Timothy 3:11,

 “Likewise women must be modest, not slanderers, sober, faithful in everything.” Some say that he is talking about women in general. But that cannot be. Why would he want to insert in the middle of what he is saying something about women? But rather, he is speaking of those women who hold the rank of deacon. “Deacons should be husbands of one wife.”  This is also appropriate for women deacons (diakonoi), for it is necessary, good, and right, most especially in the church. (John Chrysostom)

John’s point is still disputed in the interpretation of the text from Timothy. Here the commentator is clear about which option he favors. Female deacons or deaconesses were well known in John’s churches in Antioch and Constantinople. His application of the one-marriage rule to women deacons suggests that in late-fourth-century Antioch, they were allowed to marry and so need not have been celibate. (Madigan, Kevin; Osiek, Carolyn. Ordained Women in the Early Church (p. 19). Johns Hopkins University Press. Kindle Edition)

The eastern church centers of Constantinople and Antioch ordained men and woman ministers who read the original Greek New Testament. As John Chrysostom read 1 Timothy 3:11, he only wanted to clarify that women ministers (deacons) must only have one husband.

This brings us to another point. There is much evidence in the early church that women were credentialed as ministers.

Ordained Women Ministers Are Allowed Based On The Historical Early Church Practice

The early church credentialed numerous women ministers (diakonai).

The first documented deacon minister was Phoebe, seen in Romans 16:1. Historical documents, recent research, and archeology have uncovered a preponderance of evidence showing the common practice of ordaining women in the church. This practice happened until the 1200s in the Catholic church. (Women Deacons: Gary Macy. Paulist Press. 2011. Page 28.)

Enslaved Women Mentioned As Ministers

Pliny the Younger was a prolific writer whose epistles have survived. He died in 113 AD. About three years before he died in 110 (AD), he wrote to Emporer Trajan about the spread of Christianity and the procedure for punishing confessing Christians. He is alarmed at the spread of Christianity. He commented,

For many persons of every age, every rank, and also of both sexes are and will be endangered. For the contagion of this superstition has spread not only to the cities but also to the villages and farms. Georgetown University

He arrested people in Bithynia (northern Turkey) accused of being Christian. Some recanted, and he let them go. Others did not, and he executed them. As Pliny tells of his dealings, he mentions the arrest and torture of two female slaves. He writes,

Accordingly, I judged it all the more necessary to find out what the truth was by torturing two female slaves who were called “ministers.” But I discovered nothing else but depraved, excessive superstition.

What? The Christians were educating and ordaining women slaves as ministers! By 110 AD, the training system for women included not only higher society women like Phoebe but also women slaves.

Only 80 years after the resurrection of Jesus, the prophecy of Joel mentioned at Pentecost by Peter had come true.

And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy (Acts 2:18)

Montanist Movement Credentialed Women

The Montanist movement (circa 150 AD) in the early church included the ordination of women ministers and women bishops. These Montanist leaders encouraged the mobilization of Godly men or women to serve in ministry. This movement was ultimately not supported and was condemned but not because of the use of women’s gifts. Dr. Alan Wheatly suggests that,

The Montanist phenomenon points strongly to a reaction to increasing clerical dominance, to an insistence that authentic Christian practice included a broad spectrum of participants, including women and to the work of the Holy Spirit as invigorating such breadth of involvement. (Wheatley, Alan B.. Patronage in Early Christianity: Its Use and Transformation from Jesus to Paul of Samosata (Princeton Theological Monograph Series Book 160) (p. 100). Pickwick Publications, an Imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers. Kindle Edition.

The Montanists also included women who were Bishop (episcopos) Ministers. Ordinarily, men occupied the role of Bishop (episcopos) in those days. Perhaps the traveling for Bishops made it unsafe for women in the Roman empire. We see wealthy women like Phoebe from the book of Romans as exceptions.

There are many tomb inscriptions of women deacon ministers and even women bishops. For a detailed and extensive study, a documentary history of “diakonos” ministers in the church’s history, purchase Kevin Madigan and Carolyn Osiek’s Ordained Women in the Early Church.

Takeaways

  1. Based on the overwhelming evidence of the inclusion of women in ministry from the book Acts and other writings of the Apostle Paul, married and single women are allowed to be credentialed ministers.
  2. Church history is friendly to the inclusion of credentialed women.
  3. Christian Leaders Alliance enthusiastically endorses credentialing married and single women as ministers.

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What is the Statement of Faith?

Christian Leaders Alliance
Statement of Faith

This Statement of Faith was settled on when Christian Leaders Institute began offering classes in 2006. Since then, the Christian Leaders statement of faith has guided the development of the classes and worldview.

The Bible
The Bible is God’s inerrant, infallible, reliable Word, the only final authority for faith and life.
(Proverbs 30:5-6; Isaiah 8:20; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21)

Who is God?
God is Trinity; an eternal, loving unity of three divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
(Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 14:26; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

God Created The World
God created the universe ex nihilo, from nothing, and made all things very good.
(Genesis 1-2; Exodus 20:11; Hebrews 11:3)

God Created Humanity
God created humanity in his image to glorify and enjoy God and to be stewards of creation.
(Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 8; Isaiah 43:7; Revelation 4:11; Psalm 37:4)

The Fall
Humanity has fallen into sin, and we are totally unable to save ourselves.
(Genesis 3; Romans 3:12, 23; Romans 5:12)

Who is Jesus?
Jesus, the promised Messiah of Israel, is fully God and fully man.
(Matthew 1:21-23; John 1:1,14; 20:28; Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:14)

Jesus’ Life and Victory
Jesus was born of a virgin, obeyed God perfectly, worked great miracles, died on a cross, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and reigns over all things.
(Luke 1:26-35, Hebrews 4:15; John 14:11, Luke 23-24, Ephesians 1:20-23)

Salvation is a Work of God
God’s salvation is merited only by Jesus’ perfect obedience and substitutionary atonement.
(Isaiah 53; Hebrews 7:26-27; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Acts 4:12)

Salvation is Not Our Work
Salvation is entirely God’s gift, not our achievement, and is received by faith in Christ, not works.
(John 3:16; Romans 1:16-17; Galatians 2:16-21)

The Holy Spirit Was Sent to Earth and Fills Us
The Holy Spirit gives new birth, unites us to Christ, assures us of His love, leads us in His truth, forms us in His character, equips us with His gifts, and empowers us to be His ambassadors.                                                                            (John 3:3-8; Acts 1:8; Romans 8; 1 Corinthians 12; Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 3:16-21)

The Church
The church is the one body of God’s people throughout all generations and from all nations.
(Romans 12:5; Galatians 3:26-29; Ephesians 1:22-23; Revelation 7:9)

Angels of God
God’s holy angels defend and help God’s people.
(Psalm 34:7, 91:11; Matthew 18:10; Hebrews 1:14)

Fallen Angels
Satan and other fallen angels are dangerous but doomed. Christ is the victor.
(Ephesians 6:10-18; Colossians 2:15; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:10-12)

Christ Will Return, and the Dead Will Be Raised
Christ will return visibly. The dead will be raised. Christ will rule the world and make all things new.
(Matthew 24:30; 1 Cor. 15:52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 21:1-5)

New Heaven and New Earth
God’s people will rejoice forever in the new heaven and new earth; God’s enemies will suffer forever in hell.
(Daniel 12:2-3; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 22:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 1:9)

God Designed Marriage
Sexual intimacy is for marriage only. Christian marriage is a lifelong union of a man and a woman.                                      (Genesis 2:22-25; Matthew 5:27-32; Matthew 19:3-9; 1 Corinthians 7:1-11)

God Relates to Families
God’s covenant addresses not only individuals but also their families.
(Genesis 17:7; 18:19; Deuteronomy 7:9; Joshua 24;15; Psalm 103:17; Acts 11:14; 16:15,31)

We Are Able to Walk with God
As individuals, as couples, and as families, we need a daily conversation with God through Bible reading and prayer.
(Psalm 1; Daniel 6:10; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

We Love Because He Loved Us
God calls us to a holy life of love, as depicted in the Ten Commandments.                                                                            (Exodus 20:1-17; Mark 12:30-31; John 14:15; Romans 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 13)

We Honor Christ in Everything
God calls us to a worldview and way of life in which we seek to honor Christ in every area of thought and action.                (Psalm 24:1; Colossians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 10:5)

We Share the Good News
God calls us to spread the gospel to people who don’t yet follow Christ.                                                                                    (Psalm 96:3; Matthew 5:14; Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:15)

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Minister Credential Program Details

The Minister Training and Credential program uses tuition-free ministry training courses from the Christian Leaders Institute. The Christian Leaders Alliance has three levels of training. Each level is inspired by the early church as Christianity spread in the roman empire and beyond. The early church recruited new ministers, encouraged their maturity, and developed multiplying ministers.

Christian Leaders Alliance structures a ministry training and credentialing program around this mobilization culture. Let’s look at the details of all the roles offered at the Christian Leaders Institute and Alliance.

Diakonos (Core) Level Minister Training and Credentialing Program

The diakonos level trains a call Christian into a ministry role. Each of these roles can be specialized. The credentialing process includes local recommendations.

Six Core Minister Role:

Officiant

The Officiant program is for those called or interested in officiating. The core requirement is to be trained and credentialed to officiate a wedding. It is ideal for Christians who are asked to officiate a wedding for a loved one or are called to officiate weddings or other occasions. This credential can be specialized in some ways, such as ministry, visitation, and prayer. This core program can be completed in 5-10 hours. This introductory program gets you into the Christian Leaders Alliance. You will need one endorsement for this program.

Officiant Core Requirement

  • Christian Wedding Officiant Skills (1 Credit)

Total Credits 1

Field Minister (Commended)

The Commended Minister program is designed for those serving as volunteer ministers in a local church or elsewhere in God’s Kingdom. Often these ministers serve as local deacons or elders. The commended minister program can be specialized with all the specialization options. This program can be completed in one to two months of consistent part-time study. You will need one endorsement for this program.

Field Minister Requirement

  • Ministry Calling and Confidence (1 Credit)
  • Min 100 – Christian Leaders Connections (3 Credits)
  • Theo 101 – Introduction to Christian Doctrine (3 Credits)
  • Christian Wedding Officiant Skills (1 Credit)
  • Critical Grace Theory (0 Cr)
  • The Storyline of the Bible (0 Cr)
  • How to be Interesting (0 Cr)
  • Fellowship and Hospitality Ministry (0 Cr)
  • Leading Bible Studies (0 Cr)
  • Basic Ministry Speaking (0 Cr)

Total: 8 credits and six mini-courses

Coaching Minister Program

The Coaching Minister program is for those called to help people discern and develop goals to overcome obstacles and glorify God. Coaching is not pastoral care or counseling, but some of those elements come into play. Coaching ministers learn core coaching practices and core ministry skills.

Coaching ministers may be called to serve in a local church or a local coaching minister practice or ministry biz. The coaching minister program can be specialized with all the specialization options. This program can be completed in two to four months of consistent part-time study. You will need two endorsements for this program.

Core Coaching Minister Clergy Requirements

  • Ministry Calling and Confidence (1 Credit)
  • Min 100 – Christian Leaders Connections (3 Credits)
  • Theo 101 – Introduction to Christian Doctrine (3 Credits)
  • Wedding Officiant Skills Course (1 Credit)
  • Minister Officiant Skills (2 Credits)
  • Influence Smart (1 Credi)
  • Coaching Ministry (3 Credits)
  • Coaching Ministry Part 2 – Semi and Directive Approach  (1 credit)

Mini-Courses: (6 Mini-courses)

  • Essential Philosophy (0 Cr)
  • Critical Grace Theory (0 Cr)
  • How to be Interesting (0 Cr)
  • Leading Bible Studies (0 Cr)
  • Basic Ministry Speaking (0 Cr)
  • Overview of Mental Health Integration (0 Cr)

Total Credits 15 and six mini-courses

Licensed Minister

The Licensed Minister program gives you ministerial training to be recognized as a licensed minister. This training includes a range of essential ministry skills needed by a minister. This program is ideal for those who desire to serve as volunteer ministers in their community or at a church. Many with this classification serve as part-time and, in some classes, full-time ministers. This program’s core requirements can be completed in two to four months of consistent part-time study. Two endorsements are required for this program. All specializations are available for this minister classification.

Licensed Minister Core Requirements:

  • Ministry Calling and Confidence (1 Credit)
  • Min 100 – Christian Leaders Connection (3 Credits)
  • Theo 101 –  Introduction to Christian Doctrine (3 Credits)
  • Christian Wedding Officiant Skills (1 Credit)
  • Premarriage Counseling Skills (1 Credit)
  • Ministry Officiant Skills (2 Credit)
  • Parenting Skills (1 Credit)
  • Influence Smart (1 Credit)

Mini-Courses: (6 Mini-courses)

  • Essential Philosophy (0 Cr)
  • Critical Grace Theory (0 Cr)
  • How to be Interesting (0 Cr)
  • Leading Bible Studies (0 Cr)
  • Basic Ministry Speaking (0 Cr)
  • Overview of Mental Health Integration (0 Cr)

Total: 12 credits and six mini-courses

Ordained Minister

The Ordained Minister program takes the licensed minister classification to the next level. The added courses give you advanced knowledge and the skills needed to serve in ministry confidently. You will deepen your Biblical knowledge by taking the New Testament Survey. You will also go deeper in your leadership training, discipleship, and people skills. This program is ideal for those seeking to serve part-time or full-time as a local church minister. Many volunteer ministers have completed the ordained minister classification. This program is typically completed in 6 months of part-time consistent study. All specializations are available for this minister classification.

Core Ordained Minister Requirements

  • Ministry Calling and Confidence (1 Credit)
  • Min 100 – Christian Leaders Connections (3 Credits)
  • Theo 101 – Introduction to Christian Doctrine (3 Credits)
  • Min 101 – Ministry Foundations (3 Credits)
  • BIB 112 – New Testament Survey (3 credits)
  • Min 151 – People Smart (3 Credits)
  • Christian Wedding Officiant Skills (1 Credit)
  • Pre-marriage Counseling Skills (1 Credit)
  • Ministry Officiant Skills (2 Credit)
  • Parenting Skills (1 Credit)

Mini-Courses: (7 mini-courses)

  • Essential Philosophy (0 Cr)
  • Critical Grace Theory (0 Cr)
  • How to be Interesting (0 Cr)
  • Fellowship and Hospitality Ministry (0 Cr)
  • Leading Bible Studies (0 Cr)
  • Basic Ministry Speaking (0 Cr)
  • Overview of Mental Health Integration (0 Cr)

Total: 21 credits and seven mini-courses

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Presbuteros Level Minister Training and Credentialing

Presbuteros (intermediate) Level Minister Training and Credentialing will bring a diakonos minister to that next level of ministry effectiveness. Ministry-trained and credentialed at this level are more committed to ministry excellence.

Evangelist

Ministry Division

  • Calling and Confidence (1 Cr)
  • Christian Leaders Connections (3 Cr)
  • Church and Ministry (3 Cr)
  • Life Coaching Ministry (3 credits)
  • Semi-Directive and Directive Ministry Coaching (1 Cr)
  • Evangelism: Presenting Grace (3 Credits)
  • Influence Smart (1 Cr)

Biblical Division

  • New Testament Survey (3 Cr)

Theology/PhilosophyDivision

  • Theo 101 – Introduction to Christian Doctrine (3 Cr)
  • Apologetics (3 Credits)
  • Comparative Religions (2 Credits)

Ministry Skills Division

  • Christian Wedding Officiant Skills (1 Credit)
  • Pre-marriage Counseling Skills (1 Credit)
  • Ministry Officiant Skills (2 Credit)

Communication Division

  • Communications 3 (Cr)
  • Min 151 – People Smart (3 Credits)

Mini-Courses: (12 mini-courses)

  • Essential Philosophy (0 Cr)
  • How to Develop a Great Attitude (0 Cr)
  • Spotting Logical Fallacies (0 Cr)
  • Christian Discernment Skills (0 Cr)
  • Nine Ways to Build People Up (0 Cr)
  • The Care and Decluttering of the Soul (0 Cr)
  • Critical Grace Theory (0 Cr)
  • How to be Interesting (0 Cr)
  • Fellowship and Hospitality Ministry (0 Cr)
  • Leading Bible Studies (0 Cr)
  • Basic Ministry Speaking (0 Cr)
  • Overview of Mental Health Integration (0 Cr)

Total Credits: 36 Credits and Twelve mini-courses

Professional Life Coaching Minister

Biblical Division

  • New Testament Survey (3 Cr)

Ministry Division

  • Christian Leaders Connections (3 Credits)
  • Life Coaching Ministry (3 credits)
  • Semi-Directive and Directive Ministry Coaching (1 Cr)
  • PeaceSmart Relationships (3 credits)
  • Marriage Ministry (4 Cr)
  • Sex Education and Conversations (4 Cr)
  • Breaking the Cycle of Addiction (3 credits)
  • Total Fitness (3 Cr)

Theological Division

  • Theo 101 – Introduction to Christian Doctrine (3 Cr)

Philosophy Division

  • Introduction to Philosophy (3 Cr)
  • Logic and Critical Thinking (3 Cr) or Christian Philosophy (3 Cr)

Ministry Skills Division

  • Christian Wedding Officiant Skills (1 Cr)
  • Pre-marriage Counseling Skills (1 Cr)
  • Ministry Officiant Skills (2 Cr)
  • Parenting Skills (1 Cr)
  • MinistryBz (1 Cr)

Communication Division

  • People Smart (3 Cr)
  • Influence Smart (1 Cr)

Mini-Courses: (11 mini-courses)

  • Essential Philosophy (0 Cr)
  • How to Develop a Great Attitude (0 Cr)
  • Nine Ways to Build People Up (0 Cr)
  • The Care and Decluttering of the Soul (0 Cr)
  • Critical Grace Theory (0 Cr)
  • How to be Interesting (0 Cr)
  • Spotting Logical Fallacies (0 Cr)
  • Christian Discernment Skills (0 Cr)
  • Leading Bible Studies (0 Cr)
  • Basic Ministry Speaking (0 Cr)
  • Overview of Mental Health Integration (0 Cr)

Total 42 Credits and eleven Mini-Courses

Pastor/Shepherd/Priest

Ministry Division

  • Christian Leaders Connections (3 Credits)
  • Church and Ministry (3 Cr)
  • Pastoral Care (3 Cr)
  • PeaceSmart Relationships (3 credits)
  • Life Coaching Ministry (3 credits)
  • Semi-Directive and Directive Ministry Coaching (1 Cr)
  • Marriage Ministry (4 Cr)
  • Sex Education and Conversations (4 Cr)
  • Multiplying Disciples (2 Cr)

Biblical Division

  • Old Testament Survey (3 Cr)
  • New Testament Survey (3 Cr)

Theology Division

  • Theo 101 – Introduction to Christian Doctrine (3 Cr)
  • Prayer (3 Cr)

Ministry Skills Division

  • Christian Wedding Officiant Skills (1 Credit)
  • Pre-marriage Counseling Skills (1 Credit)
  • Ministry Officiant Skills (2 Credit)
  • Parenting Skills (1 Credit)

Communication Division

  • Communications 3 (Cr)
  • Sermon Construction and Presentation (4 Cr) or Preaching, Preparation, & Presentation (3 credits)
  • Min 151 – People Smart (3 Credits)

Mini-Courses: (12 mini-courses)

  • Essential Philosophy (0 Cr)
  • How to Develop a Great Attitude (0 Cr)
  • Nine Ways to Build People Up (0 Cr)
  • The Care and Decluttering of the Soul (0 Cr)
  • Critical Grace Theory (0 Cr)
  • Spotting Logical Fallacies (0 Cr)
  • Christian Discernment Skills (0 Cr)
  • How to be Interesting (0 Cr)
  • Fellowship and Hospitality Ministry (0 Cr)
  • Leading Bible Studies (0 Cr)
  • Basic Ministry Speaking (0 Cr)
  • Overview of Mental Health Integration (0 Cr)

Total: 53 credits and twelve mini-courses

Bi-Vocational Pastor/Shepherd/Priest

Program Requirements

Ministry Division

  • Christian Leaders Connections (3 Credits)
  • Church and Ministry (3 Cr)
  • Pastoral Care (3 Cr)
  • PeaceSmart Relationships (3 credits)
  • Multiplying Disciples (2)

Biblical Division

  • Old Testament Survey (3 Cr)
  • New Testament Survey (3 Cr)

Theology Division

  • Theo 101 – Introduction to Christian Doctrine (3 Cr)
  • Prayer (3 Cr)

Ministry Skills Division

  • Christian Wedding Officiant Skills (1 Credit)
  • Pre-marriage Counseling Skills (1 Credit)
  • Ministry Officiant Skills (2 Credit)
  • Parenting Skills (1 Credit)

Communication Division

  • Communications 3 (Cr)
  • Sermon Construction and Presentation (4 Cr) or Preaching, Preparation, & Presentation (3 credits)
  • Min 151 – People Smart (3 Credits)

Business/Enterprise Division

  • Christian Leaders Enterprise (3 Cr)
  • Financial Liberty (3 Cr)
  • Principles of Accounting (3 Cr)
  • Management by the Book (3 Cr)
  • Enterprise Marketing (3 Cr)
  • Online Enterprise Marketing (3 Cr)
  • Leadership Theories (3 Crd

Mini-Courses: (12 mini-courses)

  • Essential Philosophy (0 Cr)
  • How to Develop a Great Attitude (0 Cr)
  • Nine Ways to Build People Up (0 Cr)
  • The Care and Decluttering of the Soul (0 Cr)
  • Critical Grace Theory (0 Cr)
  • God’s Design for Sex (0 Cr)
  • Spotting Logical Fallacies (0 Cr)
  • Christian Discernment Skills (0 Cr)
  • How to be Interesting (0 Cr)
  • Fellowship and Hospitality Ministry (0 Cr)
  • Leading Bible Studies (0 Cr)
  • Basic Ministry Speaking (0 Cr)
  • Overview of Mental Health Integration (0 Cr)

Total: 61 credits and thirteen mini-courses

Ordained Ministry Chaplain

Program Requirements

Ministry Division

  • Calling and Connections (1 Cr)
  • Christian Leaders Connections (3 Cr)
  • Introduction to Chaplaincy (3 credits)
  • Pastoral Care (3 Cr)
  • Leadership (3 Cr)
  • PeaceSmart Relationships (3 credits)
  • Life Coaching Ministry (3 credits)
  • Semi-Directive and Directive Ministry Coaching (1 Cr)
  • Marriage Ministry (4 Cr)
  • Sex Education and Conversations (4 Cr)

Biblical Division

  • Old Testament Survey (3 Cr)
  • New Testament Survey (3 Cr)

Theology Division

  • Theo 101 – Introduction to Christian Doctrine (3 Cr)
  • Evangelism – Presenting Grace (3 Credits)
  • Prayer (3 Cr)

Philosophy Division

  • Comparative Religions (2 Credits)
  • Apologetics (3 Credits)

Ministry Skills Division

  • Christian Wedding Officiant Skills (1 Credit)
  • Pre-marriage Counseling Skills (1 Credit)
  • Ministry Officiant Skills (2 Credit)
  • Parenting Skills (1 Credit)

Communication Division

  • Communications 3 (Cr)
  • Sermon Construction and Presentation (4 Cr) or Preaching, Preparation, & Presentation (3 credits)
  • Min 151 – People Smart (3 Credits)

Mini-Courses: (12 mini-courses)

  • Essential Philosophy (0 Cr)
  • How to Develop a Great Attitude (0 Cr)
  • Nine Ways to Build People Up (0 Cr)
  • The Care and Decluttering of the Soul (0 Cr)
  • Critical Grace Theory (0 Cr)
  • Spotting Logical Fallacies (0 Cr)
  • Christian Discernment Skills (0 Cr)
  • How to be Interesting (0 Cr)
  • Fellowship and Hospitality Ministry (0 Cr)
  • Leading Bible Studies (0 Cr)
  • Basic Ministry Speaking (0 Cr)
  • Overview of Mental Health Integration (0 Cr)

Total: 62 credits and 12 mini-courses

Start Your Ministry Training and Credential Program. Click Here

Episcopos Level Minister Training and Credentialing

Episcopos (advanced) level Ministry Training and Credentialing create movement ministers well-equipped to reproduce Christianity.

Core Commissioned Minister 

Ministry Division

  • Christian Leaders Connections (3 Cr)
  • Min 101 – Ministry Foundations (3 Cr)
  • Church and Ministry (3 Cr)
  • PeaceSmart Relationships (3 credits)
  • Life Coaching Ministry (3 credits)
  • Semi-Directive and Directive Ministry Coaching (1 Cr)
  • Marriage Ministry (4 Cr)
  • Sex Education and Conversations (4 Cr)
  • Pastoral Care (3 Cr)
  • INT 210 – Total Fitness (3 Cr)
  • Multiplying Disciples (2 Cr)

Biblical Division

  • Old Testament Survey (3 Cr)
  • New Testament Survey (3 Cr)
  • One Biblical Elective (3 Cr0

Theology Division

  • Theo 101 – Introduction to Christian Doctrine (3 Cr)
  • History of World Christianity (4 Cr)
  • Theology I (4 Cr)
  • Theology II 4 Cr)
  • Prayer (3 Cr)

Ministry Skills Division

  • Christian Wedding Officiant Skills (1 Cr)
  • Pre-marriage Counseling Skills (1 Cr)
  • Ministry Officiant Skills (2 Cr)
  • Parenting Skills (1 Credit)

Communication Division

  • Communications 3 (Cr)
  • Sermon Construction and Presentation (4 Cr)
  • Min 151 – People Smart (3 Credits)

Mini-Courses: (12 mini-courses)

  • Essential Philosophy (0 Cr)
  • How to Develop a Great Attitude (0 Cr)
  • Nine Ways to Build People Up (0 Cr)
  • The Care and Decluttering of the Soul (0 Cr)
  • Critical Grace Theory (0 Cr)
  • Spotting Logical Fallacies (0 Cr)
  • Christian Discernment Skills (0 Cr)
  • How to be Interesting (0 Cr)
  • Fellowship and Hospitality Ministry (0 Cr)
  • Leading Bible Studies (0 Cr)
  • Basic Ministry Speaking (0 Cr)
  • Overview of Mental Health Integration (0 Cr)

Total: 74 credits and twelve mini-courses

Apostle/Missionary

Biblical Division

  • Old Testament Survey (3 Cr)
  • New Testament Survey (3 Cr)
  • Book of Acts (3 Cr)

Ministry Division

  • Christian Leaders Connections (3 Cr)
  • Ministry Foundations (3 Credits)
  • Evangelism: Presenting Grace (3 Cr)
  • PeaceSmart Relationships (3 credits)
  • Leadership (3 Cr)
  • Life Coaching Ministry (3 credits)
  • Semi-Directive and Directive Ministry Coaching (1 Cr)
  • Church Revitalization (3 Cr)
  • Church Planting (3 Cr)
  • House Churches (3 Cr)

Theological and Historical Division

  • Theo 101 – Introduction to Christian Doctrine (3 Cr)
  • History of World Christianity (4 Cr)
  • Early Church History (3 Credits)
  • Women and Leadership in Early Christianity (3 credits)
  • Missions and Revivals (4 Cr)
  • Theology I (4 Cr)
  • Christian Apologetics (3 Cr)
  • Prayer (3 Cr)

Philosophy Division

  • Introduction to Philosophy (3 Cr)
  • Christian Philosophy (3 Cr)
  • Comparative Religions (2 Cr)

Ministry Skills Division

  • Christian Wedding Officiant Skills (1 Cr)
  • Pre-marriage Counseling Skills (1 Cr)
  • Ministry Officiant Skills (2 Cr)
  • MinistryBz (1 Cr)

Communication Division

  • Influence Smart (1 Cr)
  • People Smart (3 Cr)
  • Communication (3 Cr)
  • Sermon Construction and Presentation (4 Cr) or Preaching, Preparation, & Presentation (3 Cr)

Mini-Courses: (12 mini-courses)

  • Essential Philosophy (0 Cr)
  • How to Form a Ministry Board (0 Cr)
  • How to be a Productive Board Member (0 Cr)
  • How to Develop a Great Attitude (0 Cr)
  • Nine Ways to Build People Up (0 Cr)
  • The Care and Decluttering of the Soul (0 Cr)
  • Critical Grace Theory (0 Cr)
  • Spotting Logical Fallacies (0 Cr)
  • Christian Discernment Skills (0 Cr)
  • How to be Interesting (0 Cr)
  • Leading Bible Studies (0 Cr)
  • Basic Ministry Speaking (0 Cr)

Total Program:  91 Credits Plus ten Mini Courses

Kingdom Chaplain

Biblical Division

  • Old Testament Survey (3 Cr)
  • New Testament Survey (3 Cr)
  • One Biblical Elective (3 Cr)

Ministry Division

  • Christian Leaders Connections (3 Credits)
  • Ministry Foundations (3 Credits)
  • Introduction to Chaplaincy (3 credits)
  • Pastoral Care (3 Cr)
  • Church and Ministry (3 Cr)
  • PeaceSmart Relationships (3 credits)
  • Leadership (3 Cr)
  • Marriage Ministry (4 Cr)
  • Sex Education and Conversations (4 Cr)
  • Life Coaching Ministry (3 credits)
  • Semi-Directive and Directive Ministry Coaching (1 Cr)
  • Evangelism: Presenting Grace (3 Cr)
  • Disability Smart (3 credits)
  • Breaking the Cycle of Addiction (3 credits)
  • Total Fitness (3 Cr)

Theological Division

  • Theo 101 – Introduction to Christian Doctrine (3 Cr)
  • History of World Christianity (4 Cr)
  • Theology I (4 Cr)
  • Christian Apologetics (3 Cr)
  • Prayer (3 Cr)

Philosophy Division

  • Introduction to Philosophy (3 Cr)
  • Logic and Critical Thinking (3 Cr)
  • Christian Philosophy (3 Cr)
  • Ethics (3 Cr)
  • Sexual Ethics (3 Cr)
  • Comparative Religions (2 Cr)
  • Philosophy of Religion (3 Cr)

Ministry Skills Division

  • Christian Wedding Officiant Skills (1 Cr)
  • Pre-marriage Counseling Skills (1 Cr)
  • Ministry Officiant Skills (2 Cr)
  • Parenting Skills (1 Cr)
  • MinistryBz (1 Cr)

Communication Division

  • People Smart (3 Cr)
  • Influence Smart (1 Cr)
  • Communication (3 Cr)
  • Sermon Construction and Presentation (4 Cr) or  Preaching, Preparation, & Presentation (3 Cr)

Mini-Courses: (15 mini-courses)

  • Essential Philosophy (0 Cr)
  • How to Develop a Great Attitude (0 Cr)
  • Nine Ways to Build People Up (0 Cr)
  • The Care and Decluttering of the Soul (0 Cr)
  • Critical Grace Theory (0 Cr)
  • Spotting Logical Fallacies (0 Cr)
  • Christian Discernment Skills (0 Cr)
  • How to be Interesting (0 Cr)
  • Fellowship and Hospitality Ministry (0 Cr)
  • Leading Bible Studies (0 Cr)
  • Basic Ministry Speaking (0 Cr)
  • Overview of Mental Health Integration (0 Cr)
  • 3 Additional Mini Courses Electives

Total Program: 122 Credits Plus fifteen Mini Courses

Minister of the Word

Biblical Division

  • Old Testament Survey (3 Cr)
  • New Testament Survey (3 Cr)
  • Biblical Interpretation I: Old Testament (4 Cr)
  • Biblical Interpretation II: New Testament (4 Cr)
  • Hermeneutics and Exegesis (3 Cr)
  • One Biblical Elective (3 Cr)

Ministry Division

  • Christian Leaders Connections (3 Credits)
  • Ministry Foundations (3 Credits)
  • Church and Ministry (3 Cr)
  • Evangelism: Presenting Grace (3 Cr)
  • PeaceSmart Relationships (3 credits)
  • Leadership (3 Cr)
  • Marriage Ministry (4 Cr)
  • Sex Education and Conversations (4 Cr)
  • Life Coaching Ministry (3 credits)
  • Semi-Directive and Directive Ministry Coaching (1 Cr)
  • Pastoral Care (3 Cr)
  • Church Revitalization (3 Cr) or Church Planting (3 Cr) or House Churches
    (3 Cr)
  • Prayer (3 Cr)
  • Multiplying Disciples (2 Cr)
  • Total Fitness (3 Cr)

Theological Division

  • History of World Christianity (4 Cr)
  • Theo 101 – Introduction to Christian Doctrine (3 Cr)
  • Theology I (4 Cr)
  • Theology II (4 Cr)
  • THE 320 – Christian Apologetics (3 Cr)

Philosophy Division

  • Introduction to Philosophy (3 Cr) or Logic and Critical Thinking (3 Cr)
  • Christian Philosophy (3 Cr)
  • Ethics (3 Cr) or Sexual Ethics (3 Cr)
  • Comparative Religions (2 Cr) or Philosophy of Religion (3 Cr0

Ministry Skills Division

  • Christian Wedding Officiant Skills (1 Cr)
  • Influence Smart (1 Cr)
  • Pre-marriage Counseling Skills (1 Cr)
  • Ministry Officiant Skills (2 Cr)
  • Parenting Skills (1 Cr)
  • MinistryBz (1 Cr)

Communication Division

  • People Smart (3 Cr)
  • Communication (3 Cr)
  • Sermon Construction and Presentation (4 Cr)
  • MIN 480 – Preaching, Preparation, & Presentation (3 Cr)

Mini-Courses: (15 mini-courses)

  • Essential Philosophy (0 Cr)
  • How to Develop a Great Attitude (0 Cr)
  • Nine Ways to Build People Up (0 Cr)
  • The Care and Decluttering of the Soul (0 Cr)
  • Critical Grace Theory (0 Cr)
  • Spotting Logical Fallacies (0 Cr)
  • Christian Discernment Skills (0 Cr)
  • How to be Interesting (0 Cr)
  • Fellowship and Hospitality Ministry (0 Cr)
  • Leading Bible Studies (0 Cr)
  • Basic Ministry Speaking (0 Cr)
  • Overview of Mental Health Integration (0 Cr)
  • 3 Additional Mini Courses Electives

Total Program: 123 Credits Plus fifteen Mini Courses

Start Your Ministry Training and Credential Program. Click Here

Christian Leaders Courses

Christian Leaders Courses include courses from Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders College Courses. These courses are used in the Christian Leaders Alliance training and credentialing program.

As someone finds Christian Leaders Alliance, they sign up for a study account with Christian Leaders. They can access Courses in the following categories.

  • Getting Started
  • Mini
  • Ministry Skill
  • Ministry
  • Bible
  • Theology
  • Philosophy
  • Business/Enterprise
  • General Education

These topics are relevant for a person seeking bi-vocational or vocational ministry positions. In other words, these courses are fit for volunteer, part-time, or full-time ministry leaders.

Christian Leaders Courses

Getting Started Courses

Getting Started courses help people get going at the programs offered through Christian Leaders. These include the Christian Leaders Alliance and Soul Centers.

Become a multiplying difference-maker and take another step in your ministry journey. Christian Leaders offers training and programs to advance your calling! Learn more about how to get started with Christian Leaders in this course.

This course is for those who want to grow in their calling and Christian identity! This course is part 2 of the “Getting Started” experience at Christian Leaders, and this course may change your life!

Dive right into Christian Leaders training. This “Getting Started” course is a three-credit course that allows you to attempt quizzes again as you get familiar with studying at Christian Leaders.

Have you been asked to officiate a wedding?  This Christian Wedding Officiant Skills class is a one-credit class that gives you the skills needed to officiate a wedding. Included in the training are some teachings about the meaning of marriage from the Christian worldview perspective.

After you complete the Christian Wedding Officiant Training Skill portion of this course you are welcome to become licensed with the Christian Leaders Alliance after you receive one recommendation.

Wait! You want to dive into studying but you want to learn how to swim better academically. Maybe you never have studied the Bible or Theology and you want to learn some important study techniques. Maybe you struggled with your studies in your earlier days.  Maybe English is your second language. Maybe it has been a long time since you did any studies.

Mini-Courses

Mini-courses are short courses that focus on subject matter quickly and precisely. There are no quizzes, but there are forums for discussions.

Bible/Theology/Philosophy

In this course you will learn how the traditions of men have obscured the meaning and practice of the most important Christian ritual. You will learn how the Lord’s Supper was originally a feast of joy,  an instrument of unity, a weekly reminder to the Lord of his promised return, and how the Agape Love Feast is, in fact, the chief reason that Christians should gather together.

Sex. Marriage Sex. Find out God’s Design for Sex from the pages of the Bible. This mini-course will change your life and your ministry!

What is the storyline of the Bible from Genesis to Revelations? This mini-course gives your a 30,000-foot view of the complete Bible narrative in less than 5 hours of study.

What is the storyline of the Bible from Genesis to Revelations? This mini-course gives your a 30,000-foot view of the complete Bible narrative in less than 5 hours of study.

Have you ever studied miracles? We read about the miracles in the Old and New Testaments.  What can we learn today? Dr. Robert C. Newman leads this mini-course.

What does the Bible say about dreams? How does God speak through dreams? What do research and science say about dreams? What are the different types of dreams? How should one go about interpreting dreams? Join Dr. Ballast in an exploration of each of these topics and more in the Christian worldview.

Proverbs (40 Pts)

Have you ever studied the book of Proverbs? The book of Proverbs is one of the wisdom books of the Old Testament. Dr. Fred Putnam brings us through this Biblical mini-course that will give you an understanding of the context and the teachings of this very interesting book.

Be Inspired in your ministry calling by traveling to Turkey and Greece. These selected YouTube videos are filled with rich content about the context of early Christianity.

Have you ever studied the Song of Songs(Song of Solomon)? Maybe people are not aware of this marriage sex-positive book. Dr. Lloyd Carr brings us through this Biblical mini-course that will give encourage and surprise you.

How do you answer people when they confront your faith with questions? Are you able to give an answer? Take this mini-course for insights into practical apologetics.

What are the essential Christian teachings? What does it mean to believe the truth of Scripture? Dr. David Feddes teaches this extensive mini-course that dives into the foundation of Biblical revelation.

Critical theories are spreading throughout the world.  This mini-course evaluates these theories from the perspective of Grace.  Critical Grace Theory sees grace through faith in Jesus Christ as the only way out of these struggles.

If you never took a philosophy course but wanted to have some working knowledge, this Mini-Course might be a perfect fit. This course features Templeton Award winner Dr. Roy Clouser.

Learn the common logical fallacies and how to spot them. Become a more effective leader and communicator.

Christian Life Skills

How does mental illness intersect with theology, the church, and who Jesus is? Join Brandon Applenhans in dissecting how faith communities can support mental wellness.

Are you looking for more tools to serve Christians who struggle with sexual sins? Are you looking for ways for you to be sanctified by the Holy Spirit in your sexual desires? This mini-course will examine overcoming sexual sins from a “creation, fall redemption Biblical approach.”

Are you interested in learning how to use the Christian Leaders Planner – The Ministry Edition?

Do you want to declutter your life? Can you be more effective in your walk with God and ministry if your life is more decluttered?  This mini-course may change your home and ministry.

The Bible often speaks into money, finances, and giving. What is your relationship like with money? Do you want to take control of your finances? How can studying this topic help you in your walk with God? How can it help you in your ministry?

Serving the Lord with a great attitude brings blessing to yourself and others. If you are looking to thrive in friendship, courtship, marriage, ministry, business, and about everything else a great or positive attitude goes a long way.

Finding the love of your life is challenging. Dating again after failure and divorce is challenging. Active Christians and Ministers are called to discern dating issues for themselves or to encourage and coach others. This course will address many of the issues that connect to dating discernment.

Finding the love of your life is challenging. Dating again after failure and divorce are challenging. Active Christians and Ministers are called to discern dating issues whether for themselves or to encourage and coach others. This course will address many of the issues that connect to dating discernment.

Serving the Lord with a great attitude brings blessing to yourself and others. If you are looking to thrive in friendship, courtship, marriage, ministry, business, and about everything else a great or positive attitude goes a long way.

This mini-course explores how to build people up. This course will help you love your neighbor, whether that neighbor is in your family, friendship pool, work, church, or community.

These are also important skills for those seeking a marriage match. If you want more confidence in all your human connections, this mini-course could be helpful.

Would you like to grow a more indestructible marriage? Are you interested in being a more effective marriage minister?  This course links to videos by Dr. Jim and Karen Evans of XO Marriage.

What are the essential things to know about healthy living? This mini-course explores selected topics presented by Christian cardiologist Dr. James Markum

Who are you, and what is your vision statement for your life and ministry? The course will connect your calling with your ministry!

Professional Bi-Vocational Skills

Learn the essentials of developing your first ministry board. This class is ideal for starting a new church or ministry.

Cleaning Company – As and For Ministry

Join Brandon Appelhans, the founder of a cleaning company, in exploring the idea of a MinistryBiz and bi-vocational ministry.

Learn the skill of being on a church or ministry board. Learn who to look for if you are planting or revitalizing a church or ministry.

Cherrilynn Bisbano leads students through the basics of writing a non-fiction book. Are you interested in writing? Or even publishing a book? This course will prepare you with the building blocks of writing as you gain confidence in the process.

Develop the life skill of cleaning, which will bring blessing to your life or your ministry calling. This course will also give you valuable information and skills concerning starting a Ministrybiz or cleaning ministry.

Spiritual Connection Skills

Spiritual Disciplines are biblical principles that bring growth and depth to one’s faith and relationship with Christ. This mini-course will introduce several fundamental spiritual disciplines and discuss how they can be practiced, their biblical framework, and their impact when practiced.

Clutter, Clutter, Clutter. The soul is confronted with sinful clutter every day. This course is about the care of the soul, with particular attention paid to what needs to be decluttered. Professor Henry Reyenga invites you to a place where anthropology and practical spiritual growth meet.

Forgiveness is a powerful topic. It is life-changing, from God’s forgiveness to giving and receiving forgiveness from others. This mini-course can be impactful in every area of ministry. How will this course strengthen your knowledge and practice of forgiveness?

Fear. Fear seems to be everywhere! This course looks at the common fears in our world and points to Jesus Christ and his work for victory over fear! This mini-course could inspire a Bible study in your church or community of influence.

Alcoholics Anonymous has used the Prayer of Serenity for years. In addition to this community, how can it benefit others? Learn more with Professor Steve Elzinga about each phrase of the prayer and how they can benefit your faith walk.

Do you want more discernment skills? This mini-course teaches you the essential skill needed to be a more discerning person.

We have seen a new definition of gender emerging, and sometimes it gets confusing as we try to love others but feel as if we are being bombarded with this revised world system. This course builds you up as a woman of God!

Growing as a Man of God

After becoming a Christian, you seek to grow as a Man of God. This mini-course explores becoming a more vibrant man of God.

Ministry Skills

Learn how to help people participate in worshipping God.

Learn what praise and worship are all about in the context of ministry practice.

Many Christians have questions about sex. This course opens up many ministry-related topics that Christian leaders will find interesting.

In this mini-course, Victoria White dives into supporting and celebrating neurodiverse children, especially in the church. She will outline how to work with children whose brains are wired differently, how to understand their strengths and challenges, and how to welcome them into church programming.

Are you considering planting a church? Are you part of a church that is launching a new church? Do you have a passion for your neighborhood or community where you want to plant a church? How can an understanding of church planting strengthen your ministry? This mini-course will guide you through the basics of church planting.

Are you interested in learning how to lead Bible studies? Learning to lead Bible studies is crucial for ministry leaders.

So you have been asked to speak at a ministry event? Maybe you are asked to give a sermon because your pastor is on vacation. Maybe you are a marriage minister and asked to lead devotions at the marriage conference. Maybe you are planting a new church in your neighborhood, and you will need the basics of a ministry presentation. This class will get you going on giving a ministry presentation.

Fellowship and Hospitality are two pillars of church growth and discipleship! This course is led by Henry and Pam Reyenga, who has been involved with ministry for over four decades. Gain valuable insights into this important ministry area.

Golf is a game that allows you to have fun and allows you to form new relationships.  Learn how Professors Henry Reyenga and Steve Elzinga minister to others on a Golf course and how long-time golf instructor Paul Wilson teaches Golf.

How to be an Ambassador of Jesus Christ

Just as Jesus was an ambassador of Christ, we are ambassadors of Jesus. Just as Jesus was sent, we are sent. With this special calling, there are important priorities, forms of communication, and tasks. Join Professor Brian DeCook in the exploration of these topics!

Kingdom Ministers

Are you called to minister to those not attending your local church? The Kingdom Minister program may be a fit for you. You will learn how to minister as a Kingdom Pastor/minister to those in your circles of connection.

Ministry Skill

Have you been asked to officiate a wedding?  This Christian Wedding Officiant Skills class is a one-credit class that gives you the skills needed to officiate a wedding. The training includes some teachings about the meaning of marriage from the Christian worldview perspective.

After you complete the Christian Wedding Officiant Training Skill portion of this course, you are welcome to become licensed with the Christian Leaders Alliance after you receive one recommendation.

Officiant Ministry skills are the ministry essential skills that clergy need. Whether you are the volunteer, part-time, or career ministry lane, this two-credit course will teach you ministry skills in the following areas:

  • Baptisms and Dedications
  • Funerals
  • The Lord’s Supper
  • Professions of Faith
  • Confessions of Sin
  • Forgiveness Prayers and Ceremonies
  • Anointing Ceremonies
  • Care Facilities Visits
  • Spiritual Warfare
  • Master of Ceremony

The only essential ministry skill not covered in this course is the Wedding Officiant Skill which is covered in another course.

Please note that this class does NOT give College credit; it gives two credits at the Institute.

How do Christians find their life-long marriage match? This course brings the Biblical worldview to the practical need of matching couples who share a walk with Christ. Professor Kristina Lynn has spent over twenty years developing a matchmaking ministry approach. This one-credit specialization ministry class is designed for those interested in pursuing matchmaking as part of their ministry.

Pre-Marriage Counseling Skills is a course led by Steve Elzinga with some real-life examples from Abby and Mitchell Dominiak. As a branch of life coaching, students will learn how to come alongside engaged-to-be-married couples and coach them through life before marriage.

Many parents are seeking help to raise confident children. Professor Steve Elzinga presents this parenting skill course to help you if you are involved with children or if you minister to parents.

MinistryBiz Skills is a course that focuses on the selected actions needed to start ministry enterprises that focus on ministry and business.

Ministry Studies

Ministry Foundations gives you an excellent foundation for pursuing basic ministry. This course is foundational for those who want to serve in a voluntary (bi-vocational) or salary position in ministry.

This course discusses people’s intelligence for life and ministry. This class will help you identify common principles for effective communication and how to improve your effectiveness. This course also will help you minister to people better as you learn to hear what they are saying. This course is designed to teach you how to express your love in ways that people will understand.

This course discusses caring for others pastorally as well as strengthening your marriage. Whether you are married or not, this course examines the spiritual principles of what makes a powerful kingdom partnership as a husband and wife become one spiritually, emotionally, and sexually.

Some ministry clients “want” more assistance with options available. This course helps you give wanted direction while ensuring the level of personal ownership of decision-making remains high.

This course explores some key aspects of pastoring a church, including Your Family and Ministry, Leading the Leaders, Helping People Though Grief, The Nine Facets of Training your Ministry and Small Group Volunteers (Carl George), Sharing the Gospel, Hospitality, and tools for pastors as they set up a discipleship culture in homes of those they influence. This course also guides essential transitional events like baptisms, weddings, and funerals.

This course explores various kinds of chaplaincy, such as prison, military, and hospital chaplains, along with the potential for using online chat to minister as “chatplains.” Students will engage in biblical and theological reflection about chaplaincy, develop personal qualities and skills, and learn basic practices for bringing Christ’s healing presence into challenging situations.

This course looks at many of the human relational dynamics that occur in most families. These insights are very helpful for Christian Leaders to lead people into God-glorifying wholeness. (Warning: This course is not for everyone. It equips leaders to help people with sex-related problems and includes material with blunt sex-related discussion.)

Are you interested in being a Christian Leader who is confident with people? This one-credit influence class will help you learn how to be a servant leader. This class will cover the essentials of becoming influence-smart, based mainly on the book of Proverbs.

This course equips students to bring biblical peace culture to every relationship and situation. You will learn to pursue God’s purposes in conflict situations, rather than reacting in harmful ways. You will learn to depend on God’s presence and reconciling power to be a peacemaker, applying PeaceSmart principles in families, organizations, and evangelism.

This course equips students to bring biblical peace culture to every relationship and situation. You will learn to pursue God’s purposes in conflict situations rather than reacting in harmful ways. You will learn to depend on God’s presence and reconciling power to be a peacemaker, applying PeaceSmart principles in families, organizations, and evangelism.

Restorative Justice 101 – Restoring Relationships – Transforming Justice:  This is the first course in the Restorative Justice track. When someone is convicted of breaking the law, they have offended the public. This public offense is a broken relationship. This course teaches how to restore not only the “public offended relationship” but many other relationships.

Life Coaching Ministry is a full three-credit class that could also be called “Life-Changing Coaching.” This class teaches you how to be a life coach minister. Professor Steve Elzinga guides you through the study of the theory and practice of life coaching. He connects this field to that of the volunteer, part-time, or full-time vocational life coach minister.

This course provides students with a Biblical framework for learning and developing Godly, healthy living skills that promote self-care and community support. Students will learn the foundations of the 12-step recovery process, best practices of conflict management, and how to manage one’s dark side. Students will also survey the fundamentals of healthy relationship skills in personal and professional sectors, learn and apply love languages, God-given temperament patterns, and how to go from the self to community in the church context.

This course focuses on helping people to manage unchecked behaviors that lead to poor judgment, acting out, self-destructive behaviors, and feeling out of control. Instead, attitudes and behaviors that are conducive to long-term success and peace of mind can be cultivated.

This advanced class presents key building blocks of a thriving marriage, offers insights for strengthening one’s own marriage, develops the ability to offer pre-marriage preparation for couples, and cultivates skills for marriage counseling.

Sexual intimacy is a God-given gift connected to marriage and procreation. This course discusses many vital aspects of sexuality within a Christian Worldview approach to equip Christians and ministers to grow in their personal lives and their ministry impact.

This course teaches biblical foundations for youth ministry and trains you in the best practices.  Offered in partnership with One Hope Ministries.

This course provides training for ministry among senior citizens. The class surveys various aspects of aging persons and their unique needs and opportunities for faith and service in God’s Kingdom. It explores life coaching for seniors, thus equipping ministers of all ages to benefit the seniors they are pastoring. It also examines current academic thought regarding seniors.

This class looks at the mighty things the Holy Spirit does in the thought, work, and practice of presenting God’s grace to others through evangelism.

This course trains disciples of Jesus to spread the movement in local ministry settings. Students will be equipped to lead a small group, plant a house church, develop a church launch team, and evangelize others. Featuring Francis Chan and David Platt.

This class integrates many marketing principles with a biblical framework for planting sustainable, reproducible churches. (This class can be used as a marketing core requirement for the Degree program or as an elective in all programs. You can only use this course once in your program.)

This course explores how godly leaders, relying on the Holy Spirit, can help guide, motivate, mobilize, unify, and equip God’s people to pursue God’s mission for them.

People with Down syndrome, autism, ADHD, learning differences, dementia, medical challenges, and other differences of ability are treasured by God and should be treasured in every church. This course provides the framework and practical tools to shape a congregation where people of varying abilities and disabilities can participate and belong.

Almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, yet only 10% receive treatment. Drug overdose deaths have more than tripled since 1990. From 1999 to 2017, more than 700,000 Americans died from overdosing on a drug. Alcohol and drug addiction cost the U.S. economy over $600 billion yearly. Source

Breaking the Cycle of Addiction focuses on how to minister to those in that struggle. Dr. Mark Vander Meer presents this practical course to help you minister more effectively!

This class empowers youth leaders to not only learn how to disciple youth but also learn how to create local movements for raising up indigenous youth leaders. Dr. Ted Travis is a world leader in mobilizing youth leaders in urban areas.

This course builds upon the basics of communication, explores various elements of preparing and preaching sermons, discusses various preaching models, and presents a wide-ranging sample of preachers for learning and critical evaluation.

This course teaches you how to plant a house church and house church network. You will also learn the leadership operating system that makes house churches solid and thriving.

This course examines the cultivation and practice of worship ministry. You will gain a deeper understanding of various elements of public worship, develop the ability to lead worship teams and musical praise, equip others to be influential worship leaders, discern the impact of worship style on seekers and longtime church members, and make the most of worship space, sound, and lighting.

This course examines the necessity for church revitalization, the contributing factors contributing to declining, and the biblical principles leading to health and vitality.

This course empowers women to minister to other women with their unique needs and perspectives. You will learn the importance of women in Scripture and Christian history and develop a vision for ministry.

This class cultivates the art and method of preparing and preaching practical sermons and/or formal Christian presentations. Drawing upon the Bible and communion with the Spirit, students will deepen their calling as preachers, develop their skills in crafting and delivering powerful messages, and grapple with some practical challenges in preaching.

Bible Studies

This ministry training course examines the historical writings of the Old Testament, focusing on the stories of God’s dealings with Israel in preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. The class also shows some applications for contemporary Christian living and preaching. (The Old Testament’s detailed laws, Psalms, wisdom writings, and prophets are featured in other classes.)

This class explores God’s Word in the New Testament, paying particular attention to literary, historical, and theological dimensions.

This course explores Scripture in its original historical, cultural, and geographical context. The focus is mainly on Old Testament people, places, and events while showing links to the New Testament and exploring the relevance for contemporary cultures and people. You must complete Old Testament Survey before taking this course.

This course explores Scripture in its original historical, cultural, and geographical context. The focus is mainly on New Testament people, places, events, and themes while showing links to the Old Testament and exploring the relevance for contemporary cultures and people. You must complete New Testament Survey before taking this course.
This class examines the literature of the Old Testament with careful attention to the historical, cultural, geographical, religious, and literary elements of ancient Near Eastern societies. This course will also show the influence of Old Testament literature on the New Testament and on Western culture. (This class can be used as a core requirement for the Degree program or as an elective in all programs. You can only use this course once in your program.)
This class offers an in-depth study of Paul’s letters to the Colossians and to Philemon, exploring their meaning in the original context and their contemporary relevance.

This ministry training course examines the wisdom writings of Old Testament sages and poets: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Lamentations. The class shows the relevance of Old Testament wisdom for knowing God’s wisdom in Christ and following Jesus today.

This course develops sound methods of Spirit-guided interpretation of Scripture involving grammatical, literary, historical, and theological elements. Students will gain skills in using online research tools and in basing sermons on the original meaning of the biblical text. Prerequisites: Old Testament Survey and New Testament Survey.

This course explores Acts, the Bible book that describes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the launching of the early church, and the international spread of the gospel. Students will engage with historical background, archeological findings, literary analysis, and major theological themes. This in-depth study enables better understanding and involvement with the Spirit’s work in our own time and place.
This class offers an in-depth study of the book of Romans, exploring Paul’s meaning in the original context and the relevance of Romans for today.
This class offers an in-depth study of the general epistles: James; 1 & 2 Peter; 1, 2, & 3 John; and Jude. Their meaning in the original context and their contemporary relevance are explored.

Theology Studies

This foundational ministry training course focuses on some of the most basic truths in God’s Word, the Bible, for guiding Christian belief and behavior. Students will learn these truths, find where they are taught in Scripture, and grow in their ability to state Christian truths clearly and briefly to others.

This course considers doctrines about Scripture, God, creation, humanity, sin, and Christ.

This course considers Christian doctrines about the Holy Spirit, the application of salvation, the church, and the future. (You must take Theology I before you take Theology II.)

This course reveals the continuity of Scripture, focusing on the stories of the Old Testament and how they anticipate the life and work of Christ. Part 1 summarizes the redemptive-historical story that Jesus would have learned in his youth. Part 2 develops some Old Testament themes that remain very important for today’s Christian faith and life. Both the reflections in the book and the accompanying lectures will prove helpful to those preparing to lead Bible Studies or write sermons based on the Scriptures of the Old Testament.

This ministry training course introduces students to basic issues in apologetics (defending and contending for the faith). Students learn biblical worldview, cultural analysis, and presenting the gospel in a way that shows its plausibility and addresses common objections.

This course explores what the Bible reveals about prayer and answers many questions about prayer. Students will grow in interacting with God, praying rightly, seeking God’s guidance, and training for godliness.

This course looks at significant events, key persons, and influential trends in the first four centuries of the Christian church, the period from Jesus’ resurrection through Augustine of Hippo. Such study helps us to see God’s faithfulness in the past and better to understand the church’s present challenges and opportunities.

This class looks at mighty things the Holy Spirit has done at various times and places, causing the church to grow in holiness, power, and numbers. By examining significant mission advances and revivals, we gain insights into mission and revival in our time and place.

This course surveys and evaluates the historical data available concerning women in early Christianity, starting from the ministry of Jesus through the first several centuries of the Catholic church.

Philosophy Studies

This course improves your God-given ability to think. You learn to use logic and critical thinking to formulate clear, sound arguments, evaluate others’ reasoning and evidence, and detect fallacies in flawed arguments. You will learn key elements of argument structure, inductive reasoning, probability, deductive reasoning, formal logic, and categorical logic.

This class examines philosophers’ big questions about reality, being, God, cosmology, reason, mind, heart, human identity, time, and ethics. The class will explore answers offered by secular and Christian thinkers in various cultures throughout history.

The idea that there can be such a thing as a Christian Philosophy has long been denied and seldom tried. This course will explain why some Christian philosophers of the 20th century concluded that Christian philosophy is possible, and will end with a brief account of one proposal of such a theory, the Christian theory of reality developed by Herman Dooyeweerd (1894 – 1977).

This course focuses on living according to God’s pattern for us. We study biblical commands and their wise application to various life situations. We expose demonic strategies of temptation and learn about spiritual warfare. We seek ways to express the Christ-life within us by the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Sexual Ethics provides an overview of a biblical and theological approach to questions of marriage, sexuality, and gender. This includes questions of marriage and singleness, bioethical questions surrounding procreation, contraception, assisted reproductive technologies, and questions surrounding sexual and gender identities. These matters are engaged from both an intellectual and pastoral standpoint to understand Scripture and our contemporary culture to better minister in the present cultural moment.

This course uses philosophical dialogue to show that religious experience can produce self-evident knowledge of God.

This course introduces five major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Similarities and differences are explored.

Business and Enterprise Studies

These studies assist those called to bi-vocational ministry or those who need more business or enterprise skills for this ministry.

This class explores key principles for handling finances and starting, managing, and marketing a sustainable enterprise. This can be vital for bi-vocational leaders who minister while earning income by other means.

This course presents fundamental principles for achieving financial freedom. Emphases include confident expectancy, setting goals, preparing personal financial spreadsheets, escaping debt, managing cash flow, investing, and generous giving.

Management Information Systems are formed when people team up with technology. These systems can inform better decision-making in the workplace and in one’s personal life and can elevate the church, your community, and your family. Join Professor Emily Baskins in exploring how harnessing technology will make us more effective difference-makers and leaders for Christ!

This course introduces financial accounting concepts and financial reporting, focusing on how decision-makers analyze, interpret, and use accounting information. Emphasis is given to how accounting measures, records, and reports economic activities for corporations and on the relationship between accrual and cash flow measures in interpreting accounting information.

A comprehensive survey of management principles as they are currently being applied in the United States and abroad. The two continuing themes throughout the course: (1) the never-ending effort by managers and organizations to meet or exceed the consumer’s needs (2) the need for effective organizational leadership. Emphasis is placed on determining the role of a manager through the leadership process.

This course briefly introduces the fundamentals of finance, emphasizing their application to a wide variety of real-world situations spanning personal finance, corporate decision-making, and financial intermediation. Key concepts and applications include: the time value of money, the risk-return trade-off, cost of capital, interest rates, retirement savings, capital budgeting, asset valuation, discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, net present value, internal rate of return, payback period, etc.

This class integrates biblical insights on leadership with contemporary principles of management, applying best practices for ministry contexts. It includes an in-depth study of leadership insights found in the book of Philemon.

This course teaches the biblical foundations and standards for each of the major disciplines of business to equip people to glorify Christ in the marketplace and make disciples of their companies, industries, and communities.

A primary marketing task is to develop and maintain a base of people being served. This course explores marketing strategy, promotion, market planning, segmentation, social media, demographics, and other topics relevant to corporate and non-profit enterprises.

This course explores important aspects of international business: the relationship between business and the global economy, analysis techniques and theories to understand the global environment, and analysis of different global companies.

This course explores theoretical and practical dimensions of entrepreneurship by considering case studies and insights from accomplished business leaders.

This course focuses on an overview of strategic management frameworks and tools that make an organization successful.

This course teaches money management and the dynamics of assets and liabilities over time under different degrees of uncertainty and risk. Topics include debt, investment, interest, mortgages, retirement accounts, financial dangers, currency, and foreign exchange markets.

This course introduces essential principles and practices of online marketing, such as well-designed websites, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), email, and social site marketing.

Do you see yourself as a leader? Here at Christian Leaders – it’s in the name! Christian Leaders believes that all called Christians can and should be leaders. But what makes a good leader? Are there certain traits or approaches that make for successful leadership? Leadership Theories present a wide range of research, dimensions, and applications of approaches to leadership. Join Professor Matthew Earnhardt in expanding your knowledge about leadership and on a journey of self-reflection.

General Education – The Study of God’s Creation

These are courses that are core in the Christian Leaders College program. These courses are free of change and will help you grow as a Christian leader.

The course’s central theme is to help you learn to understand the world from patterns in data. “Beyond the formula” skills are emphasized. This course will require you to: think critically, be skeptical, think about spread and variation in data (rather than just about the center of data), move beyond a “memorize the answer” approach, and think about how to make inferences from data.

This class shares insights on effective communication that will aid you in your communication skills as a Christian Leader.

This class teaches basic principles of economics and applies them to practical entrepreneurship. This helps ministry-minded leaders to develop valuable skills for reaching more people for Christ and providing for their families.

This course introduces economic analysis of the market economy’s individual, business, and industry choices. Topics include the price mechanism, supply and demand, optimizing economic behavior, costs and revenue, market structures, factor markets, income distribution, market failure, and government intervention. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and evaluate consumer and business alternatives to achieve economic objectives efficiently.

This course introduces economic analysis of the market economy’s individual, business, and industry choices. Topics include the price mechanism, supply and demand, optimizing economic behavior, costs and revenue, market structures, factor markets, income distribution, market failure, and government intervention.

This course develops your writing skills so that you can participate in public conversations through writing. It is not about the building blocks of writing (words, sentences, and grammar) but about the architecture and process required to turn those materials into a solid structure. You will walk through a specific writing process that will yield publishable work which is repeatable for future projects.

This class improves literacy in English and shows how to mentor others in English comprehension, exploring key elements of reading, spelling, vocabulary, study skills, test taking, learning styles, and disabilities. (This course is closed to new enrollments as of December 6, 2020).

ENG 121 – College Writing (3 credits)

This course provides college-level essay writing and research writing training, rooted in critical and analytical reading.

College Writing Lab is a companion course to College Writing. Degree-seeking students of Christian Leaders College should enroll in both classes at the same time. In this lab, students write and submit essays and research papers that apply the principles taught in College Writing.

This course is designed to bring the student from zero English reading and writing skills to a 3rd-grade level while also learning how to teach English proficiency to others. If you are already proficient in English, this class will teach you how to help others become proficient. This course does not count toward College credit.

This course is designed to bring the student from a fourth-grade level in English reading and writing skills to a 6th-grade level while also learning how to teach English proficiency to others. If you are already proficient in English, this class will teach you how to help others become more proficient. This course does not count toward College credit.

This course is designed to bring the student from seventh-grade level in English reading and writing skills to high school level while also learning how to teach English proficiency to others. If you are already skilled in English, this class will teach you how to help others become more proficient. This course does not count toward College credit.

This is the first in three courses on the basics of New Testament Greek, laying a foundation for studying the New Testament in its original language. (Note: Greek is hard for most people. Usually, it is best to take Greek only after you have completed some other CLI classes.)

This is the second in a sequence of three courses on the basics of New Testament Greek, increasing the ability to study the New Testament in its original language. You must complete Greek I before taking this course.

This is the third in a sequence of three courses on the basics of New Testament Greek, completing a study of essential language knowledge and online tools for studying the New Testament in its original language. You must complete Greek II before taking this course.

This class examines significant developments in United States history since 1865.

This course considers various civilizations from about 3500 B.C. through 1500 A.D. You will explore how cultures have come and gone, notice some common patterns in social development, and begin to sense the unique contributions of various societies in shaping today’s world.

This course examines the history of Christianity and its interactions with various social, cultural, and political contexts. Historical study shows God’s faithfulness in the past and increases understanding of Christianity’s present challenges and opportunities.

This course examines the history of Christianity in America. You will explore significant events and movements, grasp the impact of key leaders, evaluate significant theological debates, develop your ability to see contemporary American Christianity from a historical perspective, and integrate these insights into your ministry context.

This course teaches various life skills and shows how to become healthier and stronger as a total person. Drawing upon a biblical worldview and findings in various disciplines, this course is a journey toward greater fitness in life’s spiritual, physical, financial, intellectual, emotional, relational, and vocational dimensions.

This course teaches several basic concepts in mathematics, applying them to practical matters, particularly those involving business and/or ministry activity.  It also teaches how to use a spreadsheet, with the Microsoft EXCEL spreadsheet as an example, to do valuable things in personal, business, and ministry financial activity.  This course’s financial and business aspects are embedded in a Biblical framework of how a Christian should view material possessions and how the Scriptures define the ethics of business that a Christian should show.

This course teaches the basics of mathematics and record keeping as applied to personal finances and ministry settings. The emphasis is on practical wisdom and skill, not high-level theoretical math. This is very important for the stewardship of the household and church.

This course explores the mathematics of algebra, a fundamental building block of all advanced mathematics. The course begins with a review of fundamentals and continues into the study of expressions, equations, inequalities, graphing, and applications to geometry.

In this course, you will learn the foundations of Psychology in theory and in practice all from the Biblical worldview. The topics will give you the history of Psychology, its proponents, and how to understand the human mind and behavior, as well as psychological disorders and their effects on the brain and human relationships. The ultimate goal of this curriculum is to help you, the ministry practitioner, to integrate, adapt and use psychological concepts and best practices in your ministry context.

In this course, you will learn the science of astronomy, exploring many aspects of the universe ranging from the motion we observe in the night sky to the properties of the planets that make up our solar system to the surprising conclusions we can draw from the study of distant galaxies. At every turn, you will learn how the heavens declare God’s glory for us all to marvel at and enjoy.
This class introduces the basics of the “scientific method,” biological organization, cell structures and functions, DNA and genetics, evolutionary theory, bacteria and viruses, ecology, and animal behavior. God’s glory shines as the Creator and Sustainer of all living things.

This general education core class explores sociology’s academic discipline, evaluates sociology’s claims from a biblical perspective, and shows how understanding social structures and relationships can make ministry more effective.