Christian Leaders Student Story
William Toti: From Navy Leadership to Christian Ministry
After a career of military leadership, a life-changing experience at the Pentagon, and years helping veterans transition to civilian life, William Toti found a new calling: serving veterans and international seafarers through Christian ministry.
William Toti
Retired U.S. Navy captain serving veterans and international seafarers
A Life of Leadership
A Career of Service in the United States Navy
William Toti lives in Brevard County, Florida, and is a retired United States Navy captain. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1979, he spent his career serving in the Navy.
His leadership responsibilities eventually included serving as captain of a nuclear submarine and as commodore of a submarine squadron.
A Formative Moment
Surviving the September 11 Attack at the Pentagon
One of the most significant events of William’s life occurred on September 11, 2001, when he was present at the Pentagon during the terrorist attack.
“The short version of the story is that I lived while too many of my friends did not.”
William says that experience profoundly shaped his worldview and became one of the defining experiences of his life.
A New Chapter of Service
Helping Veterans Transition to Civilian Life
William retired from the Navy in 2006 and spent the next 15 years working as a business executive. During that time, he made a deliberate effort to hire military veterans into civilian jobs.
Through that work, he saw firsthand how difficult the transition from military service to civilian life could be for many veterans.
In 2022, William wrote a book intended to help veterans strengthen the skills needed for success after military service.
Beyond Professional Skills
Realizing the Need Was Also Spiritual
As William continued working with veterans, he came to believe that many of the struggles they experienced went deeper than professional skills or employment preparation.
“I quickly learned that many of the challenges veterans face have less to do with secular skills and more to do with moral and spiritual instability.”
Faith Changes the Mission
Discovering Jesus as the Anchor Veterans Need
William came to Christ later in life. His own faith journey changed how he viewed his work with military members and veterans.
Rather than focusing only on career readiness, he began focusing on the moral and spiritual stability he believes people can find through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
“I realized that Jesus is the ultimate solution to the struggles many veterans face.”
Preparing for Ministry
Pursuing Chaplain and Divinity Training
William pursued chaplain and divinity training through Christian Leaders Institute as he prepared for a new season of Christian ministry.
Today, he serves full time ministering to veterans and international seafarers working aboard cruise ships based in Port Canaveral, Florida.
Serving the Whole Person
Building a Full Set of Ministry Tools
William sees ordination as part of preparing to provide comprehensive Christian ministry to the people he serves.
“The ability to baptize, counsel, marry, and provide other pastoral services will allow me to offer comprehensive ministry to those coming to Christ or struggling in their relationship with Him.”
Exploring a Calling Without Debt
Why Free Ministry Training Mattered
William says the availability of free ministry training gave him room to explore whether full-time volunteer ministry was truly his calling without first taking on a large financial burden.
“The free ministry training has been invaluable, as it allowed me to explore my calling without committing substantial financial resources upfront.”
For William, that opportunity helped him discern a path that demands significant personal commitment while avoiding the need to incur debt simply to begin exploring the calling.
A Continuing Mission
Praying for Veterans and Seafarers Who Need Christ
William asks others to pray that God will connect him with veterans and seafarers who are struggling and could benefit from pastoral care.
“By the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, I have already had the privilege of helping some individuals find Christ, and I look forward to continuing this work for many years to come.”
Explore Your Calling
Could God Be Calling You to Christian Ministry?
Explore Christian Leaders Alliance wedding officiant ordination or review the Florida guide for information about Christian ministry recognition and serving couples.
