Becoming Ordained in Ohio – Deb Rhoads

Becoming Ordained in Ohio

Hi! I’m Deb Rhoads. I am becoming ordained in Ohio – USA.  I grew up in church and was saved when I was nine. Through the years my faith has been shaken several times by some tough life circumstances. I have learned to cling to Jesus during the hard times and let Him heal my brokenness. Now my faith is stronger than ever. I am a living, breathing example of Genesis 50:20, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”

God has given me a unique calling, centered around Acts 26:16, “But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.” Additional verses give me hints to work He has for me to do. Isaiah 61:1-4 and Isaiah 58:12 show me that God wants me to: rise, rebuild, raise, repair, and restore. My prayer is 3 John 2, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

I am a certified Biblical health coach, a blogger, and an instructor with the fitness ministry, PraiseMoves. Since beginning as a student at Christian Leaders Institute, new ministry opportunities have opened – leading a Bible study in a skilled nursing facility, holding a weekly service at a local church, and mentoring. Recently, a friend mentioned that an ancestor of hers was a circuit-riding preacher, and it hit me – that’s what I do! I get to do ministry in different locations to different groups six days a week. I am honored to be chosen by God to proclaim His Word over His people.

God is giving me more and more glimpses where He is taking me in future ministry. Though I’m “circuit riding” now, He has promised to “settle” me in the future. My current and future assignments, as well as my call, are bigger than I am capable of in my limited wisdom and strength. It is Christ in me who gives me strength, and I cry out for His wisdom. He is faithful.
Christian Leaders Institute is providing the tools and training I need to help me learn and grow and become the minister and witness God is calling me to be. I so appreciate the ministry training I am receiving from CLI. A friend recently told me that becoming ordained in Ohio would “bring (me) before kings!” I’m excited about the future and the miraculous things God is going to do. All glory to Him!

Author: Henry Reyenga

Henry Reyenga is president of Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance.