Retired Seeking Ordination: Never Too Late

Retired Seeking Ordination

My name is Gary Charwin, and I am retired seeking ordination. I am from the United States. I read some of the personal stories on the Christian Leaders Institute before sitting down to write my own. One of the most comforting themes I came to recognize was that Jesus calls his servants in many different ways. Some follow the path of their families from the start. Others stray away and find their way back. Then there’s someone like me.

I was born and raised in a Jewish home. But, this was, essentially, a cultural Judaism that never fulfilled a spiritual need for me. Throughout my young adult years, I found myself drawn to “Christianity.” But, even my experiences in church and with other “Christians” seemed devoid of true purpose and belief.

I spent much of my adult life this way. A High School teacher of English, Journalism, and Drama, I raised two fantastic kids with my beautiful wife. Our children grew up to be good, moral citizens. They attended Sunday School, believe in ‘God’ and care about others. However, since I never had a clear enough understanding of who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for me, I was unable to pass along that great joy and comfort.

Missing Relationship with Jesus

This was my life. A good life, but always a life missing…something…

I am now in my 60’s and recently retired from public education. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for, in Your own time, allowing me to discover that I was missing a personal relationship with You. I learned about some vague ‘God’ who kept clear of our lives and had nothing to do with everyday living.

Now, I have found profound peace in the comfort of letting myself go and accepting Christ as my Savior. He is the Answer to ALL of life’s questions. Therefore, I cherish God’s Word. I am grateful He steered me in the direction of Christian Leaders Institute so that I might learn more about what He has been telling humanity since creation: We are His children. He is our Father. God loves us. He cares for us. He allowed His Son to become flesh and die for us, for me, to take away our sins, my sins. There is no greater love, and by recognizing this, all our worldly concerns wash away.

Ministry Training at CLI and Deacon Minister Ordination with CLA

After taking some initial classes with CLI, I plan to step up my commitment to God and to my church. I am doing this by enrolling as an undergraduate student in CLI’s degree program. Also, since I am retired seeking ordination, I am pursuing my Deacon Minister ordination in the Christian Leader’s Alliance.

While I already possess a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and additional post-graduate credits, I have found true purpose and meaning in the time I spend immersed in God’s Word, the church, its history and the roles played by its many members. Being ordained as a deacon minister in the church has given a new definition and purpose to my commitment to Christ and His Church. I hope it illustrates to all that I serve and seek to serve, that God is always calling us. Speaking as one who is retired seeking ordination, it is never too late to turn around and follow Him.

God calls each and every one of us to His purpose. Beginning with my own family, I want to open the eyes of those who are missing out on a true relationship with Jesus Christ. I want to share this knowledge in the Sunday School and adult classes I teach at our local church. I want to share this passion in person and online, finding ways to build relationships with others who are looking for answers in their lives.

Retired Seeking Ordination for Future Ministry Opportunities

I also want to apply what I am learning in CLI’s undergraduate degree to my volunteer work in support of the persecuted church. Thus, I want to work with organizations that build awareness and advocate for persecuted Christians, assisting them with their physical and spiritual needs. I want to go out and speak to other churches and to encourage them to stand with their persecuted Christian brothers and sisters overseas and in America.

I have also begun work on a movie ministry in our town. Through this effort, I pray that God’s Word will reach many who desperately need the gospel in their lives yet are lost. I have seen how the power of visual media and the power of story touch lives and change hearts. There are passion and calling of talented writers, directors, and actors who are using their gifts to reach hearts. My calling is to use my God-given gifts to bring these messages to new audiences.

The title of ordained deacon minister and a degree in Divinity will add strength to all these missions. It will demonstrate the level of commitment I have to my God, to His people, and to His work. In other words, I want to make up for lost time in my life. I want to help people to turn to God for their answers to find the perfect love and peace in Jesus Christ.

Being a Witness

As a newly ordained deacon minister, as an undergraduate degree student with Christian Leaders Institute, as a partner with the dedicated teachers, mentors and students involved in CLI, and as a child of God saved by His loving grace, I am hoping to finally take on the role of being a “witness (for Christ) in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

God bless you for providing this opportunity to grow in Christ,
Gary