Deacon Ordination Journey

My name is Christian Thompsen, and here is my deacon ordination story. I live in a small town in West Michigan called Holton. I was born and raised in Fremont, Michigan. For a short time, I also lived in Savannah, Tennessee.

I am a member of a United Methodist Church. The deacon role is better known there as a lay servant. I have been very involved in my local church in areas such as filling the pulpit, organizing back to school giveaways, and serving in the nursery from time to time. The deacon ordination is just for my progression in the Christian Leaders Institute curriculum, but it also serves as a milestone in my continuing education.

My last pastor retired in July of 2018. He and his wife were very influential in convincing me to pursue Christian Leaders Institute and my education. They gave me my first opportunity to be the worship leader and my first chance to preach as I filled the pulpit for him on a Sunday.

Associates of Ministry Goal at CLI

Since I have been taking the CLI classes, I have learned a lot. It has also helped me to focus in on what God’s plan is for me. When I started, I didn’t know what to expect or what direction I was going to take in my training. Now I feel God’s pull directing me to set a goal of getting my Associates of Ministry.

Without the free training at CLI, I wouldn’t be pursuing an education at all. I thank you, CLI, for helping me and all of us to become more educated in the roles God wants us in so that we can do our best at kingdom building. I ask for prayer for God to guide my family and me in the direction he wants us to go during and after my education is concluded.

Learn more about ordination at Christian Leaders Alliance.

Author: Henry Reyenga

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

April 24, 2019/by Henry Reyenga