Ministry Certification

Learning at Christian Leaders Institute to Serve

My name is Steven West. I am a Christian Leaders Institute student and getting ordination and ministry certification with the Christian Leaders Alliance.

My wife, the love of my life, Cindy, and I live in rural Eastern North Carolina just outside New Bern. My special needs uncle lives with us. I work full-time at a national home improvement chain and in my small local ministry, Sound of Salvation Ministries.

My Story

While I growing up, my parents sent me to Sunday School occasionally. However, they were not believers themselves until much later in their lives. Thankfully, they both found Jesus before they passed. I learned about Jesus in my late teens at a Christian youth retreat. it was at one of the local YMCA youth camps in which I was employed.

However, it was several years before I found a church home. I tried several churches, but they did not fit. However, that changed in 2006 when my coworkers’ wife invited me to the “Hanging of the Greens.” I felt at home from the minute I walked through the door. I wanted to learn more about the Salvation Army. Eventually, I became a Salvation Army Soldier. I served as an Adventure Corps leader, Missionary Sergeant, and Disaster Services volunteer. I served wherever the Lord saw fit.

Struggles and Growth

My mother eventually followed me to the Salvation Army. She became a Soldier as well shortly before she was called home to the Lord. After this, I drifted from the church. I was trying to understand the loss of my mother and became distracted by the world. I met my future wife during this time. Then, we became active in the Salvation Army and eventually married there.

However, tragedy and illness struck my wife’s family. We spent a lot of time with her family, that lived two hours away. The world slowly intruded into our lives. Sadly, we drifted away from the church. After several years, we worked ourselves back into the church.

Ministry Training at CLI and Ministry Certification with CLA

Last year, I decided to answer a deeper calling from the Lord. I saw several negative situations in my community, and the Holy Spirit moved me to help solve them. I also realized I needed more instruction in the Word to answer my calling. After several months of searching and praying for an answer, I came across Christian Leader Institute and College. I was hesitant, but after a few months, I began classes and sought a mentor to answer God’s calling in my heart.

Since taking classes at CLI, I obtained the Licensed Wedding Officiant, Field (Commended) Minister, Licensed Minister, and Licensed Ministry Chaplain certifications. I have also grown Sound of Salvation Ministries from one project a year to one being active in the community year-round. Sound of Salvation Ministries supports two local Christian food pantries and raises food and snacks for children in the local area during the summer months. We also have a growing partnership with one of the local nursing facilities.

As I continue at Christian Leader Institute, I have begun applying to Christian Leaders College for the Divinity degree program. I am also working towards ordination as well as my Life Coach certification. Thank you, Christian Leaders, for this ministry training and ministry certification opportunity!

Register a Study Account

Register for a free study account that automatically enrolls you in the Getting Started Class at the Christian Leaders Learning Platform. The Getting Started class will take you less than an hour to complete.

When you log in to the Learning Platform, you will notice that the Getting Started Class automatically appears on your dashboard.    

The Getting Started Class will orientate you to the Christian Leaders Learning Platform and the Programs offered, including:

1. Ministry Awards, Certificates, and Diplomas with the Christian Leaders Institute.
2. College Degrees with the Christian Leaders College.
3. Minister Credentialling (Ordination) with the Christian Leaders Alliance, including local Soul Center registration possibilities. 

Note: You can enroll in tuition-free courses or mini-courses immediately without finishing the getting started class.  

Find out more about women in ministry here