Credentialed Wedding Officiant
I am Bob Willbanks, a loving husband to my wife, Barb, father to three sons, stepdad to two others, and grandparent of six wonderful grandkids. I am a student at the Christian Leaders Institute to become a licensed wedding officiant, credentialed with the Christian Leaders Alliance.
Further, I lead G7 Networking, a Christian networking organization. It equips Christians to walk boldly in faith while doing referral business together. I primarily act as the visionary, spreading the concept of G7 Networking to key influencers throughout the U.S. and beyond. I also assist my wife in running her company, Next Door Photos – Twin Cities. It is a real estate photography and media business that continues to expand rapidly.
My Journey
For most of my adult life, I was “miserably saved.” I identified as Christian. However, I did not embrace biblical truths or fully understand what it meant to be Christian. This all changed in 2012 when Jesus miraculously healed me of an alcohol addiction that soiled most of my adult life. Through the healing, I found the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that only come through the fruit of the Spirit.
Wanting to share this newfound peace led me to found a Christian nonprofit called Ambassadors for Business in the Twin Cities that helps people connect their faith and work. G7 Networking began forming inside of the nonprofit as a response to COVID-19. As of October 2021, God led me to pull G7 out of the nonprofit to allow it to expand as He desires. Currently (08/2023), we are in 11 States with 40 active Chapters and continue to expand rapidly.
Credentialed Wedding Officiant Journey
Throughout this time, I’ve been discipling others using a tool called Operation Timothy, which is provided by CBMC (Christian Business Men’s Connection). As part of that side ministry, I had the opportunity to guide my niece and her fiance’ through the study, which cemented our relationship as only God can. They asked me to officiate their wedding, which is an honor for me to do. However, I was at a loss as to how to gain my license and become a credentialed wedding officiant.
After looking at the many options online, I decided on the Christian Leaders Institute for training and licensing. Primarily because it provided training that adhered to God’s plan for marriage founded on biblical principles. I’ve completed the training and look forward to officiating the wedding. Perhaps this will lead to many other opportunities to guide others as well. I pray God makes that so.
Register a Study Account
Register for a free study account, automatically enrolling 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:
- Ministry Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- 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.
Author: Henry Reyenga
Henry Reyenga is president of Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance.
