Journey to Chaplaincy

My name is Ed Johnston, and I live in the Adirondacks of New York State, USA. I worked in the Human Services field for 27 years. Throughout my career, I have supported people with developmental disabilities, senior citizens, and the terminally ill. On my chaplaincy journey, I am thankful for the ordination opportunity with training at the Christian Leaders Institute and ordination credentials with the Christian Leaders Alliance. It further equips me for my calling.

My Spiritual Journey

My Christian faith plays a central role in all I do. However, this was not always the case. Although I have always identified as a Christian, I pursued traditional and New Age spirituality in my early adulthood. In time, God moved in my life in such a way that it profoundly changed me.

Through the urging of a Pastor friend, I attended his church. At first, I only expected to make a one-time appearance. As I sat nervously in the back pew, all I could think of was leaving. However, God had other plans for me. As it would turn out, this was not my only visit. I have been a regular attendee for over twenty years, serving in the worship team and filling in for the Pastor when he is on leave. In short, my faith development can be described as sitting as far back in the church as possible to standing in front of the congregation.

My Degree Journey

At 40, I decided to finish my degree. Therefore, I graduated from Liberty University with an Associate of Interdisciplinary Studies and coursework through The Wilmington School of the Bible. However, along with academic success came increased debt. The student loan payments were more significant than the increase in pay my employer awarded for a degree. Nevertheless, my studies sparked my desire to learn more, but the cost was outside of my means.

It was not long after my graduation that I was on the search for affordable Christian-based education. I found the Christan Leaders Institute (CLI) and enrolled in their free courses. The course material was easy to follow and provided sound academic training that helped build a foundation of Christian knowledge. I later used what I learned from CLI and applied it to my other scholarly pursuits. I enrolled at Nations University (NU) and obtained a Bachelor of Religious Studies, a Master of Theological Studies, and a Master of Divinity.

Journey to Chaplaincy

The high-quality Christian education I received from NU and CLI supported my career efforts. They equipped me to serve in greater faith-based capacities. I am a Training Coordinator for a non-profit organization serving the needs of people with disabilities. Additionally, I work as a chaplain for a local hospice organization.

The education I gained has better equipped me on my journey to chaplaincy. I can serve others and share Christ’s love. I plan to develop a program supporting faith advocacy for people with disabilities.

The Deacon Minister Ordination will also aid my chaplaincy efforts, supporting people throughout my region.
CLI and CLA equip students to serve as Christian leaders, educators, ambassadors, and missionaries. Their affordable education and accessibility have opened opportunities for people that may have otherwise not been available. Thank you to the CLI administration and faculty for your commitment to academic excellence that fosters faith development and Christian leadership.

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:

1. Ministry Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees with the Christian Leaders Institute.
2. 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.