Become a Chaplain

My name is Philip Walker. I am studying at the Christian Leaders Institute to become a Chaplain (Learn more about studying the Bible online, Click Here). The deacon ordination with Christian Leaders Alliance is a step in my Chaplaincy journey (Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance).

My Journey

Originally from Minnesota, I currently reside in Virginia. I served my country in the US Navy and am still serving others as a Deputy Sheriff. As a young boy, I attended Sunday school regularly until 12 or 13. My family did not attend church services, but I believed in God and Jesus. I began to attend church after a friend in high school invited me. Soon after, I sang in the choir. My faith has always been present but grew stronger as I aged.

I came to Jesus as my Lord and Savior after meeting my wife. She was so full of life and love, it was contagious. I began to attend services regularly with her when we were dating. The rest is history. We have been together for 15 years and have six children.

One of the most humbling events in my life was losing our son ten years ago. My wife was pregnant, and our son had birth defects in his heart. We only had him for 34 minutes. It was also a very stressful time in that my wife had an emergency C-section without medication. It was challenging, but our strong faith in Jesus pulled us through. The pregnancy also brought some of our medical team to Christ through our prayers and healing of some of my son’s health conditions.

Call to Become a Chaplain

We have been foster parents. However, my strongest pull for ministry is in my profession, to which I have dedicated the past 22 years. I’m called to Chaplaincy for my co-workers and for the population that I serve in the jail setting. I started ministry training at the Christian Leaders Institute to discover what I needed to know in chaplaincy. I’ve enjoyed the training thus far.

The training in the Deacon Minister Ordination gives me credibility in my professional life. Now I have verifiable training and not only a calling or desire to serve my co-workers. The administration asked me if I was interested in a sworn position as a chaplain. The sheriff of our agency is petitioning for a sworn position to be authorized in our budget.

I assisted my co-workers and incarcerated people with relationship advice, forgiveness advice, and prayers for others outside the work environment. This ordination ministry training also helps me in my local church. Our pastor has been experiencing some issues which are taking a lot of energy from him and the congregation. I can step up and help with the training I have received.

Please pray for me to have continued support in my ministry walk and for doors to continue to open for me now and into the future. Thank you!

Interested in a low-cost college degree? Check out the Christian Leaders College.

Author: Henry Reyenga

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