Deacon Minister Ordination

My name is Douglas Drake. I live in San Diego, California. My wife Brenda and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary in March of 2017. We have two children, a son and a daughter, and one granddaughter. I retired from active duty in the U.S. Navy in 1999 and currently work as an Information Technology Support Manager for a global law firm. My calling to Christ came early in my Navy career, around 1981 while I was in Seattle, Washington. I guess I wasn’t ready at that time because it would be some 15 years later that I would finally answer His call to follow Him. It would be another 21 years before my deacon minister ordination. Praise God that He is faithful and continues to reach out to me!

In 1996, I gave my life to Jesus, was baptized, and started my Christian walk. My wife and I currently attend a small, non-denominational church that is 60 miles from where we live. People often ask us, “Why do you drive so far to go to church?” Our answer is always the same, this humble little church is different from any place that we have ever been before. We feel God’s Spirit there and the members of the congregation truly care for and love one another. Services are from 10:30-12:30 but you can still find many of us there at 3:00 and 4:00 in the afternoon! Brenda and I are deeply involved, she coordinates and teaches Bible School for the children. I work as an usher, sing special music, and have given seminars and Biblical presentations for our monthly men’s breakfast. We were ordained as deacons in August of 2015 and are one of seven couples who make up the church’s Servants Team.

For the last two years, I have been feeling led to pursue an education in Theology. I’m not sure why or what God has in mind for me but I know that He does all things for my good so I want to be faithful, obey Him, and go where He leads. I’ve found myself online many times, searching for a way but was always prevented by cost. Then in May 2017, I found Christian Leaders Institute and the offer of free ministry training. I believe CLI is what I have been looking for, where God has led me, and I am grateful to Him for making a way.

My deacon minister ordination through CLI will give me an opportunity to serve in a greater capacity and will be a springboard to additional ministry opportunities. I’m not certain what God ultimately has planned for me, but in the meantime, I’m continuing my education and leaning toward credentials as a Commissioned Pastor. I enjoy fellowship with other believers. It’s easy to spend time praying together and reflecting on the awesome majesty of our God. I’m learning a lot in my courses at CLI. I feel very blessed to have finally found a way to expand my understanding of our great God and our beloved Savior Jesus Christ. Pray that God would show me His plan for me. That He would bless me in my deacon minister ordination, in my studies, and increase my understanding. That He would create divine appointments for me, that I may lift others up and share the Gospel with them. That He would give me wisdom in my dealings with everyone.

Learn about ordained minister study programs at Christian Leaders Alliance.