A Biblical Ordination Path – Steps to Become Ordained with Christian Leaders Alliance

Are you called to pursue ordination? Have you been asked to officiate a wedding? Or perhaps you feel a deeper calling to ministry and desire a study-based path to ordination?

The Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) ordination process is rooted in the historic and biblical principles of ministry. Grounded in Scripture and the practices of the early Church, this pathway equips individuals to serve with purpose and integrity. Below are the seven key steps in this journey.

The Seven C’s of Christian Ordination: Steps to Clergy Credentialing

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1. Calling Step: Embrace Your Purpose

Every believer has unique gifts and a divine calling. For some, that calling leads to ministry. Whether you are officiating a wedding, offering pastoral care, or guiding others in faith, the journey begins with recognizing your mission.

Ephesians 4:1 (NIV):
“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”

Acknowledging this call lays the foundation for your ministry journey.

2. Competence Step: Build Your Foundation

Effective ministry starts with preparation and education. CLA ensures candidates are equipped through training at the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI).

• Ordained Officiant Roles: Specialized roles, such as Wedding Officiants, start with a 2-3 hour skills course.
• Ordained Minister Roles: Advanced credentials, like Minister of the Word, require over 120 college-level units of coursework.

2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV):
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

This step ensures that you are well-prepared for your ministry role.

3. Confirmation Step: Affirm Your Calling

The Confirmation Step reflects the biblical tradition of community recognition. Candidates secure 1-3 endorsements through the Endorsement Tool to affirm their readiness and character.

• Ordained Officiants: Require 1 endorsement.
• Ordained Ministers: Require 2-3 endorsements, depending on the role.

Acts 6:3 (NIV):
“Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.”

Endorsements validate your calling and demonstrate your commitment to serve.

4. Credibility Step: Build Trust

Credibility is essential for effective ministry. Candidates who complete the ordination process are listed in the CLA Minister Directory, which highlights their commitment and competence. Each candidate also updates their clergy profile, sharing their ministry journey as a testimony.

2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (NIV)

“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”

Your credibility is based in the truth of your life and walk. This credibility ensures your ministry is trusted and recognized by others.

5. Compliance Step: Legal and Community Recognition

Credentials help candidates meet local legal requirements and establish legitimacy. These may include clergy ID cards, ordination certificates, or Letters of Good Standing.

Examples:

• Clergy ID Cards: Required by some hospitals for pastoral visits.
• Letters of Good Standing: Needed by officiants in certain jurisdictions.

Romans 13:1 (NIV):
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.”

This step ensures you are recognized as a legitimate minister in both church and community settings.

6. Commissioning Step: Sent Out with Support

Commissioning acknowledging your readiness to serve in a public forum. This step mirrors the biblical practice of publically sending disciples into ministry. This commissioning can occur in person or online.

• Informal Commissioning: May involve a prayer of blessing from a mentor or fellow believer.
• Formal Commissioning: Recommended for advanced roles, such as Minister of the Word, and often involves a public commissioning service.
• Soul Center Commissioning: Candidates may choose to start a Soul Center through CLA, further expanding their ministry impact.

Acts 13:3 (NIV):
“So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”

Commissioning sends you forward with the support and blessing of the Christian community.

7. Confidence Step: Equip Yourself for Service

As you walk in ministry and gain experience through real-world situations, the application of training builds confidence. Candidates refine their skills by officiating weddings, leading funerals, or serving as volunteer ministers, creating a strong foundation for expanded ministry opportunities. Through commissioning in ministry—empowered by training, confirmation, and credibility—you will gain the confidence needed to grow into additional ministry roles.

Philippians 4:13 (NIV) inspires us:
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

A Biblical Model for Ministry Preparation

The CLA ordination process is firmly rooted in Scripture, equipping individuals to serve faithfully and effectively. By following these seven steps, you are empowered to honor God, serve your community, and advance His kingdom.

Are you ready to step into your calling? Begin your ordination journey with the Christian Leaders Alliance today.

2 Corinthians 3:5 (NIV):
“Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.”

Let this process guide you as you faithfully answer His call

A Biblical Model for Ministry Preparation

The CLA ordination process is firmly rooted in Scripture, equipping individuals to serve effectively and faithfully. By following these seven steps, candidates are empowered to honor God, serve their communities, and advance His kingdom.

Are you ready to step into your calling? Begin your journey with Christian Leaders Alliance today.

2 Corinthians 3:5 (NIV) assures us:
“Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.”

Let this process guide you as you answer God’s call.