Register My Free Study Account at Christian Leaders Institute

How to Start a Church: A Guide for Aspiring Christian Leaders including Ordination

Starting a church is a profound calling that requires careful preparation, a deep sense of purpose, and practical steps to bring the vision to life. The Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) provides resources, training, and a clear pathway to ordination that equips leaders for this significant ministry. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you start your church while incorporating the Seven C’s of Ordination to ensure a biblically sound and credible foundation for your leadership.

1. Calling Step: Embrace Your Purpose

Every believer has unique gifts and a divine calling. For some, that calling leads to starting a church. Recognizing this call is the foundation of your ministry journey. Whether you’re officiating a wedding, offering pastoral care, or guiding a new congregation, acknowledging your purpose is essential.

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

Action Steps:

  • Spend time in prayer and reflection to confirm your calling.
  • Enroll in the “Calling and Confidence” Course at Christian Leaders Institute” – Enroll Here
  • Seek wise counsel from trusted mentors or spiritual leaders.
  • Articulate your mission and vision for the church you plan to establish.

2. Competence Step: Build Your Foundation

Effective ministry begins with preparation. The CLA, through Christian Leaders Institute (CLI), provides accessible training to equip you for various ministry roles.

Educational Pathways:

  • Ordained Officiant Roles: Start with a 2-3 hour skills course tailored for specific functions like weddings.
  • Ordained Minister Roles: Pursue advanced credentials requiring over 120 college-level units of coursework for leadership roles.

Scripture Inspiration: 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.”

Action Steps at Christian Leaders Institute:

  • Enroll in a mini-course called “The Fundamentals of Church Planting”. This free course taught by Dr. Bruce Ballast  will give you a quick start on planting a church – Enroll Here. 
  • Enroll in a Free College-level course called “Church Planting” by Rev. Henry Reyenga. Enroll Here.
  • Enroll in a Free College-level course called “Developing House Churches” by Larry Kreider.  Enroll Here
  • Complete training that aligns with your intended ministry role. Choose over free 200 courses ministry training courses at the Christian Leaders Institute. Learn More

3. Confirmation Step: Affirm Your Calling

Community affirmation is a vital aspect of ministry. The CLA’s Endorsement Tool allows candidates to secure 1-3 endorsements, reflecting readiness and character.

As you are involved in studying to plant a new church, we strongly recommend studying to become an ordained officiant right a way. For example, becoming ordained as a wedding officiant is an excellent starting point. This clergy-level role not only allows you to gain practical ministry experience but also provides you with clergy recognition, which can be instrumental in establishing credibility and opening doors for further ministry opportunities.

Requirements:

  • Ordained Officiants: Require 1 endorsement.
  • Ordained Ministers: Require 2-3 endorsements.

Scripture Inspiration: 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.”

Action Steps:

  • Share your vision and training progress with trusted individuals.
  • Request endorsements from mentors, ministry leaders, or church members. See the Endorsement Course. Click here. 

4. Credibility Step: Build Trust

Credibility is essential for starting and leading a church. If you follow these steps at Christian Leaders institute and Alliance, candidates are listed in the CLA Minister Directory and complete a clergy profile to document their journey.

If you create free ministry account at Christian Leaders Institute you will be allowed to create a ministry profile.

Scripture Inspiration: 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.”

Action Steps:

  • Share your ministry testimony and goals publicly.
  • Update your clergy profile regularly to build trust and transparency.

5. Compliance Step: Legal and Community Recognition

Legal recognition is a crucial step in starting a church. CLA provides the necessary credentials, such as clergy ID cards and ordination certificates, to meet local requirements.

Examples of Compliance Needs:

  • Clergy ID Cards: Required for pastoral visits in some settings.
  • Letters of Good Standing: Necessary for officiants in certain jurisdictions.

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

Action Steps:

  • Research local legal requirements for establishing a church.
  • Obtain necessary credentials through CLA.

6. Commissioning Step: Sent Out with Support

Commissioning acknowledges your readiness to serve. This step mirrors the biblical tradition of sending disciples into ministry.

Commissioning Options:

  • Informal Commissioning: A prayer of blessing from a mentor or spiritual leader.
  • Formal Commissioning: A public service involving laying on of hands.
  • Soul Center Commissioning: Launch a CLA Soul Center to expand your ministry impact.

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

Action Steps:

  • Plan a commissioning event to mark the beginning of your church ministry.
  • Seek support and prayer from your faith community.

7. Confidence Step: Equip Yourself for Service

Real-world ministry experience builds confidence. By officiating weddings, leading services, and engaging in pastoral care, you refine your skills and grow in your role.

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

Action Steps:

  • Start small by hosting Bible studies or prayer meetings.
  • Gradually expand your ministry to include public worship services and outreach programs.

Conclusion

Starting a church is a journey of faith, preparation, and action. The Seven C’s of Ordination provide a biblical and practical framework to guide you every step of the way. By embracing your calling, building competence, and gaining credibility, you can establish a thriving church that honors God and serves your community.

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

Are you ready to answer God’s call? Begin your journey with the Christian Leaders Alliance today.

Suggested Links: 

Compare Christian Leaders Alliance with Instant Online Ordination – Click Here

Check out the Accreditation Status of the Christian Leaders Institute – Click Here

Learn more about the Christian Leaders Alliance – Click Here

See the Christian Leaders Alliance Minister Directory – Click Here

Learn more about Soul Centers a place to register your Wedding Officiant ministry- Click Here

Register My Free Study Account at Christian Leaders Institute

How to Start a New Church – Testimony

Hi! I’m Aaron Hall, and I currently serve as the Digital Discipleship and Communications Pastor at More how to start a new church2 Life Ministries in Okeechobee, a charming small town in South Florida—also known as the Sunshine State in the USA. Life keeps me busy with my loving wife and four energetic boys, but God has placed a clear calling on my heart for church planting in lower Alabama. That calling led me to CLI, which offers the perfect balance of ministry education while allowing me to stay present for my family and current pastoral duties.

My story begins in Cincinnati, Ohio, where I spent my early years dreaming of becoming a writer. Back then, my relationship with church was what I jokingly call being a “CEO Christian”—Christmas and Easter Only. Sure, I said my bedtime prayers and tried to be a good kid, but that was about as deep as it went. My idea of faith was more about checking boxes than having a relationship with Jesus. When my family moved to Florida in 1997, it was a big change in my life, but my spiritual journey remained shallow throughout my youth. Looking back now, I can see how God was planting seeds even then, though I didn’t recognize them at the time.

Everything changed in October 2009. That’s when I had an encounter with Jesus that shook me to my core. For the first time, I truly saw myself—the depth of my sin and my desperate need for a Savior. This wasn’t just an emotional moment or a minor course correction; it was a complete transformation that rewrote everything I thought I knew about faith and God. The reality of God’s grace overwhelmed me as I realized all my attempts at being “good enough” were desperately falling short. That night, I surrendered my life to Christ, and nothing has been the same since.

But God wasn’t done surprising me. The following spring, as I sat in my car in a Walgreens parking lot, He spoke to my heart with a question that changed everything: “How do you know if you’re supposed to be a pastor?” That one simple question set me on an entirely new path. It challenged me to search my heart deeply and examine God’s calling on my life. What began as a quiet whisper in a parking lot has grown into an undeniable calling to ministry.

Now, I carry a burden and a dream from the Lord to plant a church in lower Alabama. This isn’t just about starting another church—it’s about creating a space where people can experience the same life-changing power of Christ that I did. I envision a community where “CEO Christians” like I once was can discover the transformative reality of a genuine relationship with Jesus. It’s a place where people don’t just show up twice a year out of obligation, but instead are drawn into an authentic, life-giving relationship with God and His people.

I believe my training at CLI is a crucial step in this journey, equipping me with the tools and wisdom I’ll need to serve effectively as a church planter and fulfill the vision God has given me. The theological foundation and practical ministry skills I’m gaining are helping me build on my current role in digital discipleship while preparing me for the challenges ahead.

The journey from being that “CEO Christian” kid to where I am now hasn’t always been straight or easy. But as I look back, I see God’s hand in every step. From my early dreams of being a writer—now used to communicate for His kingdom—to moving from casual church attendance to passionately pursuing His calling, God has been weaving these threads together into a beautiful tapestry of His grace. And I’m excited to see where He leads next.

My ministry training isn’t just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about being better equipped to serve others and share the transformative power of Christ that changed my life so dramatically. Through CLI, I’m gaining not just education but wisdom and practical tools to effectively lead others on their spiritual journeys, whether through digital platforms now or in a future church plant.

Register My Free Study Account at Christian Leaders Institute

Starting Your Ministry Journey: Why Becoming a Wedding Officiant Is an Ideal First Step for Aspiring Church Planters

Becoming a minister is a calling that can shape lives, inspire communities, and transform the spiritual landscape. For those aspiring to start a new church, the first steps can feel daunting. A practical and accessible entry point is the Ordained Wedding Officiant role offered through the Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA). This role not only equips you with essential ministry skills but also provides a unique opportunity to serve others while building confidence in your calling.

Why the Wedding Officiant Role is a Perfect Starting Point

Church planting is a multifaceted endeavor, requiring spiritual leadership, organizational skills, and a deep connection with the community. Starting as a wedding officiant offers you a chance to develop these abilities in a focused and approachable way. Weddings are joyous, community-centered events, making them a natural platform to establish your ministry presence.

Here’s how officiating weddings can prepare you for church planting:

  1. Build Ministry Skills and Confidence
    Officiating weddings requires preparation, public speaking, and pastoral care—core competencies for church planters. Each ceremony hones your ability to lead and connect with people in meaningful ways.
  2. Expand Your Network
    Wedding officiants interact with diverse individuals, often beyond church walls. These relationships can introduce you to potential members of your future congregation and help you establish a reputation as a compassionate and capable leader.
  3. Serve as a Spiritual Leader
    By guiding couples through pre-marital counseling and officiating their ceremony, you’re already embodying the role of a minister. This experience prepares you for broader pastoral responsibilities, such as teaching, preaching, and mentoring.
  4. Create Momentum for Future Ministry
    Every wedding you officiate builds credibility and experience, laying the groundwork for the larger goal of planting and growing a church.

The Wedding Officiant Skills Course: Preparing You for Success

The Wedding Officiant Skills Course offered by the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) equips you with the knowledge and tools to perform this role with excellence. Here’s what the course includes:

  • Understanding Marriage Laws
    Learn to research and comply with local marriage regulations, ensuring each ceremony is legally recognized.
  • Pre-Marital Counseling
    Provide biblical guidance to couples, helping them prepare for a Christ-centered marriage—an essential skill for church leaders.
  • Structuring and Leading a Ceremony
    Master the art of creating a wedding program that reflects the couple’s values and honors God.
  • Crafting a Wedding Message
    Develop the ability to write personalized and impactful messages, a skill that translates directly to preaching and teaching.
  • Managing Rehearsals and Legal Documentation
    Ensure seamless execution of the ceremony and handle legal requirements with professionalism.

This comprehensive training ensures you’re ready to not only officiate weddings but also step into the broader responsibilities of ministry.

A Gateway to Ministry Growth

Many who begin as wedding officiants discover a deeper passion for ministry. The skills and confidence gained often serve as a springboard into areas such as pastoral care, discipleship, and leadership—key components of successful church planting.

CLI’s expansive course offerings (over 200 topics) allow you to continue your education and training, exploring subjects like:

  • Pastoral Care: Equipping you to support individuals and families in your church.
  • Leadership: Preparing you to guide your congregation with wisdom and vision.
  • Preaching: Helping you deliver impactful messages that inspire and transform.

Answering the Call to Plant a Church

Starting as a wedding officiant is more than a credential; it’s a stepping stone toward your greater calling. Officiating weddings allows you to serve others, build your ministry presence, and gain valuable experience that will support your vision of starting a church.

Planting a church requires a unique blend of spiritual, relational, and organizational skills. The Wedding Officiant role introduces you to these elements in a hands-on way, providing a solid foundation for your ministry journey.

If you feel God calling you to start a new church, consider beginning with the Ordained Wedding Officiant role at Christian Leaders Alliance. It’s an opportunity to make an immediate impact while preparing for the long-term mission God has placed on your heart.

Enroll in the Wedding Officiant Skills Course today and take the first step toward fulfilling your calling as a church planter and spiritual leader

Watch a Video Introducing the Wedding Officiant Class by Professor Henry Reyenga

More Minister Roles

Officiant Ordination Roles

Minister Ordination Roles

Register My Free Study Account at Christian Leaders Institute
Ministry Chaplain Ordination

Ministry Chaplain Ordination

Henry Reyenga
Author: Henry Reyenga

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