Ministry Chaplain Ordination Testimony
Nearly 13 years ago, I retired from a lifetime of service—first as a law enforcement officer and then from the military. I’ve been serving others since I was 17. My heart for helping people started even earlier. As a kid, I had a paper route, but it often took hours to finish because I would stop to help my customers—shoveling snow or running errands. I didn’t grow up in a church-going home, but several people spoke to me about God. Even then, I knew I loved serving others.
As I grew, my passion for service only deepened. I spent 12 years in the military, serving my country, and 40 years in law enforcement, serving my community. When I retired, I wondered what God had planned for me next. I hoped it would involve ministry. However, with a family to support, there weren’t local or affordable options for ministry education. In 2008, my church started a two-year, in-house ministry and leadership school. It was affordable, local, and exactly what I needed. I graduated in 2010.
Even with my training, ministry opportunities didn’t open up as I expected. I served as a volunteer leader in my church but continued working outside ministry to support my family.
In 2020, God revealed a new direction for my ministry dreams. I joined a local American Legion Post and was elected Post Chaplain!
As Post Chaplain, I was asked to officiate two funerals. Later, a family friend asked me to officiate their wedding. While the American Legion Chaplain’s Guide provided some direction for officiating funerals, I felt unqualified. I managed to officiate those two funerals, but I realized I needed more formal training. When the wedding request came in August 2024, I knew I had to be licensed to perform the ceremony. I started searching online for credible options.
I didn’t want a quick, $50 online ordination. I wanted training and licensing that were legitimate and trustworthy. After searching extensively, I found Christian Leaders Institute (CLI). It was exactly what I was looking for—credible and comprehensive.
I started with the Wedding Officiant course since the wedding was scheduled for early 2025. The course was thorough and well-structured. I earned my Licensed Clergy Wedding Officiant credential, which also enhanced my role as Post Chaplain. Recognizing my need for further education, I enrolled in the Funeral Officiant course. After officiating two funerals with little preparation, this course was a blessing. It provided comprehensive training and gave me the confidence I needed. I have completed the requirements and am awaiting final approval.
Now, I plan to enroll in the Ministry Chaplain Ordination Program with the Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) to enhance my qualifications as an American Legion Chaplain. Since the Legion doesn’t offer formal training, I’ve shared information about CLI and CLA with our American Legion State HQ. I highlighted how their programs could benefit chaplains across the organization.
The more I learn about CLI and CLA, the more I see God’s hand at work in their mission to equip leaders worldwide. The fact that CLI offers courses at no cost has been life-changing for me. It has allowed me to pursue my calling and achieve my ministry dreams.