Welcome to the Christian Leaders Alliance! Learn how to become an ordained minister! Get Connected to a Worldwide Network of Credentialed Clergy

Embarking on the journey to become an ordained minister is a profound and fulfilling path, enabling you to serve in traditional church or community ministries. The Ordained Minister Program offers a comprehensive and affordable alternative to traditional seminary education, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed for volunteer, part-time, or full-time ministry roles. Whether you aspire to lead a church, plant a new congregation, or serve in various church staff roles, this program is tailored to meet your needs.

Why Choose the Ordained Minister Program? 🤔

This program provides a structured and accessible route for those called to ministry but lacking the resources or time for traditional seminary. Guiding you through the steps of ordination (See Ordination Steps), it is ideal for individuals passionate about ministry and seeking to make a significant impact within their communities. Typically, the journey to ordained ministry takes 9 to 16 months, depending on your pace. Upon completion, you will be fully ordained, with all the credentials necessary to lead a church or undertake other vocational ministry roles.

Key Roles for an Ordained Minister 🛐

As an ordained minister, you will be prepared to take on various roles within the church and community:

  • Pastor or Church Planter: Lead an existing church or establish a new congregation, guiding your community in spiritual growth.

  • Staff Minister: Serve in various capacities within a church, supporting the pastor and congregation in different ministerial roles.

  • Traditional Ceremonial Duties: Conduct essential ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other rites, providing spiritual leadership during life’s significant moments.

Key Benefits of Becoming an Ordained Minister 🎓

  • Traditional Minister Ordination: The program aligns with typical ordination requirements, ensuring you receive a certification recognized across denominations. The Christian Leaders Alliance make this available for those seeking volunteer, part-time or full-time ministry roles.

  • Credible Ordination: This program goes beyond basic licensing, offering full ordination for those seeking vocational opportunities and enhanced credibility within their ministry roles.

  • Wider Reach: Ideal for individuals aiming to pursue paid ministry positions or advance to specialized roles within the church, expanding your ability to serve in diverse capacities.

  • Ceremonial Skills: Gain proficiency in officiating a wide range of Christian ceremonies, allowing you to serve your community more effectively. including Wedding Officiating, Romance Officiating, Faith Officiating, Ministry Officiating and Funeral Officiating. 

  • Skill Development: The program serves as a foundational course that can be further built upon, potentially leading to advanced ministry roles, such as becoming a Minister of the Word.

  • Soul Center Registration: Upon completing the program, you will be eligible to register a Soul Center with the Christian Leaders Alliance, further extending your ministry’s reach and impact.

Specializations and Opportunities 🌟

As a fully ordained minister, you can specialize in various ministerial roles, expanding your reach and impact. Whether you’re interested in youth ministry, marriage counseling, or community outreach, the program provides a solid foundation that can be tailored to your specific calling.

Ideal Candidates for the Ordained Minister Program 👥

This program is perfect for:

  • Those called to volunteer, part-time or full-time ministry.

  • Individuals interested in church planting or pastoring.

  • Individuals called to minister in a specific ministry need in a community.
  • Those seeking an affordable and accessible alternative to traditional seminary studies.

The Ordained Minister Program equips you to serve as a pastor, staff minister or an embedded Christian leader and provides a study-based foundation for additional specializations. This makes you a well-rounded and adaptable leader, ready to meet the diverse needs of your congregation and community.

Conclusion 🏁

Becoming an ordained minister is a significant step in answering your calling to serve God and your community. The Ordained Minister Program offers an affordable, comprehensive, and accessible path to full ordination, equipping you with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead, teach, and serve. Whether you’re interested in pastoring, church planting, or specialized ministry roles, this program provides the foundation to make a lasting impact. If you feel the call to ministry, this program is the perfect place to start your journey toward ordination and beyond.

The Steps to Become an Ordained Minister with the Christian Leaders Alliance

Embarking on the journey to ordination with the Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) is a transformative experience designed to equip you for impactful ministry. Our ordination pathway is structured around the Seven C’s of Christian Ordination, ensuring a comprehensive and biblically grounded process. Here’s how you can begin:

1. Calling: Embrace Your Purpose

Recognize and affirm your divine calling to serve. Reflect on your spiritual journey and the unique gifts God has bestowed upon you.

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

2. Competence: Build Your Foundation 📚

Equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and skills through our free, donation-supported courses at the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI). Begin with foundational courses like the Wedding Officiant Skills to establish a solid base for your ministry.

Scripture Inspiration: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved.” — 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

3. Confirmation: Affirm Your Calling 🛡️

Seek endorsements from your community to validate your readiness and character for ministry. This communal affirmation reflects the biblical tradition of recognizing and supporting those called to serve.

Scripture Inspiration: “Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute.” — Acts 6:3 (NIV)

4. Credibility: Build Trust 🤝

Establish your credibility by completing the ordination process and being listed in the CLA Minister Directory. This public acknowledgment enhances trust within your community and beyond.

Scripture Inspiration: “You show that you are a letter from Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 3:3 (NIV)

5. Compliance: Legal and Community Recognition 🏛️

Obtain necessary credentials such as clergy ID cards and Letters of Good Standing to meet local legal requirements and affirm your legitimacy as a minister.

Scripture Inspiration: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities.” — Romans 13:1 (NIV)

6. Commissioning: Gain Experience 🚀

Engage in practical ministry opportunities to apply your training, such as officiating ceremonies or leading community services. This hands-on experience is vital for personal growth and effective ministry.

7. Confidence: Lead with Assurance 💪

Through comprehensive training and community support, develop the confidence to lead and serve effectively, embodying the role of a compassionate and knowledgeable minister.

Scripture Inspiration: “Our competence comes from God.” — 2 Corinthians 3:5 (NIV)

By following these steps, the Christian Leaders Alliance prepares you to serve faithfully and effectively, honoring God and impacting your community.

Begin your ordination journey today with the Christian Leaders Alliance and answer the call to transformative ministry.

The Philosophy of the Ordained Minister at Christian Leaders Alliance

At the Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA), being an ordained minister isn’t just a job—it’s a special calling from God. Ordained ministers connect ancient biblical roles, like priests and prophets, with the modern responsibilities of leading a church or community. While the term “ordained minister” may not be directly found in the Bible, the concept is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments.

Ordained ministers at CLA are considered formal clergy. This means they have a recognized role in the church, different from regular members, and are equipped to lead congregations, teach the Word, and perform essential religious duties. These duties include leading services, preaching, and conducting important ceremonies like weddings, baptisms, and funerals.

The path to becoming an ordained minister begins with serious commitment and training. At CLA, this journey starts at a foundational level and progresses through various stages of recognition. To ensure that ordained ministers are well-prepared, they must complete specialized training through the Christian Leaders Institute. This training equips them with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual depth needed to guide and support their communities effectively.

In essence, the CLA’s ordained minister program modernizes and adapts ancient religious roles for today’s world. It emphasizes the importance of having trained and recognized clergy who can fulfill the spiritual needs of individuals and communities with care, integrity, and dedication.

Suggested Links

Officiant Ordination Roles


Minister Ordination Roles

Ministry Life Ordination

Ministry Life Ordination

My name is David Ruhman and I live in the central United States with my wife and five children. I grew up in the church as my dad was a pastor in the Presbyterian Church for over 45 years. Church has always been in my DNA, the DNA of our family,…
Evangelistic Women Ministry Ordination

Evangelistic Women Ministry Ordination

My name is Elizma. I am 58 years old and I am from Vanderbijlpark, South Africa. Since 2001, I started enrolling for different kind of ministries at colleges and institutes to achieve my dream of evangelistic women ministry ordination. First,…
Prison Ministry Ordination

Prison Ministry Ordination

I have grown up in the church all my life and since I was little always felt a call to be a preacher not realizing that one day I would be seeking prison ministry ordination. The church was a way of life for us and if the doors were open we…
Ordained Evangelist Minister

Ordained Evangelist Minister - Footprints Around the World

I am Judy Haskin-Harris, the Executive Director of Footprints Around the World, Inc. in Los Angeles, Ca. We feed the homeless community of South L.A., distribute Thanksgiving boxes to needy families, and also give toys to children at Christmas.…