Journey to be Ordained and for Chaplaincy
My name is Randall Johnson. I live in the United States of America. I am currently studying at the Christian Leaders Institute to be ordained and to study for Chaplaincy. CLI will equip me for my calling to serve God. At this point, my study at CLI has already helped me immensely in my walk with God.
My Story
When I was 22 years old, I had a born-again experience, as the Bible talks about in John 3:3. I grew up in southern California in a middle-class family. We went to church on special occasions like Christmas and Easter. As a young child, the church was like a big family. However, as my two siblings and I grew older, we went less.
As a teenager, I used drugs and alcohol and had corrupt morals. My school friends were the same as me, and we lived carelessly. I loved waterskiing to the point of training and doing a tournament. In school, I loved the sports program. However, I didn’t work hard as a student in class. The parties, the girls, and sports were my high school life.
After high school, I had difficulty holding a job or continuing in college because of my bad habits. I got in trouble with the police over drugs and went to a mental hospital for a couple of weeks. All this caused me to wonder if there was a better way. Then, I was on a fire crew in northern California. I pondered about life and death after the tragedy of some firefighters dying in one of our big fires. I remembered the Sunday school stories about Jesus and His death and resurrection.
Surrender and Change
Later, at a low point, I went to a rescue mission in Grants Pass, Oregon, to escape the cold and rain. There, I prayed to Jesus one night with the elders of the mission. I felt the burden of my sin and its weight disappear! Jesus forgave me on the cross! I had a new life as I was “born again” in Him! That is when I started a new life and had a reason to leave the old ways behind. After that, I wanted to be part of the church and tell everyone about my Saviour.
Since then, I’ve worked in ministry and missionary work for over 40 years. However, I want to learn more and do more for Jesus. Christian Leaders Institute has inspired me to grow in my walk with Jesus. CLI is teaching me new things as I work toward getting ordained for Chaplaincy. It is tuition-free and allows me to proceed even with my busy work schedule at the boatyard. I am very grateful for that and plan also to be a supporter. Thank you, CLI!
Register a Study Account
Register for a free study account, automatically enrolling you in the Getting Started Class at the Christian Leaders Learning Platform. The Getting Started class will take you less than an hour to complete.
When you log in to the Learning Platform, you will notice that the Getting Started Class automatically appears on your dashboard.
The Getting Started Class will orientate you to the Christian Leaders Learning Platform and the Programs offered, including:
- Ministry Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- Minister Credentialling (Ordination) with the Christian Leaders Alliance, including local Soul Center registration possibilities.
Note: You can enroll in tuition-free courses or mini-courses immediately without finishing the getting started class.
Find out more about women in ministry here.
From Destruction to Salvation
Hello, my name is Tamara Allison. I am studying at the Christian Leaders Institute for my Life Coach Minister credentials.
I was born in West Virginia, USA, and now reside in Virginia. Growing up in Georgia, my aunt introduced me to the church. She played a significant role in guiding me toward a life of service. Since then, I have been actively singing in the church youth choir and developing a deep-rooted passion for serving, ministering, music, and faith.
Challenges of My Youth
I faced numerous challenges during my youth. These included a tumultuous environment filled with drugs, domestic abuse, infidelity, and adultery. After the separation of my parents, there was a deeper spiraling. Then, at the age of 13, I began selling drugs, using drugs, drinking, going out with reckless “friends,” and indulging in whatever activities appealed to me. I eventually ran away from home to escape and ended up pregnant.
As my life journey continued, I married at 19 and gave birth to my second daughter. This began a very dark time in my life. I began to experience almost everything that my mother went through. Despite the challenges we faced during our marriage, marked by difficult times and the repercussions of my husband’s unhealthy choices, I remained committed. However, his actions eventually resulted in a lengthy incarceration and the heartbreaking revelation of his infidelity. Furthermore, after his imprisonment, we divorced.
In A Dark Place
Several years later, I entered into a new relationship with a man. I spent ten years with him and had my last three children with him. During this time, I was beaten, raped, and introduced to drugs. I experienced things that my mind could never fathom, which weren’t right. However, I did them for fear of being hurt or because of the lustful nature that was now in me. I saw no way out. This was also a time in my life when the saving power of God was at work, even though I didn’t realize it. I almost died at the hands of my lover on numerous occasions.
Saving Grace
I knew that my only hope was Jesus. I started attending church. It was there that I sought the Lord fervently, pleading for deliverance from my addictions and the toxic relationship I was in. Despite my history, flawed thinking, and way of living, my journey took a turn when I sought refuge in Jesus. I persevered and found solace in my faith in Him. Through fervent prayers and unwavering determination, God blessed and delivered me from my addictions and toxic relationships. He saved me. I received baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
I now know that through my many transgressions and trials, the Lord was preparing to use me as a testimony of His glory and continual grace and mercy. The Lord also saw fit to restore broken relationships within my family. He delivered my mother from her past lifestyle. I now have a wonderful husband; my mother has been walking with the Lord for over 18 years!
Being of Service
Since then, I have nurtured my spiritual connection with God, immersing myself in the church and seeking ways to help my local community. Recognizing the divine calling on my life, I have been actively involved in ministry leadership within my church, community, and job. I served as an adjutant, assisted with various events, helped the less fortunate, participated in prayer calls, and contributed to the establishment of several programs.
My Desire for Ministry
Coming from a painful background has given me a heart for the people. My ultimate goal is to encourage others in their faith walk and help individuals realize their full potential in Christ by providing a safe space to share their concerns and apply the fundamentals of the Christian walk to their lives. I aspire to be a guiding light for those in need. Then, they can be empowered to become the best versions of themselves despite what their past entails or what the adversary tries to convince them about themselves. Through my testimony and the saving grace of Jesus Christ, I hope to lead others out of bondage and toward the redemptive work of our Lord and Savior.
Life Coach Minister Credentials Through CLI
Recently, I came across the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) and was immediately captivated by their unique ministry education program. CLI combines ministry training and life coaching credentials. Before coming to Christian Leaders Institute, I had no idea that life coaching was considered a ministry. God led me to this community because it provides the training I need for the two areas I already had a desire for but didn’t know where to begin. I can now serve in ministry and as a life coach with recognized credentials as a Life Coach Minister! After taking my first class, I knew CLI was the right path. I am grateful for the training I have received here as I strive to become a successful Life Coach Minister.
Register a Study Account
Register for a free study account, automatically enrolling you in the Getting Started Class at the Christian Leaders Learning Platform. The Getting Started class will take you less than an hour to complete.
When you log in to the Learning Platform, you will notice that the Getting Started Class automatically appears on your dashboard.
The Getting Started Class will orientate you to the Christian Leaders Learning Platform and the Programs offered, including:
- Ministry Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- Minister Credentialling (Ordination) with the Christian Leaders Alliance, including local Soul Center registration possibilities.
Note: You can enroll in tuition-free courses or mini-courses immediately without finishing the getting started class.
Find out more about women in ministry here.