My name is Derek Kunzman. I am a student at the Christian Leaders Institute to become an ordained Chaplain and volunteer. I am a 34-year-old husband and Father to two beautiful toddlers. We live in Indiana and enjoy life in the Midwest.
I am an actor and filmmaker. My faith and love for the Trinity protect me in the film industry. Before I ever step onto a film set, I always pray to be a life-giving spirit like Christ. I also ask for the love of the Trinity to radiate from my core so everyone around me can feel the warmth and presence of God. The cast and crew feel it. Fellow cast and crew approach me and ask about my faith because they feel a Loving presence when I am on set. This has often opened the door to sharing my testimony and love for God.
My Upbringing and Development
My dad grew up in the Southern Baptist church, and my mom was in the Catholic church. So, they raised me and my four older brothers in many different nondenominational churches. My dad’s job required us to move several times while growing up. So, once we moved to a new area, we went to all the different churches to see which church family we fit in best.
God blessed me with the gift of empathy at a very young age. I did not understand everything every preacher was saying when I was younger. However, I felt God’s presence in the words the preachers spoke. When people came to greet us or talk to my parents, I knew if they had a heart for God or if they were putting on a performance.
In college, I met someone, who is now one of my best friends. He opened my heart and mind to experience the Word of God. He introduced me to the writings of many of the great Christian mystics. From reading those books, meditating and praying every day, and reading the Bible from front to back twice in one year, I entered the divine dance with the Trinity. As a result, I truly experienced the Word of God and came to know my Lord and Savior, Jesus, in a much deeper way.
Further Growth
During that time, I also met Father Antony, who is now my spiritual Father. He has been a wonderful mentor, teacher, and friend. Further, it was at this time that I chose to be baptized. I was 21 years old, and what I felt that day is still indescribable.
During my junior year in college, my dad lost his job as Director of Security for a large trucking company. A criminal organization bought the trucking company my Father worked for. It forced many of its employees to leave. This situation created a long period of hardship for my parents. My dad was in his 60’s and was “overqualified” or “too old” for every job he applied for. As a result, my parents had to sell their home and move into a small apartment until my dad could find a job.
Used by God
I was home visiting one weekend before they moved. One day, my mom opened up to me while my dad was out of town for a job interview. She told me about how hard of a time she was having with everything. I had never seen my mom break down like that before. She was opening up and being very vulnerable. At one point during our conversation, she got up to let our dog outside.
When she left the room, I stood up and walked to the window to look outside. Then, I started praying. I told God that I had no idea what to say to my mom to comfort her and that I completely surrendered to Him. I asked God to use me as a vessel, as a conduit, as His voice to speak to my mom.
My mom came back into the room. We sat on the couch to continue our conversation. She had tears in her eyes when she sat down. At that point, still not knowing what to say and being fully surrendered to God, I opened my mouth. God spoke to my mom through me. To this day, I don’t remember what I said or, rather, what God said. What I do remember is what my mom said to me when I finished talking. She said, “Children are supposed to look up to their parents, but son, you are my rock and I look up to you.” She started crying and gave me a hug I will never forget.
My Spiritual Dream
My spiritual dream is to be present in my walk with God and open and available to any and all who need love from God. I pray to always radiate the love of the Trinity, and for everyone, I am around to feel that love. I pray that my children witness my discipline in my walk with God, and the compassion of Christ that I show to them and to others. Further, I want them to see the never-ending gift of the Holy Spirit. That is my spiritual dream.
Ordained Chaplain Volunteer
My hope is to study and become an ordained Chaplain through the Christian Leaders Institute and volunteer. I do not plan on making this a full-time career. I simply want to volunteer to minister at jails, hospitals, police departments, VA clinics, and film sets. Also, I want to make house calls for people in need. I know I don’t need to be an ordained Chaplain to volunteer. However, I want people to know that I had proper training and study, and am committed to God, my faith, and my ministry. That is also why this CLI training is so important to me.
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, and Diplomas with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- College Degrees with the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
- 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.
Finding My Calling
My name is Jessika Smith. I am from Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, USA. My husband Derek and I have lived here our entire lives and we have two beautiful daughters together. Right now, I am just getting started in the free Christian ministry courses at the Christian Leaders Institute. I have had a calling on my heart from a very young age. However, at that young age, I did not know what it was. I only knew that when I talked to God, I felt safe and loved in a very unsafe environment.
My Spiritual Journey
My childhood was filled with fear, chaos, and sadness. Sporadically, my family attended church. But, when we did go, I would find peace and hope. I felt safe and found a word that would follow me my entire life. That word is Joy. I have been seeking joy. Each time I would fall into sadness, God would be the only one who could bring my joy back.
I came to know the Lord from going to church with my grandmother and parents off and on throughout my childhood. When I was 12, I went to a youth group one night. It was shortly after my grandmother passed and my parents divorced. My grandmother was one of the only people who was constant and kind to me. Her passing was extremely hard on me, and right after that, my parents divorced. The divorce was very messy. I was in a lot of pain when I went there that night. However, I felt a longing in my heart while I was there. It was for that joy that I needed, and I knew only the Lord could provide it. I accepted Jesus as my Savior that night. I knew that someday I would help guide people to Him, help youth know they are not alone, and give them hope.
My Calling Journey
I have had this calling on my heart since I can remember. Unfortunately, with my upbringing, I lived my life in the background, shy, silent, and afraid. My dream is to help the youth and the homeless. I also, in more recent years, have had a calling to work with marriages. The Lord saved our marriage about six years ago. Therefore, I want to share my testimony with others and show them how God saved our marriage.
Our marriage struggles brought me back to Christ and showed me how much I needed Jesus in my life. The Lord showed me the power of surrender and prayer. With no control over my life and what happened to me when I was younger, as an adult, I needed to be in control of every aspect of my life. I needed it to be predictable, or I felt anxious and depressed. This season in my life showed me how surrendering and allowing the Lord full control over my life allows me to feel the joy and peace I have searched for my entire life.
God has always been real to me. I grew up in darkness, so God was the only light in my life. He gave me hope when everything else felt so hopeless. My dream is to use my Christian Leaders Training to gain more confidence in myself. Then, I can use my testimony and God-given gifts to help others find the peace and joy the Lord can bring to their life if they surrender and have faith.
Christian Ministry Courses at CLI
The tuition-free Christian ministry courses are so wonderful! They guide me on the right path and clarify the specific calling God has for me. Not growing up with a strong church environment or influence made it difficult to know where to start. I knew for a long time this was the direction God wanted me to go. However, I did not know where to start.
Having the opportunity to take Christian ministry courses is such a blessing as I find the right direction to go. There is no worry or commitment that a class I take might not be the right direction for me. It is also wonderful that it is online and on my time. Having a husband, two daughters, and a full-time job does not leave much wiggle room for classes. So, the option to do these at my own pace at any time of the day is a wonderful blessing!
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, and Diplomas with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- College Degrees with the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
- 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.
GET ORDAINED AS A WEDDING OFFICIANT
Have you been asked to officiate a wedding ceremony and do not want to settle for instant online credentials?
Are you looking for a Christian wedding officiant training and credentialing program that can be completed in less than two weeks of study?
Are you looking for a Christian Wedding Officiant training and credentialing program that connects the training to the highly respected Christian Leaders Alliance, a minister credentialling organization that has licensed thousands of ministers?
UNITED STATES REQUIREMENTS
Each state in the United States have different requirement for Officiants. Click here to see the state by state requirements. Wedding Officiants in UK are also trained at Christian Leaders Institute.
STUDY WITH CHRISTIAN LEADERS
STUDY WITH CHRISTIAN LEADERS
The Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) offers a Wedding Officiant program that provides you with the training and credentials you need to officiate weddings. The program is designed for Christians who are called to serve as wedding officiants. It covers a wide range of topics, including:
- The Christian meaning of marriage
- Basic pre-marriage counseling and conversations
- The legal requirements for officiating weddings
- The officiant’s role in the wedding ceremony
- How to write a wedding ceremony
- How to prepare for a wedding ceremony
- How to assist at rehearsals
- How to conduct a wedding ceremony
After you complete the course, you are invited to get ordained as a licensed Christian wedding officiant with the Christian Leaders Alliance.
The Christian Leaders Alliance is a ministering credentialing organization that recognizes the CLI wedding skills training. Upon completing the program, students are eligible to receive a Christian Leaders Alliance Licensed Christian Wedding Officiant credential.
BECOME LICENSED IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS
The CLI Wedding Officiant program is an excellent option for Christians called to serve as wedding officiants. The comprehensive and well-rounded program provides students the training and credentials they need to officiate weddings professionally and effectively.
The Wedding Officiant Skills Course is a one-credit class that gives you the skills to officiate a wedding. This tuition-free course takes about 5 hours to complete.
After you complete this course, you will be allowed to join the Wedding Officiant Recognition course that will complete your credential program and register you with the Christian Leaders Alliance.
If you want to get ordained as a Wedding Officiant in less than one week, this Christian program will help.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this an instant ordination? No. This ordination is a study and local-recommendation-based credential with the Christian Leaders Alliance that credentials ministers worldwide. See Directory.
What is the funding concept? Christian Leaders is a donation-based religious non-profit that seeks to multiply difference-makers. All the courses are free and supported by vision partners who believe that everyone should have access to free ministry training. Christian Leaders asks participants to donate if they desire. Small administration fees cover the cost of sent documents and materials. Click here to donate.
What does this credential mean? Getting the Licensed Christian wedding officiant recognizes you as ordained in the first core minister role with the Christian Leaders Alliance. Click here to see the entire Minister Credential Program.
Do you credential women ministers? Yes. This Christian leaders program welcomes men or women in this Biblically-based program. Click here for more.
How long has this organization been around? Rev. Henry Reyenga, an ordained minister with the Christian Reformed Church, and Rich DeVos founded Christian Leaders on September 20, 2001. Christian Leaders have been ordained ministers through the Christian Leaders Alliance since 2014. This program is for study-prepared and recommended ministers. Click here to read more.