“My time at CLI’s Leadership Excellence School has been amazing! I have learned and grown so much, been challenged beyond belief, and encouraged to continue in the calling God has placed on my life” – Kim Ragan
In Need of a Degree
By profession, I am an event planner who works in higher education. My supervisor encouraged me to get a degree during my annual review a couple years ago. Her statement to me was, “you have so much potential here but you need a degree: just get it in anything”. I left her office in a snit. Really, I am at the top level in my profession, but that is not good enough? So, I began looking at all the degree possibilities offered for free at my university. I did not want to pursue any of them. My thought was, “if I have to spend all this time and effort to get a degree, I definitely want it to challenge and encourage me”. Thus, my search turned to the internet and the possible opportunities to get a degree in ministry. That is when I discovered Christian Leaders Institute!
Continue in the Calling
Although Kim was unsure what pursuing a degree would mean for her, she trusted that Christian Leaders Institute was a step forward to continue in the calling God had placed on her life.
I tiptoed into the program – just taking the orientation class and one other course. I am a perpetual student with a love of learning. Also, I find I learn best when I am held accountable by a timeline. However, not too rigorous of a timeline that throws my life out of balance. CLI was perfect for me. After several courses, I decided to send in my transcript and began pursuing my Bachelor of Divinity degree. While I learned so much from all of my classes, some of my favorites include Sermon Construction & Presentation and Missions & Revival.
Spirit-Filled Sermons
In order to continue in the calling God had for her, Kim had to step outside of her comfort zone and into unknown territory.
For the past three decades, I have been in a professional capacity that requires me to research and produce various writing pieces. From technical reports, to grant applications, instructional pieces and communications with customers. Additionally, I have done my fair share of presentations. Going into the Sermon Construction & Presentation class, my thought was, “how hard can this be?”; “I’ll be able to whip right through this.” Well, not exactly. Of all the writing I have done, writing a sermon was an entirely different process – one with enormous weight.
Although I am not called to be a pastor, I now have a different perspective on the weight they carry. Not just in being a shepherd, but for the responsibility they have to preach God’s Word accurately. I realized the gravity of what a pastor undertakes every time he or she shares the Word of God to their congregation. The burden and responsibility in preparing and presenting the sermon, in addition to all the responsibilities that come with the calling is somewhat overwhelming. I was taken aback by the enormity of the calling, and had to spend a little time adjusting my expectations. We need to be in serious prayer for our pastors!
A principle that struck me was “don’t preach ‘try harder’ sermons. Preach ‘believe in Jesus’ and ‘do the work of faith by the power of the Spirit’ sermons”. I love this statement. For me, this gave me a “purpose” for every sermon – a signature of sorts to put in every one. Of all the lessons I learned from this class, I did not learn the most important one until almost the end. Bathe everything, and I mean every word, thought and intention in prayer. Can I write a great manuscript with all the right elements and produce a nearly flawless presentation? Most likely, yes. BUT, does it say what God wants it to say? Does it point people to Jesus? Without the Holy Spirit in the sermon – no matter how thoughtfully written or presented – it might very well be wasted. God deserves my very best!
Discipline of Prayer
Kim also learned that to continue in the calling, God was teaching her more about the discipline of prayer.
The Missions and Revival class was another one my favorites. The key lesson I have learned from this course is the need for an intentional and consistent prayer life. Not one that just lifts up a few prayer requests each day so that I can check it off my spiritual “to-do” list, but fervent, on-my-knees, intercessory prayer. For some time, the LORD has impressed upon me, through several different avenues, the need for me to overhaul my prayer life. To develop a life that is centered on prayer and a relentless reliance upon Him.
I have spent a lot of time talking about starting the discipline of prayer and joined many prayer groups on social media to find encouragement. I have created a prayer journal and read a ton of books on prayer theology and strategies. The one thing that I have not done is actually pray fervently. So, what is a girl to do? Pray!
Thank You CLI
I thank God for the opportunity to be a student at Christian Leaders Institute. Also, I thank Him for all the wonderful people who work behind the scenes to make these programs a reality for anyone wishing to enter ministry or deepen their walk with the Lord. As a professional in higher education, I know that it is so much more than professors teaching the classes. It is the administrative staff that manage all the details behind the scenes. It is the volunteers who help make all the pieces come together and the donors who provide funding to make instruction possible. In the case of CLI, it is the prayer warriors who began praying years ago and continue to pray today for the ministry and for those taking the classes worldwide.
Hello, my name is Jonathan Pangilinan, and I study for Leadership training ministry at CLI. I live in Dinalupihan, Bataan province of the Philippines. I am 43 years old and already have a grandson. Married to Lucy, I am a pastor in our local church and also a student of the Christian Leaders Institute. Lucy and I married at a very young age and have four children. Together, we serve the Lord.
I was born into a low-income family, the eldest of eight. It was a perfect picture of a family living in poverty. I never experienced wearing expensive shoes and eating tasty meals. However, at a very young age, I already knew that there is a God who created all things. So one night, I looked up to the heavens (our roof had a big hole, big enough so that you can see the moon and the stars from inside the house). I prayed in my heart: “Lord, when will this poverty of our family end?” I believed that God heard my prayers.
As mentioned earlier, I married at a young age and did not finish college. But, I know God has a better plan for me. I accepted our Lord Jesus as my Savior in 1999 while I was working in Saudi Arabia. When I went home, I shared Jesus to my wife, who is now an ordained pastor. Together, we face all the challenges in life and hold on to our faith in our Lord Jesus.
One day, God answered our prayers. He gave me an excellent job and granted the desire of my heart to have a college degree. God showed me his power and proved his love to me. I experienced a miracle!
Therefore, I want to serve God and to tell people about him, so they believe that He is alive. My life is a living testimony. And now, by the grace of God, I am currently a leader in our local church, “Jesus the Bread of Life Church.” I am in charge of leadership training for our men and young church members.
That is why I study for leadership training ministry at the Christian Leaders Institute. I want to increase my knowledge and improve myself so that I will be more effective and confident in the ministry that the Lord has entrusted to me. I thank God I found CLI!
Learn about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
Eric Thomas is a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Divinity degree program at CLI’s Leadership Excellence School. Eric’s story shows us that it is never too late to pursue God’s plan for your life. Although he had previously given up hope of continuing his education, Christian Leaders Institute provided him with an opportunity he did not know was possible.
College Out of the Question
As I’m nearing the end of my classes for my Bachelor of Divinity Degree, I give thanks to God and to Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) for making this possible. I’ll be fifty-five years old in a few months, and had given up hope of continuing my education.
When I graduated high school, I knew I wasn’t going to college. I always had passing grades, but I never really applied myself to my studies. I was raised in a single parent home so financially, college was out of the question. A few years later, I got married and began to raise a family. I’ve had well-paying jobs because of some vocational training and a few college courses, but I was never able to advance in the company because of my lack of education.
Appreciation for CLI
At this point in my life, a middle-aged grandfather turning gray, I’m serious about living for God, my education, and becoming a ministry leader. I’m so excited about finally receiving an Associate and Bachelor’s degree. I would love to pursue a Master’s Degree, but whether I do or not, I will be continuing to take classes here at CLI. Again, I want to reiterate how much I appreciate Christian Leaders Institute. None of this would have been possible without this school. Not only has it given me an education, but it has also given me self-confidence – both in my present vocation and to lead a ministry.
Never Too Late
The education I’m receiving has not only impacted my life, but my family, friends, and coworkers as well. I’m a perfect example that it’s never too late to pursue an education or to change your lifestyle and live for Christ! I want to be a mentor and role model for everyone around me. This is all part of God’s plan for my life! If I started a ministry without training, I wouldn’t be successful. My wife and I have started a non-profit ministry for the poor and the elderly. Without my education, I wouldn’t have as much of an impact for Christ. I know I still have a lot to learn, but as I continue to study God’s Word and take courses at CLI, I can make an impact. I have a lot of time and missed opportunities to make up for.
While Eric acknowledges that he has time and opportunities to make up for going forward, this realization re-emphasizes that it is never too late to live into God’s plan for his life.
Appreciation for Creation
One of my favorite classes was Astronomy. I love studying the planets and the galaxies. How can anyone say there is no God or that God is not in control? Every day the sun rises and sets, and at night, the moon and the stars shine their lights. Astronomy is the study of God’s beautiful glory, and it reminds us of the creation story in Genesis. Every year my family and I go to Florida for vacation. I’ve seen the beautiful sunrises on the east coast and the beautiful sunsets on the west coast. Those would not be possible without God’s total control of His creation. I view all of God’s creation as an act of love. He loves us so much that he gave us all of this beauty to enjoy and to study. The older I get, the more I love and appreciate creation.
Eric’s growing love for creation shows us that is never too late to notice new blessings in the world around us.
Learning to Lead
The Leadership class was the most challenging for me because it’s hard for me to recognize what leadership qualities I possess. I’ve never considered myself a leader, however, I have to break out of the “I can’t do this!” mold. I need to tell myself that with God’s help and my education, I can be a great leader. Like Moses, I am not a good public speaker and I get nervous in social situations. This is a fear that has plagued me for most of my adult life, and it seems to be getting worse the older I become. I’ve prayed for this fear to be replaced with the love of public speaking, and to be able to share God’s love in a group setting. I don’t believe God’s plan for my life is to become a pastor of a church. However, I do believe He wants me to become a ministry leader and to share His love and compassion for the lost to the best of my ability.
Ministry is Everywhere
In the past, I always thought of a ministry as a brick and mortar church with a pastor and a congregation. I’ve come to recognize that a ministry can be anywhere, any place and anytime. I can be a minister, a mentor, or role model to my family, coworkers, or a stranger on the street. There are ministry opportunities everywhere! There’s no shortage of people that need to be ministered to in this evil world we live in. They just need someone to tell them about the love of Christ. As Christians, it’s necessary to show God’s love wherever we are: at work, at a restaurant, or even walking down the street. Not only do I want to be a ‘Vocal Witness’ but I want to be a ‘Physical Witness’ as well – a witness to God’s love and compassion through my actions.
God’s Plan
As mentioned earlier, my wife and I have started a ministry for the poor, the elderly, or anyone who needs financial assistance in our community. Although I don’t plan on becoming a pastor of a church, I plan to use what I’ve learned in my CLI courses to help me become a godly leader for our ministry. As my wife and I start our ministry journey together, please pray for us. Pray that I can become the leader God wants me to be, and that lives will be touched through our ministry. Please also pray that God will strengthen our walk.