Introducing the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) and Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) path to ordination in Illinois
How do you get ordained in Illinois? Embarking on the journey of ordination can be a deeply rewarding and fulfilling experience for individuals who wish to serve their faith community and officiate sacred ceremonies. If you’re interested in officiating weddings or engaging in other ministerial duties in the state of Illinois, it’s important to understand the process of becoming ordained and the resources available to you.
The Ordination Law in Illinois for Officiating Weddings: In Illinois, the process of becoming an ordained minister is regulated by state law. According to the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 750, Section 5/209, individuals who have been ordained or designated as ministers of a religious denomination are authorized to solemnize marriages. This includes individuals who have obtained ordination through online ordination programs. As such, there is no requirement to register with any government office as a wedding officiant.
The officiant is responsible for completing the marriage license in the presence of the couple and any necessary witnesses. Additionally, they must ensure that the couple acknowledges their intent to marry. After the ceremony, the completed marriage license must be filed with the county clerk’s office within a specified timeframe, typically within ten days.
Get Ordained in Illinois with the Christian Leaders Institute and Alliance
The Christian Leaders Institute (CLI):
The Christian Leaders Institute offers a comprehensive online educational platform that provides free ministry and ordination training programs. CLI’s mission is to make theological education accessible to individuals from all backgrounds, empowering them to deepen their understanding of Christianity and prepare for various ministry roles. The institute offers a wide range of courses, covering subjects such as biblical studies, theology, church history, leadership, and pastoral care.
The Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA):
The Christian Leaders Alliance works in partnership with the Christian Leaders Institute to offer an ordination program for individuals who have completed CLI’s training and courses. Established in 2014, the Christian Leaders Alliance has ordained thousands of ministers. Through CLA, individuals can receive formal recognition and authorization as ordained ministers, allowing them to perform weddings and other religious ceremonies in Illinois in accordance with state law.
By enrolling in the Christian Leaders Institute and participating in the Christian Leaders Alliance program, you can embark on a path to ordination and expand your ministry opportunities in Illinois.
Get Ordained in Illinois – The Steps
To enroll in the program, follow these steps:
- Create a free study account with the Christian Leaders Institute and get familiar with the Study.christianleaders.org platform.
- Enroll in the Christian Wedding Officiant Skills course and commence your training.
- After completing the Skills course, you will enroll in the Licensed Christian Wedding Officiant Recognition Class. This class recognizes your online training and completes your ordination into a local geographic endorsement-based ordination credential. You will be listed in the Christian Leaders Alliance Directory, and you may order your ordination credentials. You are eligible to register a local ministry at a Soul Center.
Get Ordained in Illinois: Expanding Ministry Opportunities
Are you looking to expand your ministry in Illinois? Whether you have a desire to become a wedding officiant or explore other ministerial roles, the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) and Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) are here to support your journey to ordination and the development of your ministry skills. Let’s explore the exciting possibilities available to you:
Wedding Officiant: Many ministers choose to become wedding officiants. By getting ordained through the Christian Leaders Alliance, you can legally officiate marriages in Illinois and guide couples through this significant milestone.
Field Minister: If you have limited study time but a strong passion for serving in ministry, the Field Minister role is perfect for you. This program offers introductory courses that provide a solid foundation for lay ministers, church elders, and deacons. The Christian Leaders Institute provides free courses and mini-courses to deepen your understanding of ministry and serve your local community.
Licensed Minister: For individuals seeking a more comprehensive training experience, the Licensed Minister role is an excellent choice. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum, including thirteen credits of study and six mini-courses. By completing this program, you will enhance your ministry skills and be better equipped to serve in various roles.
Licensed Coaching Minister: If you are interested in incorporating coaching techniques into your ministry, the Coaching Minister role is tailored to your aspirations. This program includes two free coaching courses, enabling you to provide guidance and support using a coaching approach. With 15 credits and six mini-courses, you will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to minister effectively through coaching.
Licensed Ministry Chaplain: Volunteer chaplains serving in local ministry settings, such as hospitals or correctional facilities, can benefit from the Licensed Ministry Chaplain role. This program requires 18 credits and six mini-courses, equipping you with the tools to provide spiritual care in specific contexts. Getting ordained as a chaplain allows you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.
Ordained Minister: The Ordained Minister role is highly sought after by individuals already involved in ministry or those seeking comprehensive training and credentials. This program comprises 21 credits and seven mini-courses, offering a comprehensive education to enhance your abilities as a minister. Whether leading a congregation or serving in various capacities, ordination as a minister opens diverse opportunities to make a difference in the state of Illinois.
Get ordained Illinois – A Testimony
My name is Jespere Hopeman, and I am happily married to my beautiful wife Florence. We have a cute daughter named Zoe. Currently, we reside in Silvis, Illinois, in the United States, but I am originally from Togo, a small country in West Africa. I am incredibly grateful to God for His abundant grace, which has sustained me in many situations and provided comfort during difficult times. Words cannot adequately express my praise for Him. 
All glory be to Him forever and ever. Amen.
The Lord has called me into ministry, and as I have been serving Him as a pastor, I felt the desire to further my knowledge and skills in the ministry to which He has called me. Enrolling as a student and obtaining a license at CLI has not only fulfilled my desire but has also exceeded my expectations. Through CLI, I have gained valuable knowledge and skills, and I have gained confidence in serving my fellow Christians with the necessary training and legal authorization to officiate weddings and other events.
I have been a devoted Christian throughout my life, serving the Lord in our local church back in Africa, known as “Eglise du Ministère de la Foi” located in Tokoin Cassablanca-Todman. If you ever visit Togo’s capital, Lome, I invite you to attend this amazing church. However, leaving my family and becoming a resident of the United States posed significant challenges, including adapting to a new culture, language, and people. But by God’s grace, I have remained focused on the Lord to this day. I am grateful because my spiritual journey has been nurtured and influenced by other ministers whom I have followed over the years. Now that I am called to ministry, I am eager to serve others and impact their lives with the grace of God, just as those ministers impacted my life with the grace of God in theirs. As Matthew 10:8 reminds us, “Freely you have received, freely give.”
CLI has played a crucial role in answering this calling, and I am forever grateful. I firmly believe that God directed me towards this program. The courses have been incredibly encouraging, and I plan to continue taking classes in pastoral care, theology, and general studies. I am excited about the college programs that lie ahead.
The ministry training and Licensed Christian Wedding Officiant course offered by CLI have been highly formative. The detailed topics and step-by-step procedures provided confidence, even for my first officiant ceremony. The content is adaptable to one’s own culture, making it flexible and applicable to various contexts.
I extend my sincere appreciation to all the staff at CLI for the excellent work they have done. May God bless and reward you as you facilitate the work of God and spread His word throughout the world.
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6
Frequently Asked Questions:
How is the Christian Leaders Institute funded? Christian Leaders Institute is funded through a “Give It Forward” Approach. Click here to read more.
Can I register my church or religious society under the banner of Christian Leaders Alliance? Yes. Locally registered Soul Centers are being register all over the world. Click here to read more.
Can I receive a divinity degree after I enroll at Christian Leaders Institute?
Divinity Degrees are our most theological and academic degrees, requiring intellectually rigorous study. You have access to Associate of Divinity Degree and a Bachelor of Divinity Degree.
This degree is ideal for those who desire to pursue their Master’s Degree with one of our partner Seminaries like North Point Bible College and Seminary, Kairos University, Calvin, Western, Northern, and more.
Christian Leaders Institute is your access or gateway many professional ministry opportunity.