My name is Wendy, and I live in New Jersey, United States of America. I am studying for credentials in the Women’s Ministry Program at the Christian Leaders Institute. For the past 22 years, I have worked with special needs children and plan to retire soon. In retirement, I hope to use the new skills I am learning at CLI to help women who have been through trauma and succeed in overcoming adversity.
I am very blessed, as I have a fantastic husband, four children, and one grandchild. I have a BS in Psychology and advanced Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) training. Further, I am a classical Vocal Instructor. I have been a youth pastor in several churches, and although I love that ministry, God has been tugging at my heart to go in a different direction now.
Life Changing Event
On October 15, 1983, my life changed dramatically when I went to a concert with a friend. I had no idea what was in store that evening, but I’m grateful for going! A concert sounded great since I grew up in a musical family! I was 19 and living independently since I had a great job.
When we arrived at the venue, I realized it was a Christian concert. It was a great show. At the show’s end, there was a call to choose Jesus as my Savior. I answered the altar call and accepted Him into my heart, and I haven’t turned back. Like most people, I am not perfect and have fallen several times. However, Jesus is always merciful and kind. He helps me regain my footing every time.
My Background Story
Previous to this event, I was a pretty worldly kid. Even though my parents sent me to a private Christian school, I hooked up with the wrong crowd. Drinking, drugs, and promiscuity with no sense of right or wrong was how I lived. After two years, they expelled me when I was high on drugs in class. I went back to public school and got lost in the crowd.
In my senior year, my boyfriend got me pregnant and talked me into terminating the child. After that, I completely lost myself and tried to end my life several times. My parents sent me to counseling. They diagnosed me with Borderline Personality Disorder, depression, and anxiety. I hated myself and carried all the guilt of killing my unborn child. Abortion is an ugly thing and very hard to bear. The guilt was unbearable. My drug and alcohol usage increased, and I felt so lost.
My Freedom and Change in Christ
I attended the aforementioned concert the following year and found the answer in Jesus. It took some time for the self-loathing to go away, but God’s grace delivered me from the pain, addiction, and mental issues. What a mighty God we serve!
I have served in many capacities while trying to find my way. I worked in Youth Ministry and Young Life, led Vacation Bible Schools, planned and participated in five mission trips abroad and the US, and led a children’s street ministry in a dangerous city in my area. God was preparing me all along the way.
Study in the Women’s Ministry Program at CLI
My education from CLI in the Women’s Ministry Program will help me serve women who walk the same roads I walked down. I hope to help them to find freedom, deliverance, and peace. I have an active podcast and website blog to reach women who need Jesus and women who want to multiply salvation in women. God touched my heart with this calling, and I am ready to answer. Christians Leaders Institute came along at the perfect time!
Finding CLI is such a gift from God. To be credible, we should show that we are willing to work for it by putting our actions ahead of our words. I have already learned so much in the several classes I have taken in the Women’s Ministry Program! I am excited to be a part of this amazing ministry. My heart is grateful. Best wishes to all who read this! God bless you!
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.
My Story from an Aerial View
My name is Scott Bates, and I live in Fredericktown, MO. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Historic Preservation from Southeast Missouri State University. As a student at the Christian Leaders Institute, I can continue my education in my free time, which can sometimes be limited. My knowledge of the Bible and ministry has expanded at CLI.
My Story
I grew up in a Christian home with parents who believed in God. My parents worked, and my father was a bi-vocational pastor and evangelist. I began my relationship with Jesus at a Vacation Bible School around Middle School age. I grew exponentially in the Lord during High School and served as a guitar player and vocalist on the Praise and Worship team.
During my senior year of high school, I married when we were expecting our first child. Once I graduated High School and left home, I went to fulfill my dream in the military. The transition into military life began a very long road for me. I spent ten years in the U.S. Army, went to war multiple times, and ended up losing my wife and children, my home, and nearly everything I owned, as well as my walk with Christ. My life was a complete wreck!
Wake Up Call
In March 2008, I married my current wife, Amanda (Mandy), and left for my last combat tour in November. In November of 2009, two weeks before returning home, as I went to my night shift, the enemy attacked by indirect fire. The enemy forces fired several rockets at the base, and one of those rockets landed approximately 30 feet away from where I was. That moment was my wake-up call! I spent the rest of that night determining where my life was heading and what God had in store for me.
In 2010, we moved to Fredericktown, MO, to be closer to my parents. Then, the Lord began a new work in my family’s life. God moved us away from the old things we did. He began to cleanse my heart and slowly draw me closer to Him. In 2012, we attended a local church, where I rededicated my life to Jesus.
Study at CLI: Knowledge of the Bible and Ministry
Since then, God has used my gift of helping to build His kingdom. I have served as a small group leader, Sunday School teacher, Praise and Worship team member, and church Deacon. My spiritual dream is to share my testimony with others and walk on the path God has for me.
The Christian Leaders Institute training will give me a more profound knowledge of God’s Word and practical knowledge about how to apply my spiritual gifts within the ministry. I have been longing for a better understanding of the Bible. However, I ran into a financial barrier to attaining that knowledge. Christian Leaders Institute has allowed me to grow in that academic knowledge by offering its classes tuition-free. Praise God for breaking down the financial barrier and for the Christian Leaders Institute, which allows me to grow in my knowledge of the Bible and ministry.
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.
