Video Transcript: Certification, Endorsement, Commissioning, and Ordination

Video Transcript: Certification, Endorsement, Commissioning, and Ordination

Certification and ordination are both forms of recognition, but they are not the same.

The Certified Life Coach credential is an educational certification offered through the Christian Development School. It recognizes that a student has completed an approved program of Christian coaching education.

This credential may be appropriate for someone who wants Christian coaching knowledge and skills without pursuing clergy standing.

The Soul Coach Ordination Credential, Ordained Christian Life Coach Credential, and Life Coach Minister Ordination Credential are Christian Leaders Alliance ordination pathways.

These pathways require more than completing courses.

Study is important because it helps build knowledge and competence. Yet ordination also involves calling, Christian character, endorsement, profile development, local commissioning, and recognition for a defined ministry role.

Level One Endorsement gives another person an opportunity to confirm the candidate’s character, calling, and readiness. This protects against a completely self-declared ministry identity.

A public profile gives the candidate an opportunity to describe a testimony, calling, preparation, and intended ministry role honestly.

Local commissioning connects the candidate to a real Christian community. During commissioning, others pray for the candidate and publicly recognize the person’s calling and responsibility.

After the approved requirements are completed, Christian Leaders Alliance recognizes the candidate in a defined ordained coaching role.

Ordination does not provide professional mental-health licensure. It does not authorize someone to diagnose mental illness, perform psychotherapy without qualifications, or practice another regulated profession.

Ordination recognizes a Christian clergy role and ministry scope.

Certification and ordination should therefore be described accurately.

A Certified Life Coach may have meaningful Christian coaching education without being ordained. An ordained Christian coach has completed the educational and recognition requirements associated with a specific Christian Leaders Alliance clergy role.

Optional physical credential products are also different from the educational or ordination pathway itself. A student may complete the approved ordination process without purchasing optional public or physical credential products.

The center of the journey is preparation for faithful service, not purchasing an item or claiming a title.

As you consider your path, ask:

Do I primarily want Christian coaching education?

Am I discerning a recognized Christian clergy role?

Am I prepared to receive endorsement and accountability?

Is there a Christian community that can participate in my commissioning?

Which role best fits my current training and calling?

You can begin without answering every question at once. Review the requirements, begin your studies, and allow your direction to become clearer through learning, prayer, and service.