📝 Worksheet 9.4: Complete Your Ministry Recognition Map
Worksheet 9.4: Complete Your Ministry Recognition Map
Purpose
This worksheet will help you distinguish five layers of recognition that may apply to your present or proposed Christian Soul Centre:
Christian Leaders Alliance religious recognition
Local church or denominational affiliation
Christian Soul Centre registration
National legal or charitable status
Civil or institutional authorisation
You will also identify marriage-law limitations, insurance needs, professional-advice questions, and any public statements that require clarification.
Complete this worksheet using the facts that apply to your country, municipality, ministry setting, and Christian affiliations.
Do not guess when you do not know an answer. Write “Not yet confirmed” and include the question in your action plan.
Part One: Basic Ministry Information
Your name:
Country:
City, municipality, or region:
Primary language:
Additional languages used in ministry:
Proposed or registered Soul Centre name:
Primary Soul Centre type:
☐ Christian fellowship
☐ Church or house church
☐ Christian life-coaching ministry
☐ Chaplaincy ministry
☐ Officiant ministry
☐ Christian Growth Course ministry
☐ Prayer and hospitality ministry
☐ Community-service ministry
☐ MinistryBiz Soul Centre
☐ Online Soul Centre
☐ Hybrid Soul Centre
☐ Church-hosted Soul Centre
☐ Independent affiliated Soul Centre
☐ Other: _________________________________________________
Briefly describe what your ministry presently does or hopes to do:
Part Two: Layer One—Christian Leaders Alliance Religious Recognition
Key Question
How does Christian Leaders Alliance presently recognise me?
A. My Current CLA Status
Check all that apply:
☐ I am currently studying through Christian Leaders Institute.
☐ I have completed ministry training.
☐ I have received a CLA ministry credential.
☐ I have received CLA ordination.
☐ I have completed an endorsement process.
☐ I have participated in public commissioning.
☐ I have a current Letter of Good Standing.
☐ I have a CLA identification card.
☐ I appear in the CLA minister directory.
☐ I am still discerning or beginning my pathway.
☐ My status is not yet confirmed.
B. Credential or Ministry Role
My current CLA credential or recognised role is:
My credential was issued on:
My credential is currently:
☐ Active and in good standing
☐ Active, but I need to confirm good standing
☐ In progress
☐ Inactive
☐ Not yet received
☐ Not sure
My CLA directory listing can be found or verified through:
C. Credential Needed for My Soul Centre
The ministry role I plan to fulfil is:
The credential pathway that appears most appropriate is:
☐ Soul Coach Ordination Credential
☐ Ordained Christian Life Coach Credential
☐ Life Coach Minister ordination
☐ Chaplain ordination or credential
☐ Wedding officiant ordination
☐ Funeral officiant ordination
☐ Licensed Minister
☐ Ordained Minister
☐ Minister of the Word
☐ Another CLA pathway: ____________________________________
☐ I need guidance before selecting a pathway
D. Accurate CLA Description
Complete the following statement:
Christian Leaders Alliance recognises me as a
________________________________________________________.
Which claims may I accurately make?
☐ I am credentialed by Christian Leaders Alliance.
☐ I am ordained by Christian Leaders Alliance.
☐ I am commissioned for a specific CLA ministry role.
☐ I am in good standing with Christian Leaders Alliance.
☐ My CLA recognition is still in progress.
☐ I need to verify my present status before making a public claim.
E. Claims I Must Not Make Without Separate Recognition
Check each statement you understand:
☐ CLA recognition does not mean another denomination ordained me.
☐ CLA ordination does not automatically grant civil marriage authority.
☐ CLA ordination does not automatically grant institutional access.
☐ CLA ordination does not create professional licensure.
☐ CLA ordination does not automatically create a legal charity.
☐ CLA recognition does not permit me to act in another church’s name without permission.
F. Questions Requiring Clarification
Part Three: Layer Two—Local Church or Denominational Affiliation
Key Question
Where do I worship, belong, receive Christian accountability, and participate in fellowship?
A. Current Christian Relationships
My current local church, parish, congregation, fellowship, or Christian community is:
Its Christian tradition or denomination is:
The name of a pastor, priest, elder, ministry leader, or trusted Christian recommender is:
My relationship with this Christian community is:
☐ Active member
☐ Regular participant
☐ Volunteer
☐ Ministry leader
☐ Clergy member
☐ Informal participant
☐ Former participant with an ongoing relationship
☐ Currently seeking a fellowship
☐ I do not presently have another local fellowship
B. Additional Affiliations
Do you have dual or multiple Christian affiliations?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Possibly
☐ I need clarification
List each relevant affiliation:
| Christian body or community | Nature of relationship | Publicly acknowledged? |
|---|---|---|
C. CLA as a Religious Body
Which statement best describes your situation?
☐ CLA complements my existing church affiliation.
☐ CLA is one of several Christian bodies with which I am affiliated.
☐ CLA may become my primary formal religious body.
☐ CLA is currently my only formal religious body.
☐ I am still discerning this relationship.
If CLA is your primary or only formal religious body, describe the Christian relationships and accountability you are developing locally:
D. Local Church Permission
Has your local church or Christian community given you permission to:
| Ministry activity | Yes | No | Not needed | Not confirmed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Describe the Soul Centre as church-hosted | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Use the church’s name publicly | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Use church facilities | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Lead a church programme | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Teach or preach | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Provide coaching or chaplaincy | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Conduct ceremonies through the church | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Receive referrals from the church | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Represent the church to institutions | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
E. Honest Affiliation Statement
Complete this statement:
I am affiliated with
________________________________________________________.
I am separately recognised by Christian Leaders Alliance as
________________________________________________________.
F. Conversations Still Needed
I need to speak with:
The subject that needs clarification is:
Target date for the conversation:
Part Four: Layer Three—Christian Soul Centre Registration
Key Question
Has Christian Leaders Alliance recognised this particular ministry as a Soul Centre?
A. Present Registration Status
☐ I am exploring a Soul Centre.
☐ I am developing a preliminary Soul Centre profile.
☐ I have begun the official registration process.
☐ I have completed the registration course.
☐ I have submitted a Soul Centre profile.
☐ I have completed an interview.
☐ My Soul Centre has received recognition.
☐ My Soul Centre appears in the directory.
☐ My registration is pending.
☐ I am not yet eligible to register.
☐ I am unsure of my status.
B. Registration Details
Soul Centre name:
Soul Centre leader:
Soul Centre type:
Registration or recognition date:
Directory listing:
Installation or commissioning details:
C. Registration Readiness
| Registration element | Complete | In progress | Not started | Not applicable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appropriate CLA credential | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| CLA good standing | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Registration course | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Written Soul Centre profile | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Local good-standing relationship | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Ministry interview | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Installation recognition | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Directory listing | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
D. Understanding the Limits of Registration
Check each statement you understand:
☐ Soul Centre registration is genuine religious and ministry recognition.
☐ Registration does not automatically create a civil organisation.
☐ Registration does not automatically create charity status.
☐ Registration does not make donations tax-deductible.
☐ Registration does not automatically grant marriage authority.
☐ Registration does not guarantee institutional access.
☐ Registration does not create professional licensure.
☐ Civil, charitable, professional, and institutional questions must be addressed separately.
E. Accurate Registration Statement
Choose or complete the most accurate statement:
☐ This ministry is exploring registration as a Christian Soul Centre.
☐ This ministry is completing the Christian Leaders Alliance Soul Centre registration process.
☐ This ministry is registered with Christian Leaders Alliance as a Christian Soul Centre.
☐ This ministry operates as a programme of the following church or organisation:
☐ Other accurate description:
Part Five: Layer Four—National Legal or Charitable Status
Key Question
What is this ministry under the law of the nation and locality where it operates?
A. Present Civil Status
My ministry presently operates as:
☐ An informal Christian fellowship
☐ A ministry of an existing church
☐ A programme of an existing charity or nonprofit
☐ A religious organisation
☐ An association
☐ A foundation
☐ A charitable organisation
☐ A nonprofit organisation
☐ A company or social enterprise
☐ A self-employed ministry practice
☐ A partnership
☐ Another recognised form: __________________________________
☐ No civil form has yet been selected
☐ I do not know
B. Official Registration
Name under which the organisation is legally registered:
Registration authority:
Registration number:
Registration date:
Country or jurisdiction of registration:
C. Charity or Nonprofit Status
Does the ministry possess recognised charitable or nonprofit status?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Application pending
☐ Not applicable
☐ Not yet confirmed
If yes, identify the authority granting that status:
May the ministry accurately describe itself as a registered charity?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Not yet confirmed
May donors receive a tax benefit?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ In some circumstances
☐ Not yet confirmed
Who verified this answer?
D. Governing Documents
Check all that currently exist:
☐ Constitution
☐ Articles of association
☐ Foundation deed
☐ Trust document
☐ Religious governance document
☐ Bylaws
☐ Statement of faith
☐ Conflict-of-interest policy
☐ Financial-control policy
☐ Safeguarding policy
☐ Privacy policy
☐ Complaints policy
☐ Dissolution provision
☐ None yet
☐ Other: _________________________________________________
E. Governance
Names or roles of trustees, directors, board members, or recognised governors:
Who has authority to approve spending?
Who reviews financial records?
Who may sign contracts?
F. Financial Administration
| Question | Yes | No | Not confirmed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Does the ministry have a lawful bank account? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Are ministry and personal funds separated? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Are donations recorded? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Are expenses documented? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Is an annual budget prepared? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Is financial reporting required? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Has an accountant reviewed the structure? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Are fundraising statements accurate? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
G. Local Legal Questions
Which subjects require investigation?
☐ Incorporation or registration
☐ Charity status
☐ Taxation
☐ Donations and fundraising
☐ Employment or contracting
☐ Volunteer management
☐ Property ownership
☐ Facility rental
☐ Public gatherings
☐ Food service
☐ Data protection
☐ Safeguarding
☐ Insurance
☐ Financial reporting
☐ Other: _________________________________________________
H. Qualified Advice
Legal professional or advisory organisation:
Accountant or financial adviser:
Insurance adviser:
Government office or regulator:
Questions to ask these advisers:
Part Six: Layer Five—Civil or Institutional Authorisation
Key Question
Who has authorised each specific ministry activity?
Complete the table for every activity your Soul Centre currently offers or plans to offer.
| Ministry activity | Religious recognition | Civil or institutional permission needed | Permission received? | Evidence or next action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prayer gatherings | ||||
| Bible studies | ||||
| Christian Growth Courses | ||||
| Christian life coaching | ||||
| Chaplaincy | ||||
| Weddings | ||||
| Funerals | ||||
| Children’s ministry | ||||
| Vulnerable-adult ministry | ||||
| Institutional ministry | ||||
| Public events | ||||
| Online ministry | ||||
| Other: __________ |
Part Seven: Marriage-Law Recognition
Complete this section even if weddings are not currently your primary ministry.
A. Intended Wedding Role
☐ I do not presently plan to officiate weddings.
☐ I plan to conduct Christian religious ceremonies only.
☐ I plan to conduct ceremonies that may also have civil effect.
☐ I provide wedding preparation but do not officiate.
☐ I have not yet determined my role.
B. Applicable Marriage Questions
| Question | Confirmed answer | Source or authority consulted |
|---|---|---|
| Can a religious minister solemnise a civil marriage in my country? | ||
| Must the religious body be registered? | ||
| Must the individual officiant be approved? | ||
| Is a civil registrar required? | ||
| What documents must be completed? | ||
| Where must the marriage be registered? | ||
| Are witnesses required? | ||
| Does a separate civil ceremony remain necessary? |
C. Marriage Authority Statement
Complete one accurate statement:
☐ I have confirmed that I possess civil authority to solemnise marriages under the following conditions:
☐ I conduct Christian religious ceremonies, but the couple must complete the civil marriage process separately.
☐ I am still researching the applicable marriage requirements and will not claim civil authority until they are confirmed.
Part Eight: Chaplaincy and Institutional Access
A. Proposed Chaplaincy Setting
☐ Community
☐ Hospital
☐ Care facility
☐ Prison or correctional setting
☐ School
☐ University
☐ Workplace
☐ Military organisation
☐ Sports organisation
☐ Migrant or refugee ministry
☐ Recovery ministry
☐ Grief or funeral ministry
☐ Reentry ministry
☐ Other: _________________________________________________
B. Institutional Requirements
| Requirement | Complete | In progress | Not required | Not confirmed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formal application | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Institutional interview | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| CLA Letter of Good Standing | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| References | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Background screening | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Safeguarding training | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Confidentiality agreement | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Institutional orientation | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Insurance | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Specialised qualification | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Written appointment | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Facility identification | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
C. Institutional Contact
Institution:
Contact person or department:
Permission received:
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Application pending
☐ Not yet requested
Activities authorised by the institution:
Activities not authorised:
Part Nine: Professional and Ministry Boundaries
Key Question
Am I accurately distinguishing Christian ministry from regulated professional services?
A. Services I Provide
☐ Prayer
☐ Biblical encouragement
☐ Christian coaching
☐ Soul Coaching
☐ Spiritual-growth planning
☐ Chaplaincy presence
☐ Grief support
☐ Marriage preparation
☐ Ceremony leadership
☐ Christian Growth Course facilitation
☐ Pastoral listening
☐ Referral support
☐ Other: _________________________________________________
B. Services I Do Not Claim Unless Separately Qualified
Check each boundary you understand:
☐ Psychotherapy
☐ Medical diagnosis or treatment
☐ Legal advice
☐ Financial or investment advice
☐ Addiction treatment
☐ Emergency mental-health intervention
☐ Professional social work
☐ Licensed marriage therapy
☐ Custody evaluation
☐ Other regulated professional service
C. Separate Professional Qualifications
Do you possess any professional qualifications separate from your CLA recognition?
☐ Yes
☐ No
If yes, list them and identify the issuing authority:
D. Referral Network
| Referral need | Professional or organisation | Contact information |
|---|---|---|
| Mental-health care | ||
| Medical care | ||
| Crisis support | ||
| Abuse or safeguarding | ||
| Addiction treatment | ||
| Legal advice | ||
| Financial advice | ||
| Marriage or family therapy | ||
| Emergency services |
Part Ten: Insurance Review
Key Question
What risks should be addressed through insurance or another lawful protection?
A. Ministry Activities Requiring Review
☐ Public gatherings
☐ Home meetings
☐ Rented facilities
☐ Owned facilities
☐ Christian coaching
☐ Chaplaincy
☐ Weddings and funerals
☐ Work with children
☐ Work with vulnerable adults
☐ Transportation
☐ Food service
☐ Employees
☐ Volunteers
☐ Online ministry
☐ International travel
☐ Events or conferences
☐ Other: _________________________________________________
B. Possible Coverage to Discuss with a Qualified Adviser
☐ Public or general liability
☐ Professional or ministry liability
☐ Trustee or director liability
☐ Property coverage
☐ Employer-related coverage
☐ Volunteer coverage
☐ Safeguarding-related coverage
☐ Event coverage
☐ Vehicle or transportation coverage
☐ Cyber or data coverage
☐ Travel coverage
☐ Other: _________________________________________________
C. Present Insurance Status
Insurance provider:
Policy type:
Policyholder:
Activities covered:
Important exclusions:
☐ Coverage has been confirmed in writing.
☐ Coverage is under review.
☐ No coverage has yet been obtained.
☐ I need professional guidance.
Part Eleven: Review Your Public Claims
Collect the language currently used on your:
☐ Website
☐ Social media
☐ Ministry directory
☐ Printed materials
☐ Donation page
☐ Email signature
☐ Coaching agreement
☐ Chaplaincy materials
☐ Wedding materials
☐ Facility applications
☐ Other: _________________________________________________
A. Claims Audit
| Current public statement | Which layer does it describe? | Is it fully accurate? | Revision needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☐ Yes ☐ No | |||
| ☐ Yes ☐ No | |||
| ☐ Yes ☐ No | |||
| ☐ Yes ☐ No |
B. High-Risk Terms
Have you used any of the following descriptions without confirmation?
| Description | Yes | No | Needs review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered charity | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Incorporated ministry | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Government approved | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Licensed counsellor | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Authorised institutional chaplain | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Legally authorised wedding officiant | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Official representative of a church | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Tax-deductible donations | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Recognised throughout Europe | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
For every term marked Yes or Needs review, identify the authority or evidence supporting the claim:
C. Corrected Public Description
Write a clear description of your present ministry status:
Your description should clarify:
Who recognises you religiously
Your local Christian affiliation
Your Soul Centre registration status
Your ministry’s civil or charitable status
The boundaries of your services
Whether institutional permission is still required
Part Twelve: Your Five-Layer Recognition Summary
Complete each statement using precise and truthful language.
Layer One: CLA Religious Recognition
Christian Leaders Alliance recognises me as:
Layer Two: Christian Affiliation
My local church, fellowship, denominational, or additional Christian affiliations are:
Layer Three: Soul Centre Registration
My Soul Centre registration status is:
Layer Four: National Legal or Charitable Status
Under national law, my ministry presently operates as:
Layer Five: Civil or Institutional Authorisation
I currently possess permission to perform these specific activities:
The following activities still require confirmation or permission:
Part Thirteen: Recognition Risk Review
Rate each area.
| Area | Low risk | Moderate risk | High risk | Not assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA credential claims | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Church-affiliation claims | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Soul Centre registration claims | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Charity or incorporation claims | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Donation and tax claims | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Marriage authority | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Institutional chaplaincy access | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Professional-service claims | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Insurance | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Safeguarding | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Privacy and data protection | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Facility permissions | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
My Three Most Important Recognition Risks
Part Fourteen: Professional-Advice Questions
Write questions that require answers from qualified local professionals or authorities.
Legal Questions
Accounting or Tax Questions
Insurance Questions
Safeguarding or Privacy Questions
Marriage or Institutional Questions
Part Fifteen: Recognition Action Plan
List the actions required to make your ministry claims, structures, and permissions accurate.
| Priority action | Person responsible | Adviser or authority | Target date | Completion evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Actions to Complete Within 30 Days
Actions to Complete Within 90 Days
Actions to Complete Within One Year
Part Sixteen: Ministry Integrity Commitment
Read and initial each statement.
_____ I will describe my Christian Leaders Alliance recognition accurately.
_____ I will not claim ordination or appointment from another denomination unless that body has granted it.
_____ I will distinguish Soul Centre registration from civil incorporation or charity status.
_____ I will verify marriage-law requirements before claiming civil authority.
_____ I will obtain institutional permission before presenting myself as an authorised institutional chaplain.
_____ I will not present Christian coaching or chaplaincy as regulated professional care.
_____ I will make accurate statements about donations and possible tax benefits.
_____ I will investigate the insurance appropriate to my ministry activities.
_____ I will seek qualified local advice when legal, financial, safeguarding, privacy, or institutional questions exceed my knowledge.
_____ I will correct inaccurate public statements promptly.
_____ I understand that truthful distinctions strengthen rather than diminish Christian ministry.
Final Reflection
What did this recognition map clarify for you?
Which recognition layer requires the most immediate attention?
Why?
What public statement or ministry practice must you change?
Who can help you complete this work?
Write one sentence summarising your present ministry status honestly.
Completion Check
Before marking this worksheet complete, confirm:
☐ I identified my CLA religious-recognition status.
☐ I described my local Christian affiliations honestly.
☐ I recorded my Soul Centre registration status.
☐ I identified my ministry’s present civil or charitable form.
☐ I reviewed marriage and institutional permissions.
☐ I examined my professional ministry boundaries.
☐ I identified insurance questions.
☐ I reviewed my public claims.
☐ I listed questions requiring qualified advice.
☐ I created a practical action plan.
☐ I wrote an accurate summary of my current ministry status.
Participant name:
Signature or completion confirmation:
Date: