Reading: Getting Your First Endorsement. What Do You Do?

Proverbs 27:2 states, "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips."

These words offer very practical wisdom from the book of Proverbs and an essential leadership principle. The New Testament applied this passage to raising up ministers. There was always a commending process for leadership.

In the calling of the first Deacon ministers, the brothers were asked to recommend and choose those to be considered.

"Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom." (Acts 6:3)

Who would recommend and choose you? Seminaries, ministry schools, denominations, and churches have practiced an Endorsement process for centuries.

The Endorsing process is simple. Who in your life sees your walk with God and your readiness for ministry?

The Endorsement Status Levels increase your confidence and credibility as you are supported and confirmed in your calling to pursue ministry. However, if no one will endorse you, you may need to ask serious questions about whether you are fit for ministry.

There are three Endorsement levels in this program: Level One, Level Two, and Level Three. In this stair-step approach, you will be able to discern your calling while others confirm your readiness for more and more responsibility.

At Christian Leaders Ministries, we have integrated these Endorsements into Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance.

Here are the Integration requirements:

Christian Leaders Institute - While you may receive Awards, Certificates, and Diplomas without being endorsed, we recommend that you strengthen your recognition by getting endorsed. The level of Endorsement will be embossed on your Award, Certificate, or Diploma.

Christian Leaders Alliance - Are you interested in Minister Credentials? Christian Leaders Alliance offers three categories of minister credentials which include appropriate ministry training at the Christian Leaders Institute and different Endorsement levels.

Here are roles that need endorsements:

1. Licensed Wedding Officiant - One Recommendation.

2. Field Minister - A Field minister is ordinarily a volunteer or lay minister who is called to a specific area of ministry. It is a non-licensed or non-ordained role. To be considered a commended minister, you will need to have Endorsement status level one and finish the necessary ministry training. You will also be able to purchase a Commended Minister recognition package that includes a letter of good standing that reflects your minister's role. You will be automatically included in the global minister directory. We recommend that you display your Field minister role credentials at your home or business. This package lets others know that you have received training in a specific area of ministry and that people endorse you for it!

3. Licensed Minister - The Licensed Minister is often a voluntary (lay) or part-time ministry position. This clergy-grade minister recognition includes ministry training and requires Endorsement status level two (The Christian Wedding Officiant is the only licensed status included in Endorsement status level one). You may also want to purchase a Licensed Minister recognition package that includes a letter of good standing reflecting your Licensed minister's clergy status. You will be automatically included in the global minister directory. Additionally, we recommend that you display your Licensed minister role credentials at your home or business. This package lets others know that you have received training in a specific area of ministry and that people endorse you for it!

4. Ordained Minister - The Ordained Minister is often a part-time or full-time minister. The requirements for this program include more extensive ministry training, conforming to many of the expectations of traditional denominations. For you to be ordained, you will need to have Endorsement status level three. This means you must submit three recommendations. You may also want to purchase an Ordained Minister recognition package that includes a letter of good standing reflecting your Ordained minister's clergy status. You will be automatically included in the global minister directory. Additionally, we recommend that you display your ordained minister credentials at your home, ministry, or business. This package lets others know that you have received training in a specific area of ministry and that people endorse you for it!

Christian Leaders Institute Degree Program - The Christian Leaders Institute is required by our accreditors to grant degrees to those who have been endorsed. This means that those accepted into the Degree Program must be considered Endorsement level one.

What do you need to do?

You will ask your endorsers to answer the following question concerning you: "Why do you think my walk, temperament, character, and calling show that I am called to be a ministry leader?" Then, you will copy and paste their response into the assignment.

Fictional Samples of Recommendations:

Sample One:

"When Robert first talked with me about writing an endorsement for him, I honestly didn't know where to start. I have witnessed so many reasons, I could share countless stories, and he has an abundance of qualities and character traits as to why he has been called to be a ministry leader. To spare you from reading the novel that I could write regarding my husband, I have chosen to share with you what only I can experience firsthand.

Robert, amongst other wonderful things, is a loving and devoted husband and father. After struggling with infertility for five years and being told we wouldn't conceive, we were blessed with our first baby girl. Five years later, we have been blessed again with our second baby girl. Robert has always expressed that our girls are here because of God. All praise has always gone to Him. When I witness him reading the Bible and having discussions with our children, I am so proud of the father that God has given my children. Becoming a father is one of the many reasons that have led him to this point. He knows that this is his time to share and give his thanks for the blessings we have received.

Robert is immensely dedicated, motivated, and knows within his heart that this is the path he was called to take. I know without hesitation that he will strive in his studies and become such an effective ministry leader.

Amber Smith (Robert's Spouse)"

Sample Two:

"I have never doubted in my mind that Robert would become involved in some ministry. This is something that God has laid on my heart for years, even if Robert didn't realize it. Although the road to get to this point has not always been easy, the journey has helped him grow as a man in all areas. His life experiences will help him relate to those he wishes to help and witness to because he has been in their shoes, and he knows how God can turn their lives around. Robert is passionate and faithful in whatever he does, and he will no doubt put his entire heart into helping others and teaching them about God's love and grace.

K. Jordon LSW

Social worker at Presbyterian Health"

Sample Three:

"I endorse Robert. As one of his pastors and mentors, Robert has been using his gifts for ministry. His life is a witness to his faith. We are excited about his eventual license as a 'Christian Wedding Officiant,' as you put it.

Bob Jinkins

Pastor – Grace Community"