Christian leaders institute & Christian leaders alliance

Christian Leaders Institute

Christian Leaders Institute is non-denominational and draws from the rich biblical perspectives that resonate in many denominations and traditions of Christianity.

At Christian Leaders Institute (CLI), we firmly believe in the power of unity in Christ. Ephesians 4:3 instructs us, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” underlining the transformative impact of Christian leadership.

CLI also embraces many Christian traditions as a well-rounded educational institution. We honor the Bible as the Word of God while acknowledging and valuing the diversity of perspectives within the Christian community. Our commitment is to foster an environment where we can learn from one another and work together to serve God’s kingdom.

Statement of Faith

This Statement of Faith was adopted by Christian Leaders Institute when CLI began offering classes in 2006. Since then, the Christian Leaders Institute Statement of Faith has guided the development of the classes and worldview.

The Bible

The Bible is God’s inerrant, infallible, reliable Word, the only final authority for faith and life. (Proverbs 30:5-6; Isaiah 8:20; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21)

Who is God?

God is Trinity, an eternal, loving unity of three divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 14:26; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

God Created the World

God created the universe ex nihilo, from nothing, and made all things very good. (Genesis 1-2; Exodus 20:11; Hebrews 11:3)

God Created Humanity

God created humanity in his image to glorify and enjoy God and to be stewards of creation. (Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 8; Isaiah 43:7; Revelation 4:11; Psalm 37:4)

The Fall

Humanity has fallen into sin, and we are totally unable to save ourselves. (Genesis 3; Romans 3:12, 23; Romans 5:12)

Who is Jesus?

Jesus, the promised Messiah of Israel, is fully God and fully man. (Matthew 1:21-23; John 1:1,14; 20:28; Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:14)

Jesus’ Life and Victory

Jesus was born of a virgin, obeyed God perfectly, worked great miracles, died on a cross, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and reigns over all things. (Luke 1:26-35, Hebrews 4:15; John 14:11, Luke 23-24, Ephesians 1:20-23)

Salvation is a Work of God

Salvation is merited only by Jesus’ perfect obedience and substitutionary atonement. (Isaiah 53; Hebrews 7:26-27; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Acts 4:12)

Salvation is Not Our Work

Salvation is entirely God’s gift, not our achievement, and is received by faith in Christ, not works. (John 3:16; Romans 1:16-17; Galatians 2:16-21)

The Holy Spirit was Sent to Earth and Fills Us

The Holy Spirit gives new birth, unites us to Christ, assures us of His love, leads us in His truth, forms us in His character, equips us with His gifts, and empowers us to be His ambassadors. (John 3:3-8; Acts 1:8; Romans 8; 1 Corinthians 12; Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 3:16-21)

The Church

The church is the one body of God’s people throughout all generations and from all nations. (Romans 12:5; Galatians 3:26-29; Ephesians 1:22-23; Revelation 7:9)

Angels of God

God’s holy angels defend and help God’s people. (Psalm 34:7, 91:11; Matthew 18:10; Hebrews 1:14)

Fallen Angels

Satan and other fallen angels are dangerous but doomed. Christ is victor. (Ephesians 6:10-18; Colossians 2:15; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:10-12

Christ Will Return and the Dead Will Be Raised

Christ will return visibly. The dead will be raised. Christ will rule the world and make all things new. (Matthew 24:30; 1Cor. 15:52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 21:1-5)
New Heaven and New Earth

God’s people will rejoice forever in the new heaven and new earth. God’s enemies will suffer forever in hell. (Daniel 12:2-3; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 22:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 1:9)

God Designed Marriage

Sexual intimacy is for marriage only. Christian marriage is a lifelong union of a man and a woman. (Genesis 2:22-25; Matthew 5:27-32; Matthew 19:3-9; 1 Corinthians 7:1-11)

God Relates to Families

God’s covenant addresses not only individuals but also their families. (Genesis 17:7; 18:19; Deuteronomy 7:9; Joshua 24;15; Psalm 103:17; Acts 11:14; 16:15,31)

We Are Able to Walk with God

As individuals, as couples, and as families, we need a daily conversation with God through Bible reading and prayer. (Psalm 1; Daniel 6:10; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

We Love Because He Loved Us

God calls us to a holy life of love, as depicted in the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 20:1-17; Mark 12:30-31; John 14:15; Romans 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 13)

We Honor Christ in Everything

God calls us to a worldview and way of life in which we seek to honor Christ in every area of thought and action. (Psalm 24:1; Colossians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 10:5)

We Share the Good News

God calls us to spread the gospel to people who don’t yet follow Christ. (Psalm 96:3; Matthew 5:14; Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:15)

History

In 2001, Henry Reyenga and the late Rich DeVos founded Christian Leaders as a Non-Profit to raise Christian leaders. One of the goals was to raise grassroots leaders who would help church leaders reach more people. The strategy was developed to create training and credentialing programs around ministry topics. These are useful for local pastors and churches to mobilize more local ministers for further local impact.

Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) started in 2006 by offering free courses for students to earn certificates, awards, and diploma credentials. January 1, 2015, brought a new dimension to CLI with the launch of the undergraduate degree programs. Degrees are earned through the Leadership Excellence School.

Religious Non-Profit

Christian Leaders Institute is recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This designation means that CLI operates as a tax-exempt entity under the United States Internal Revenue Code, allowing the focus to be on the educational mission without the burden of certain taxes. As a nonprofit, CLI can receive tax-deductible donations to support the effort of providing free ministry training to individuals around the world.

Accreditation

Christian Leaders does business as Christian Leaders College and holds applicant status with the Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (5850 T. G. Lee Blvd., Ste. 130, Orlando, FL 32822, 407.207.0808). Applicant status is a pre-membership status granted to those institutions that meet the ABHE Conditions of Eligibility and that possess such qualities as may provide a basis for achieving candidate status within five years. seeking accreditation with ABHE as a United States Department of Education-recognized credentialing body. This accreditation applies to the tuition-free Christian Leaders College courses.

Locations

Christian Leaders Institute is located in Spring Lake, Michigan. The college staff oversees the work of the institute and the college. Much of the administration work of both the college and the institute is conducted at the Michigan location.
Office Hours: 9-3 Monday – Friday
17771 West Spring Lake Rd
Spring Lake, Michigan 49456
Phone Number: 616-777-0305
The administrative headquarters of CLI’s Leadership Excellence School is located in Largo, Florida.
7600 Bryan Dairy Rd
Suite B
Largo, Florida 33777
Phone Number: 727-230-1036

Minister Credentials

Minister Credentials are overseen through the Christian Leaders Alliance, which has a Global Ministers Commission, which is an international commission of licensed and ordained ministers.

What is the Global Ministers Commission of the Christian Leaders Alliance?

The Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) is a global religious organization that credentials ministers from various Christian backgrounds, whether volunteers, part-time or full-time.

This Commission is the spiritual covering for the certification, licensing, and ordination process and program at Christian Leaders Alliance.

Global Ministers Commission provides credentialed ministers with a connecting point to encourage, inspire, and support current and future Christian Leaders Alliance minister members in their daily walk with Jesus Christ from a ministering credentialling point of view.

This Commission is led by Henry Reyenga, president of Christian Leaders, NFP., and Brian DeCook serves as the General Secretary. In serving the church worldwide, the Commission honors the diversity of opinions on women as credentialed ministers.

Many credentialed through the Christian Leaders Alliance also have local or denominational oversight for local ministry so in addition to CLA credentials, ministers can maintain credentials with another religious denomination, allowing dual affiliations.

The network comprises thousands of officiants and ministers, including field, licensed, ordained, Chaplain, or coaching ministers.

Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) Minister Credentialing Process

Complete Bible and Ministry Training at the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI): CLI and CLA offer over 200 comprehensive courses and mini-courses designed for aspiring ministers. Successful completion of these courses will earn you ministry credentials.

Choose a Ministry Path Aligned with Your Calling and Skills: The Ordination Program offers various minister roles, including:
Wedding Officiant
Field Minister
Licensed Minister
Coaching Minister
Ordained Minister

Enroll in a Recognition Program Tailored to Your Chosen Role: After selecting a minister role, you can enroll in a program that specifically acknowledges and supports your area of focus. You also have the opportunity to pursue specialized studies.

Submit to a Minister Credential Process, including Local Endorsements

Become Posted on the Global Ordination Directory

• Christian Leaders Alliance post the newly credentialed ministers in the Christian Leaders Alliance Minister Directory. (https://www.christianleadersalliance.org/minister-directory/)
• Credentialed Ministers of the Christian Leaders Alliance are eligible to register a Soul Center.