Leadership Growth Can Begin with One Conversation By Cyndi Marcy

A Credential Designed to Strengthen Your Leadership

One of the greatest privileges of serving as the Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader (CCNL) Administrator is watching God strengthen the leadership of those who enroll!

The journey often begins with an email. Sometimes it begins with a question after a workshop. Other times, it begins with a simple conversation at The Outcomes Conference.

Outcomes We Celebrate

Not long ago, I received a note from a CCNL participant that reminded me why this program exists. With permission, I’d like to share a portion of what she wrote.

“It has been an absolute joy to walk through this process. I am so grateful that God crossed our paths at the conference two years ago and that you took the time to encourage me to pursue this program. It has been a tremendous blessing for me both personally and professionally. It has strengthened me as a Christian leader.

Thank you for your faithful guidance, encouragement, and the investment you and the CLA team have made in my leadership journey. I am deeply grateful for this experience and look forward to completing the credentialing process.”

Carol Fairman, Executive Director, WHW Clinic

I read those words with deep gratitude—not because they were about me, but because they captured exactly what I hope every leader experiences through the CCNL journey.

More Than a Credential

People often ask me, “What is the greatest benefit of earning the CCNL?”

Of course, participants gain practical knowledge in governance, fundraising, financial management, leadership, organizational effectiveness, biblical stewardship, and other mission-critical competencies. They develop stronger leadership skills and greater confidence to serve their organizations well.

But something even deeper happens.

As Carol described, leaders are strengthened personally and spiritually as they grow professionally. They become better equipped not only to lead organizations, but to steward the calling God has placed on their lives.

That transformation is what makes the CCNL credential different.

A Journey, Not a Checklist

The CCNL program isn’t designed to be completed as quickly as possible.

It’s intentionally built as a leadership journey.

Participants learn through Alliance online courses, Outcomes Conference learning experiences, and the Capstone Project, where they apply what they’ve learned to a real ministry challenge.

Along the way, they become part of a community of Christian leaders who encourage one another, share wisdom, and continue learning together.

Many participants tell me the relationships they build are just as valuable as the curriculum itself.

Investing in Leaders Who Invest in Others

One of my favorite moments is watching participants realize that the growth they’re experiencing won’t stop with them.

As leaders grow, their organizations benefit. The entire team benefits. Even their board benefits. Ultimately, the people they serve benefit. That’s the multiplication effect of healthy leadership.

Every stronger Christian leader can strengthen an entire ministry.

The Journey Can Begin Today

Carol’s story began with a conversation at The Outcomes Conference. Your story may begin differently.

Perhaps you’ve been considering professional development. Your organization may want to invest in emerging leaders. Or perhaps you’ve sensed that God is calling you to take on greater leadership responsibilities.

If that’s where you are today, I’d love to help you explore whether the Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader program is the right next step.

The CCNL is more than a credential. It’s an investment in the leader God is shaping you to become.

If you’d like to learn more, visit the Christian Leadership Alliance CCNL page or reach out to me directly. I’d be honored to answer your questions and help you begin your own leadership journey.

I hope that one day, you’ll be writing your own story of how God used this experience to strengthen you personally, professionally, and spiritually.

Cyndi Marcy serves as the CCNL Administrator for the Christian Leadership Alliance, guiding leaders through the Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader program. She enjoys encouraging Christian nonprofit leaders as they pursue excellence, lifelong learning, and faithful stewardship in their calling. Reach her at cyndi.marcy@christianleadershipalliance.org