The Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader Program

“The training was fantastic – the best I’ve had as a non-profit leader. I thank the Lord for all of the CLA team for equipping me to be a better Christ-following non-profit leader!“

CCNL Course Enrollee

Overview

The Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader (CCNL) program is exclusive to Christian Leadership Alliance members. The program promotes biblical principles and professional standards in Christian nonprofit organizations. This program exists because Christian nonprofits need leaders with proven expertise and certified excellence in their professional fields.

Those who receive this credential will possess a proven multi-disciplinary understanding of nonprofit leadership. Training encompasses all the critical areas of professional practice, including executive leadership, resource development, financial management, tax and legal, board governance, people management and care, marketing and communication, and Internet and technology.

Two Pathways

Outcomes Academy Online

  • Christian Leadership Alliance Online Learning offers an innovative new way to develop your leadership skills from the comfort of your office or home. Each online course consists of 10 hours of in-depth, Biblically Based learning.
  • You can learn more at the Outcomes Academy, the CLA Center for Online Learning.

The Outcomes Conference

  • The key distinction of this annual leadership training event is the outcomes-oriented higher thinking we offer you on the most critical issues facing Christian leaders today.
  • We offer full-day Intensive seminars, Workshops, and special one-day events, including the CEO Forum and Christian Women in Leadership Forum.
  • Participants can earn up to 40 CCNL points at the Conference.
  • Learn more by visiting the Outcomes Conference information pages.

When an individual completes all required courses, obtains 100 educational points, and completes the Capstone Project, they qualify for their CCNL distinction.

Online Requirements

REQUIRED COURSESPOINTS EARNED
CCNL – Leadership (Leadership and Board Governance)(20 points)
CCNL – Stewardship (Finance, Tax & Legal, and People Management & Care)(20 points)
CCNL – Relationship (Resource Development, Marketing & Communications, and Internet & Technology)(20 points)
Total of 60 points

Earning Elective Points

The remaining 40 points may be earned by enrolling in the CCNL online course electives or through participation in the learning experiences offered at The Outcomes Conference!

The Capstone Project

Upon completing the 100 credits required, all program participants must complete the Capstone Project, which the CCNL Capstone Review Council will review. Once approved, program participants will be awarded their credentials, connoting their professional acumen in Christian nonprofit leadership.

The Capstone Project is designed to showcase the competence of individuals who have completed their studies in the multi-disciplinary leadership of Christian nonprofit organizations. The Capstone Project will be a 2,000 to 3,000-word “90-Day Plan” for leading a Christian nonprofit organization.

The Capstone Project builds upon coursework completed, particularly the three required modules: CCNL Leadership (Leadership/Board Governance), CCNL Relationship (Communications & Marketing/Internet & Technology/Resource Development), and CCNL Stewardship (Financial Management/Tax & Legal/People Management and Care).

Details will be provided to participants upon completion of their 100 required credits.

Prerequisites to CCNL Enrollment

You must be an active member of the Christian Leadership Alliance. Applicants with five years of experience in for-profit or nonprofit leadership are welcome to enroll. If an applicant has less than five years of experience, admittance will be evaluated based on the following criteria by the CCNL Administrator:

  • 3-5 years of for-profit or nonprofit leadership experience
  • Academic accomplishments and degrees
  • Board Service
  • Volunteer/mission service

After the qualification is completed, enrollment into the program is initiated.

Upon qualifying, each participant will receive personalized guidance on planning their coursework schedule and learning experiences.

Enrollment Fees

  • The CCNL enrollment fee is $257.00.
  • This enrollment fee covers only your enrollment in the credential program. It is separate from participating in required coursework toward a credential through the Alliance via the Outcomes Academy Online or Outcomes Conference.
  • The initial CCNL Enrollment Period is valid for three (3) years. If an individual has not obtained their 100 (credential) points before the expiration of their enrollment, a re-enrollment fee will have to be paid to continue and complete the program.

Christian Leadership Alliance does not “bank” points for any courses taken before the beginning of the Initial Enrollment Period or before the Renewal Period begins. The enrollment and renewal fees are separate from the registration fees for all courses. CCNL enrollment and renewal fees are non-refundable.

Members Enroll in CCNL Here }

CCNL Renewal

A CCNL Credential must be renewed every three (3) years following the original credentialing date. Approximately twelve (12) months before the expiration of your CCNL Credential (the “Renewal Period”), the Christian Leadership Alliance Administrator will notify you and send you a credential re-enrollment form.

Upon completing the form and paying a $97 re-enrollment fee, you may accrue points toward your re-credential. You must earn 40 points before your original CCNL credential expires during renewal to receive your re-credential.

Important Renewal Notes

Anyone renewing their credential who has not taken the multidisciplinary CCNL Relationship, Leadership, and Stewardship courses must select one of these courses to earn renewal points. (Those who have taken those modules as a part of their original CCNL credential may choose from any modules for their renewal points.)

Activate CCNL Renewals Here }

Your CCNL Earns Academic Credit

Your CCNL holds even more significance through the Christian Leadership Alliance’s partnerships with City Vision University and York University Online.

Learn how you can receive academic credits through your CCNL credential!

For additional information about these opportunities, contact Cyndi Marcy, CCNL Administrator, at Cyndi.Marcy@christianleadershipalliance.org.