Outcomes Conference

The Arete Leader Award 2026

Christian Leadership Alliance invites members to nominate a leader from your organization!

During The Outcomes Conference 2026 in Dallas, the Alliance will recognize 10 Arete leaders, aged 35 or younger, who embody the Alliance’s core commitments and principles. Your nominee represents a leader you believe will have a significant impact on the next decade of Christian ministry.

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The Meaning of Arete

​In ancient Greek, arete (“ah-rey-tay) means excellence, virtue, or fulfilment, representing the concept of living to one’s fullest potential and purpose. It involves striving to become the best version of oneself through physical, mental, and moral development. ​Arete describes a lifelong pursuit cultivated through education, discipline, and practice.

​The Christian Leadership Alliance Arete Leader Award recipients reflect this virtue in their leadership growth journey and pursuit of God’s will.

Qualifications

The Alliance seeks nominations from Christian Leadership Alliance member organizations of leaders who embody the Alliance’s core values and commitments. We aim to recognize leaders who will become the future leaders of Alliance member organizations—nonprofits, businesses, churches, educational institutions, and more. These are the leaders who will have a significant impact on ministry outcomes over the next decade.

Commitments

Christian

First and foremost, one who exhibits a fully committed devotion to Jesus Christ, his teachings, and his Kingdom purposes.

Leadership

One who passionately pursues excellence and continuous improvement in personal and organizational leadership.

Alliance

One who is committed to kingdom-minded collaboration, community, and unity in the body of Christ.

Values

Honoring God

How do they honor God in their work, leadership, and service?

Serving Others

How have you witnessed them sacrificially serving others within and outside your organization?

Collaboration

How do they model a passion for teamwork and collaboration, humbly yet confidently working with others toward a shared goal, in complete submission to the Father?

Transformational Learning

How do they actively pursue personal growth and continuous improvement through ongoing training and development? How do they then exhibit and teach others what they’ve learned?

Excellence

How do they consistently pursue excellence in their work and life, and what outcomes has that pursuit created?

Process for Application

Christian Leadership Alliance will accept nominations for its Arete Leaders through February 15, 2026. We will finalize selections by March 15, 2026. Honorees must commit to attending The Outcomes Conference 2026 in Dallas, April 28-30, 2026. Registration fees will be waived. The member organization will cover travel and lodging expenses.

Submission Requirement

Arete Leader Bio

Please provide a bio of no more than 300 words for the individual you are submitting for consideration, including their work, education, and volunteer endeavors, along with any awards they have received. If applicable, please provide a link to the nominee’s LinkedIn profile as well.

Nominee Qualifications

Please provide an overview of how your nominee exhibits the core values and commitments of Christian Leadership Alliance as listed above. The overview may be no more than 500 words. Be specific about ways you have seen this individual embody those values and commitments.

Selection Process

A committee comprising Christian Leadership Alliance board members, advisory council members, and staff will select 10 honorees. The Alliance CEO will notify you by March 15, 2026, regarding whether your nominee has been chosen.

The Arete Leaders will be honored on stage during the Outcomes Conference 2026 Closing General Session in Dallas. The Alliance will incorporate these leaders into other opportunities during the Conference.

You may submit more than one candidate, but we request that each candidate be submitted separately.

Questions? Contact Tami Heim | tami.heim@christianleadershipalliance.org

Submission Due by February 15, 2026