Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader Building Steward Leaders for Today s Ministries
C C N L D I S T I N C T I V E : Biblically Based Biblically-based education is the cornerstone of the Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader (CCNL) program for Christian ministry professionals. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3: 16, 17)
B E C O M I N G A C R E D E N T I A L E D C H R I S T I A N N O N P R O F I T L E A D E R Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA) and Azusa Pacific University (APU) have joined forces to create America s premier center for applied Christian nonprofit leadership. The centerpiece of this alliance is the new Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader (CCNL) program. CCNL is great news for Christian nonprofit ministries nationwide! Now your key leaders, and staff professionals, can become credentialed as a Christian Nonprofit Leader through one of the leading Christian universities in the United States Azusa Pacific University! Credits can be acquired both online and through in-person educational programming. In today s rapidly changing world, Christian ministries need leaders who have proven expertise and certified excellence in their professional fields. The Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader (CCNL) program is designed to promote biblical principles and professional standards in Christian ministry leadership. The vision of CLA and APU is for this program to become recognized as the premier professional credential for Christian nonprofit professionals. A CCNL credential will denote individuals who have been equipped with biblically-based principles and excellent training across a range of professional practice areas in Christian nonprofit leadership.
C C N L P R O G R A M The CCNL program offers credentials for nonprofit leaders who achieve a breadth of education and experience across these eight specialty areas of professional practice. To receive a CCNL credential one must take at least one course in each of these fields: Executive Leadership Board Governance Resource Development or Financial Management And candidates may choose two elective courses from the remaining areas of professional practice. The CCNL is not only the nation s premier credential for Christian ministry professionals, it is also the best way for busy ministry professionals to take their leadership skills and abilities, and those of their entire team, to the next level of professional excellence. Those who receive the CCNL credential will possess a proven multi-disciplinary understanding of nonprofit leadership that traverses critical areas of professional practice. Courses in all eight categories will be developed by APU and CLA over the next three years.
C C N L D I S T I N C T I V E : Transformational The Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader (CCNL) program is designed to help nonprofit ministry leaders fulfill their commitment to transform the lives of those whom they serve, and those who support their ministry. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
C C N L D I S T I N C T I V E : Steward-Leader Focused CLA believes passionately in God s call for each of us to serve as stewardleaders who recognize God as the owner of our resources, talents, gifts and lives. The CCNL program emphasizes our unique role as steward leaders. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10)
T W O O P T I O N S O F F E R E D B Y C L A - A P U 1. CCNL Credential: Requirements Five years of professional experience in nonprofit leadership and 100 points across select areas of professional practice in the CCNL program. 2. CLA-APU Online Certificate: Certificates will be provided to all individuals who complete all five online courses in a particular professional practice area. Those areas are: Resource Development, Financial Management, Executive Leadership, Board Governance, People Management and Care, Marketing and Communications, Internet and Technology and Legal and Tax. Certificates will be provided in both the basic and advanced levels. This CLA-APU Online Certificate program is distinct from the CCNL program, and one is not required to register for CCNL to receive a certificate. When an individual completes all five online courses in a particular field of professional practice they will receive a certificate. Two Paths To the CCNL Credential: 1. CLA/APU Online Courses: Starting September 1, 2011, CCNL candidates can begin accruing points towards their CCNL credential through CLA/APU online certificate courses. Individuals may register for each individual 10-hour module in these courses on the CLA National Website, ChristianLeadershipAlliance.org. Class size will be limited. Currently online courses are available in two professional practice areas: Financial Management and Resource Development. Within the next three years CLA and APU will offer courses, at both basic and advanced levels, in all eight CCNL areas of professional practice. To become a CCNL credentialed leader one must have the requisite professional experience and complete five, ten-hour online modules. Completion of one module in each of these areas of professional practice is required: Executive Leadership, Board Governance, Resource Development/or/Financial Management. CCNL candidates will then complete two additional elective modules from the remaining areas of professional practice to fulfill their 100 point requirement. 2. In-Person CLA Courses: Starting September 1, 2011, CCNL candidates will be able to begin accruing points towards a CCNL credential through in-person CLA coursework. These in-person modules, workshops and seminars are offered at both the CLA Christian Nonprofit Leadership Academy* (Fall) and CLA National Conference (Spring). *For the CLA Academy additional areas of practice will be phased in. At present two areas are covered Resource Development and Financial Management. Workshops and seminars in all eight CCNL areas of professional practice are available at the CLA National Conference.
A S T R O N G T E A M About Christian Leadership Alliance Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA) is a national association, based in San Clemente, Calif., representing more than 9,000 individuals, from 4,500 Christian nonprofit organizations nationwide. The mission of CLA is to exhort, equip and empower Christian leaders to think biblically and lead effectively as faithful stewards in the service of Jesus Christ. CLA offers a wide range of knowledge resources to its members though its National Conference, Fall Christian Nonprofit Leadership Academy, online courses, online knowledge resource center, Webinars, Outcomes CLA s quarterly national magazine, Outcomes ONLINE CLA s bi-weekly enewsletter, books, electronic downloads, educational programming and more. For more information, visit www.christianleadershipalliance.org or call (949) 487-0900. About Azusa Pacific University Azusa Pacific University is a comprehensive, evangelical, Christian university located 26 miles northeast of Los Angeles. A leader in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, APU is committed to God First and excellence in higher education. Offering more than 60 areas of undergraduate study, 26 master s degree programs, and 7 doctorates to a total student population of more than 8,500 on campus, online, and at seven regional centers across Southern California, APU has been recognized as one of U.S. News Best Colleges for six years running and by Princeton Review as one of the Best in the West. APU graduates are known for professional excellence, the highest ethical standards, and their desire to make a difference in the world. For more information, call (800) 825-5278 or visit www.apu.edu.
C C N L D I S T I N C T I V E : Relational The Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader (CCNL) program provides professional networking, support, spiritual encouragement and accountability for today s Christian leader. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)
R E G I S T R A T I O N A N D R E Q U I R E M E N T S CCNL Requirements: 1. Enrollment into the CCNL credentialing program. (No coursework completed prior to enrollment will count towards a CCNL credential.) 2. Professional Experience Five years of proven professional experience in Christian nonprofit leadership. This can be within the range of specialties within Christian nonprofit organizations. 3. 100 Educational Points earned CCNL Educational Points can be earned either through CLA/APU online courses or through in-person courses at the CLA National Conference or CLA Fall Christian Nonprofit Leadership Academy. 4. Attendance at every hour of class, and participation in course exercises partial attendance in any class does not count toward a credential. CCNL: Acquiring Educational Points for your Credential To acquire CCNL, students will be required to obtain 100 educational points. All students must take at least one course from the following categories: Executive Leadership Board Governance Resource Development or Financial Management Students will select additional courses from the other categories to complete their 100 point requirements. (These can be acquired through either CLA/APU online courses, or through inperson training at CLA sponsored workshops, Intensive Training Institute courses or specialized Academies.) The program is designed such that a candidate could achieve their credential within the span of one to two calendar years. 1. 20 Points: (CLA/APU Online module) CLA/APU Online Module: Individuals will receive 20 points towards a credential for each ten-hour CLA-APU online module. Each of the eight areas of professional practice will contain 5 key modules. Online courses will eventually be offered in both basic and advanced levels. (100 points for matriculating through a full CLA/APU online course) 2. 20 Points: (CLA Christian Nonprofit Leadership Academy module) Christian Nonprofit Leadership Academy module: At each of these Fall academies, individuals will have the opportunity to attend two separate 10-hour modules, with each providing 20 points towards a CCNL credential. In 2011, modules in Resource Development and Financial Management will be offered. In the future, CLA plans to offer similar modules in all eight areas of professional practice. The new areas of professional practice will be phased in to this academy over the next few years. (40 points for one full Christian Nonprofit Leadership Academy two 10-hour modules) 3. 15 Points (CLA National Conference ITI) CLA National Conference, Intensive Training Institute seminars: Each CCNL designated ITI at the annual CLA National Conference will provide 15 points towards a CCNL credential. Attendance at the ITI General Session is required. (15 points possible at one CLA National Conference one ITI) 4. 3 Points (CLA National Conference Workshops) Each CCNL designated workshop at the CLA National Conference will provide
To register for Certification in Christian Nonprofit Leadership go to: www.christianleadershipalliance.org/ccnl 3 points towards a CCNL credential. (15 points are possible by attending five workshops at one CLA National Conference) CCNL Recredentialing Requirements: To stay current with practices and trends in Christian nonprofit leadership, individuals must renew their CCNL credential every three years following original date of credentialing. (40 points required for updated CCNL credential.) Those applying to renew their CCNL credential may achieve those points by attending two 10- hour modules (20 points each) at the CLA Christian Nonprofit Leadership Academy, by taking two CLA/APU Online Certificate modules (20 points each), or by attending CLA National Conference Intensive Training Institute seminars (15 points each) or workshops (3 points each). Those seeking to renew their CCNL credential can use a combination of these options if so desired. Important note: Approximately 12 months prior to the expiration of your CCNL Credential, CLA will notify you and send you a credential renewal form. You may begin accruing points toward renewing your credential at that time ( renewal period ). Your CCNL designation (valid for three years) will remain current during the renewal period as long as you are actively accruing points towards your recredential (a minimum of 20 points during any calendar year). A new three-year credential will be issued upon completion of your 40 points. CLA does not bank CCNL points for modules, workshops or seminars taken prior to the beginning of the renewal period. Registration Fees: 1 CCNL Enrollment/Renewal $250/person (Includes 3-year CLA membership) The costs of registering for online courses, and participation in the Fall Christian Nonprofit Leadership Academy and/or CLA National Conference are separate from CCNL Enrollment or Renewal fees. Good news for CSP candidates: If you are currently a Certified Stewardship Professional (CSP) candidate, there is good news! Upon completion of your coursework you will automatically receive a CCNL credential from CLA and APU. In addition those with an active, current CSP certification will also receive a CCNL credential. For additional information contact CLA at (949) 487-0900, ext. 111 or CCNL@ChristianLeadershipAlliance.org
Christian Leadership Alliance / CCNL 635 Camino de los Mares, Suite 216 San Clemente, CA 92673 www.christianleadershipalliance.org/ccnl CLA at (949) 487-0900, ext. 111 CCNL@ChristianLeadershipAlliance.org