Welcome to The CCNL Program Details
The Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader (CCNL) 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 multidisciplinary understanding of nonprofit leadership. Training traverses all the critical areas of professional practice: executive leadership, resource development, financial management, tax and legal, board governance, people management and care, marketing and communication, and Internet and technology.
Two Pathways – Online and Classroom Experiences
- Outcomes Academy Online Courses: Christian Leadership Alliance Online Learning offers an innovative new way to build your leadership skills right from your office or home! Each online module is comprised of 10 hours of in-depth Biblically-based learning. Individuals can learn more and register at https://academy.christianleadershipalliance.org/
- The Outcomes Conference: This annual leadership training event's distinctive feature is the outcomes-oriented higher thinking we offer 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. Individuals can learn more and register at outcomesconference.org.
When an individual completes all required courses, obtains 100 educational points, and completes the Capstone Project, they qualify for the credential.
Online Course Requirements
CCNL 1 - Leadership | Leading Self, Organizations, and Board
This course is designed to provide the leader of a nonprofit organization with an executive-level view of what is required for God-honoring personal, organizational, and board leadership. Creating a roadmap, this module lifts a leader to higher thinking about the role of executive leadership and how senior leaders influence others, the organization, the board, and those the organization serves.
This course earns 20 points.
CCNL2 - Stewardship | Faithful Care of Ministry Resources
The course is designed to provide the leader of a nonprofit organization an executive-level view of what is required for the God-honoring stewardship of finance, tax, legal, and people management and care. Attention to these foundational aspects of leading a ministry well is essential to establishing excellence and transparency.
This course earns 20 points.
CCNL 3 - Relationship | Connecting Hearts to Ministry Mission
The course is designed to provide the leader of a nonprofit organization with an executive-level view of how to create and build an engaging brand, connect that brand with various audiences, and inspire donor support. You will learn to establish your organization's distinctive brand. You will gain insight into pursuing a sound approach to technology in your organization's communications. You will gain a practical, biblically-based understanding of building and stewarding transformative life-long relationships with your organization's donors.
This course earns 20 points.
Earning the Balance CCNL Points
The remaining 40 points may be earned by enrolling in the CCNL online course electives and participating in the learning experiences at The Outcomes Conference.
The Capstone Project
All program participants must complete the Capstone Project upon completing the 100 points required, which the CCNL Capstone Review Council will review. Once approved, program participants will be awarded their credentials, indicating their professional acumen in Christian nonprofit leadership.
The Capstone Project is designed to demonstrate the competence of individuals who have completed their studies in multidisciplinary leadership of Christian nonprofit organizations. It will be a 2,000——to 3,000-word "90-Day Plan" for leading a Christian nonprofit organization. The Capstone Project draws 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 Enrollment in the CCNL Program
Applicants with five years of for-profit or nonprofit leadership experience are welcome to enroll. If an applicant has less than five years, 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/missions service
After the qualification is completed, enrollment into the program is initiated. Upon qualifying, each participant will receive personal guidance on planning their coursework schedule and learning experiences.
Enrollment Fees
- $257.00 Alliance Members
- Alliance Members receive discounts on all educational programs that earn CCNL credits. Go to www.christianleadershipalliance.org/membership to review the wide range of benefits, deals, and resources that are a part of being a CLA Member.
- The CCNL Enrollment Fee covers only enrollment into the credential program. It is separate from the member-discounted fees for participating in 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/Renewal Fees are separate from the cost of registration fees for all courses. CCNL Enrollment/Renewal fees are non-refundable.
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's 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. To receive your re-credential, you must earn 40 points before the expiration date of your original CCNL credential (during the Renewal Period).
Important Renewal Notes
Courses—Anyone renewing their credential who has not taken the multidisciplinary CCNL Relationship, Leadership, and Stewardship modules must choose among those modules for renewal points. (Those who have taken those courses as part of their original CCNL credential may choose from any 10-week courses for their renewal points.
Make Your CCNL Count for Academic Credit
Now, your CCNL counts even more through the Christian Leadership Alliance's relationship
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.