Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader Program

Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA) and Azusa Pacific University (APU) have joined forces to create the new Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader (CCNL) program. The CCNL program promotes biblical principles and professional standards in Christian ministry leadership.

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 towards your credential can be acquired both online and through in-person educational programming. To achieve a CCNL credential, individuals must take courses across a range of professional practice areas that impact the leadership of Christian nonprofits.
Download CCNL Brochure


Download Enrollment Form

CLA and Azusa Pacific University offer two paths to acquire CCNL Credits

  1. Online Courses: Learn More and Register
  2. In-Person Courses:
    1. CLA Christian Nonprofit Leadership Academy: Learn More and Register
    2. CLA National Conference: Learn More and Register
Click Here to see Registration Requirements and Path to Certification

Options offered by CLA-APU:

  1. CCNL Credential: 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
    • 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.

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 degreeprograms, 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.