Christian Leaders Institute is non-denominational and draws from the rich Biblical perspectives that resonate in many denominations and traditions of Christendom.
At the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI), we firmly believe in the power of unity in Christ. Ephesians 4:3 instructs us to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” underlining the transformative impact of Christian leadership.
CLI also embraces many Christian traditions as a well-rounded educational institution. We respect the Bible as the Word of God, as highlighted in 2 Timothy 3:16 while acknowledging and valuing the diversity of perspectives within the Christian community.
Our commitment is to foster an environment where different viewpoints can be expressed, allowing us to learn from one another and work together to serve God’s kingdom.
Biblical Integrity while allowing for some differences: At CLI, we maintain a biblical perspective, with the Bible as the foundation for our teachings and practices. However, we also understand various interpretations and disagreements on certain theological matters within the Christian faith. Taking guidance from Romans 14:1, which says, “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters,” we embrace these differences with respect and love.
At CLI, we ensure our faculty reflects a diversity of Christian perspectives, all grounded in Biblical principles. These professors are dedicated to helping our students become well-rounded and effective in ministry. Our graduates represent a broad spectrum of Christian traditions, including Evangelical, Pentecostal, non-Pentecostal, Catholics and Anglicans, and Reformation faiths such as Reformed, Presbyterian, Baptist, and Methodist. Non-denominational students also thrive within our community. CLI focuses on the common ground that the majority of Christendom agrees upon, emphasizing unity while respecting areas of disagreement.
Unity in Mission: CLI’s emphasis on unity in Christian leadership is rooted in the understanding that despite theological differences, Christians can come together with a shared purpose. This sentiment is echoed in 1 Corinthians 1:10, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
Transforming Lives and Communities: CLI, firmly rooted in the belief of 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come,” is dedicated to equipping Christian leaders to effect positive change in individuals’ lives and communities.
Conclusion: Inspired by Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you,” CLI is committed to embracing difference while promoting unity in Christian leadership. At CLI, we celebrate the richness of our diverse Christian family, united in our mission to bring glory to God and share the Gospel’s transformative power with all.
Official Statement of Faith
This Statement of faith was settled on when Christian Leaders Institute began offering classes in 2006. Since then, this Christian Leaders Institute statement of faith has guided the development of the classes and worldview.
The Bible
The Bible is God’s inerrant, infallible, reliable Word, the only final authority for faith and life.
(Proverbs 30:5-6; Isaiah 8:20; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21)
Who is God?
God is Trinity, an eternal, loving unity of three divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
(Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 14:26; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
God Created The World
God created the universe ex nihilo, from nothing, and made all things very good.
(Genesis 1-2; Exodus 20:11; Hebrews 11:3)
God Created Humanity
God created humanity in his image to glorify and enjoy God and to be stewards of creation.
(Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 8; Isaiah 43:7; Revelation 4:11; Psalm 37:4)
The Fall
Humanity has fallen into sin, and we are totally unable to save ourselves.
(Genesis 3; Romans 3:12, 23; Romans 5:12)
Who is Jesus?
Jesus, the promised Messiah of Israel, is fully God and fully man.
(Matthew 1:21-23; John 1:1,14; 20:28; Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:14)
Jesus’ Life and Victory
Jesus was born of a virgin, obeyed God perfectly, worked great miracles, died on a cross, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and reigns over all things.
(Luke 1:26-35, Hebrews 4:15; John 14:11, Luke 23-24, Ephesians 1:20-23)
Salvation is a Work of God
God’s Salvation is merited only by Jesus’ perfect obedience and substitutionary atonement.
(Isaiah 53; Hebrews 7:26-27; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Acts 4:12)
Salvation is Not Our Work
Salvation is entirely God’s gift, not our achievement, and is received by faith in Christ, not works.
(John 3:16; Romans 1:16-17; Galatians 2:16-21)
The Holy Spirit was Sent to Earth and Fills Us
The Holy Spirit gives new birth, unites us to Christ, assures us of His love, leads us in His truth, forms us in His character, equips us with His gifts, and empowers us to be His ambassadors. (John 3:3-8; Acts 1:8; Romans 8; 1 Corinthians 12; Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 3:16-21)
The Church
The church is the one body of God’s people throughout all generations and from all nations.
(Romans 12:5; Galatians 3:26-29; Ephesians 1:22-23; Revelation 7:9)
Angels of God
God’s holy angels defend and help God’s people.
(Psalm 34:7, 91:11; Matthew 18:10; Hebrews 1:14)
Fallen Angels
Satan and other fallen angels are dangerous but doomed. Christ is victor.
(Ephesians 6:10-18; Colossians 2:15; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:10-12
Christ Will Return and the Dead Will Be Raised
Christ will return visibly. The dead will be raised. Christ will rule the world and make all things new.
(Matthew 24:30; 1Cor. 15:52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 21:1-5)
New Heaven and New Earth
God’s people will rejoice forever in the new heaven and new earth; God’s enemies will suffer forever in hell.
(Daniel 12:2-3; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 22:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 1:9)
God Designed Marriage
Sexual intimacy is for marriage only. Christian Marriage is a lifelong union of a man and a woman. (Genesis 2:22-25; Matthew 5:27-32; Matthew 19:3-9; 1 Corinthians 7:1-11)
God Relates to Families
God’s covenant addresses not only individuals but also their families.
(Genesis 17:7; 18:19; Deuteronomy 7:9; Joshua 24;15; Psalm 103:17; Acts 11:14; 16:15,31)
We Are Able to Walk with God
As individuals, as couples, and as families, we need a daily conversation with God through Bible reading and prayer.
(Psalm 1; Daniel 6:10; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)
We Love Because He Loved Us
God calls us to a holy life of love, as depicted in the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 20:1-17; Mark 12:30-31; John 14:15; Romans 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 13)
We Honor Christ in Everything
God calls us to a worldview and way of life in which we seek to honor Christ in every area of thought and action. (Psalm 24:1; Colossians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 10:5)
We Share the Good News
God calls us to spread the gospel to people who don’t yet follow Christ. (Psalm 96:3; Matthew 5:14; Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:15)