• The Problem - 

    Approximately 45 million Americans are currently in college debt. Tuition is skyrocketing making higher education less and less accessible. Despite this, more than 60% of jobs in the US require a college degree. Balancing work and family life with education can be difficult for many Christians on top of the cost of traditional higher education. In addition, access to education can be an issue – especially globally. 

    Our Solution -

    Our solution is simply following the model of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus spent the core of his ministry educating his disciples. He taught them to become multipliers of the Gospel throughout the world. This model of education is just as important today, but is often neglected, especially at the college-level. Christian Leaders Institute believes that those who are called to be gospel-multipliers should be highly educated, but with a barrier-free education. Donation Supported Education CLI operates on the principle of generosity and the spirit of “giving it forward”. We are tithe and offering funded, relying on the kindness of students and Christians worldwide who donate to make this opportunity universally available. It’s a beautiful, self-perpetuating cycle: Those who benefit from our offerings feel moved to contribute so that others may share in the experience. Their donations then enable us to continue offering our range of over 150 free Biblical courses, to inspire personal soul growth, ministry training, and ultimately, the creation of Christian leaders around the globe. In fact, over 50% of Christian Leaders budget is funded by students and alumni. Through their contributions, donors are investing in more than a program—they are investing in lives, in futures, and in the propagation of the Word of God.



You Don’t Just Study at CLI. You Step Into Your Calling.
CLI makes high-quality Christian education accessible to everyone. Start your ministry training today—without debt, without barriers, and without waiting.
 
🎁
100% Free
All 200+ courses are free thanks to generous donors. Optional program fees are affordable and optional.
 
📚
Trusted Knowledge
Biblically rooted courses taught by qualified faculty with practical ministry experience.
 
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Anytime, Anywhere
Study online on your schedule from anywhere in the world—at your pace.
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Thousands of 5-Star Reviews & Recommendations
Don’t just take our word for it—hear directly from students and graduates.
★★★★★
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Princess Hemingway W.
CLI Bachelor Graduate
“
I got a Bachelor in Divinity from CLI and I believe that this was the best education I had in all my years of education not just in teaching but in learning. The professors were professional, knowledgeable, and instinctive.
”
 
Heidi W
CLI Student
“
You know those "It's too good to be true"? You think that when you hear affordable college education... When I started taking those classes it was like God himself was saying YES you're listening to me.
”
 
Andy Elliott
CLI Bachelor Graduate
“
These are real classes. Many of them are far better than what I took at a brick and mortar colleges that were far more expensive because the classes are being taught by people that have walked it out.
”
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Programs We Offer
Choose the path that fits your calling—start free, grow deeper, and get recognized for your ministry preparation.
 
Free Access Courses
Over 200+ donation-supported free online courses and mini-courses that can be taken anywhere, at your own pace.
 
Degrees
Our degrees provide in-depth training within a ministry role to provide confidence & credibility.
 
Certificates & Diplomas
Low-cost credentials that recognize the successful completion of impactful ministry programs
 
Ordination
Become an ordained minister through the Christian Leaders Alliance program.
Our Global Impact
God is using Christian Leaders Institute to raise up leaders around the world. Join a growing global community today.
1,000,000+
Signed Up
100,000+
Graduates
200+
Countries with Graduates
220+
Free Online Courses
Academic & Ministry Partners
Many CLI students and graduates continue their education through partner schools and ministry organizations. Explore transfer-friendly pathways and specialized training options.
Liberty University Christian Chaplains & Coaching Calvin Theological Seminary City Vision University Grace Christian University Kairos University NationsUniversity Northpoint Bible College & Seminary Northern Seminary Vision International University Western Theological Seminary
 
Liberty University
With the candidacy accreditation status of CLI through ABHE, students’ records will be accepted as accredited regardless of whether students attended when CLI was or was not accredited. Transfer credit can be awarded without the need of an agreement or transfer guide (subject to LU transfer policies).
 
Christian Chaplains & Coaching
CC&C is CLI's the exclusive approved agency to teach CPE and help students identify appropriate clinical sites to obtain their clinical hours. They teach to the common standards of accredited Clinical Pastoral Education in an online environment.
 
Calvin Theological Seminary
Students who complete the Bachelor of Divinity program through CLI are eligible to apply for admission to the M.Div, MA, and MTS programs at Calvin Theological Seminary.
 
City Vision University
City Vision recognizes course credit and degrees from CLI.
 
Grace Christian University
Grace offers online Bachelor's and Master's degrees with an accelerated model and personalized student support, with a strong Biblical and ministry core.
 
Kairos University
Kairos allows you to deepen your roots in your local community by working with a mentor team. Tuition is $300/month.
 
NationsUniversity
NationsUniversity accepts qualified applicants who have completed their bachelor’s degree at CLI.
 
Northpoint Bible College & Seminary
NPBC accepts CLI graduates into their graduate program after a Biblical Knowledge test and successful presentation of an academic paper.
 
Northern Seminary
Northern Seminary will accept CLI Bachelor of Divinity graduates into their Master of Divinity program.
 
Vision International University
CLI has a reciprocal agreement with Vision International University. Students and graduates can transfer credits both directions.
 
Western Theological Seminary
Western will accept into their Master of Divinity degree CLI Bachelor's of Divinity degree graduates.
 
And more…
Explore the full list of academic partners and transfer options on our partner page.
Accreditation Status
Christian Leaders Institute holds candidate status with the Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation, 5850 T. G. Lee Blvd., Ste. 130, Orlando, FL 32822, 407.207.0808. Candidate status is a pre-accreditation status granted to those institutions that meet the ABHE Conditions of Eligibility and that possess such qualities as may provide a basis for achieving accreditation status within five years.