About Us

Who We Are

The Alliance Center for Leadership Development is a hub for leadership development and ministry preparation for those interested in serving with The Christian & Missionary Alliance and for those who already serve with the Christian and Missionary Alliance but need additional training, development or certification.

Mission

We provide well-designed, low-cost, digital training in Biblical studies, theological studies, and practical leadership which is designed to prepare men and women for leadership in local Alliance churches and Mission fields.

Vision

We strive to ensure that every Alliance church and mission field has ready access to Spirit-dependent, well-trained men and women who are competent to serve in leadership roles and whose mission is to reach the lost, equip disciples, and multiply churches both locally and globally.

Foundation

We fundamentally believe that church leaders must be immersed in the Word of God. Therefore, every program offered at the ACLD is grounded in the Word.

Our Distinctives

Digitally-Driven

We leverage technology to build leaders. Our programs are offered fully online and leverage AI technologies so that leaders in training can stay connected within their local church communities and learn in their heart language.

Future-Focused

We are developing the leaders of tomorrow today. Thus, we keep our pulse on the cultural, social, and theological trends that are impacting the church and her mission in order to prepare just-in-time training for future and current ministry leaders.

Spiritually-Formational

Not every disciple is called to be a leader, but every leader in the church must first be a disciple. Thus, our courses are designed to equip the soul of our students as well as prepare them for ministry leadership.
Further, our staff and faculty are committed to the development of our students as followers of Jesus as much as they are committed to helping them learn how to lead.

Leadership Team

Dr. Steve Grusendorf, Ph.D.

Dr. Steve Grusendorf, Ph.D.

Director

Dr. Hector Belen, D. Min.

Dr. Hector Belen, D. Min.

Assistant Director for Church Leadership

Dr. Ben Elliott, Ph.D.

Dr. Ben Elliott, Ph.D.

Lay Preaching Certificate Lead

Dr. Chris VanBuskirk, Ed.D.

Dr. Chris VanBuskirk, Ed.D.

Instructional Design, Web Support

Mrs. Hilda Maysonet

Mrs. Hilda Maysonet

ACLD Coordinator, Student Support

The Alliance

The U.S. Alliance is part of a Christ-centered global movement more than 6 million strong. Our Acts 1:8 family—inspired by Jesus’ love and empowered by His Spirit—is passionate to bring the good news about Him to our neighborhoods and world.

Serve With The Alliance

If you’d like to know more about serving with The Alliance, either in the US or Overseas, visit our “called2serve” website. Here you can begin a worker profile which will help us get to know you a little better and connect you with experienced Alliance staff to guide your exploration.

Educational Partners

Graduates of the School of Ministry can transfer their credits to one of our Alliance Colleges and Universities to receive 30 credits toward an undergraduate degree or, in some instances, 6 credits toward a graduate degree. Contact us for more information.