About Us

Next Leadership Association exists to inspire and equip men and women who are attempting to live out their God-instilled leadership gifts. In a world where self-promotion is the rule, NLA was born of a desire to serve, encourage and “cheer on” the growing company of men and women who are leading today’s thriving organizations, often in non or interdenominational settings. NLA offers coaching, ministerial credentials and a contemporary affiliation with leadership-gifted individuals. The NLA credential is recognized by the IRS and a growing number of ministries like Campus Crusade for Christ. You’re designed to win, isn’t it time you ran with people who believe that?

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Who We Are

TOP FIVE REASONS NLA WAS CREATED

1. For world-wide evangelism to occur and be successful long term, a new model is in order. Denominations have functioned historically by organizing missions programs, standardizing curriculum for men, women and children, establishing and maintaining pension funds, etc. Our view of the future sees a growing army of individuals from every “brand” of faith working together in a broad coalition centered around our common interest and not our distinctions. The Apostle’s Creed serves as a common point of agreement, a Statement of Faith for all those who love Jesus Christ and live to make him known.
2. Many credentialed ministers don't align perfectly with the detailed Statements of Faith of their denominations. In order for them to sign yearly renewal forms a violation of conscience occurs. Therefore, NLA offers a statement that is broad enough for a wider Christian constituency and yet lined up with the “non-negotiables” of the Bible. NLA was born to encourage those embracing leadership challenges in new territory and with different rules. Our first question will always be: “How can we help?” God ordains. We equip.
3. To provide support for emerging Christian leaders who stand at the intersection of generational and cultural shifts. These leaders often feel like “lone rangers” and are looking for the right people with whom to run. There is a common understanding that the message is "in stone" but that the methods are subject to constant evaluation and change.
4. Even though women suffer great shame, oppression and lack equal rights with men in many parts of the world, they continue to be key players in the ongoing story of Christianity and make up 70% of the church. Unfortunately, their numbers and influence is not fairly represented in leadership positions throughout the church. The line between complementarianism and chauvenism is a thin one. Disempowering attitudes toward women continue to be masked in biblical language. While acknowledging the unique differences between men and women, NLA also acknowledges and reaffirms the priesthood of all believers regardless of gender.
5. To reinforce the idea that credentialing organizations exist to serve the minister and not the other way around. Think of NLA as an aggregator of ideas, a cheering section for those on the front lines.

Our Belief

We believe the agenda of Jesus Christ is best served by those who forge relationships across denominational lines.  It’s time to think about efficiency and effectiveness.  We have a job to do and limited time in which to do it.   And there’s no question in our minds that who we associate with is just as important as what we do. 

We believe God exists and that he created the universe. He not only sustains all things, he has made man (male and female) in his image. He is present everywhere, desires a relationship with each of us, and responds to prayer offered in faith. He is the one Lord of the earth and is the Father of Jesus Christ.

We believe Jesus Christ is the only begotten (only kind, unique) Son of God who gave his life as the Savior of the world. He lived a sinless life and was raised from the dead according to the scriptures and the testimony of the apostles. His kingdom was initiated at his birth and will someday culminate in the ultimate and utter destruction of sin, evil and death. According to the book of the Revelation, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Forever.

The Holy Spirit, the Father and the Son are co-equal, three persons of the the triune God. This mysterious nature of God is referred to as the Holy Trinity. He is the Comforter and he is also the one who convinces and convicts men and women of sin. He leads believers into truth and his redemptive purpose is expressed by directing men and women to Jesus.

Men and women are sinners by birth and by choice. Each man or woman is born in the image of God but that image is marred. Each person can only be made righteous or justified in God's sight by the atonement provided in the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is God's will that all men and women come into relationship with him by accepting the work of Christ and personally acknowledging their need for Christ. A new lifestyle emerges as eternal life takes root.

The Bible is the inspired Word of God through which God speaks to the world. It is God's only word to show us how to believe and live. By reading it each person finds wisdom, truth, faith, purity and power.

The Church is made up of people of every race, from every country, from all times, who believe in and have called out to Jesus Christ. Together they constitute the Church. The church is not a building but a body and its members are called the Body of Christ. Jesus' last command to his followers was to go into the world and preach and teach about him and help others to become like Christ (disciples) through personal repentance. After someone joins the Church universal (by calling out to Christ and being saved) it is imperative for them to experience and express their faith by committing to a local church and supporting its mission in every way.

We believe the church has two sacraments that serve both as an outward sign of faith in Christ and a continuing obedience to his commands. These are: Baptism and Communion.

Disclaimer

Next Leadership Association is a voluntary fellowship of like-minded leaders and is not responsible for the opinions or actions of its membership.