Where Faith Grows &
Leaders are Multiplied

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Embrace Your Call and Be Empowered by a Free Access Online Correspondence school.

We envision a world where every believer has the opportunity to be equipped to serve God’s kingdom with excellence.

Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) is a leading provider of online correspondence Christian education.
[See our listing in the U.S. Department of Education Database. Click here..]

With CLI, you can take free online Christian courses that are supported by donations. These courses are flexible, easy to access, and designed to help you grow in confidence, competence, and credibility as a Christian leader.

Because CLI uses an online correspondence model, the cost is kept low. In the United States, a full bachelor’s degree—including all books and materials—costs just $4,000. In many developing nations, special tier pricing makes it even more affordable so more Christians can get trained and equipped. See Fees

You might also be interested in ordination, with study and credentialing paths available for officiants, ministers, and chaplains.

See how Christian Leaders Institute compares to other online colleges. Click here. 

100% Free of Charge

All our courses are offered free, thanks to the support of donations. Program fees are also kept affordable, thanks to our model of generosity.

Trusted Knowledge

Our curriculum is biblically rooted and guided by qualified faculty members. Our courses are not only practical but are theologically sound.

Anytime, Anywhere

Our free access approach online gives you the time and flexibility to study the Bible and ministry your way. Education has never been any easier than this.

Courses that match your Interest
& Programs that fit your calling

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Free Access Courses

Over 200+ donation-supported free online courses and mini-courses that can be taken anywhere, at your own pace.

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Degrees

Our degrees provide in-depth training within a ministry role to provide confidence & credibility.

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Certificates & Diplomas

Low-cost credentials that recognize the successful completion of impactful ministry programs 

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Ordination

Become an ordained minister through the Christian Leaders Alliance program.

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Transforming Communities, One Leader at a time

900,000+

Signed Up

70,000+

Graduates

200+

Countries with Graduates

200+

Free Online Courses

Get started today!

Join a Community of Difference-Makers

Q
CLI is the best place to be. You learn about Christ and how to serve his people. The quality of training given is challenging and beyond expectation.
Method M.
Method M. Zimbabwe
You will come away from this school well equipped to do a great work for the Lord. Not to mention the wonderful faculty and staff that you will have alongside you, helping you through the educational process.
Donovial F.
Donovial F. Mississippi
This is where you will learn diverse topics that very few organizations teach especially on a single platform for free. Their staff's dedication and their efforts are immeasurable.
Caleb L.
Caleb L. India
Jump in - you will experience an education that will transform your heart and relationships. You will not regret the time and energy used to prepare yourself for ministry!
Mechelle A.
Mechelle A. Washington
CLI is the most complete free education program that I found. They are there to help you succeed in your studies. The professors are outstanding & the volume of classes available is great.
Douglas M.
Douglas M. Illinois
CLI's training is in-depth, insightful, and well worth the time, energy, and dedication it takes to complete the courses. The classes will increase your knowledge of what the Bible says and will increase your effectiveness in reaching others with the Gospel.
Johnathan P.
Johnathan P. Texas
This has been more than I ever expected. I have a real understanding of Christianity that was really lacking in me and my family's life. The free classes are better than what most are charging for and will improve your life and those around you.
Arnold M.
Arnold M. Maine
It's the best career/ministry decision one can make given the great need for qualified ministers of the Gospel.
Gladys K.
Gladys K. Kenya
Learn more about what it's like to be a student at CLI
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CHRISTIAN LEADERS INSTITUTE: A PREMIER ONLINE CORRESPONDENCE EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY FOR CHRISTIAN STUDY AND MINISTRY PREPARATION

At Christian Leaders Institute (CLI), we offer a unique crowdfunded online correspondence model—not traditional distance learning. Students progress at their own pace, without required class times or semesters. Our model supports busy Christian adults, global learners, and aspiring ministers who need flexible, affordable access to high-quality Christian education.

CLI’s offerings are organized into three core programs:

  1. CHRISTIAN DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL

For Christians seeking discipleship, biblical growth, or entry-level ministry training.

The Christian Development School offers:

Who is it for?

Free Access Categories – Click to links to Explore over 200 courses

Getting Started Courses

Bible/Theology Studies 

Business/Enterprise Studies

General Studies

Ministry Studies

Ministry Skills

Mini-Courses

  1. LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE SCHOOL

For Christians pursuing academic degrees for vocational ministry or professional development.

This school provides a clear academic path through:

Who is it for? 

An online Correspondence Degree fits many situations. Maybe yours. Read more about an online correspondence education. 

Leadership Excellence School Are: 

  • Students pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in ministry, divinity, chaplaincy, or Christian leadership
  • Church leaders needing formal training
  • Missionaries and bi-vocational ministers
  • Those interested in transferring to traditional distant learning or residental accredited graduate institutions

Degree Options:

 U.S. students can earn a full Bachelor of Divinity for only $4,000 total (global tier pricing available). See what is free and what has fees.  Click here for See the 10 differences between a traditional online education and a correspondence pathway. 

 Learn More About Degree Admissions

  1. CHRISTIAN LEADERS ALLIANCE

For Christians seeking minister credentials, ordination, and roles of spiritual leadership.

This program is ideal for:

  • Those called to volunteer, part-time, or full-time ministry
  • Individuals asked to officiate a wedding or funeral
  • Christians called to chaplaincy, coaching ministry, or leading Soul Centers
  • Ministers seeking ordination recognition for credibility and community standing

Officiant and Minister Roles:

Minister Ordination Roles

CLI’s courses are recognized by the Christian Leaders Alliance, which provides low-cost, legally recognized ordination pathways.

 Get Ordained

 Explore State-by-State Ordination Requirements

 WHY THIS MODEL MATTERS

Unlike traditional distance learning, CLI’s online correspondence education is:

  • 100% self-paced – no scheduled Zooms or discussion boards
  • Accessible globally – all you need is internet access to start
  • Donation-supported – no tuition for courses; low credentialing costs

“Don’t confuse online correspondence education with distance learning. The flexibility, accessibility, and depth of CLI’s model serves students that traditional systems overlook.”

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Is the biblical study truly free? Yes. Supported by Vision Partners, our courses are free to access.
  • Can I earn ministry credentials? Yes, through the Christian Leaders Alliance.
  • Can women be ordained? Yes! CLI and CLA support women in ministry leadership. Read More
  • Can I go to seminary after CLI? Many do. CLI graduates have successfully transferred to accredited graduate programs.

 TAKE ACTION

 Student? Enroll today and start your first free course: Start Here

 Donor? Join the movement. Your giving supports a global revival of Christian education: Give Here

 Leader? Multiply leaders in your church with free biblical study and minister training: Learn More