Dear Christian Leadership Institute Family,

It is with great joy and gratitude that I welcome you—both returning participants and those joining us for the first time—to the 2026 SJMBC Allie Ridgle & Myrtle Gillard Christian Leadership Institute. As we begin this new year together, we pause to give thanks to God for His mighty hand and faithful guidance that continues to sustain and grow this Institute.

The Christian Leadership Institute is committed to developing believers for meaningful service through Christ-centered learning that shapes understanding, strengthens faith, and inspires action. Participants from a wide range of callings—including instructors, deans, pastors, ministry and church leaders, as well as those pursuing personal spiritual formation—are engaged in thoughtful study of God’s Word that encourages deeper insight, spiritual maturity, and a lived expression of discipleship.

We are especially grateful for the evidence of God’s blessing reflected in the continued growth of the Institute. Since its establishment in 2024, the Christian Leadership Institute has experienced encouraging and steady growth, made possible through your continued support, participation, and referrals. In just a short period of time, the overall course registrations increased by more than 50 percent, and the number of students nurtured through biblical instruction has grown by more than 30 percent, reflecting both expanding reach and increasing engagement in Christian education and discipleship.

We are particularly grateful for those who continue to return and enroll in multiple courses, demonstrating a sustained commitment to spiritual growth, leadership development, and lifelong learning in service to the Kingdom of God. As Scripture reminds us, “So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who gives the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:7), and we give God all the glory for what He is doing through this work.

As a fully virtual Christian Leadership Institute, we embrace digital teaching approaches that allow us to connect, engage, and equip learners across geographic boundaries. Through intentional use of technology and interactive learning strategies, we create structured educational experiences that support spiritual formation, strengthen discipleship, and prepare believers to serve faithfully in the diverse contexts to which God has called them.

As we step into this new year, we do so with anticipation and trust in God’s continued guidance. We pray for continued growth, expansion, and Kingdom impact, that every course, conversation, and connection will strengthen your faith and equip you to serve with confidence and compassion. We look ahead with expectation to the ways God will continue to shape and expand the work of the Christian Leadership Institute in the year to come.

To God be the Glory!

In His Service,
Kimberly Hayman, Dean
SJMBC Allie Ridgle & Myrtle Gillard
Christian Leadership Institute