OUR
PURPOSE:
"To awaken, equip and connect emerging leaders of character
and innovation."
It has been said that “everything rises and falls on leaders.” If this is true—and we believe it is—then we must be concerned with the moral fabric of leaders. It has become increasingly obvious in recent years that the “who” of a leader must take precedence over “what” they can produce. We believe that leadership development involves a circular process of knowing, being and doing, as exemplified in the life of Ezra. “For Ezra devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws to Israel.” (Ezra 7:10)
 The Center for Character and Leadership Development was birthed in the fall of 2003 for the purpose of growing leaders of character and purpose. The CCLD’s purpose is to awaken, equip and connect emerging leaders of character and innovation. This mission is accomplished through education and service. We believe leaders are developed as they serve. The CCLD provides competence-sharpening instruction, character-strengthening relationships and opportunities for service both on campus and in the community. The CCLD is an incubator where emerging leaders can grow in a safe yet challenging environment.
“Leading through service and serving through leadership” is the motto of Grace Student Organizations, a program designed by the CCLD to provide opportunities for students to use their gifts to serve their fellow students. Students at Grace College are given the change to not only learn about leadership in the theoretical sense but are given opportunities to experience leadership as they lead while they are here.
We wish to equip men and women of character who will make a difference in their world for Christ. We wish to “train the trainers”. Nietzsche once said, “One repays a teacher badly if one always remains a pupil only.” At Grace, we are committed to this principle, and to the words of Paul in 2 Timothy 2:2: we must entrust things to reliable men and women of character who will be able and qualified to teach others.
Character comes first. Leaders who wish to see lasting, eternal change take place will only be able to do so to the degree that their character matches God’s Word. We see a beautiful blending of the heart and skill exemplified in the life of David. “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them” (Psalm 78:72). Knowing Christ and becoming a person of Godly character must be a prerequisite for leadership. Leadership without an obedient life is hypocrisy. Leadership without a lifestyle of prayer is arrogance. Leadership without a driving God-given passion is futile and leadership without a servant’s heart is a lie.
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