How It Works

A Visual Guide to the Church Leadership Alliance Process

From your first conversation with us to a thriving 5-year ministry partnership, here's exactly how Church Leadership Alliance protects both churches and ministers every step of the way.

The Journey: From Search to Success

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1

Initial Contact (FREE)

Church or minister contacts CLA. We learn about your situation, needs, and goals. No obligation, no cost.

  • 30-minute discovery call
  • Understand your unique challenges
  • Explain how we can help
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2

Search & Matching (FREE for Churches)

If you're a church looking for a minister, we help you define objectives, find candidates, and prepare for hiring.

  • Define clear ministry objectives
  • Tap into our network of candidates
  • No cost until you hire
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3

Covenant Agreement Creation

Once a hire is made, we create a customized Ministry Covenant Agreement with both parties.

  • Specific ministry objectives documented
  • Compensation & benefits spelled out
  • Success metrics defined
  • Church support commitments outlined
  • Protection clauses for both parties
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4

Ongoing Support Begins

Monthly billing starts. Your minister gets coaching, your elders get check-ins, and both parties have access to mediation.

  • Monthly: Pastor coaching calls
  • Quarterly: Elder/pastor team building
  • As needed: Third-party mediation
  • Always: Clear documentation
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5

5-Year Review & Transition

After 5 successful years, we re-evaluate the relationship. Fees may reduce, and successful ministers may join our coaching team.

  • Comprehensive ministry review
  • Adjusted services based on maturity
  • Opportunity to become a CLA coach/mediator

Our Four Core Services

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Coaching for Pastors

Monthly Zoom sessions with the minister to track progress, identify obstacles, and provide strategic support. Keeps ministers accountable and on track toward agreed-upon objectives.

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Clear Expectations

Everything is documented from day one: specific objectives, compensation, success metrics, and what the church commits to providing. No ambiguity, no surprises.

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Team Building

Quarterly check-ins between lead pastor and elders. Facilitated by CLA to provide structured feedback, address concerns early, and strengthen working relationships.

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Third-Party Mediation

When conflicts arise, an unbiased mediator (never the minister's coach) determines objectively who's meeting their commitments. Binding determinations, not church politics.

The 5-Year Ministry Journey

From New Hire to Established Leader

Year 1

Intensive coaching, establish objectives, build relationships

Years 2-3

Progress tracking, quarterly reviews, course corrections

Years 4-5

Mature partnership, proven track record, reduced oversight

Year 5+

Re-evaluate services, potential to become CLA coach/mediator

What Happens If Things Go Wrong?

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Conflict Arises

Either party can request mediation at any time. We dispatch an unbiased mediator (never the minister's coach) for on-site assessment.

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Objective Assessment

We interview both parties, review documentation, and determine: Is the minister meeting objectives? Is the church providing agreed-upon support?

If Minister Is Underperforming

Despite church support, contract provides clear termination guidelines. No severance penalty to the church.

If Church Interferes

Severance clause activates: $5K base + 1-6 weeks per year served (capped at $25K). Minister is protected.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're a church looking for a minister or a minister entering a new position, we're here to help.

The first conversation is always free. Let's talk about how we can protect your ministry.