We are centred on Jesus and guided by Scripture. This isn't merely a statement of belief; it shapes our entire educational approach. Every course, gathering, and conversation is filtered through the lens of Scripture and oriented toward Christ. At the same time, we refuse to retreat from contemporary challenges. We believe biblical theology speaks directly to today's questions when thoughtfully applied.
Our Presbyterian identity grounds us, but our welcome extends across denominational lines. We intentionally build bridges between traditions, gathering leaders from various backgrounds to learn from one another. This ecumenical commitment shapes how we design programs and create learning environments where theological diversity enriches rather than divides.
Hospitality is central to who we are. We prioritize face-to-face gathering and shared meals in all our programs because we believe transformation happens around tables, not just in classrooms. St. Andrew’s Hall serves as a welcoming, safe retreat where leaders can pause, breathe, and experience genuine welcome.
We value and equip churches that display the compassion of Jesus in concrete, tangible ways: through advocacy for the marginalized, inclusion of voices often overlooked, and sacrificial service to local communities. This commitment influences our program choices, speaker selection, and the types of ministry models we highlight.
We train leaders to lead collaboratively because we lead collaboratively ourselves. This means genuinely listening to others, honouring diverse voices, and making decisions together. Our team represents multiple denominations and perspectives, and we model the kind of generous, Spirit-led collaboration we hope to see in the churches we serve.
We partner with leaders in their transformation journey, recognizing that genuine change requires more than acquiring new knowledge; it demands personal renewal, fresh imagination, and Spirit-led growth. Our pracademic model reflects this: scholar-practitioners who've experienced transformation themselves walk alongside leaders navigating their own change.
The local church is not merely one ministry setting among many; it's the primary means through which Christ speaks to the world, makes disciples, and trains future leaders. Everything we do at CML serves local congregations. We don't extract leaders from their contexts for abstract theological education; we equip them to serve more faithfully where they're planted.
We care for leaders' complete well-being, not just their theological knowledge or ministry skills. This means building rest into our retreats, addressing mental health openly, encouraging sustainable ministry practices, and creating safe spaces for leaders to acknowledge struggles.