Welcome to the Christian Leaders Alliance Team! Our team is dedicated to equipping, encouraging, and supporting Christian leaders worldwide. Each member brings unique gifts, expertise, and a shared passion for multiplying ministry impact. From guiding candidates through the ordination pathway to developing resources that empower ministers in their calling, our staff is committed to advancing God’s kingdom through the work of Christian Leaders Alliance.
We are honored to partner with you in your calling and look forward to celebrating the incredible ways God will work through your leadership. Together, let’s continue to spread the gospel and raise up a new generation of difference-makers for Christ!
Rev. Henry Reyenga, co-founder and president of Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) and Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA), has dedicated his life to empowering individuals to fulfill their ministry calling by providing accessible, high-quality, and biblically grounded training.
After earning a Philosophy degree from Dordt University and completing a Master of Divinity at Calvin Theological Seminary, he served as a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church, gaining expertise in pastoral care, leadership, and church planting.
In 2001, he co-founded CLI to mobilize more ministers worldwide by offering free, online ministry training, including over 200 courses and pathways to certificates, diplomas, degrees, and ordination through CLA. A strong advocate for the “Biblical Ordination Pathway,” Rev. Reyenga has guided countless individuals in becoming credible, competent, and community-recognized ministers, empowering them to serve as wedding officiants, pastors, chaplains, and leaders in underserved areas.
Alongside his wife, Pam, who shares his passion for ministry training, Rev. Reyenga’s transformative vision continues to equip a new generation of leaders to advance God’s kingdom with integrity and excellence.
Pam Reyenga is a co-founder of Christian Leaders and has faithfully served alongside her husband, Rev. Henry Reyenga. Together, they have played a pivotal role in developing the Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance, shaping each into global platforms for ministry training and ordination.
As a senior editor, Pam oversees content creation across multiple platforms, including quiz writing for Christian Leaders Institute, website materials, and book publishing. With an associate degree in English and Education from Dordt University, Pam has extensively edited some of the most rigorous theological courses offered at Christian Leaders Institute, ensuring clarity and excellence in their content.
Pam’s contributions extend beyond editing—she has been integral to content development for courses and has supported her husband throughout their ministry years. Together, they have traveled extensively, meeting and encouraging students and ministers worldwide.
Pam and Henry are blessed with five children and 19 grandchildren, who inspire their ongoing commitment to equipping Christian leaders and advancing the gospel.
Haley Steiner serves as the Executive Assistant to President Henry Reyenga and his beautiful wife, Editor Pam Reyenga, at Christian Leaders Alliance. In this role, she supports a wide range of organizational initiatives, including marketing strategy, search engine optimization for the Christian Leaders Alliance website, and editorial work for President Reyenga’s publications.
Haley also builds and manages websites, assists with the Christian Leaders Alliance Store, contributes to the development of educational course content, and helps coordinate accommodations and trip planning. She thrives in providing comprehensive support to the president, helping bring new ideas into reality.
Haley joined Christian Leaders on September 30, 2024, and is motivated by a passion for multiplying Christian leaders, supporting global students, advancing digital outreach, and expanding access to biblical education for all.
She holds an Associate of Science and Arts degree from Muskegon Community College and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Marketing at Southern New Hampshire University, with an expected graduation in November 2026.
Outside of her professional work, Haley enjoys life with her fiancé and their dog. She is an avid adventurer who loves hiking, golfing, disc golfing, bowling, paddle boarding, swimming, pickleball, painting, going to the gym, and countless other hobbies. She embraces being a “jack of all trades” and celebrates her wide-ranging passions as gifts from God that enrich her life and relationships.
Rhonda Sullivan serves as the Executive Administrator for Christian Leaders Alliance, where she assists the president in managing the global program’s operations.
She also oversees the credentialing process of officiants and ministers as the Compliance Director. Rhonda has been a dedicated member of the Christian Leaders Alliance team since its launch in 2014, serving as one of the founding staff members.
Rhonda is passionate about multiplying Christian leaders and utilizes her college education from Muskegon Community College, along with her administrative expertise, to support the mission of spreading Christianity. As a mother of three, she is deeply inspired to pass the faith to the next generation, exemplifying her commitment to advancing God’s kingdom.
Sophia Distefano serves as the SEO Marketing Assistant at Christian Leaders Alliance. In this role, she supports digital ministry initiatives through search engine optimization, website development, content creation, and online outreach.
She creates and manages WordPress pages for Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance, develops course content, and contributes to marketing and communication projects that help expand access to Christian education worldwide. She enjoys bringing ideas to life through creativity, strategic thinking, and effective communication.
Sophia joined Christian Leaders in May 2024 and is passionate about multiplying Christian leaders, supporting global students, and strengthening the digital outreach of ministries that equip Christians for service and leadership.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Communication from Aquinas College in 2023. During her time at Aquinas, she was a member of Lambda Pi Eta, an honor society for communication students. Her educational background and professional experience have helped develop strengths in creativity, organization, writing, leadership, teamwork, project management, research, content creation, public speaking, hospitality, and communication.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Sophia enjoys spending time with friends and family, writing poetry and music, enjoying beach days, and embracing new experiences and adventures. She has a passion for storytelling and journalism and has written articles published in Grand Rapids Magazine. Sophia enjoys using creativity and communication to connect with others, build meaningful relationships, and contribute positively to her community.
Brian DeCook is the founder of Peacefire and a passionate advocate for biblical conflict resolution. Through Peacefire, he equips Christians with tools to navigate conflict in ways that reflect God’s love and grace.
Brian’s commitment to fostering peace also extends to his roles as a Board Member with Christian Leaders Institute. With the Christian Leaders Alliance, he serves as the Director of the Soul Center Program and a Global Director. In these capacities, he plays a vital role in training and equipping Christian leaders worldwide.
Brian holds a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from DePaul University College of Law and has completed over 75 units of ministry training at Christian Leaders Institute. He is ordained as a Commissioned Minister with the Christian Leaders Alliance, combining his legal expertise, ministry training, and faith to develop transformative approaches to peacemaking.
Brian is married to Andrea, and together they are blessed with children and grandchildren who inspire their ongoing commitment to the gospel. As a leader, teacher, and peacemaker, Brian DeCook continues to inspire Christians to seek reconciliation and unity in every aspect of life.
Rudi Ferreira, founding minister of Gospel Addicts Global Church and registered Soul Center Director with Christian Leaders Alliance, is a passionate advocate for ministry training and multiplication. Born in Durban, South Africa, his life was transformed in 2009 when he and his wife, Tania, along with their children, submitted to Christ following a miraculous healing and deliverance that reignited their faith and commitment to God.
Seeking to fulfill his calling, Rudi launched a virtual church in 2014 and later discovered Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) in 2017. He has since completed over 95 units of ministry training at CLI, gaining profound theological and practical expertise. An ordained minister with the Christian Leaders Alliance, Rudi’s ministry focuses on deliverance, healing, evangelism, and counseling, impacting lives both virtually and in person.
Together with his wife, Tania, they counsel couples, families, and individuals, embodying a shared passion for serving others. As a past volunteer and current staff member at CLI, Rudi leverages his training and leadership skills to equip and inspire others, embodying the essence of Jeremiah 20:9: “His Word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”
Angi Martin serves as the Credentialing Advisor and Florida Office Manager for Christian Leaders Alliance. In her role, she supports the credentialing process for officiants and ministers, supporting an informed and encouraging discernment experience for minister candidates. Angi also oversees the operations of the Florida office, bringing organizational excellence and a passion for ministry to her work.
Angi is married to Jim Martin, who serves at Christian Leaders Institute in degree program recruitment. Together, they have two children and share a commitment to equipping and empowering Christian leaders to fulfill their ministry callings and make a lasting impact in their communities
Rev. Jon Dowler has faithfully served in ministry across various denominational settings for over three decades. In 2019, he began his studies at Christian Leaders Institute, where he soon took on the role of Student Chaplain, providing guidance and support to fellow students.
In 2025, Jon became the Minister Formation Director, a role that bridges his expertise in faith formation leadership at Christian Leaders Institute with the credentialing process at Christian Leaders Alliance. His work focuses on equipping and guiding aspiring ministers as they prepare for impactful service in their communities.
Jon is married to Anita, and together they have three children. They split their time between Florida and Minnesota, bringing their passion for ministry to both regions.
Jim Martin is an ordained minister with the Christian Leaders Alliance who has completed extensive ministry training through the Christian Leaders Institute. He serves as the Director of Admissions at Christian Leaders Institute, where he assists individuals in pursuing advanced degrees and achieving their educational goals.
At Christian Leaders Alliance, Jim leverages his expertise to guide Minister of the Word candidates through their ordination pathway, equipping them to serve in advanced ministry roles with competence and confidence.
Jim is married to Angi Martin, who also serves at Christian Leaders Alliance in their Florida office. Together, they are committed to empowering Christian leaders to fulfill their callings and make a meaningful impact for God’s kingdom. Jim and Angi have two children, Molly and Max.
Craig Van Der Lende is a versatile photographer and filmmaker who brings his creative expertise to Christian Leaders Institute and Alliance, capturing powerful visual stories that highlight the global impact of ministry training and credentialing.
With a career spanning corporate clients, nonprofits, and television, Craig transitioned from a successful background in advertising skills to motion storytelling, mastering new skills that have redefined his craft.
His work for Christian Leaders Alliance includes a series of micro-documentaries for Christian Leaders Institute, showcasing the life-changing effects of free college degrees and ministry training.
Craig’s diverse portfolio includes collaborations with major brands like Microsoft, Sony, and General Motors, and recognition in Communication Arts Photography Annual, Graphis Photo, and Addy Awards.
His expertise and dedication make him a valuable contributor to the mission of Christian Leaders Alliance, helping to visually amplify stories of faith, transformation, and the multiplication of Christian leaders worldwide.
Christian Leaders Student Story John Rinke: Answering His Niece’s Invitation to Officiate Her Wedding John Rinke never expected wedding ministry to become part of his story. But when his niece asked him to officiate her wedding, he responded with prayer, Christian counsel, and a desire to prepare carefully for the responsibility. John Rinke Christian Leaders […]
Christian Leaders Student Story Emely Chika: Discovering a New Season of Christian Ministry Raised in a ministry family and serving through music from a young age, Emely Chika began asking God how she could continue serving in a new season of life. Her search eventually led her to Christian Leaders, pastoral calling, and wedding ministry. […]
Christian Leaders Student Story Aaron Wurgler: Preparing to Serve Couples Through Christian Wedding Ministry When couples in Aaron Wurgler’s rural church began approaching him about getting married, his pastoral role opened a new opportunity to serve. He turned to Christian Leaders for wedding officiant training and preparation. Aaron Wurgler Christian Leaders student, pastor, and wedding […]
