Our Mission
To equip and form Christian leaders through teaching, training, and spiritual development, nurturing their calling and preparing them for effective ministry.
We fulfill this ministry through four core expressions of our work. The Christian Leadership School provides foundational training and certification for those called to teach and lead. The Bible Institute offers deeper Biblical and theological study for spiritual growth and ministry preparation. Our Clinical Pastoral Education program equips individuals for chaplaincy and pastoral care through supervised, real-world experience. Through our publishing efforts, we develop and share Christ-centered resources that support and strengthen Christian educators and leaders.
Our Calling
Our calling is to equip and develop Christian leaders through intentional teaching, training, and spiritual formation. We believe that those called to serve must also be prepared to lead with knowledge, compassion, and maturity.
Through our Christian Leadership School, Bible Institute, Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program, and Christian publishing efforts, we provide pathways for learning, growth, and real-world ministry. Each area works together to strengthen faith, deepen understanding of Scripture, and prepare individuals to serve effectively in the church and community.
Together, we are committed to forming leaders who are biblically grounded, spiritually mature, and ready to answer God’s call.
Our Background
Our organization was born out of a deep calling to teach, mentor, and equip others for effective Christian service. With decades of experience in ministry, education, and pastoral care, our foundation reflects a lifelong commitment to both spiritual formation and practical leadership development.
What began as a vision to support and train Christian leaders has grown into a multifaceted work that includes leadership training, theological education, clinical pastoral formation, and Christian publishing. Each area represents a continued response to the need for prepared, confident, and spiritually grounded leaders.
Today, we remain committed to building on that foundation by creating meaningful pathways for individuals to grow, serve, and lead with purpose.
Dr. Benita Hairston-Gorham
Rev. Dr. Benita Hairston-Gorham is a minister, educator, and servant leader with over 40 years of experience in Christian education. She is a U.S. Air Force veteran, retired VA Chaplain, and professor of religious studies.
She serves as Associate Minister and Director of Christian Education and provides leadership at the district and national levels, including service as a Dean and certified instructor with the National Baptist Sunday School Publishing Board.
She holds a Master of Divinity from Shaw University, a Doctor of Ministry from Campbell University, and is a PhD candidate at Regent University. She is the author of Who Is Teaching the Sunday School Teacher? Five Ways God Forms Those Who Teach His Word. Above all, she is committed to equipping those through Christian education, pastoral care, and faithful service to God’s people.
Chaplain Stephen Gorham
Chaplain Gorham is a retired U.S. Army veteran and ordained minister with extensive experience in pastoral care and chaplaincy. Licensed in 1999 and ordained in 2002, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy, a Master of Christian Education, and a Master of Divinity from Shaw University.
He completed Clinical Pastoral Education at the Durham VAMC and served as a Fellow at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, where he provided care in Palliative Care and Hospice, facilitated spirituality groups for veterans, and supported memorial services.
He currently serves as a Chaplain at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center, providing pastoral care across multiple units, leading PTSD spirituality groups, and conducting weekly worship services. Chaplain Gorham brings a wealth of clinical, pastoral, and ministry experience, offering compassionate care and spiritual guidance to those he serves.
Dr. Melvin Hall
Dr. Hall is the pastor of St. Reddick Missionary Baptist Church in Belhaven, NC and serves as Vice Chair of Christian Education for the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association.
He earned a Master of Divinity from Howard University School of Divinity and holds a Bachelor of Science from University of Phoenix. He also received theological training from Washington Baptist Seminary and an Honorary Doctor of Ministry from National Bible College and Seminary.
Dr. Hall has over a decade of higher education experience, including 11 years as an Adjunct Professor, and brings valuable pastoral and theological insight to his teaching. He brings a wealth of pastoral insight, academic knowledge, and teaching experience to the classroom, equipping students with a deeper understanding of Christian history and theological development.
Rev. Alan McBride
Rev. Alan McBride is a Licensed Baptist Minister and Associate Minister of Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church in Lumber Bridge, NC. He serves the senior community of JD Fuller Place Apartments as Chaplain, leading weekly Monday Bible Study, and ministers a 6:00 AM call‑in devotional, The Lord Speaks, every Monday through Friday.
Rev. McBride previously served as Chaplain at the Cumberland County Juvenile Detention Center, where he led Sunday worship, prayer services, and midweek Bible Study. He also contributed as a writer for the Lewis Chapel Sunday School Herald. In addition, he served three years as Curriculum Coordinator and three years as Children’s Church Pastor at Christ Worship Center Church in Hope Mills.
A former U.S. Army Drill Sergeant and Total Army Instructor, he brings strong leadership and a heart for discipleship to every ministry assignment. Rev. McBride is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Kairos University through the North American Baptist Seminary. Rev. McBride brings a heart for people, a passion for God’s Word, and a commitment to helping others grow in their faith journey.
Dr. Charleton Cunningham
Rev. Charleton has been Pastoring for over 12 years, with the past eight years as Pastor of Mt. Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Winterville, NC. He has earned an Associate of Biblical Studies Degree, a Bachelor of Theology Degree, and a Master of Divinity Degree from the North Carolina Theological Seminary. He currently serves as the President of the Middle District Union of the Old Eastern Missionary Baptist Association. In addition, Rev. Cunningham is a volunteer Chaplain for Carteret Health Care Hospital in Morehead City, NC.
Rev. Cunningham has often been called a “Teaching Preacher” because of his goal in the preaching experience to make the Holy Scriptures understandable for all who hear, regardless of their educational elevation or their social or economic background, with a down-to-earth teaching style. One of his favorite quotes from the scriptures is “In all your getting; get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7b KJV). But the main thing he holds most dear is the fact that he is saved.
Destiny Ore – Administrative Secretary
Alisha Ndiaye – Financial Administrator
Destiny serves as our Administrative Secretary and plays a vital role in the daily operations of our organization. She maintains accurate records, manages incoming phone calls, and assists with student registration and communication.
In addition, she monitors and supports our website to ensure information is current and accessible. Through her organization, attention to detail, and welcoming presence, Destiny helps create a smooth and supportive experience for everyone we serve.
Alisha serves as our Financial Administrator and is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of our organization. She manages financial records, processes payments, and ensures that all transactions are handled with accuracy and integrity.
She also supports budgeting and financial planning, helping to maintain accountability and transparency across all programs. Through her diligence and attention to detail, Alisha helps ensure that our organization remains organized, responsible, and positioned for continued growth.
What Makes Us Different
We are more than a training program—we are a place of formation. Our approach goes beyond information to focus on transformation, equipping individuals not only with knowledge, but with the spiritual depth and practical skills needed for real-life ministry.
What sets us apart is our integrated model of development. Rather than offering isolated programs, we provide a connected pathway through our Christian Leadership School, Bible Institute, Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program, and Christian publishing efforts. This allows individuals to grow from foundational learning to advanced application and leadership.
We also understand that many who are called to teach and lead have not always had access to formal training. Our programs are designed to be accessible, supportive, and relevant—meeting people where they are while helping them grow into who they are called to be.