“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world… are the ones who do!
“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in our hands to make a difference.” — Nelson Mandela
City First Church
CFLC has the incredible privilege of being a part of City First Church in Rockford, IL. City First Church is a vibrant, multicultural congregation deeply committed to making a positive impact on our community through the love of Jesus. Our mission is simple: We exist to introduce everyone to Jesus and teach them to follow Him. The heartbeat of this church and its leadership is to create a place where the unchurched feel loved and welcomed.
As a CFLC student, you won’t just be attending services, you will be a dynamic part of our Sunday morning experiences at City First Church. Kids ministry, productions, worship, First Impressions, Stuart’s Coffee Co., the list goes on and on. Sunday mornings are a highlight of our week! People from all different walks of life and diverse backgrounds engage with one another in what we call “not just a friendly church, but a family church”. Each student will be a part of producing the Sunday morning experience, as well as all of our conferences and events throughout the year. Some of those events are the Thrive Youth & Young Adult Conference, the Men’s Event, the Original Women’s Conference, plus some of our Super Bowl weekends like Christmas and Easter. You will get to be a part of introducing tens of thousands of people to Jesus. Just check out what God has done over the past year at City First Church!
History
Over the past three decades, we’ve been granted the honor and entrusted with the task of nurturing the upcoming generation of leaders. Since our establishment in 1993, CFLC has been marked by a focus on spiritual development and hands-on training. With well over 1,500 graduates, our alumni are actively engaged in various fields of society. Our primary objective is to help you discover your God-given purpose in life and ministry.
Our Core Values
Academics
We believe leaders are learners and thus, we call our students to a standard of excellence in the classroom. Students will develop their intellect and increase their proficiency in various subjects. They will expand their knowledge of the Word of God while promoting a love for learning. They will strengthen their understanding of a Christ-centered calling within engaging classroom settings.
Hands On Experience
Here at CFLC we take you beyond the classroom and allow you to explore your gifts and talents alongside the incredible staff of City First Church. Each student is fully immersed in the life of the church, receiving hands-on ministry experience and leadership opportunities. Working hand in hand with world-class leaders, Ministry Practicums are where our students take the knowledge they have learned and put it into practice.
Character Formation
We believe that character development is essential for thriving in today’s ever-changing world. Each of our students will be challenged to live a life of excellence while engaging in the classroom, community, and local church. Through time spent in relationships with mentors and peers, CFLC students will develop Christ-like character that will help them navigate the tough choices they will face every day.
Spiritual Development
At CFLC, students will strengthen their devotion to God by actively engaging with the local church, chapels, life groups, and cultivating meaningful connections with others. The CFLC community offers genuine relationships, opportunities for spiritual growth, and mentorship to every student. Each person will be challenged to…Know God, Grow in Faith, Live it out, and Pass it on.
City First Leadership College is a ministry of City First Church. Southeastern University partners with City First Church to offer students affordable degree programs.
Accreditation
Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Students at City First Leadership College must be admitted by Southeastern University and enrolled in university courses to receive the benefits of regional accreditation.