About CMLTI

HERITAGE

Clarence Matheny Leadership Training Institute is a recognized theological institution in East Africa.

Clarence Matheny Ministries (CMM) is a ministry to Pastors primarily in East Africa and beyond. CMM is driven by the belief that if you Touch the Leader, you Change the Church; if you Touch the Church, you Change the Nations. Since our founding by Clarence Matheny in the early 1970’s, CMM has been committed to equipping ministry leaders across cultures and generations in East Africa and beyond to take the next step toward personal spiritual maturity, and replicate the same onto others.  

CMM is the umbrella body under which the Clarence Matheny Leadership Training Institute (CMLTI) exists and operates. Everything we do at CMM falls under the authority of the Bible, which declares timeless truth that is as relevant today as it was throughout every generation. We believe that lifelong learning, understanding and sharing God’s Word is the way to live.  For almost 50 years, thousands of ministry leaders have come to us to be richly equipped with the Word of God and loads of Bible Study tools. Millions have subsequently been influenced indirectly through these ministry leaders’ networks with God’s Word to create impact in the world for Christ. 

MINISTRY LEADERSHIP’S STORY

Clarence Matheny Ministries began with Clarence and Jewell Matheny, in the early 70′s and their children. They had such passion and love for equipping the ministry leaders in East Africa, and a deep desire to live a life on the mission, which has resulted in God doing a truly amazing work in the African Church! 

Ronnie Matheny, married to Debbie in 1970, were working with their parents as missionaries during that time, and when Ronnie’s father died in Kenya in 1986, Ronnie’s mother, Jewel, continued and expanded the vision to include building a conference and training center outside of Nairobi. Jewell worked faithfully until she returned to live permanently in the U.S. in 2007. 

Today, Ronnie and Debbie Matheny oversee the Clarence Matheny Leadership Training Institute and its ministry staff. Together, they and the CMM Team are working to fulfill the vision that Clarence had, to train and equip the pastors and leaders in East Africa and its environs.  

Joel Chola is the CMM Executive Director, and has been with CMM since 2007. He oversees CMM’s Africa operations, as well as the Clarence Matheny Leadership Training Institute. Together with the CMM and CMLTI teams, they coordinate the practical aspects of ministering to thousands of leaders every year throughout East Africa and its environs. Bringing more than 15 years of pastoring and team leadership skills, Joel is well respected across Kenya as friend and leader of Pastors.


Core Values (Principle or Belief)

We seek to go beyond the expected standard by going the extra mile holistically in all our operations. (Daniel 5:12, 6:3, Colossians 3:23-24)


Upholding sound Ethics by demonstrating consistency of Christian character. (1 Corinthians 4:2-4, Psalm 78:72, Proverbs 10:9) 


Create an authentic safe environment where every minister can be real, be renewed, refreshed, be restored, and released back to the work of the ministry. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)


We seek to model Practical, Humble, Bold, Compassionate, Sacrificial Service, where the focus is to achieve authority and influence, more than exercise power. (John 13:14-15)


We endeavor to increase our ministerial capacity by investing in each other through Training, Teaching, Providing Resources, Networking opportunities, and Mentorship in Christian ministry. (Eph 4:11-13) 


We are intentional about engaging in activities that fulfil the Great Commission such as outreaches, church planting, discipleship programs, prayer missions, regional meetings, and supporting missions and missionaries. (Mathew 28:19-20)


The Holy Bible, the inspired Word of God is the basis for our faith and practice. It is our authoritative foundation of defining our purpose and essence. (2 Timothy 3:16) 


We seek to transcend denominational barriers that cause disunity in the body of Christ, by focusing on building the whole body towards believing and practicing sound Christian doctrine. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Eph 4:3-6, Ps 133)


We seek to provide a unique and holistic Customer Experience for all our guests (Hebrews 13:2)

Mission

To equip church leaders in Africa with sound, Holy Spirit driven, biblical ministerial training and resources, which strengthen practical application to accomplish the great commission.

Vision Statement

Touch the Leader, Change the Church, Touch the Church, Change the Nations.

CMLTI at a Glance
Our Commitment

We strive to be committed to the learners we are privileged to serve, in our alumni association, our dedicated, talented faculty and staff. We also take pride in having the most active and helpful group of partners, visionary ministers, well-wishers, alumni and friends.

Mission Statement

Our mission at CMLTI is to develop the unique abilities and potential of each learner by offering an enriched educational program. We strive for excellence through a hands-on approach. Rich traditions rooted in our innovative curriculum grow productive, caring, and intellectually curious citizens.

Our Core Values

We have a culture that is modern, relevant, and inspires learners to become effective life-long learners, ethically sound and practical ministers. We are intentionally competency based in our approach to learning, are creative in our thinking, and bold in our ambitions.