Young Alliance Leaders Gather in New York for Transformative Global Training

A dynamic group of emerging Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) leaders from around the world convened in New York City from June 9-13, 2025, for an intensive and deeply formative week of training as part of the Alliance World Fellowship’s (AWF) Young Scholars Training Program.

Hosted by the New York Chinese Alliance Church and coordinated by the International Commission for Theological Education (ICTE), the program combined academic rigor with spiritual renewal, offering young leaders a rare opportunity to explore the theological foundations, historical roots, and global mission of the Alliance movement, which is often described as the “Alliance DNA.”

Renowned Alliance scholars and leaders, including Dr. Bernie Van De Walle, Dr. Ron Walborn, Dr. Jura Yanagihara, Dr. Stanley John, and Dr. Kelvin Walker led participants through a rich program of lectures, interactive sessions, field visits, and worship. From the streets of Manhattan to the historic grounds of Nyack, participants walked where early Alliance founder Albert Benjamin Simpson once ministered, bringing to life the legacy they studied.

Highlights of the week included in-depth teachings on A.B. Simpson’s life and theology, missiological insights connecting past and present, and powerful sessions on spiritual empowerment and healing. The week concluded with communion and a time of prayer, leaving many deeply impacted.

Participants shared heartfelt reflections on how the program rekindled their passion for ministry. One scholar from Chile described it as “a blessing, … reaffirming the goal of our ministry, ‘until Christ is formed in us’ (Galatians 4:19).” A young leader from the U.S. noted, “We studied under scholars on fire. … I am drawn once again to Simpson’s heart and the Alliance DNA in bringing the gospel to all, both deep and far.” Another leader, from Japan, rediscovered the meaning of the Fourfold Gospel, calling it “not just theology—it’s living communion with Christ.”

The immersive week fostered a profound sense of global fellowship. Participants shared meals in historically significant locations, like the former site of the Gospel Tabernacle, and engaged in prayer and worship that transcended cultural and linguistic differences.

More than a theological seminar, the Young Scholars Training Program was a Spirit-led journey into the heart of Alliance identity. It ignited fresh vision in young leaders, equipping them to carry the mission of the Alliance: Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered, and globally engaged, into their own diverse settings.

The ICTE plans to continue nurturing future generations of leaders through similar events in the years ahead.