AboutEmmanuelLeadership Institute
A Community Forming Christian
Leaders for Faithful Kingdom Service
ELI exists to equip leaders with biblical wisdom, practical skills, and compassionate hearts so they can bring restoration, advance justice, and transform lives and communities for the glory of God.
Our Story
Rooted in Faith.
Committed to the Future.
1980s
A burden was born to equip lay leaders for ministry and community impact.
2000s
Training gatherings and community outreach laid the foundation.
2010s
Leadership development expanded across churches and communities.
2020s
The vision for ELI was established—a formal institute for restoration and justice.
The Future
Equipping a new generation of leaders to transform lives, churches, and communities.
Our Pathway of Formation
Recognize
Recognize God’s truth, your calling, and the needs of the world around you.
Grow
Grow in Christlikeness, character, and competence through intentional formation.
Participate
Participate in God’s mission through ministry, service, and community engagement.
Guide
Guide others with wisdom, compassion, and integrity—multiplying Kingdom impact.
Our Motto
Equipping Leaders.
Restoring Lives.
Advancing Justice.
We Invite You to
Explore ELI
Discover our programs, mission, and opportunities to become part of a community that is shaping leaders and transforming the world for Christ.
Explore ELI
Our Founders & Leadership
A Vision Born from Obedience. A Mandate for This Time.
ELI was founded by Dr. Richard L. Davis and Rev. Shelwood R. Claude, M.Div. with a burden to raise a new breed of leaders who will restore what is broken and build what honors God.
Our leadership is committed to academic excellence, spiritual depth, institutional integrity, and Kingdom impact.
“
Where there is no vision, the people perish…
PROVERBS 29:18
Be Part of a Kingdom Movement
Your partnership helps us equip leaders, restore communities, and advance justice.