September 26, 2006
Michael D. Noel of Colorado Springs, Colorado has been named the first Executive Director of the newly established Center for Emerging Church Leadership (CECL). Dr. Noel has spent the last nine years as assistant vice president for Church Multiplication Ministries and national director of Church Planting initiatives with The Christian and Missionary Alliance (The C&MA).
As director of CECL, Dr. Noel will establish a network of churches and ministry leaders interested in more effective missional engagement with the postmodern culture of North America. CECL will also provide resources for emerging church and para-church leaders through intellectual reflection, continuing education, networking, and experimental modeling. As an arm of Biblical Seminary in Hatfield, PA, the center will contribute to the seminary’s goal of training missional leaders and being a catalyst for Christian dialog with 21st century culture.
“Mickey’s background in church planting and passion for missions make him ideally suited for this new position,” says Dr. David G. Dunbar, president of Biblical Seminary. “We are excited about CECL’s potential for bringing together voices from all parts of the Christian spectrum, and we believe Mickey will be great at developing CECL as a valuable resource.”
Dr. Noel has spent his entire career within The Christian and Missionary Alliance, first as a local pastor, and then in district and national positions. He has 15 years of pastoral ministry and 10 years experience as a district or national office administrator. He is ordained by the Eastern District of the C&MA.
Dr. Noel received his doctor of ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA, his MA and master of divinity from Biblical Seminary, and his BA from Nyack College, NY. He and his wife Karen have four children.