The National Organization. Christian Management Association started in Los Angeles on March 20, 1976 with 20 individuals attending an evening dinner meeting. In October of 1976, the organization adopted the name Christian Financial Executives Association (CFEA). On September 1, 1978, the name was changed to Financial Executives of Christian Organizations (FECO). On September 10, 1981, the name Christian Ministries Management Association (CMMA) was adopted for its national program of assisting those involved in the management of Christian Organizations. On May 8, 1991, the name was changed to Christian Management Association (CMA). In April of 2008, Christian Management Association and Christian Stewardship Association joined together to create Christian Leadership Alliance and become the nation's leading resource for enhancing the organizational effectiveness of churches and para-church ministries.

Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA) is an association that serves more than 6,000 members working in more than 2,500 organizations worldwide. CLA seeks to build the body of Christ by building people - enhancing the effectiveness of Christian organizations and large churches. We recognize that organizational effectiveness begins with individuals, and that the role of the leader as a faithful steward belongs to all who are called to serve through governance, leadership, management or resource development. For executives of churches and organizations, CLA is the one place to go to learn what to know. We provide resources and experiences relevant to your Christian context and organizational priorities. With this help, CLA members can focus more of their attention on their mission, impacting the world for Jesus Christ.

Greater San Francisco/San Jose Bay Area Chapter. The Greater Bay Area Chapter (GBAC) of CLA began in early 1977 as a special interest group meeting of several administrators of local ministries. The local group desired to maintain a broad base of interest in the entire administrative field, so refrained for a period of time from formal association with a similar group in Los Angeles known as Christian Financial Executives Association (CFEA). The local group used the title Administrative Officers of Christian Organizations. These luncheon meetings continued until the Spring of 1980, when discussions were begun to effect a merger or affiliation with the Los Angeles group, Christian Financial Executives Association (CFEA).  In September of 1980, the Greater Bay Area group became the first chapter of CFEA located outside the Los Angeles area.

Today the Greater Bay Area Chapter is one of the largest chapters within the Alliance and regularly sends mailings to over 2,400 churches, ministries, and individuals while offering a wide range of resources, special interest networking groups, and seminars to its participating members.