In 1990, two distinguished professors wanted to make a difference in the lives and ministries of key leaders in the majority world. Together, they founded The Center for Organizational Excellence at Eastern College. Their dream was to enhance the integrity and effectiveness of Christian leaders worldwide.

Dr. James F. Engel taught at Wheaton College for 18 years. Beside a highly successful secular career in marketing research, he served as a trainer and consultant to over 250 Christian organizations in 60 countries.

Meanwhile, Dr. David Fraser had gained significant exposure to leaders at the grassroots level, serving as a member of the senior staff of the MARC (Mission Advanced Research and Communication Center) Division of World Vision International with responsibilities for Unreached Peoples. He had also served with World Vision’s Mission Training and Resource Center, helping to develop curricula and training models.

Together the two undertook nearly three years of global research to identify the greatest areas of leadership growth needed by Christian leaders in the majority world to effectively transform their communities.

Over the next five years the curriculum was created, field-tested, modified and retested. Methods of distribution were tried and evaluated. It began to become clear that interactive, story-based learning focused on asking the leader questions and requiring application enabled leaders to change. This method put the focus on learning and transformation of the leader and his or her leadership practices. Staff and volunteers were recruited, including men and women with expertise in the most critical fields, and the ministry began to expand. In 1996, the organization incorporated as its own 501(c)3 corporation and adopted the name Development Associates International (DAI).