School of Leadership

School of Leadership (formerly ‘STEP’) is Advance’s leadership development course for those exploring leadership for the first time, or those new to our churches who are getting involved in leadership.

Over just a few months, a rhythm of discipleship groups and training sessions will help you step into the call of God to lead as a Christian at work, in the community, at college, or in the church.

When and where is it?

School of Leadership in run annually, and 2024-25 will be hosted at The King’s Centre Oxford, on 5 Saturday mornings through the winter:

9 and 23 November 2024
7 December
11 and 25 January 2025

Don’t worry if you can’t make all the dates, as the taught content will be recorded. (However, it’s not all about the taught content, but also the experience of being in the room with others learning about leadership, so if you expect to miss 2 or more sessions we may suggest you wait and do School of Leadership next time.)

A course contribution of £40 subsidises the costs of running School of Leadership. However, if the cost is a barrier, please talk to your local church, who are likely to be very supportive of helping you grow in Christian leadership!

Who is it for?

School of Leadership is a first step towards leadership development. We have seen that the leadership development really only happens with personal input (mentoring) as well as classroom sessions, and when we are in community, as God grows leadership as we interact with other people. Therefore, School of Leadership is for anyone who is

• part of a S&L Advance church

• looking to grow in leadership, from a Christian perspective, in and/or out of the church

• willing to be personally mentored

• part of a church Community Group/small group/housegroup/ministry team (you do not need to be a formal member of one of our churches, but this shows us you’re actively involved).

We also ask for a brief verbal or written note from your church pastor to help us help you get the best from School of Leadership.

We welcome those in Year 12/13, with parental consent, and will make suitable safeguarding arrangements.

Topics

A typical morning session includes 2 topics below (orer depends on availabiltiy of speakers), Q&A, group discussion, and some prayer together.

• Leaders lead themselves first (calling, identity, relationship with God, prayer and wellbeing)

• Leaders love their Bible

• Leaders develop people

• Leaders work together / build team

• Leading people in teams and groups

• Leaders share life (missional culture)

• Leaders are empowered by the Holy Spirit

• Leaders take people with them (vision, strategy and change management)

• Leaders keep going (wellbeing, resilience, mental health)

How does mentoring work?

The taught modules are followed by a small discipleship group called a 'huddle', where we ask “what is God saying to you about your character and/or skills, and what are you going to do about it?” There’s an important element of accountability in this group too, as we’ll ask you the next time we meet if you did what you’d say you’d do! This helps us tailor the course to individual learning and development, so that no matter what stage you’re at, there’s an invitation to take key steps towards God’s plan for your growth in maturity, knowledge, skills and character.

How to apply

School of Leadership costs £40, payable before the course starts, on our acceptance of your application. If finance is a problem, please talk with your local Advance church about support.

If you have any questions please email: training@advancechurches.uk

Apply now using the button below.