Youth Growing Leaders is a course we run to enable Christian young people to grow in leadership gifting and ability. This page explains more about the course, includes some video testimonies, and explains how you can apply for the next course.

Applications for YGL 24/25 are now closed. Keep an eye on this page for information about next year’s course.


What is it?

Youth Growing Leaders meets monthly from September 2024 to April 2025. The course runs for 8 sessions, including two sessions which are overnighters at St Swithin’s House, Solihull.

Each session will involve teaching from the course leaders, learning about what it means to be a Christian leader; identifying gifting, discerning our calling as Christians and developing Christ-like character. There will also be practical application and discussion with other young leaders, forming a community of young leaders who grow together and discovering what it means to lead more like Jesus.

Youth Growing Leaders is a course that Thrive have run for a number of years in the local area and is adapted from Growing Leaders – Youth produced by CPAS.

The course is designed for those who are Christian, who want to grow in Christian leadership, and want to learn how to effectively use the gifts God has given them.


Who is it for?

The course is open to anyone who will be in Year 10 and above from September, is a committed Christian and feels that leadership may be something that they want to grow in.

  • Do you want to understand more of what plans God has for you?
  • Do you want to help lead others to know Jesus?
  • Do you want to be more confident in your faith?

When & Where?

Sessions will happen at St Paul’s Church in Leamington on Monday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. The September and January sessions will be 24 hour weekend residentials at St Swithin’s house in Barston.

  • Friday 20th to Saturday 21st September 2024 (24 hour residential at St Swithin’s House)
  • Monday 14th October 2024 – St Paul’s Church, Leamington
  • Monday 11th November 2024 – St Paul’s Church, Leamington
  • Monday 9th December 2024 – St Paul’s Church, Leamington
  • Friday 17th to Saturday 18th January 2025 (24 hour residential at St Swithin’s House)
  • Monday 10th February 2025 – St Paul’s Church, Leamington
  • Monday 10th March 2025 – St Paul’s Church, Leamington
  • Monday 7th April 2025 – St Paul’s Church, Leamington

Costs

The course costs £170 per person. Most of this cost is for the accommodation and meals for the overnighters. It is possible to pay in instalments (£70 initial payment, followed by four monthly instalments between September-December of £25). If cost is an issue for you, please speak to your church about it and let us know, as we might be able to help. We don’t want the cost to prevent anyone from doing the course.

Who runs it?

Ryan McNair, Youth Mission Enabler at Thrive Youth Ministries, and Kate Wallis, who is an experienced youth leader and currently Community Minister at St Pauls, Leamington Spa.

How to apply

  1. Chat with your parents/guardians and your youth leader about whether they think this is a good time for you to do the course.
  2. Pray about it.
  3. As part of the course, you will be assigned a mentor who you should meet up with monthly to see how you’re getting on, what things are challenging you and to make sure you’re growing!
  4. There are limited spaces on the course, so it is of crucial importance that those chosen are able to commit 100% to this opportunity. By applying you are making a commitment to the course and will be expected to attend all the sessions.
  5. Apply using our online application form. The earlier you apply, the better!

Watch our promo video including testimonies from previous participants