Youth Growing Leaders is a course we run to enable Christian young people to grow in leadership gifting and ability. This year we are running two programmes in the Coventry and Warwick areas.
This page explains more about the course, includes some video testimonies, and explains how you can apply for the next course.
Applications now open!- Closing date July 17th 2026
What is it?
Youth Growing Leaders meets monthly from September 2026 to April 2027.
The course runs for 8 sessions, including two sessions which are 24-hr overnighters at Stratford-upon-Avon Youth Hostel.
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 to Year 13 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 for the 2026-27 course?
This year, we are offering two programmes: one in Coventry and the other in Warwick. Each programme will meet monthly on Monday evenings. Both programmes will also come together for two 24-hour residential sessions at Stratford-upon-Avon Youth Hostel. When you sign up, choose the course that works best for you.
The 24hr Overnight Residential Sessions
The September and January sessions will both be 24-hour weekend residentials at YHA Stratford upon Avon.
Warwick Programme
Evening sessions will happen monthly in Warwick on Mondays from 7pm to 9pm at Saltisford Church, Albert St, Warwick CV34 4JX.
- Friday 11th to Saturday 12th September 2026 (24-hours at Stratford upon Avon Youth Hostel)
- Monday 12th October 2026 – Saltisford Church, Warwick
- Monday 9th November 2026 – Saltisford Church, Warwick
- Monday 7th December 2026 – Saltisford Church, Warwick
- Friday 8th to Saturday 9th January 2027 (24-hours at Stratford upon Avon Youth Hostel)
- Monday 1st February 2027 – Saltisford Church, Warwick
- Monday 8th March 2027 – Saltisford Church, Warwick
- Monday 12th April 2026 – Saltisford Church, Warwick
Coventry Programme
Evening sessions will happen monthly in Coventry on Mondays from 7pm to 9pm at St Stephen’s Church, Charter Ave, Coventry CV4 8DJ.
- Friday 11th to Saturday 12th September 2026 (24-hours at Stratford-upon-Avon Youth Hostel)
- Monday 19th October 2026 – St Stephen’s Church Coventry
- Monday 16th November 2026 -St Stephen’s Church Coventry
- Monday 14th December 2026 -St Stephen’s Church, Coventry
- Friday 8th to Saturday 9th January 2027 (24-hours at Stratford-upon-Avon Youth Hostel)
- Monday 22nd February 2027 -St Stephen’s Church, Coventry
- Monday 15th March 2027 – St Stephen’s Church, Coventry
- Monday 19th April 2027 – St Stephen’s Church, Coventry
Costs
The course costs £185 per person. Most of this cost is for the accommodation and meals for the overnighters. It is possible to pay in instalments (£45 initial payment, followed by four monthly instalments between September and December of £35). If cost is an issue for you, please speak to your church about it. We don’t want the cost to prevent anyone from doing the course.
Who runs it?
Tim Crummack, our Youth Events and Mission Enabler, will lead both programmes alongside a local experienced youth leader. The Coventry programme will be co-hosted by Serena McCarthy, an experienced youth worker based in Coventry. The Warwick Programme will be co-hosted by a local Youth Leader.
How to apply
- Chat with your parents/guardians and your youth leader about whether they think this is a good time for you to do the course.
- Pray about it.
- 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!
- There are limited spaces on the course, so it is of crucial importance that those chosen can commit 100% to this opportunity. By applying, you are making a commitment to the course and will be expected to attend all the sessions.
- Apply using our online application form. The earlier you apply, the better!
Youth Leaders download this poster to share
Watch our promo videos, including testimonies from previous participants