Posted on: 21st August 2025

The Leadership Year is an exciting opportunity for 18-30 year olds across the connexion who want to invest time in developing their leadership abilities. It’s aimed at those just starting out in leadership, or those who are thinking about leadership.

As a participant of the Leadership Year you will:

• take part in 3 residential weekends (Nov, March, July) exploring leadership
• be part of a group with other 18-30 year olds – a chance to make new friendship and support one another
• have the opportunity to meet in a small group between the residential weekends
• have the opportunity to take part in local/Connexional events
• have the opportunity to be mentored or coached

Being a participant on the Leadership Year can easily fit around your other commitments, such as work and study. We ask that you commit to attending the 3 weekends and then join in with the other opportunities as much as you can.

The residentials
The weekend residentals will be held at Cliff College in the heart of the Peak District, surrounded by beautiful countryside. There will opportunities to worship and pray together as well as to explore topics connected to understanding leadership. Topics will be explored through discussions, experiential learning, games, group work, self-reflection. There will also be times to be social, have fun and enjoy each other’s company.

The content
The Leadership Year focuses on what it means to be a Christian in leadership (whether that is in the Church or society). We’ll explore a number of leadership characteristics such as integrity, humility, self-awareness, resilience, which we believe are essential to developing transformative leaders. Personal discipleship is integral to leadership, so worship and prayer are key aspect of the weekends. You’ll find out more about yourself, gain a greater depth of understanding about leadership, and discover what the next steps are for you to grow in your leadership.

Beyond the weekends
The phrase ‘the more you put in, the more you get out’ works well here! You are encouraged to keep reflecting on what you have learned, throughout the year. You may choose to reflect with a small group, a mentor or on your own (or all three!) We want you to take opportunities to lead in different ways, in a local context or maybe in other ways across the Connexion, and to reflect on what you are learning.

What’s the cost?
We have 12 fully funded places available. That covers the cost for attending the weekends, all meals and travel.

Dates for the residential weekends 2025-26:

14th – 16th November 2025

6th – 8th March 2026

3- 5th July 2026

To find out more about the application process and frequently asked questions, click here.