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 2024-25:
1-3 November 2024
21-23 March 2025
4-6 July 2025
The Application process
You will need to fill in an application form (link to the form at the bottom of the page). We are looking for applicants who can meet the following criteria:
- in the correct age bracket (18-30)
- Have a connection with the Methodist Church
- Demonstrate a willingness to learn
- Demonstrate a genuine faith
- Have an real interest in leadership
- Able to work as part of a team
- Would benefit from being part of this programme
Below are the questions that are on the application form so that you can prepare yourself. If for accessibility reasons you would prefer to give your answers in spoken form rather than in writing, you can record your answers to the questions and send an audio file to youngadults@methodistchurch.org.uk
Questions:
- General info (name, number, email, DOB)
- Why would you like to take part in the Leadership Year? (100-150 words)
- Why do you think good leadership is important? (100-150 words)
- What do you think is the most challenging thing about leadership? (100-150 words)
- Imagine it’s the end of the programme. What would you like to look back on and say that you have learned or achieved?
- What involvement/connection do you currently have to a Methodist Church or Methodist group?
- Tell us about your faith story. (100-150 words)
- In no more than 200 words tell us about an experience of working together with others and what you learned from that.
- Please share any experience of leadership or leadership training you have had. (it doesn't matter if it's nothing, it's not a pre-requirement!)
- Is there anything else you want to tell us that you think would be helpful for us to know.
- Are you able to attend all 3 of the residentials weekends?
- I can confirm that I live in the UK.
There is also a request that you provide contact details of someone who could write in support of your application (this is just a paragraph saying why they think you would benefit from being on the programme.) This could be someone you’ve worked alongside, a minister, church leader, someone you have volunteered with etc
Here is the link to the application form: https://eventsfeedback2020.typeform.com/Leadership24
Closing date for applications is Sunday 22nd September 2024.
You will be contacted by the end of September to let you know if you will be offered a place.
What previous participants have said…
“Given me new ideas on how I can be a faithful leader and equipped me to work better with others, especially those who are different to me.”
“Helpful for unpicking different views of what leadership is.”
“I enjoyed and benefitted from the space you created for us to share and listen to different views.”
“Empowering.”
“Insightful.”
“Transformative.”
How to contact us
If you need to contact us to ask any questions then please email us.