Encountering God, Living Sent

Leadership Academy

The Six:Eight Leadership Academy is designed to help you grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus while experiencing what it looks like to build and pioneer a new church.

Throughout the year, you will be equipped in biblical teaching, theology, leadership development, character formation, and practical ministry experience. You will also be mentored, given space for personal reflection, and encouraged to develop in your gifts as you learn to live a missional life that impacts Belfast and beyond for the glory of God.

Pillars & Pathways

The Leadership Academy is centred around the following pillars:

  • We are a church that values the presence of God above all else. Worship, prayer, and corporate gatherings to encounter the Holy Spirit will be central to the rhythm of the academy. We prioritise space for God to move, shape, and minister among us throughout the year.

  • On Tuesdays, we will gather for teaching covering a range of topics, including Biblical Studies, Theology and Doctrine, Church History and Revival History, Spiritual Formation, Leadership Development and Evangelism. We hope that our time together will give you a greater understanding of biblical and theological knowledge, equipping you and giving you greater clarity and confidence to fulfil the call of God on your life.

  • Throughout the year, you will be personally mentored by someone who will walk closely with you in your development. This includes pastoral support, leadership input, and intentional guidance in character formation, ministry, and spiritual growth. We believe that this support will be a meaningful, fruitful, and valuable part of your journey throughout the year.

  • Students will serve weekly within Sunday gatherings, gaining hands-on experience across different areas of church life. As a pioneering church, opportunities may vary from week to week, offering a broad range of ministry experiences and opportunities for leadership growth and development.

  • Personal study and reflection are key to formation. Each student will receive a reading list at the beginning of the year and is expected to engage with a book each month alongside a reflective assignment.

    Assignments may include written reflections, book reviews, and creative responses designed to help you process learning and grow in spiritual maturity.

  • We are committed to equipping and sending people to live missionally. This academy is not only about formation but also about empowerment, helping you grow in confidence to share the gospel, make disciples, and lead with Kingdom impact in everyday life.

We offer two pathways:

Part-Time

Designed to fit alongside work, study, or other commitments.

• Tuesdays (full day, approx. 8 hours): staff meetings, teaching and ministry training, and Sunday preparation

• Weekly Sunday serving (approx. 4 hours)

• Ongoing mentoring and leadership development

Intensive

Designed for those seeking deeper immersion in ministry experience.

• Tuesdays (full day, approx. 8 hours): staff meetings, teaching and ministry training, and Sunday preparation

• Weekly Sunday serving (approx. 4 hours)

• Additional 2–3 days per week serving in a chosen area of ministry (subject to availability)

• Ongoing mentoring and leadership development

‘Here am I. Send me’

Apply

September 2026
— June 2027

Eligibility

Applicants must:
• Be aged 18–25
• Be a follower of Jesus Christ with a desire to grow spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
• Demonstrate humility, teachability, integrity, and a willingness to grow in Christlike character.
• Be willing to engage with and support the vision and values of Six:Eight Church.

Cost

There is no fee for the programme. A £250 contribution fee is required from each student to cover the weekend retreat. Students will also receive an allowance to support travel, food and required book expenses.

Application

You can apply here. Following submission, you will be contacted to arrange an interview date.

Application Deadline

Friday 7th August 2026

International Applicants

We welcome international applicants. However, you must have a valid UK passport, or visa that allows you to participate in this programme. Please note that Six:Eight Church is unable to sponsor visas. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure their visa conditions allow participation.