NEXT GEN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (NGLA)

NGLA is a program designed to equip High School Students to lead in both thier local church and in their world. It was developed and assembled by Bob Long, Director of Student Ministries for Converge Worldwide.

The NGLA really has had an amazing impact in the lives of the students who are attending.

NGLA is supported by dedicated and passionate youth pastors of the Converge Midamerica district. Our goal is to train and equip students to use current leadership theories and models in combination with biblical insights to empower them to lead the organizations they are involved in to the highest level possible. We believe this program will look excellent on both college applications and resumes.

The program has two elements called core classes and electives

Each time your student attends converge leadership academy, they will attend one core class and one elective of their choice. Below is a summary of the core classes and electives that might be offered at the next CLA.

Core Classes

Leadership 101 + 201 + 301

What is leadership? What does it mean to be a leader? These classes will explore what

the Bible has to say about leadership. The students will discover the strengths,

weaknesses, accomplishments and failures of leaders in the Old Testament.

They’ll investigate leadership qualities and principles from the life and ministry of

Jesus and early church leaders.

Spiritual leadership

What are the qualities of an authentic Christian leader? The students will explore

the importance of character and integrity in the life of a Christian leader. They will

discuss the damage leaders can cause through character weaknesses. They’ll

begin looking at the dark side of their character.Spiritual Transformation

What is spiritual transformation? What are the pathways and spiritual experiences

God uses to transform believers into the image of Jesus Christ? Students will

examine the process of spiritual transformation. This session will focus on the work

of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life.

Electives

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

How does awareness of our selves help leaders to lead? In this session, students

will discover how they work on the inside. They’ll explore their identity in Christ.

They’ll learn ways that they hide from others and themselves. Finally, students will

gain insight into themselves through the Johari Window.

Calling and Gifting

What does it mean to be called and gifted by God? Students will have the

opportunity to discover their unique call through understanding their spiritual gifts,

passions, personalities, natural abilities and acquired skills.

Conflict Resolution

Conflict is unavoidable in relationships with people. Students will explore the

inevitability of conflict in their relationship and look at the high cost of unresolved

conflict. They will learn principles and methods for handling conflict in their lives.

Team Leadership

Leadership is not meant to be done alone. Leadership in the Church works best

through a team. Students will explore Biblical examples of leading through a team.

They’ll look at the benefits and effectiveness of team leadership. They’ll explore

how to build a team.

Leadership Styles

It is often said that "Leaders make things happen." But how do leaders lead?

Students will explore four basic styles of situational leadership. Students will learn

their own preferred style and how to use the other styles to become more effective

in their leadership.

Interpersonal communication

It is critical for a leader to be understood when he/she communicates. In this

session, students will explore Biblical principles of communication. They will learn

what hinders communication. They will learn the role listening takes in the

communication process.

Leading From Your Story

Each leader’s life has been impacted, positively and negatively, by the people,

experiences and events in that life. In this session, students will gain awareness of

how God has and is shaping them as leaders through life circumstances and events.

Students will be encouraged to reflect on their personal stories and how they are

being shaped by them.

Decision Making

Being a good leader means setting priorities and making hard decisions in daily life.

In this session, students will look at a model for understanding and setting life

priorities and making good decisions on the basis of those priorities.

AWAKEN JUNIOR HIGH LEADERSHIP

is a group of people determined to find out what kind of hero God wants them to be and then train to become it. Whether you feel called to serve behind the scenes or on the frontlines, God calls you to go beyond the natural to the supernatural.

Good vs Evil... be the Hero.

Become immune to the worlds influence.

Depend on power greater than your own ability.

Develope attitudes and abilities that you can use.

Awaken meets at varing times, check the Calendar to find out when and where Future Heros will gather. Awaken is required for participation in missions trips.