What is Student Leadership Training?

Joy Youth Student Leadership Training is an opportunity for 7th through 12th graders who want to grow in their faith, develop as leaders, and take a more active role in serving and leading at Joy Youth.

Students will spend nine months growing in their relationship with Jesus, developing practical leadership skills, and learning how to use their influence to serve others and make a difference wherever God has placed them.

Already completed Student Leadership Training? Fantastic! This training is designed to be an ongoing part of leadership development, not just a one-time experience. We strongly encourage returning students to continue each year as they grow in their faith and leadership, help lead portions of these trainings, serve alongside our leadership team, and step into greater opportunities to lead at Joy Youth and beyond.

Have a 4th through 6th grader? Joy Kids also offers a Student Leadership program designed specifically for that age group. Click here to learn more and apply for that.

What Will Students Learn?

Through monthly leadership training, students will:

✔ Learn how to study the Word of God and build Bible reading, prayer, and journaling into their daily lives as “holy habits”

✔ Develop practical leadership skills through our student leadership curriculum

✔ Learn what it takes to serve and lead at Joy Youth, including setting up, games, worship, small groups, prayer, sharing their God-stories, and more

✔ Grow in confidence to pray with and for others, and share their faith

✔ Understand that leadership means setting the example through their attitude, participation, influence, responsibility, teamwork, communication, initiative, and follow-through

✔ Learn how to put their faith and leadership into practice at church, at home, at school, on their teams, at work, and in everyday life

Commitment & Expectations

• Application: Students interested in participating need to complete the application (see below) to join the program.

• 9-Month Commitment: Students will commit to nine months of leadership development and service, with one training each month designed to help them grow in their faith, character, and leadership skills.

• Monthly Training: Student Leadership Training meets once a month for dinner, connection, team building, Scripture, leadership training, discussion, prayer, and practical application.

• Attendance & Consistency: Since we only meet once a month, consistent attendance is very important. Students should plan to make the monthly trainings a priority so they can get the most out of the experience and grow with the team.

• Participation: Students should come ready to engage, learn, participate in discussions, complete any reading or challenges between meetings, and share what they’re learning and how Holy Spirit is challenging and growing them.

• Registration Fee: The cost is $40 for the entire season and includes a team shirt, leadership book, Bible study journal, monthly dinners, and training. See application button below.

How to Apply

Students interested in joining Joy Youth Student Leadership Training are encouraged to attend the Student Leadership Orientation with a parent or guardian before the program begins (but it‘s not mandatory). For the 2026–27 season, orientation was held on August 31, 2026 at 6:30pm in the sanctuary.

Please complete the application and forms by Monday, October 5, 2026. We’re excited to invest in students who want to grow in their faith, character, leadership, and influence as they follow Jesus!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Adam Brown.
We can’t wait to see your student grow in their walk with Jesus!