Worship Academy is an eight-month course designed to encourage those aged 18-23 to lead praise and worship in the local church.
Whether you are already involved in leading in your church, or are at the beginning of that journey, we would like to:
- develop your faith and Biblical knowledge
- help you understand how sung worship can play a key role in the worshipping life of a church
- support you in your calling to facilitate worship
- develop your skills
- provide you with training and experience, including new opportunities to lead.
Who is Worship Academy for?
Worship Academy is open to all university or college students aged 18-23 who already are involved in leading praise and worship, or feel that they may have a calling to become more involved.
What does Worship Academy involve?
Between September 2023 and April 2024, you will be part of:
- Monthly gatherings for worship and teaching from a range of guest speakers
- Regular 1:1 mentoring sessions
- An autumn day conference
- A spring residential
Applicants should be able to demonstrate a basic ability in singing, and/or a musical instrument (or have a knowledge of music theory).
What is the cost?
The cost for the Worship Academy is only £250, and this includes the cost of all gatherings, both retreats, guest speakers and resources. The cost is being subsidised by the chaplaincy, but this does not mean you have to be a student in south Belfast to apply – it is open to anyone of student age, provided you can attend the in-person sessions in Belfast.
We would strongly encourage you to speak to your minister/youth leader about your local church contributing to the cost of the course (even if you can afford it yourself) – our experience is that church leaders and committees are usually really keen to do so!
What are some important dates? Locations?
Aside from regular mentoring, the key dates and locations are below. Please bear these in mind as commitments if you are considering applying.
The launch weekend (non-residential) will be 22nd-23rd September at The Hub Belfast, 22 Elmwood Avenue, Belfast.
The monthly gatherings take place on Mondays at St Stephen’s Parish church, Millfield (open in Google Maps) at 7pm.
- Monday 16th October 2023
- Monday 20th November 2023
- Monday 11th December 2023
- Monday 15th January 2023
- Monday 19th February 2023
- Monday 11th March 2023
- Monday 22nd April 2023
The 2024 Worship Leaders’ Residential will be from Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd March 2024.
Can I find out more?
Absolutely. Visit our Contact page to get in touch and with any questions you might have.
How can I apply?
Applications have now closed for the 2023-24 scheme.