The Student Leadership Institute at Prestonwood Christian Academy’s mission is to assist young people in the development of their leadership philosophy and skills by exposing them to a biblically-based, practical, multifaceted year-long program.

Students are trained in the biblical model and definition of leadership with a core emphasis on three operating principles. This model, founded from God’s Word, focuses on individual and institutional commitments to becoming selfless and other-centered. It is the Institute’s goal that students connect these principles to their campus, community, and church. Students are challenged to become more like Christ as they strive for a higher level of leadership training.

The four components that comprise the Institute focus on key characteristics of Jesus’ leadership. The impact from the Institute is designed to affect both the individual and their sphere of influence. There are very few schools, if any, which have taken leadership training to this level. Realizing that most students are extremely busy with extracurricular and church commitments, the Student Leadership Institute takes place primarily during regularly scheduled school hours.

Application Process

Upon receipt of a complete application, the recommendation form, and the signed parent statement of support, an interview will be conducted.

Click here for the 2008-09 SLi Application Packet

Required Reading

SLi students must read at least one book and write a review of that book using the approved form to be able to move from Level II into Level III. The selections on this list are “pre-approved,” but a student may also fill out a form requesting that another book be approved. The primary emphasis of these books is to encourage critical thinking on various issues as well as to encourage young people to prepare themselves to make a difference in the world for Christ. Please read a selection critically and wrestle with the issues and themes presented.

Click here for the 2008-09 SLi "Pre-Approved" required reading list. (Updated: 06/5/08)

Click here for the SLi Book Review format.

Click here for Book Request Form (Request for Book to be Approved for Credit).

Other 2008-09 SLi Forms

Click here Absence Form

Click here for Record of Servant Leadership Guidelines

Click here for Record of Servant Leadership

Operating Principles

1 The Biblical Principle of Serving Others

Jesus modeled the principle of focusing less on Himself and more on others. This principle will present the case that biblical leadership is fully realized when one becomes a servant. Mentoring, discipleship, and evangelism will be natural when one truly devotes his life to serving others.

2 The Biblical Principle of Evangelism

Jesus instructed His leaders to share the good news of salvation. Active participation in Kingdom work includes a strong commitment to share the gospel with others. This principle will focus on lifestyle evangelism.

3 The Biblical Principle of Serving in a Local Body of Believers

The body, or church, reaches maximum potential when the individuals become one body. Utilizing one’s spiritual gifts within the framework of the local church is God’s design. This principle will focus on serving Christ in the church.

Program Components

Student Leadership Institute will focus on four major components, all related to the purpose and goals. The components include Leadership Courses/Discussion Groups, Direct Leadership Opportunities, Leadership Camps, and Specific Leadership Skills.

1 Leadership Courses

Leadership courses will provide the theory and skills training necessary for a strong biblically-based, philosophical foundation. Students will have a variety of seminars to select from.

Click here to view the available Leadership Courses.

2 Direct Leadership Opportunities – Campus Connection

These opportunities will bring the Institute out of the classroom lecture phase and into a real hands-on application.

3 Leadership Camps

Student Leadership Institute students will be encouraged to attend a summer leadership camp. Several summer camps specializing in biblically-based leadership training will be considered for partnership with Student Leadership Institute.

4 Specific Leadership Skills

Specific skills and training will be deliberately integrated into the other three components.

Program Curriculum

Student Leadership Institute curriculum is based on each student developing a personal spiritual growth plan that includes three key areas:

• Theory (the "about" leadership areas)
• Skills (the "how to" leadership areas)
• Application (the "practice" in leadership areas)

The students are required to maintain a minimum amount of Student Leadership Units (SLU’s) and are encouraged to go above and beyond this level. SLU’s are accumulated throughout the year by attending courses, participating in campus connection opportunities, attending Leadership Camps, mission trips and other approved initiatives.

Other Special Features

• Mentoring
  
  SLI students form "family groups" with PCA’s 6th grade students. SLI meets with these students throughout the year for mentoring purposes.

• Probe Ministries
  
  Nationally renowned Probe Ministries will conduct special discussion sessions on relevant market place issues. Probe specializes in biblical worldview development.

Who is Eligible for Student Leadership Institute?

• Students entering grades 9-12 are eligible to apply.
• Students who have clearly demonstrated a personal commitment to Jesus Christ and a willingness to influence others to do the same will be welcomed.
• The students’ character and lifestyle will undergo a thorough evaluation.

© 2003-2005 Larry Taylor