A new course to help develop the next generation of Christian leaders has been launched by CPAS.

The Warwick-based mission agency has created Growing Leaders – Youth Edition, designed for 14 to 18-year-olds. The course recognises that many young people already hold leadership positions at school and within community groups yet have little or no training in what it means to be a godly leader.

Ruth Hassall, CPAS youth and children’s leadership development adviser, said: "Many young people are in positions of leadership at school, sports clubs or in the home, as well as their involvement in church groups.

"Growing Leaders – Youth Edition is all about growing them in Christ-like character and equipping them to fulfil all leadership roles to the best of their God-given abilities.

"Research indicates that the teenage years are the key time to invest in people as leaders. We want to train young people for godly leadership and create a whole new generation of young leaders, invigorating teenagers in churches across the UK."

A book written by Ruth Hassall accompanies the course, Ready to Lead, and next month the book Growing Young Leaders will also be published, aimed at people involved with mentoring teenagers.

A training tour for those interested in leading the course heads to Twickenham on 4 April and Sheffield on 27 June.

Over the past year Growing Leaders – Youth Edition has been piloted by seven churches and a school, covering a wide range of backgrounds with children from inner city and rural areas. Leaders and participants provided feedback to assist CPAS with the final stages of development.

Andy Castle, youth pastor at St Stephen’s Twickenham who led a pilot course, said: "This has been the single most effective training I have done for young people seeking to develop their leadership. It’s focused, down-to-earth and inspiring. I can’t wait to run it again."

The course is based on the CPAS Growing Leaders course, which launched in 2006 and has already been run by more than 500 churches across the country.

Ruth added: "This new Youth Edition takes the successful model of Growing Leaders and translates it into a relevant and engaging course for a new generation of Christian leaders.

"CPAS has a long history of supporting youth and children’s work through helping to bring the good news of Jesus to young people across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

"Growing Leaders – Youth Edition builds on that foundation by inspiring and equipping teenagers to realise the potential that God has in store for them through Christ-like leadership."


On the web: www.cpas.org.uk