Frequently Asked Questions.

Lead Academy.

What is Lead Academy?

Lead Academy is a two-year leadership development programme designed to equip emerging church leaders with the theological foundation, leadership skills and personal formation needed to ground them for long-term ministry effectiveness.

The goal is leaders that are highly skilled and deeply formed.

Who is Lead Academy for?

Lead Academy is intended for:

• Emerging church leaders with a Romans 12:8 leadership gift, recognised by their senior leaders, and who desire pastoral leadership.
• Current Lead or Campus Pastors who want to grow in their leadership.
• Marketplace leaders who sense a call to fulltime or bi-vocational church leadership.

What makes Lead Academy different?

Lead Academy combines the three specific disciplines of practical church craft training, personal spiritual formation, and leadership development.

Applications.

When do applications open?

Lead Academy accepts new applications every two years. Applications for the 2027 Cohort are open from 1 August to 30 September 2026. Applications for the 2029 Cohort will open in August 2028.

Is there an application deadline?

Yes. Applications close on the published closing date. Late applications cannot be considered.

Can I apply if I have not been in ministry for very long?

Yes. We are looking for leadership gifting and potential, character and calling—not simply years of ministry experience.

What happens after I submit my application?

Once your application has been submitted:

• It is reviewed by the admissions team.
• Your references are checked.
• Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview.
• Successful applicants will be notified once the selection process has been completed.

How are applicants selected?

Selection is based on a combination of:

• Spiritual maturity
• Leadership potential
• Ministry experience
• Character
• Teachability
• References
• Alignment with Lead Academy’s values and What We Believe statements

Programme.

How long is the programme?

Lead Academy is a two-year immersive leadership formation programme.

What does the programme consist of?

The programme is made up of four cohort intensives over two years (two intensives per year). Each intensive runs for one full week, from Monday to Saturday, and venues alternate between Gauteng and the Western Cape.

Can I attend a cohort intensive without being enrolled in the full programme?

No. The cohort intensives are the core of the Lead Academy experience, so participants must be enrolled in the full two-year programme.

Will there be assignments?

Yes. Participants will be required to read two books between the intensives (i.e. two books over a 6 month period), and produce a two page book review for each book. There is no pass or fail. The book review is to facilitate reflection and learning from the book.

Is online learning included?

Yes. Some learning components of the intensives are provided online alongside in-person sessions.

Is attendance compulsory?

Yes. Attendance at all required cohort intensives is expected. Because Lead Academy is built around a shared learning and formation journey, participants are expected to be fully committed to the programme.

Can I complete the programme while serving in ministry?

Yes! Lead Academy is specifically designed for leaders who are actively serving in ministry while participating in the programme.

What are the 2027 cohort dates?

The 2027 cohort intensives are scheduled for:

• 8-13 March 2027 (Western Cape)
• 20-25 September 2027 (Gauteng)

What are the 2028 cohort dates?

The proposed 2028 cohort intensives are:

• 6-11 March 2028 (Western Cape)
• 18-23 September 2028 (Gauteng)

Further details will be communicated to successful applicants before the programme begins.

Will I receive a qualification?

Participants who successfully complete all programme requirements will receive formal recognition from Lead Academy upon completion of the two-year programme. However, it does not carry any accreditation with universities or Bible colleges.

Fees.

What does the programme cost?

The programme costs R30,000 per participant, per year, for two years (total investment: R60,000), excluding travel and personal expenses.

What does the fee include?

Programme fees include:

• All accommodation and meals at the intensives
• All teaching sessions
• Course materials
• Leadership resources
• Pastoral support
• Programme administration

Are travel and accommodation included?

Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses. Accommodation and meals for cohort intensives are included.

Payment of fees

All fees will be paid according to an agreed payment schedule by monthly debit order or, full payment by EFT.

Can I withdraw from the programme?

Yes, but this should be done in consultation with your senior pastor, and in the event that you are a Senior Pastor, this must be discussed with your National Leader. Kindly note that there will be no financial reimbursements on any payments received, should you choose to leave the programme.

Eligibility.

Do I need to belong to an Assemblies of God church?

No. Lead Academy is open to qualifying participants from churches that align with our values and our Statement of Belief (What We Believe).

Do I need my pastor’s support?

Yes. Applicants are expected to have the support and recommendation of their Senior Pastor and recognised church leadership. If the applicant is a Senior Pastor, approval from their National Leader is required. These requirements are outlined in the application process.

Is there an age requirement?

No. Applicants should however demonstrate sufficient maturity for leadership development.

Values.

What values does Lead Academy expect participants to uphold?

All participants are expected to embrace and model the values and Statement of Belief (What We Believe) of Lead Academy throughout the programme.

What happens if a participant breaches the Code of Conduct?

Lead Academy reserves the right to take appropriate action, including suspension or removal from the programme where necessary.

General.

Can I defer my place if I am accepted?

Requests to defer admission are considered on a case-by-case basis and cannot be guaranteed.

Can someone else attend in my place?

No. Admission is granted to individual applicants and cannot be transferred.

How can I contact Lead Academy?

You can contact the Lead Academy team via the Contact page for any application or programme-related enquiries.

Will I need a laptop?

A laptop or suitable device is strongly recommended for completing assignments, accessing online resources and communicating with facilitators.

Will I need to purchase any books?

You may, on occasion, be required to purchase specific books.