The HTB Leadership Development Year creates an opportunity for 18 to 30-year-olds to deepen their relationship with God, develop their gifts in leadership and discover more of their sense of calling.

Through teaching on theology, leadership and character, and with practical ministry experience throughout the week, it is a year in which you will be stretched and inspired. Perhaps you are wanting to explore ministry, are looking for a gap year, or just want to invest in your relationship with Jesus: the HTB Leadership Development Year could be the place for you.

What is the year like?
Our students spend four days a week (Sunday to Wednesday) getting involved in the heart of the church and its ministries. This includes one day of teaching and two days in a practical ministry placement, as well as Sundays.

Input Days: Mondays at HTB LDY are a day of teaching and input: Bible teaching, leadership training, and character development. Input days are incredibly fun and are a safe place for students to step out of their comfort zone as they as they grow in skills and confidence as well as connection with one another. 

Placement: We think there's no better way to experience ministry life than to be in the midst of the day-to-day running of a ministry. For two of your four days a week at HTB LDY, you'll be working in your chosen department (Kids, Youth, Alpha, Social Transformation, etc.) where you'll get to join in with all they are doing to see the vision of the church come to life. Placement days are an incredible opportunity for students to 'do the stuff' and to really get a taste of what ministry looks like.

Sundays: Sundays at HTB are fun-filled and action packed, and no less so for HTB LDY students. As students, you'll be involved in the various teams that make Sundays happen, serving at two of our 11 services and being key members of our hosting and prayer teams.

Alpha: During your time at HTB, you'll also have the opportunity to be part of making Alpha happen each Wednesday night when the course is running.

Retreat: At HTB LDY, we recognise the importance of resting and retreating. Throughout the year we have at least one retreat where we go away together and reconnect with ourselves, each other, and the Lord.

Events and Conferences: We love conferences and events and there is no shortage of them within the HTB Network. Each year we have the opportunity to both serve and attend several exciting events, including Focus, Leadership Conference, Assemble, Renaissance, Kingdom Come, and many more.

What are the details?

Dates: September 2023 to August 2024
Location: On-site at HTB Church
Cost: £900

The course fees cover tuition, books for required reading, weekly lunch for teaching days, retreats, and college events. We are sadly unable to offer financial support or help in finding accommodation or covering living expenses.

We have a limited number of bursaries available to partially cover the course fees for students who have exhausted all other options of income and financial support. These can be applied for once you have been accepted onto the course.

Ready to apply?

If something here has sparked your interest and you sense that HTB LDY might be for you, go ahead and fill out an application form! The application process is not a test; rather a journey for us all to get to know each other and to discern whether HTB LDY is the perfect fit your next season.

If you have questions for us, feel free to reach out to us at ldy@htb.org. We'd love to hear from you! Once you have completed the application form, we will be in touch with you within a few weeks to let you know about the next steps.