Equipping future Christian leaders for the world and the glory of Jesus.

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”

Ephesians 4:11-12

Apply Now

Marketplace
Hybrid
Full Time

Why develop leaders?

There is a leadership crisis in the Church and in culture.

Pastors and ministry leaders have left at an alarming rate over the last decade. At the same time, culture is shifting faster than ever and we’re seeing a shortage of Kingdom-minded leaders who are equipped, rooted, and ready to lead what God is doing.

This isn’t just about church leadership. It’s about leadership everywhere.

In workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and families we need leaders who can carry the presence of Jesus, stand on truth, and multiply disciples in the everyday spaces where life happens.

We believe this crisis is the result of a lack of intentional, effective leadership development — the kind that forms character, builds conviction, and equips people for real impact.

We want to change that.

Through spiritual rhythms, theological depth, practical leadership reps, and a multiplying community, we’re developing leaders who can:

• Build churches

• Lead teams

• Influence industries

• Disciple others

• Carry the Kingdom into every space

The world doesn’t need more hype. It needs holy, humble, courageous leaders who can lead through tension, withstand pressure, and stay faithful to Jesus.

We feel a deep responsibility to form those leaders — for the Church, for the city, and for the future.

What is the LDP?

The Leadership Development Program (LDP) is a 6-12 month discipleship and leadership journey designed to develop Kingdom leaders for wherever God has called them — the church, the marketplace, or the city.

It’s more than a residency. It’s a formation experience.

Through hands-on leadership, intentional coaching, real community, and a personal growth plan, you’ll be equipped to live out your calling with clarity, conviction, and courage.

Whether you’re stepping into full-time ministry, testing the waters of church leadership, or bringing the Kingdom into your career — the LDP will help you become the kind of leader the world needs.

  • A 12-month leadership journey designed to develop, disciple, and deploy the next generation of church leaders.

    This is a pivotal moment for future ministry leaders. The Church needs more than inspiration, it needs builders. This program was created to equip those ready to give their lives to the local church, multiply disciple-makers, and lead with conviction, clarity, and love.

  • HYBRID PROGRAM - A 6-month immersive experience to develop Kingdom leadership inside the Church while discerning your future ministry calling.
    The Hybrid Track is designed for high-capacity leaders who want to go deeper in serving the local church, leading people, and multiplying disciples, all while discerning the call to vocational ministry.

  • MARKETPLACE PROGRAM - A 12-month leadership journey designed to equip, empower, and multiply disciple-making leaders in the marketplace.

    This is a pivotal moment for Christian leaders in the marketplace. The world is hungry for people who lead with conviction, character, and Kingdom vision. This program was created to equip those ready to become Kingdom leaders who influence culture and win their workplace for Jesus.

What’s included in the program:

  • A structured, Scripture-based growth plan designed to help you live the way of Jesus in everyday life. Rooted in Matthew 5–7, this plan walks you through practical, weekly actions that shape how you think, speak, and lead. Over time, this isn’t just something you practice — it becomes who you are.

  • Weekly gatherings focused on developing you as a leader — personally, professionally, and spiritually. These are not lectures. They’re interactive, high-level conversations where you’ll gain clarity, be challenged, and learn how to apply leadership principles in real situations.

  • Real opportunities to both serve and lead within the life of the Church. From Sunday services to key initiatives, you won’t just support what’s happening — you’ll step into leadership, take ownership, and gain the reps needed to lead people and grow in confidence.

  • Intentional access to experienced leaders in the Church and beyond. Through leadership breakfasts, mentorship, and field trips, you’ll learn how great leaders think, make decisions, and lead in real environments. These moments expand your vision and accelerate your growth by putting you in rooms most people don’t get access to.

Who is the LDP for?

Emerging leaders with a passion for Jesus and a desire to grow, lead, and bring Kingdom impact into every corner of the city.

Our Current Protégés

Frequently Asked Questions about the full time program:

  • Emerging young leaders who have a clear call to ministry, a passion for Jesus, a burden for the lost, and a hunger to build the Church.

  • These are the essential qualifications for all proteges:

    • Expresses a clear call to ministry

    • College graduate (or clearly on their way) **this is preferred but is not required in certain circumstances.

    • Clear and compelling leadership potential

    • Demonstration of clear commitment to the entirety of the program.

    • Some level of ministry experience

    • Appropriate maturity and work ethic

    • Appropriate level of spiritual maturity and an understanding of the Gospel.

    • Aligns with our ministry philosophy, core doctrine, theology, culture and staff values.

    • Has their own transportation

  • Participants (also called proteges) will be challenged personally and professionally in order to grow and lead like never before! Each participant will be part of a fun and exciting church staff culture. They will go on this journey with friends who will become family. They will have the opportunity to dream and imagine a ministry project to execute in the church. Overall, we don't want proteges to sit on the sidelines; we want them to lead from the front!

    The program offers theological training and hands-on experience to sharpen, encourage, and strengthen each protege. Each week, proteges will be part of an intentional class time (called huddle) led by a pastoral team that have years of experience. Proteges will read books that valuable for someone interested in full- time ministry. They will have the chance to take part in incredible field trips and retreats, and have the opportunity to travel overseas.

    Proteges will have a variety of ministry concentrations to choose from to tailor the program for their passions, strengths, and gifts. They will focus their efforts in a specific area, and receive specialized mentoring and training in order to become the best of the best!

  • • Students / Youth

    • Kids / Children’s Ministry

    • Worship / Music

    • Church Planting

    • Connections / Community

    • Creative Arts

    • Digital/Social Media

    • Preaching / Teaching

    • Missions

    • Discipleship / Groups

    • Communication / Marketing

    • Outreach / Evangelism

    1. Fill out the LDP application here.

    2. You will be followed up with via email/phone via the Program Director for a brief-initial phone call interview.

    3. If eligible, the applicant will go through a series of interviews with pastoral staff, the LDP Director, and other staff members to ensure that the program is a cultural fit for the applicant and the team.

    4. Next steps will be discussed throughout the journey and our hope is to either onboard you into the program or help you discover a better next step.

  • We do our best to find a loving and healthy host family that is part of our church community to provide each Protege with their own room.

    There will be an agreed-upon understanding between our church, the Host family, and the Protege to ensure clarification of expectations.

    Proteges are not required to live in the provided Host home if the Resident chooses to arrange their own living arrangements.

  • Elevate City Church is committed to investing in emerging leaders and provides the following for each Protege:

    • A monthly stipend of $1,500 (Full Time Proteges)

    • Optional housing (or housing support) for single residents

    • All expenses paid for an annual LDP retreat

    • An invitation to participate in our annual Elevate City Church Conferences

    • All expenses paid for our in-house student camps/retreats

    • We will work with Proteges who need/desire to have additional PT jobs to help with supplemental income (this plan must be communicated and agreed upon before the start of the program and is subject to supervisor discretion).

  • Yes. In fact, we encourage it if needed as a way to make ends meet. However, as you arrange your schedule, you will need to prioritize the hours of your LDP and find part-time work that can accommodate that schedule. All our proteges have been able to make this arrangement work.

  • The application deadline is May 15th, 2026.

    The start date for our ‘26-’27 LDP class is August 2nd, 2026

  • Yes, we have had married residents go through the program.

Apply Now

Marketplace
Hybrid
Full Time

Testimonials

  • The Leadership Development Program has helped me grow in my love for Jesus, His Church, and His Word like never before. It’s made me a stronger leader and shepherd, and stretched my capacity in ways I didn’t know were possible. More than anything, it’s equipped me for the work of ministry and turned my spark for Jesus into a real passion to help others know Him and see His Church grow.

    -Victor Siple, Current Protege

  • The LDP has given me the deepest discipleship I’ve ever experienced in my adult years. I have a whole new vision for what it means to be a leader and use every gift and talent I have to serve Jesus and His church.

    -Hannah Washington, Current Protege

  • "Going through the Leadership Development Program was something I didn’t know I needed until I made it through with a heart on fire for Jesus and His Church during a time I was desperately searching for clarity of calling! I was able to get hands on training in multiple areas of ministry, and so many questions I had about faith, theology, and leadership, and the church were answered along the way. Curiosity was sparked, responsibility was given, skills were stretched, gifts were called out, change was embraced, and my calling was confirmed! I am so grateful to have had a place where my leadership was grown and my faith deepened more than I could have dreamed."

    Baylee Dulmage, Church Community Director (ATL)

  • "The Leadership Development Program at gave me the opportunity to get a hands on experience into full time ministry. This program helped spark passions and skills I didn’t know I even had. It is challenging, rewarding, and totally worth it. The skills and spiritual maturity I have today is because of how I was shaped and molded the year I was in the LDP"

    John Gibbs, Church Video Director (ATL)

  • "LDP has been more transformational than I could have expected. A big thing I’ve discovered about growth is you don’t see the results unless you’re intentional and taking time to look back. The feelings might be uncomfortable or awkward but it’s so worth it. Marketplace LDP has taught me how to think and do, outside of what I’m feeling and further than just tomorrow. I have benefited in seeing a vision for the rest of my life and becoming a person that excels and shows up in many different areas of life."

    Wes Swain, Marketplace LDP

  • The protege program shaped my love for Jesus into a love of building his church. Over the year, I was equipped to make disciples who make disciples who make disciples. And I know my ministry career has been drastically shaped by the tools I learned that year. Im eternally grateful.

    Sean Curry, Youth Pastor (ATL)

  • "The Leadership Development Program has seriously thrown fuel on the fire of my heart for ministry. It has pushed me to step up with boldness and ownership because this program doesn’t treat you like an intern, but truly sees and develops you as staff. Through LDP, I’ve learned that you can’t do the Jesus stuff without being with Jesus; abiding in Him is where you find the strength and ability to lead well. I’m incredibly grateful for how this program has challenged me, stretched my faith, and shaped me into a stronger, more prepared leader."

    -Mitch Hall, Current Protege

Interested in Hosting a Protégé?

A host home is a ministry opportunity for you to host a member of our LDP in your home for a period of time (typically a year or semester) to provide them with the housing that they need to enroll and engage in the program.

As we seek to equip 100 future ministry leaders over the next 10 years, we hope to expand, grow, and reach beyond Georgia and even the US to bring in young leaders from all over the world.

This will require our church opening up their homes and providing a place for these Protégés to rest and refuel for the adventure before them.

Learn more

Meet Ike

LDP Lead, Elevate City

Ike leads our Leadership Development Program and would love to connect with you to answer any further questions that you have about our LDP.

Email Ike