What is the Leadership Development Program?
The Leadership Development Program is a Christ-centered leadership journey piloted at Oxford University United Methodist Church that combines hands-on ministry experience with practical leadership training. Each school year, we hire six LDP college students to be a part of our team, and they work approximately 20 hours a week. LDP applications open in February for the next school year (August 2025-May 2026).
What to Expect
01. COMMUNITy
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You will have the opportunity to grow in an intergenerational community with kids, youth, other college students, and adults. Expect laughter, fun, food, and new friendships.
02. work
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This is a job (a good one!). If you are selected, you are a real part of the team doing the real work of ministry right now. You will be placed in a particular ministry area (kids, youth, worship, communications, etc.) for work. You will receive on-the-ground training and direct apprenticeship to pastors and staff. This is a paid internship. This is an advanced, engaged internship program with considerable responsibility.
03. prayer
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You will learn spiritual and biblical disciplines of communal prayer, theological reflection, and vocational discernment. Each of us has a gift to share with the Body of Christ, and we pray that this internship will be one step on the journey to discovering the ways in which God is calling you to offer yourself in Kingdom work.
04. discipleship
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You will receive one-on-one and team investment by disciples of Jesus who are living out their faith in the body of Christ. You will receive Christ-centered leadership content to grow in your desire for God and your capacity to use practical wisdom in real life situations.