There are many different avenues by which young leaders can serve others and engage God. So what makes an Emerging Leader Network (ELN) program different? 
  
ELN schools of ministry are specialized programs utilizing a full-time, immersive training model. Each ELN program around the country is designed to take passionate young leaders and help them become skilled disciples, ready to transform the world with Jesus’ love.
 
ELN programs operate in healthy, local churches where life is really happening. Each school of ministry keeps students engaged in the world around them while also focusing on what God is doing in their lives. No two days are the same in an ELN program as students engage with a diverse community and local church body. What remains constant, however, is the focus of students’ time and energy—serving, learning, and growing. 
 
Rather than in a college-type setting where you show up periodically for classes, an ELN school of ministry is a 24-7 “immersion discipleship” environment. Like soldiers going through boot camp or firefighters spending countless hours drilling and volunteering before they earn a place on a crew, ELN programs immerse students in ministry settings in order to bring about life-transformation. Immersion discipleship will touch every area of your life and is designed to stretch, challenge, teach, encourage and grow you to be more like Jesus.
 

The Big Three 

Because of the variety of locations, leaders, and specific areas of ministry focus, each ELN school of ministry is unique. Every program, however, incorporates three life-transforming elements of immersive training.

1. Hands on Ministry
This is an in-the-trenches approach to developing ministry skills. ELN students engage in a variety of ministry assignments, learning what it means to authentically give of themselves for others.

2. Focused Academics
With a straightforward and intentional curriculum, students grow as they are encouraged and equipped to understand God’s Word at a new and deeper level.

3. Mentoring Relationships
We are all in a state of “becoming”. The question is: who are we becoming? In an ELN program, trusted pastors and leaders walk alongside students, holding them accountable and encouraging them, as they are moving to new levels of faith and excellence. It is through this critical piece of the immersive ELN structure that students form the rock-sold foundation needed to live out God’s call in their lives.