The Students’ LAUNCH program exists to equip and encourage high school upperclassmen to follow Jesus and lead others for the glory of His kingdom.
Program Overview
LAUNCH is an 18-month leadership program designed to prepare high school upperclassmen to be lifelong disciples of Jesus and emerging Christian leaders wherever God calls them after graduation. The program is cohort-based and leverages curriculum, mentoring, ministry experiences, and more to help students prepare for Christian life in the real world. Participants will take part in weekly readings and homework assignments, monthly seminars, service projects, special events, retreats, and trips throughout the duration of the program!
Core Objectives & Elements of Discipleship
- Worship and service: know how to engage the local and global church beyond The Austin Stone
- Called to more: embrace being one who is “sent” by The Austin Stone
- Equipped: have a firm theological and practical foundation for the next stage of life
- Community: experience a vibrant Christian group
- Leadership development: practice and experience exercising Christian leadership
Program Details & Expectations
The program will kick off in January 2023 and end with an international mission trip in the summer of 2024. We plan to gather regularly on the fourth Sunday of the month from 1-4pm where students will either work together through our course materials, hear from a keynote speaker on a particular subject, or participate in various activities to help foster a deeper assurance and faith in who God is and how to respond to the conflicting worldviews and hard questions they will encounter as they launch into the world after graduation. Some months will also include special trips or service projects where students will work to cultivate a missionary and service mindset through unique experiences and teaching from various ministry leaders and partners of our church.
Curriculum
The core curriculum for this program will be The Austin Stone Instititue’s Foundations of Faith: Cultivating the Christian Life Through Study and Practice. This book helps prepare students for the adventurously expectant Christian life. Spanning 10 sessions, this rich resource connects us with foundational truths about who God is and who we are in Him. Along the way we’ll hear from various speakers on topics like:
- Traditional & Cultural Apologetics
- Relationships, Sexuality & Dating
- Financial Management
- Christian Leadership
- The Gospel Centered Life
