Students in grades 7-12 participate in Student Leadership Institute (SLi), a program which focuses on the development of Christian leadership in young adults. Each month, students participate in activities to build their spiritual well-being, confidence and social skills. Students are encouraged through Bible study, volunteer opportunities, team-building games and Leadership Camp.

At the beginning of each year, students are assigned to a team of students ranging from 7th through 12th grade. Senior students serve as group leaders, alongside a faculty member. Students experience a sense of camaraderie and create relationships that build their trust and confidence among their teammates. Older students serve as mentors to encourage the younger students in their spiritual, academic and social lives.

Teams meet often to participate in student-led Bible study, prayer and worship. Through exciting events such as an annual Lip-Sync contest, kickball tournaments, games and field trips, students are able to explore and apply those leadership skills that are being taught. The highlight of the year for most students is Leadership Camp, a three day camp at T Bar M in New Braunfels, Texas, where students experience intense spiritual and leadership training.

A component of SLi is “service”, which is the focus of several projects throughout the year. Each spring students participate in Ministry Week, a time where students go out into the community and serve others. SLi teams volunteer over 2,000 hours each year in organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Southeast Texas Foodbank, Orange Christian Services.