2025 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

What is SLA?


SLA is a fully immersive nine month experience which involves practical hands on ministry, basic theology training and a once in a lifetime opportunity to take part in the annual SLA international missions trip.

  • Local Outreach & Global Missions

    A highlight of the SLA year is the international missions trip! As a church, one of our values is to be outward focussed, we are passionate and intentional about impacting the world around us - and that includes giving and investing into our global missions partners.

  • Hands-on Ministry Experience

    Throughout the week, you will be placed in a department of Church where you will serve, learn, and be developed through training and Mentorship.

  • Accredited Theology Course

    Alongside gaining practical ministry experience and leadership skills, you will also complete a course in Applied Theology through Moorlands College. This is a Level 3 Customised Qualification accredited by NCFE, designed especially for ministry-based gap year programmes.


    What You’ll Gain:

    - A strong foundation in biblical theology

    - Tools to reflect theologically on your ministry practice

    - Development in communication, leadership, and critical thinking

    - A Certificate of Achievement from NCFE (Full or Partial depending on assessment outcomes)


International Applications Open

Local Applications Open May 11th 2025

A defining moment

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A defining moment –

Let’s talk specifics

  • Moorlands College Applied Theology Course

    Alongside practical serving, students take part in an accredited course in Applied Theology, delivered in partnership with Moorlands College (NCFE Level 3 Customised Qualification).

    You’ll receive training in biblical theology, develop reflective ministry skills, and grow in your communication and leadership.

    Modules include:

    1. Introduction to Applied Theology – Explore what theology means and how it shapes our day-to-day lives.

    2. Biblical Overview – Journey through the full story of Scripture and how it informs our worldview.

    3. Mission and Ministry – Discover how theology translates into effective ministry in today’s culture.

    4. Elective Track (choose one): Working with Young People, Worship, or Working with

    Children – Tailor your learning to an area of passion and calling.

    5. Personal & Professional Development – Strengthen your leadership character and spiritual habits.

    Assessment:

    Each module includes a mix of essays, creative projects, practical reflections, and presentations. Assignments are spread across the year and are supported with study days and tutor guidance. You must complete 30+ hours of ministry placement and attend 80% of lectures to pass.

  • Students are placed in a department where they’ll grow in practical ministry, leadership, and team dynamics. Each department offers onboarding and training tailored to that area.

    Departments include:

    - Youth – Help lead Friday night youth, small groups, and Sunday services for young people.

    - Kids – Disciple, train, and equip children aged 0–11 through creative teaching and ministry.

    - Young Adults – Get involved in discipling 18–30s through midweek gatherings, events, and student mission on the university campus.

    - Worship – Assist the worship team in administrating worship services and building team culture.

    - Production – Assist with sound, lighting, and media for live events.

    - Communications – Contribute to social media, design, and storytelling.

    - SOUL Foundation & Outreach – Get hands-on with local community projects.

    - Events – Help plan and execute Sunday and seasonal events.

    - Admin – Support behind-the-scenes planning and communication for church operations.

    Students serve approximately 10–12 hours per week in their department, including Sundays.

  • A core highlight of the year is our international missions trip. Students visit one of SOUL Church’s global partners to serve, learn, and grow.

    Past destinations have included South Africa and Uganda. Wherever we go, students step into cross-cultural ministry and return transformed.

    You’ll learn to:

    - Step out of your comfort zone

    - Serve the global church

    - Grow in compassion and understanding

    - Partner with world-changing organisations

    All trip expenses (flights, food, and accommodation) are included in tuition.

  • The tuition cost for the 2025–2026 academic year is £1,750. This can be paid in one bulk sum, or it can be divided up monthly

    This includes:

    - All lectures and course materials

    - NCFE-accredited Moorlands theology course

    - Access to the Moorlands College VLE

    - One-on-one mentoring and leadership development

    - Local outreach and ministry placements

    - Global Missions Trip (flights, food, and accommodation)

    Payment plans and sponsorship support are available.

    Please contact sla@soulchurch.com if you have questions or would like to discuss financial options.


  • SLA will begin on 23 September 2025 and run through to the end of July 2026, with holiday breaks following Christmas and Easter.

FAQs

  • Do I need A-Levels?

    • No, applicants are assessed on maturity and suitability.

    Can I work part-time?

    • Yes you can ! SLA is 4 days a week including Sundays, giving you the time to work if you need to. 

    Is accommodation included?

    • No, but international students may be placed in host homes.

    Is this course accredited?

    • Yes, by NCFE via Moorlands College.

    • Please be aware the NCFE Course does not carry credits or UCAS Points


  • Is the trip included in tuition?

    • Yes! Your travel, accommodation, and meals are covered.

    Do I need a passport?

    • Yes. Make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months past the trip.

    Can I get help with fundraising?

    • Yes, we’ll provide resources and support. Sponsors can contribute directly.

    Are vaccinations required?

    • This will depend on the destination. If you do need any vaccinations, you will be advised well in advance.


  • SLA is Open to applicants from Norwich, the UK & abroad! We’ve loved being able to welcome in people from various nationalities and walks of life over the years. If you are from outside the UK and considering applying, please reach out to us so we can best assist you.

  • We have no dedicated student accommodation.

    For International Students we can offer Host-Homes dependent on availability.

    Please reach out to us for more Info

  • Visa Sponsorships are available to successful International Applicants, who meet the visa eligibility requirements.

    *Please note, Limited Amount of Visa Sponsorships Available

    For more information on what Visa we offer See Charity Worker Visa

  • SLA is a 4 day a week programme (including Sundays)

    Your week includes a rhythm of lectures, study time, and ministry placement. No week looks the same — but you’ll find a healthy balance of stretching and growing.

    - Lecture Days – Theology teaching in person at SOUL Church

    - Ministry Placement – Serving in a key department of the church

    - Study Days – Space for assignments and personal development

    - Mentoring – One-on-one time with a leader invested in your growth

  • You will be awarded with an NCFE accredited certificate of achievement on completion of the Course.

    Supported, Marked & assessed by Moorlands College.

  • The SLA program is aimed primarily at Young Adults between the ages of 18-25.

    Unfortunately the program is not open to U/18s

  • SLA is not available online or in the evenings as the program is a part-time, midweek experience involving hands-on ministry experience and classroom style teachings.

  • Based off of your Interests, Skills, Gifting & Calling as well as Department Availability we will make sure you are placed in the perfect serving area midweek

Student Testimonials

  • Matthew - Scotland

    Moving from Scotland to Norwich, I had no idea what I was stepping into — but SLA has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s a place to grow, lead, and discover your purpose in God. If you’re ready to be stretched and equipped for the future, this is for you.

  • Nelma - UK

    Before SLA, I carried so much fear about the future. Through this course, I’ve grown in confidence, deepened my faith, made lifelong friends, and even witnessed miracles in my own life. It’s been life-changing.

  • Keane - UK

    Serving in the Youth Department this year has been an incredible experience. I didn’t grow up in a Christian environment, so this year has been foundational for me ,both in my faith and in learning how to lead and serve others.The missions trip was another massive highlight. I was deeply impacted by what we were part of in Uganda. Just take a step of faith.

  • Mia - UK

    Taking the step to join SLA was the best risk I've ever taken! Being able to educate young people and provide them with a safe, fun, and loving environment is an incredible blessing. It allows me to help build a strong foundation of faith that they can carry with them throughout their lives, empowering them to change the world! This year has gifted me a community I had only ever dreamed of. It has challenged me to become a much better version of myself, deepened my understanding of my faith beyond my expectations, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

  • Vuyi - South Africa

    This year has been the experience of a lifetime. Being away from family has matured me and taught me independence. The love & care of my SOUL Chuch family has been a big highlight. Over the course of the year ive found my calling in Worship Ministry through the coaching.and enouragement of my leaders aswell as the impact of the Engaging with applied Theology course. If u want to discover your calling, SLA is for you!

  • Daniela - USA

    Moving to a new country is scary and coming into a new church sometimes feels even scarier. But when I came to Soul for SLA I was met with love, open arms, and a welcome like I had never experienced before. Doing SLA I’ve been able to have once in a lifetime experiences, making friends, learning about God in a whole new way from incredible leaders and teachers, exploring new places in the UK, and diving deeper into the Bible and theology through the Moorlands college course. SLA will change your life!

  • Rachel - UK

    As a person with autism, life can be a struggle. Throughout this year I have been empowered to lead Soul Champions, the church's ministry for children with additional needs and disabilities this opportunity allowed me to meet incredible families and help them with their journey of faith through my own story, On our missions trip to Thembaletu a LSEN school in Cape Town, I realized God can use my differences and what I often perceive as weakness to bring God glory. To anyone considering doing SLA I encourage you to trust in God's plan even when it feels like a leap of faith.

  • Beth - UK

    SLA was a year I will never forget, it helped me solidify my purpose in Christ and also stretched me to be the leader and person I am today. I’m very thankful for SLA and the leaders that built me up and sewed into me through out the year, I grew beyond what I ever excpected and in ways in didn’t realise I would. Looking back it was challenging but such an important part of my journey with God.

  • Sam - Germany

    This year has been one of the most rewarding years of my life! I have learnt so much about my own personality, what strengths and weaknesses I have and I really love the church environment. It is truly an enormous stepping stone for my future plans with God. I would recommend it to anyone with a heart for God and the desire to grow in faith and leadership.

  • Molly - USA

    SLA has taught me how to become a better leader with the gifts God has placed inside me, while also discovering new gifts. Moving to a new country has shown me how to lead others with an open and different perspective. I have truly grown in myself and my relationship with others. I couldn’t have asked for a better year serving this new place I call home away from home!

  • Trayko - Bulgaria

    The SLA program has shaped me in numerous ways, providing many opportunities to learn from exceptional leaders and apply my existing knowledge through various leadership roles. It has helped me understand how the church operates from within and has allowed me to be a part of this remarkable movement.


  • Adam - South Africa

    My experience in the SLA has been nothing short of amazing. From deepening my faith and expanding my knowledge to ministering to underprivileged children in Uganda, this journey has been invaluable. As someone from South Africa, I was initially worried about finding my place in Norwich and at Soul Church, but this course has helped me establish my sense of belonging and forge lifelong friendships.