One of the many reasons I have loved being a part of SLA is because the community here is so strong and loving. The amazing people that I've met here are truly friends for life. Apart from the people, the comprehensive teaching and hands-on experience has stretched me spiritually and grown me in such a wonderful way. I love SLA!

This year has been so different to what I first expected, but in the best way. I have grown through experiencing a different culture, being away from home, my mentors, and so much more. Through all of this I have seen my character and my resilience grow and have walked away with strength that I didn't have when I first got here. I have absolutely loved learning in the lectures and through all of the experiences, and it has definitely been a defining year in my life.

SLA has been one of the most incredible opportunities that God has used in my life. Before SLA I was so timid and terrified of stepping into the calling on my life but through serving in the Young Adults department my confidence and passion for ministry has grown so much. The missions trip to Uganda completely reshaped my heart for people and my vision for what God has called me to give for His purpose. You won’t regret this amazing opportunity to be transformed by God!

Moving out of the comforts of my home and stepping into SLA was the best decision of my life so far. Not only have I grown in leadership; managing workloads and teams and big projects within the Groups and Communities department, been on a life-changing mission to Uganda and learnt theology I will treasure for life, I have grown so much in my personal walk with God, uncovering gifts I didn't know I had, falling in love with the word of God and taking my prayer life to a whole other level! If you want to grow inwardly, step into ministry, lead people in word and truth, SLA is for you!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.