The Political Leadership Programme
Formerly the Political Mentoring Programme, We’re here to train and equip participants and to build the relationships that will outlast elections and careers. We believe these relationships are key to supporting Godly leaders to model a different kind of wisdom, integrity and resilience.
"I was apprehensive at our first meeting as I didn't know what to expect but it started with a bang. What stood out for me is the mix, the cultural and professional diversity of participants ranging from Students to Charity Workers to activists to GP, solicitors to Pastors, church leaders and Councillors.
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The relaxed atmosphere with Sara and Mike and the range of topics to be to covered in the course of the training and having people of like mind and passion made it more exciting. Concluding the meeting with prayer for one another was the best plus ever!!!"
The mentoring scheme is one of the most exciting aspects of our work.
Jonathan Reynolds MP
So what happens on the Programme?
The Political Leadership Programme has several key elements that combine to help our participants develop on a number of levels:
- Community, Networking and Peer Support:
The programme facilitates intentional relationship-building with other participants to support and sustain their political journeys including space for prayer, worship and Bible Study.
- Skills Training and Development:
An extensive programme including amongst other things: media, social/digital technology, theology, public speaking, political, communications and running for office/getting selected workshops.
- Personal Enrichment:
Huge opportunities for "the more you put in, the more you get out", with reading lists, book discussion, public speaking, policy debates and more.
- Unique Opportunities:
Hearing from politicians and colleagues, attending events and meeting like-minded people to share the journey with. Shadowing established politicians in their workplaces.
‘CotL Political Leadership Programme – definitely one of the most worthwhile things I’ve ever done’. I feel like there should be a sequel!"
“At a time when politics is so divisive and confusing, the Christians on the Left Mentoring Scheme gave me a lot of hope. The best thing about the scheme was meeting the other participants, who come from all walks of life but are united in faith and political convictions... More than ever, our political system needs leaders who have integrity and a vision for God's Kingdom... this programme is perfectly placed to support leaders who will go on to have a great impact in politics.”
So what happens throughout the year?
Things have changed with Covid. But face-to-face is still a vital part of building relationships, so we’re striving to maintain some quality time together, even if the quantity is reduced. We’re hoping for three gathered Saturday sessions throughout the year, with half a dozen video conferencing sessions peppered in between.
But this is just the beginning.
Throughout the scheme, there is the expectation that participants will be reading from the book list for review and discussion and that they will be communicating with each other and the scheme facilitators for support, prayer, challenge and encouragement.
We are also automatically enrolling all our participants in a new alumni programme. We hope that this will enable a continued passing on of the baton, as next year’s future candidates can meet the previous cohort and enlarge their prayer networks as well as learn from those just a step or two away from them on their political journey. These regular post-scheme alumni sessions happen every few months and have been extremely well received.
We would exhort you as fellow members of Christians on the Left:- if you do nothing else, pray for the next generation of our leaders. They are the future and we are excited to see them carry God’s spirit within them to the sometimes dark and difficult places of politics.
Entry to the programme is for Members of Christians on the Left, by application.
Applications MUST be made using the official form and by the published deadline. Further information will be sent to members via their registered email adddress in due course. To check your contact details are up to date, please click the “Members Login” link below, in the footer of the page.
Many thanks,