JLA Refined & Ready

Leadership Development Journey

Refined & Ready is Journey Leadership Academy’s intentional leadership development system—a transformative path that equips students to grow in spiritual maturity, leadership capacity, and ministry responsibility. This journey moves students through **three progressive stages: **

Spark → Flame → Ember

Each stage is aligned with a student’s readiness, character, and calling. Growth is not just measured by what students can do, but by who they are becoming—spiritually, emotionally, and practically. Students are continually developed and equipped to take next steps at a healthy pace, in partnership with their Practicum Leader and the JLA Director.

As students move from refined, ready, and released, they embody JLA’s LEADER values and are equipped to lead like Jesus anywhere they are sent.

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What We Do: The Refined & Ready System

This system answers the question: What do we do?

We guide students through a leadership journey rooted in five key development outcomes:

• Know God – Cultivate spiritual rhythms and a personal relationship with Jesus.
• Find Freedom – Grow in emotional health, character, and community through care, mentorship and accountability.
• Discover Purpose – Identify God-given gifts and callings to lead like Jesus in any environment.
• Break the Cycle – Replace unhealthy patterns with healthy sustainable spiritual and leadership habits.
• Make a Difference – Step into active leadership, shaping teams, culture, and impact.

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How We Do It: The JLA Strategy

This strategy answers the question: How will we succeed?

We develop students through five core environments that support growth at every stage:

• Sunday Services – A shared spiritual environment where students receive vision, teaching, and inspiration while actively participating in Journey Church’s weekly gatherings.
• SEU Accredited College Classes – High-quality, Christ-centered education that challenges students’ intellect and faith.
• JLA Ministry Practicum – Hands-on ministry experiences that stretch students to lead in real-time contexts.
• Leadership Development – Weekly leadership training that cultivates Christlike character, communication, and influence.
• JLA Tribe – An environment that fosters belonging, value, spiritual growth, and leadership within the community.

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Refined & Ready Stage Breakdown

⭐ SPARK: Discovery of Purpose and Passion

• Who they are: New to leadership
        • Focus: Humility, personal responsibility, and servant-hearted posture
        • Relative Role: Active Team Member

Primary Goals:

• Discover purpose and passion
• Build foundational character
• Learn through observation and participation

System Progression:

• Know God – Begin cultivating a strong prayer and devotional life
• Find Freedom – Build relationships in JLA Tribe and begin mentorship
• Discover Purpose – Gain exposure to different areas of ministry
• Break the Cycle – Identify unhealthy habits and growth blockers
• Make a Difference – Serve consistently and honor existing leaders

Strategy Environments:

• Sunday Services – Serve and observe leadership and culture in action
• SEU Classes – Maintain academic standing and holistic engagement
• Practicum – Shadow leaders and contribute to team wins
• Leadership Development – Engage in classes and reflections
• JLA Tribe – Connect relationally and build foundations of self-leadership

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🔥 FLAME: Growth in Capacity and Commitment

• Who they are: Leading under supervision
• Focus: Ownership, leadership development, and team-building
• Relative Role: Team Leader

Primary Goals:

• Strengthen leadership and invest in others
• Contribute strategically to team health
• Take initiative with confidence and clarity

System Progression:

• Know God – Strengthen spiritual disciplines and deepen biblical understanding
• Find Freedom – Lead with vulnerability in mentorship and small groups
• Discover Purpose – Apply tools, talents, and lead within teams
• Break the Cycle – Replace limiting behaviors with sustainable leadership habits
• Make a Difference – Lead teams and carry the culture

Strategy Environments:

• Sunday Services – Model servant leadership and hosting excellence
• SEU Classes – Maintain academic health and apply classroom learning
• Practicum – Lead aspects of events, team moments, or volunteer trainings
• Leadership Development – Present ideas, engage in feedback, and facilitate discussion
• JLA Tribe – Set tone, build community, and lead from the front

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🔥🔥🔥 EMBER: Endurance, Legacy, and Influence

• Who they are: Leading leaders and shaping systems
• Focus: Vision, systems, culture, and sustainability
• Relative Role: Coordinator / Plus One

Primary Goals:

• Lead other leaders and multiply impact
• Create sustainable systems and healthy team culture
• Leave a legacy beyond the semester

System Progression:

• Know God – Model spiritual maturity and encourage others
• Find Freedom – Lead through vulnerability and disciple others
• Discover Purpose – Help others walk in their calling
• Break the Cycle – Serve others through challenges with wisdom and compassion
• Make a Difference – Pioneer initiatives and develop future leaders

Strategy Environments:

• Sunday Services – Oversee teams, protect culture, troubleshoot issues
• SEU Classes – Integrate learning into strategic leadership decisions
• Practicum – Help oversee departments, develop tools, or lead ministry initiatives
• Leadership Development – Teach, develop, and contribute to shaping curriculum
• JLA Tribe – Lead JLA initiatives, multiply impact, and invest in next-gen embers.

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Summary Statement

The Refined & Ready journey is more than a model—it’s a mission. It forms students into confident, Christlike leaders through a system that refines their character and a strategy that prepares them to lead wherever they go.

By progressing through Spark, Flame, and Ember, students are not only refined in heart but made ready in skill, spirit, and stewardship—so they can make a difference wherever God sends them.

This resource is designed to serve both students and staff by providing clarity, language, and alignment as we pursue leadership excellence together.