Our graduates are making disciples all over the world in business, education, health care, families, as well as ministry and missions.
Emerging Leaders Memphis
The Why
Taking on adulthood is tough.
Don't do it alone.
Graduation is around the corner and everyone is asking you, “what’s next?” You aren’t sure what to say, but you know that there is more to life than chasing wealth and achievement. You want to glorify God with your career, finances, and relationships.
The Downline Emerging Leader program provides an environment where young leaders can grow spiritually alongside one another in a dynamic, life-giving community. It was designed for this very reason: to help young adults on a path towards gospel-centered adulthood.
Hear What Other Emerging Leaders Are Saying
The City
Memphis is a vibrant city known for its delicious barbecue, Southern hospitality, and rich cultural heritage.
More than 650,000 call Memphis their home, with over 6% born outside of the United States. The city is diverse in music, food and ethnicity, but one thing is shared by all Memphians – a heart for others. Memphis is part of the MidSouth, home to over 5,000 non-profits and has made the list as the 3rd most charitable city in the United States.
With over 2,000 churches throughout the city, it is no surprise that over 92% of residents identify themselves as Christians. However, many of those who claim Christianity as their religion may not have a relationship with Jesus or be plugged into a church.
I'm surrounded by 40 other like-minded people who are in a similar season of life as me. The people, tools and knowledge I've gained through Downline are things that I’m going to carry with me the rest of my life!
Tessa Avery-Smith, Emerging leaders Memphis, Class of 2020
I have been able to transition from college life to a full-time career, while still growing in my faith and being surrounded by deep fellowship.
David Paffenroth, Class of 2020
What to Expect
Over the course of nine months, you will:
Gather with local Christ-followers for weekly Bible & discipleship teaching from some of the best local and national Bible teachers and pastors in the country
Study approximately 70% of Scripture - starting in Genesis 1 and end in Revelation 22
Grow in a close-knit community with other Christian young professionals
Soak up biblical teaching on real-world topics such as leadership, missions, dating, marriage, faith & work, the Church, technology, addiction, race and much more!
Learn about the importance of the local church, how to identify the key pillars of a healthy church and how to be invested, committed, and meaningfully involved in a local body of believers.
Learn how to live out your faith and make discipleship a life-style as an adult in your workplace, community, church, ministry, and home.
Program Overview
Our program has six areas of focus:
Classroom
Absorb six hours of classroom training per week from local and national teachers in the areas of Old Testament, New Testament, systematic theology, disciple-making, biblical manhood and biblical womanhood. Each student has the opportunity to earn up to 30 hours of seminary credit during the year.
Church
Join one of the many incredible churches in your city and learn what it looks like to grow, serve and be discipled in the context of the local church.
Service
Invest in your city and in the lives of your neighbors through impactful volunteer work with local nonprofits, para-churches and urban ministries.
Discipleship
Experience one-on-one discipleship in the context of an authentic relationship as a mature Christ-follower walks alongside you over the course of the program, both teaching and modeling the Christian life.
Work
Grow in your professional career as you work a full-time job. The Emerging Leaders program is not a 5th year of college, but the 1st year of the rest of your life! You are living in a city, working a job and learning what it looks like invest your life into others for the sake of the Gospel.
Community
Live and grow among fellow Emerging Leaders in a supportive community of Christ-followers unlike any other, while being challenged and equipped to engage your neighbors and and coworkers with the Gospel!
Emerging LEaders Memphis Staff
We have dedicated Emerging Leaders staff committed to helping you grow in Christ!
You can also check out our list of Memphis teachers.
Graham Spell
Emerging Leaders Director
Weston Downing
Emerging Leaders Assistant Men’s Director
Leah Riner
Emerging Leaders Women’s Director
Cost & Commitment
Tuition for the Emerging Leaders Memphis program is $1,500.
An additional deposit of $250 will be used to reserve your spot in the program. We offer financial assistance to anyone interested, as we do not want financial issues to prevent program participation.
Schedule
The Memphis Institute meets from mid-August through early May.
Mondays, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Wednesdays, 5:45am – 7:45am
Thursdays, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
We occasionally have an additional class each month on a Tuesday or Friday. Information will be provided accordingly.
Location
Various locations around Memphis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Emerging Leaders program?
Emerging Leaders is a nine-month discipleship training program designed to equip and inspire young leaders to make disciples as a lifestyle for a lifetime.
What will I learn?
Over the course of the nine months, you’ll study approximately 70% of Scripture- starting in Genesis 1 and ending in Revelation 22 through the Downline Institute. In addition, you’ll soak up biblical teaching on real-world topics such as dating, marriage, conflict resolution, financial stewardship, spiritual gifts, and discovering God’s calling for your life. You will also have the opportunity to choose between three tracks to receive individualized curriculum based on particular interest or calling such as ministry in the marketplace, urban ministry and global missions.
Who should apply for the Emerging Leaders program?
Leaders in their 20s who are wholly devoted to Jesus and passionate about making disciples should apply for the Emerging Leaders program. Qualifications below:
Completion or near completion of an undergraduate degree, or equivalent experience.
A passion for making disciples.
Proven character and integrity.
Proven leadership qualities.
Agreement with Downline's Statement of Faith.
When does the Emerging Leaders program begin/end?
The Emerging Leaders Program begins in late August and ends in early May.
How many can participate in the program?
Each year, the Emerging Leader Memphis program accepts between 30-40 young adults into the program. We believe this class size promotes deep relationships within the EL class but also allows us to include a diverse group each year.
How much does the program cost?
The program tuition is $1500 for the entire year, as well as a $250 deposit to reserve your spot in the program. We offer financial assistance to anyone interested, as we do not want financial issues to prevent program participation.
Will I work during the program?
Yes, Emerging Leaders work at least 30 hours per week and are encouraged to work full-time jobs in the city. The goal is not to delay careers, but to grow professionally and take financial responsibility. Beyond simply working, the goal is to gain a healthy theology of work and understand what it looks like to advance the kingdom of God in the workplace.
Where will I live?
The Memphis program provides Emerging Leaders the opportunity to live alongside other ELs in the program. We provide furnished housing in different strategic areas of our city and offer affordable rent and payment options. Rent is around $400 per person (including utilities) and is designed to help keep the housing costs low for your year in Memphis. Our houses are furnished with the basics-- beds, dressers, tables, chairs, couches, etc.
Can Emerging Leaders receive seminary credit?
Yes. We offer seminary credit to The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. For more information on seminary credit click here.
Ready to Live a Gospel centered adulthood?
