Strong and Courageous: The Impact of SLC 2026

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

This autumn, students and teachers from Christian schools across Europe gathered for the 2026 Student Leadership Conference (SLC). Over three events, two weeks in Hungary and one in the UK, young people from 17 countries including the Netherlands, Romania, Germany, the UK, Finland, Spain, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Ecuador worshipped together, studied God's Word, attended practical leadership workshops and met in small discussion groups led by their peers.

The theme, "Strong and Courageous," came from God's charge to Joshua as he stepped into leadership. Across all three events, students heard that true courage does not come from being the most confident or talented person in the room. It comes from knowing that God is with us.

Afterward, many of these students and their chaperones shared what the week meant to them. Here is some of what they said.

What students took home

Again and again, students described a deeper and simpler dependence on God. Many said they are praying more and want to take the Bible seriously. One student summed up the week beautifully:

"Less of me, more of God."

Others found freedom in realizing that faith is not about performance:

"It made me realize I don't need to make my time with God complicated. I just have to listen."

"It helped me to grow in faith and trust God through hard times without relying on my own personal strength."

Students also came away with a new picture of what it means to lead. Rather than seeing leadership as a title or a personality type, many said it starts with their own walk with God and shows itself in listening and serving others:

"I learned that I first have to lead myself before I lead others, and that I should keep on leading even if someone is against me."

"As a leader, you don't necessarily need to lead, but also to listen."

"I can be strong and courageous because God is with me. I can lead others to Christ, not because I am strong and capable, but because God is."

These are not just good intentions. Students are returning to their schools with action plans to start prayer groups, lead devotions, take on leadership in school small groups and help younger children learn to worship. One student put it this way:

"It has given me new ideas and perspectives to help me improve our school for the better and to help train the next generations to serve God."

A glimpse of the worldwide church

For many students, the most powerful part of SLC was simply being with Christians their own age from other countries and cultures. In daily discussion groups, students from different schools and cultures shared honestly, prayed for one another and, often, prayed in their own languages. Groups that started out shy became the highlight of the week:

"At first it was awkward, but by the end it was a highlight, and I grew to love all of the members of my discussion group."

"I have made such good friends in my group. It was a great bonding experience and helped me get to know a lot of people at SLC."

One student's school trip was nearly cancelled. The students prayed when it seemed impossible, arrived safely, and wrote afterward about the many friends they made from different countries, and about growing stronger in faith together. Another simply wrote:

"It was the best week of my life."

Teachers and chaperones were encouraged too

SLC is not only for students. Teachers and chaperones attended their own sessions on understanding the needs behind student behaviour, restoring relationships, and developing student leaders who are ready to impact society. Many said the week renewed their own faith and their vision for their schools:

"Seeing all those students from different countries and their serious fellowship, and experiencing the worldwide body of Christ, was deeply moving and encouraging."

"It reset my focus on God and His Word. The main sessions and conversations with other chaperones were very inspiring!"

"As a teacher, it has given me an even bigger heart for student-led projects and to better equip students for taking their leadership skills and God-given authority into the world outside of school."

Chaperones are also going home challenged to make student leadership development a year-round part of school life, and to give young people real responsibility. As one teacher wrote at the end of the week: "Thank you for everything. We will be back!"

Looking ahead: SLC 2027

All of this serves something bigger than one week. Across Europe, Christian schools are raising up young people who know God, love others and lead with humble courage, often as a small minority in their communities. SLC exists to strengthen that ministry: to encourage the students who will shape their schools, churches and nations in the years ahead, and the teachers who invest in them every day, all for the glory of God.

Next fall, ACSI Europe will host three SLC events:

• Hungary, week 1: September 22-25
• Hungary, week 2: Sep. 29 - Oct. 2
• In the UK: October 11-14

Registration opens on March 1. Places fill up, so we encourage school leaders to start planning now:

• Choose the students you want to send, and think about which of them could serve as discussion group leaders.
• Identify the teachers or staff who will travel with them as chaperones.
• Put SLC into next year's budget, and look for ways to help families with costs.
• Engage with your own SLC team or one from another school as they serve their peers and challenge them in their application of biblical leadership.

Most of all, please pray: for the students and teachers who will come, for the speakers and leaders who will serve, and for the Christian schools across Europe that SLC is here to support.

We can't wait to see what God will do next year!