SLI (Student Leadership Institute) is about leadership.  This event was created to call out student leaders in our youth ministries.  The desire of SLI is to have one or two students from a youth ministry come for a week of leadership training.  In the process, they will meet other youth from around the Southeast who are likewise making a difference in their youth ministries.  They will be challenged by teachers and inspired by speakers, and enter into powerful worship.  They will learn why being a leader is important, and how it is done.

SLI is about reward.  Students at SLI get a chance to enjoy great fun and fellowship.  They meet students like themselves who are making a difference in their culture.  Fun events are planned throughout the week, and the students have a chance to kick back and enjoy themselves in a community of like-minded student-leaders.  One of the highlights of the week is when a Christian contemporary artist comes and spends the whole day with the students.  Then, in the evening, the artist does a private concert just for the students of SLI.

SLI is about service.  One of the components of SLI is the opportunity for students to be in service to ministries throughout the city of Montgomery and surrounding communities.  Whether it is working at Adullam House (a ministry for children of prisoners), or building homes with Habitat for Humanity, students are asked to donate a portion of their time to expressing themselves in servant leadership.

SLI is about impact.  Indicative of this point is the trip to the Civil Rights Museum.  Unless someone is willing to stand up against the negative affects of culture, there will be no change in our society.  Leadership happens when people step up and stand for the right, whether it is popular or not.  Christian leaders should not be silent; with words and actions they are to express the love of Christ to the world.