"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 2:5

"EXCELLENCE starts with ATTITUDE."
- John Carpenter, Director of Austin Christian Leadership Academy

****ACLA FALL 2010 RETREAT INFORMATION - CLICK HERE!****

A New Year with Austin Christian Leadership Academy!

We are excited about kicking off our third year of ACLA! Just before school starts, we’re headed off to Camp Eagle in Leakey, Texas for our fall retreat! There will be powerful worship and inspiring messages from HP Head Football Coach Dean Campbell and ACF Director of Missions, Steve Shaver. This retreat will include team building and bonding with other students. We’re looking forward to new community builders, a challenging curriculum, and personal growth. This year, we are focusing on the theme of "Excellence Starts with Attitude" as it relates to every facet of our daily lives. We plan to exceed expectations by stepping outside our comfort zones and reaching out to others. Being bold in Christ and steadfast in our faith, we will intentionally seek out opportunities to impact the people around us and be a witness for Him.

About Us

Austin Christian Leadership Academy (ACLA) is embarking on its third year of developing Christian leaders for the next generation! ACLA and Hyde Park Baptist School’s mission is to assist young people in the development of their leadership philosophy and skills by exposing them to Biblically-based, practical, multi-faceted, year-long programs. It is our mission to help our students live a life for Christ with a passion and a purpose. One of the ultimate acts of spiritual maturity and one of our greatest responsibilities is passing the baton of faith to another person. Austin Christian Leadership Academy is designed to impact both the individual and his or her sphere of influence while focusing on key components of Jesus’ leadership.

In essence, the school becomes a laboratory for hands-on training for leadership and discipleship. The emphasis on connecting the students to their campus, community and church is a deliberate step in going from “theory” to “practice.” Jesus spent all day, every day, for three years with his disciples. Summer camps and retreats are great, but it is in the day-to-day walk that we experience true discipleship. ACLA makes that possible. Considering most students’ schedules are full of extracurricular activities, Austin Christian Leadership Academy takes place primarily during the regularly scheduled school hours.

Therefore, the mission and purpose of Austin Christian Leadership Academy is to incorporate the Biblical definition of leadership in today’s youth culture. It is our desire to present, promote, practice and preserve these values in all areas of a student’s life.

This program is built on these major components, all of which relate to the program’s purpose and goals:

1. Leadership Courses
Leadership courses will provide the theory and skills training necessary for a strong, Biblically-based, philosophical foundation. Students will study a variety of current issues as well as analyzing the leadership styles of past and present leaders. The ultimate goal is for students to develop a biblically-based worldview and a thorough knowledge of their faith so that they are able to defend it in any situation.

2. Leadership Opportunities
These opportunities will bring Austin Christian Leadership Academy out of the classroom lecture phase and into real hands-on application including off-campus service projects, mission trips, ambassador programs, Bible studies, mentoring, chapel programs and other school-related activities. This component emphasizes the selfless quality of serving others. Our goal is to internalize the Biblical principles of  investing our time and energy into the lives of others and building strong relationships.

3. Leadership Skill Development
Specific skills training is deliberately integrated into every aspect of Austin Christian Leadership Academy. We emphasize the following components of the Biblical leadership model:

* A lifestyle of serving others
* An understanding and practice of the Biblical principle of replicating and investing yourself into the lives of others (mentoring/discipleship)
* Large and small group speaking skills
* The ability to facilitate small group discussions with an emphasis on team building and conflict management
* The ability to visualize, organize and follow through to achieve a goal

 "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 2:5