https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtVsR9-N1hY
Destiny Leadership Academy
Creating Christ-Centred Leaders that make Impact in the Church, Community, Culture and the World
Destiny Leadership Academy is a transformative one-year, full-time program designed to shape and stretch young leaders through hands-on service in the local church. Inspired by Jesus’ example—who came not to be served, but to serve—this gap year focuses on developing disciples who lead with humility, faith, and a genuine love for people.
For over 25 years, Destiny has empowered more than 500 students to live purposeful and impactful lives. Graduates have gone on to plant churches, serve in ministry, teach, launch businesses, and lead communities across South Africa and beyond.
Destiny Leadership Academy is a year to follow Jesus with an undivided heart. With this in mind, we do not allow dating of any kind during the year, and students are asked to put any relationships outside of DLA on hold. This ensures that every student can focus fully on God, community, and the mission set before them.
Leadership Starts with Serving
Each student is placed in one of the One Life Church locations across Pietermaritzburg, which becomes their home church for the duration of the program—whether a few months or the full year. Here, they serve, learn, and grow alongside a local church team.
Throughout the year, students will:
- Serve faithfully in church gatherings and community outreach
- Participate in mission trips to places like Cape Town, Ingwavuma, Eswatini, Lesotho, and other communities across the country
- Develop skills in preaching, public speaking, and team leadership
- Engage in Kids Ministry, worship, and production teams
- Learn essential life skills such as time management, initiative, budgeting, and teamwork
- Receive biblical teaching, inspiring testimonies, and mentorship from leaders at One Life Church and partner churches worldwide
- Build lasting friendships and enjoy a year filled with fun, adventure, and meaningful spiritual growth
- Deepen their relationship with God through every season of the journey
Be Part of Something Bigger
Destiny students also play vital roles in major One Life Church events, gaining hands-on experience in large-scale ministry:
- One Conference: A dynamic youth event where around 1,000 high schoolers gather for worship and connection. Destiny students serve in every aspect to help bring this powerful event to life.
- Sparkle Ladies Conference: A two-day event for women across One Life, supported by students through hospitality, production, and ministry.
- Equip Conferences & Leadership Gatherings: Key church moments where students assist with event logistics, media, and practical support.
Raising Leaders for the Church and Beyond
At Destiny Leadership Academy, we believe every follower of Christ is called to lead—not from a platform, but from a place of service. Our mission is to uncover this calling and raise Spirit-led, servant-hearted leaders for the Church, their communities, and the world.
“We invite you to give a year to serve Jesus and His Church—and discover a life of real purpose. This journey will stretch you, grow you, and equip you for everything God has called you to.”
— Grant Crawford, One Life Church Pastor
Costs
The DLA programme is:
R1 750 pm for academics and day scholars.
R3 250 pm for boarding.
Total for both academics and Boarding is= R5 000pm for 11 months.
- A registration cost of R500 non refundable.
- Extra costs to student through the year:
- Pocket money
- Toiletries
- A once off of aprox. R600 if they go on a “Big Mission”
- A once off of R450 for a hoodie (in mid year)
CONTACT
Dave Lunderstedt
Pastor DLA oversight
dave.lund@iwebz.co.za
084 620 2589
Synjen de Kock
DLA day to day Leader
082 970 6166
Lisa de Kock
DLA day to day Leader
079 0800 300
Rita de Jesus
IC Finances DLA
rita@onelifechurch.org.za
Stuart Orwin
Oversees boys digs
084 548 4960
Lisa Carshagen
Oversees girls digs
060 562 1946