What to

Expect

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The Glory City Academy is a uniquely immersive
educational experience that partners strong biblical
teachings with Holy Spirit inspired encounters. Our
students are activated to hear His voice, and move in
His power. They are supported and equipped to walk
out their salvation, impacting their worlds and
creating deep lifelong friendships along the way.
Student leave having a deep intimacy with God,
understanding their God given identity and seeing
the Kingdom increase in their worlds.

Monday to Wednesday

9:30am - 4:15pm

In person

All in-person classes are held at Glory City Church in Brisbane Australia. For the remainder of the week, students could pursue employment opportunities or alternatively enjoy the beautiful Brisbane and Southeast Queensland lifestyle. 

Online courses

All online classes are streamed live and on demand anywhere in the world. These classes can be taken individually, or alternatively together with some other friends, homegroups or wider church ministries.

Academic Learning

Academic learning forms an important part of the Academy experience. Forming the majority of the weekly schedule, students will engage in interactive classes taught by world class teaches. These classes touch on a variety of subjects and seek to partner strong biblical teaching inspired by the Holy Spirit. Through these classes students are empowered intellectually and practically, understanding what they believe and why they believe it, strengthening their faith and drawing them closer in relationship to the Father. Classes subject to change but currently are:

1st year

Our weekly worship sessions foster the growth of an intimate and personal connection with the Holy Spirit through the act of worship. Students cultivate an appreciation for God’s presence through moments of encounter, prayer, worship and communion. Through regular participation students establish worship as a cornerstone in their lives, nurturing a strong foundation for their spiritual walk.

A space where guests of the Academy are given the opportunity to share and minister to the student body as a whole. Through these invited guests, students receive teaching and ministry from individuals with vast experience, adding dynamically to their spiritual growth and development.

Connection groups for an inclusive setting for students to develop and nurture healthy relationships with one another. These small groups establish the initial support and care structure for students as they journey through their time at the Glory City Academy. Managed and guided by students, these groups serve as a precious space for the application of relational, pastoral and leadership skills, contributing to student growth and development.

This fundamental theological unit establishes a strong foundation for the spiritual and personal growth of our students. Through the examination of scripture, students strengthen their faith through their deepened understanding of key theological concepts such as the atonement, Christ’s death and resurrection, righteousness, healing, the supernatural and much more.
Developing on the skills and knowledge learnt in Transformational Leadership students now pursue knowledge in developing good leadership that will serve them in their life in ministry, as well as in their place of influence. Students explore the foundations of leadership building practical skills that will serve them well in the modern day context.
Foundations of Prayer and Intercession seeks to develop and deepen the intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit through the practice and discipline of prayer. It seeks to establish the practice and discipline of prayer corporately, and individually, as a basis for transformation in the lives of the students.

Through the examination of the Old and New Testaments, students are equipped with tools and strategies to read and interpret the scriptures in a relevant manner. Taken across the whole year, this course creates lifelong students of the word who are competent in understanding the scriptures and applying its lessons to their lives, in partnership with the Holy Spirit. Students emerge as ones who understand the integrity, authority and power of the bible, equipped with sound and repeatable strategies for scriptural interpretation.

Kingdom Worldview shapes and encourages students’ beliefs around the concepts of revival, and the outpouring of the Spirit of God on the earth. This subject addresses the biblical authority and how this impacts our worldview, the increasing Kingdom, the centrality of the church to God’s plan for the world, as well as signs, wonders and miracles and healing.

In this unit students engage in the study of the person of the Holy Spirit and His multiple expressions, as well as the centrality of the work of the Spirit in the lives of contemporary charismatic believers. Students examine the diverse manifestations of the Spirit from a biblical perspective and partner these perspectives with practical applications.

In the “Multiply” evangelism unit, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to collaborate with the Holy Spirit and harness their individual spiritual gifts, enabling them to proficiently convey the Gospel of Jesus to diverse audiences, be it family, friends, or strangers. These skills are refined and put into practice through weekly outreach into the local community through our multiply activations unit.

Further to our Multiply unity, Community Impact imparts practical sklls to actively influence the local community be it in a spiritually or socially responsible way. The subject imparts theoretical lessons, paired with practical activations and partnerships with various community organisations or student led initiatives. Students learn to serve the community out of love for humanity and to be a simple blessing upon the earth.

Life with the Spirit establishes a value for the Spirit and the Presence of God in the lives of the students. Life with the Spirit is a practical unit where students learn to navigate the Anointing, and differentiate the voice of the Father from with their internal voice. This produces students who value the Presence of the Lord and develop a deep life with the Spirit.

This unit is an insightful and practical look in to the writings contained within the book of Hebrews. Through their recent learnings students put into practice the biblical studies principals they have been equipped with in the intention of strengthening their interpretations skills through practical application and at the same time reinforcing the foundations of their theology. Hebrews is a hugely beneficial subject that equips students with the tool and passion for a lifetime of fruitful scriptural interpretation.

Practical Ministry Training is a subject that equips students with the basic skills and knowledge needed to function in ministry. This includes training in skills such as, praying for the sick, ministering deliverance, having healthy pastoral conversations, baptisms, responding to altar calls and new salvations. This subject also covers practical skills such as leading and guiding a home group, using a microphone and basic use of a sound system. Furthermore students participate in the work of the ministry in an area of their choosing, resulting in hands-on, practical experience.

Building on Semester 1, students will study the work and movement of the Holy Spirit expressed through the gift of prophecy. The will learn how the prophetic operates and its roll in the earth today. Students will participate in activations that will increase their confidence and ability in hearing the voice of God as they grow as a prophetic community.

Developing on the skills and knowledge learnt in Transformational Leadership students now pursue knowledge in developing good leadership that will serve them in their life in ministry, as well as in their place of influence. Students explore the foundations of leadership building practical skills that will serve them well in the modern day context.

This unit up skills the Student in all aspects of communications, particularly those needed for work within the ministry and pastoral environments. Students are taught to become more aware of how they present themselves and, most importantly, how to interact with the people around them. Students will learn that the mechanics of fruitful communication greatly changes how they view the world and relationships. They also will gain a well-rounded knowledge of communication skills to effectively steer the Church and others toward God’s purpose, design, and mission both personally and publically.

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2nd year

Our weekly worship sessions foster the growth of an intimate and personal connection with the Holy Spirit through the act of worship. Students cultivate an appreciation for God’s presence through moments of encounter, prayer, worship and communion. Through regular participation students establish worship as a cornerstone in their lives, nurturing a strong foundation for their spiritual walk.

A space where guests of the Academy are given the opportunity to share and minister to the student body as a whole. Through these invited guests, students receive teaching and ministry from individuals with vast experience, adding dynamically to their spiritual growth and development.

Connection groups for an inclusive setting for students to develop and nurture healthy relationships with one another. These small groups establish the initial support and care structure for students as they journey through their time at the Glory City Academy. Managed and guided by students, these groups serve as a precious space for the application of relational, pastoral and leadership skills, contributing to student growth and development.

Ministry Establishment and Governance covers the practical aspects of ministry and business establishment. This course provides an introduction to the complexities of starting a ministry or business, and positioning it well for success. This course runs parellel with the Ministry Project subject where students identify an area of interest and begin to practically see this dream or vision come to life.

Revival History is an inspiring look into the history of the Church with the goal of providing students with perspective and practical lessons that will encourage them in their personal walks with the Lord.

Building on the concepts and practice learnt in the first year, Applied Prayer and Intercession seeks to further cultivate and enhance a profound connection with the Holy Spirit by immersing students in the practice and discipline of prayer. Students are equipped further with tools and strategies that will enhance their prayer lives while putting these tools into practice on a regular basis. Prayer and Intercession are further solidified as a foundation in the lives of our students.

This subject is an insightful look into the Old Testament book of Nehemiah from a leadership perspective. Using biblical principles and scriptural interpretation techniques, the students learn to engage in an experiential journey unpacking biblical leadership lessons that apply to today’s modern context.

Developing on the tools and techniques learnt in First Year at the Academy, this subject seeks to develop the public speaking skills of the students. Learning the intricacies of sermon preparation and development, and keys to successful presentation and delivery, students are equipped with the fundamental skills to confidently speak in front of a group of people.

This course provides an overview of the various care ministries for the local church and the procedures for implementing and growing these ministries. Emphasis will be on collaborative learning experiences so that students can learn ways to care effectively for church members and the community.

Multiply Activations is the practical application of the theoretical concepts learned in Multiply. This is a practical space where people actively practice evangelism, praying for the sick, and the prophetic Multiply Activations are facilitated by the 2nd year students and provide a valuable space to implement pastoral and leadership skills. Students will learn how to move with the Holy Spirit and flow in their gifting while effectively sharing the Gospel of Jesus with strangers.

Prophetic Practice focuses on the maturation of the prophetic gift within each student. Building on the basics of the gift of prophecy, students will outwork what they have learned in the first year stream and learn how to grow in spiritual authority as a prophetic community. Students will also dive deeper into the mysteries of the Spirit and further discover how the Spirit realm operates.

Leadership Development and Strategy is a course that crystallises key leadership skills and knowledge in the minds of students. The leadership techniques and skills taught in this subject build upon all the leadership principals taught thus far at the Academy.

Global Missions provides insight into the importance of missions, and more importantly having a missional outlook. Students will be educated on the concepts and techniques needed to successfully impact society and communities both locally and globally. Students will understand the Father’s heart for global missions, thus developing a missional outlook for life.

This unit is an insightful and practical look in to the writings contained within the book of Hebrews. Through their recent learnings students put into practice the biblical studies principals they have been equipped with in the intention of strengthening their interpretations skills through practical application and at the same time reinforcing the foundations of their theology. Hebrews is a hugely beneficial subject that equips students with the tool and passion for a lifetime of fruitful scriptural interpretation.

The Ministry Project stream is the practical application of lessons learned in Ministry Establishment and Governance and other leadership-based subjects. Working together, students will dream, conceptualise and begin working on the development of a ministry project. This subject will see the creation of concepts and ideas, ministries and businesses that will continue beyond life at the Academy.

The Prision Epistles (Ephesians, Philipians, Colossians and Philemon) are rich New Testament books that are dense with revelation that impact thebelievers walk of faith. Students receive an impartation through teaching these revelations and are invited into a deeper understanding of these portions of the biblical text. Students are encouraged to take what is taught and apply it to their daily lives.

In the pursuit of love, students will participate in the practice of prophecy to see the Body of Christ built up. They will learn and actively engage in the role of prophecy in the area of leadership development, ministry implementation and the equipping of the saints. They will also continue to build and function as a prophetic community growing in authority, love and powers.

How can we defend our faith in a post-modern, post-Christian world? This is what Societal Influence exists to discuss and answer. This stream engages the heart of the Gospel for answers to the criticisms and challenges that Christianity faces today.

Using techniques learned in the First Year, students engage in an experiential study of Romans Undergirded with scriptural exposition giving students a deeper understanding into the historical situation of 1st century christianity and some of the issues facing the emerging church. Studnets energy with a deeper understanding of the person of Jesus resulting in real world, personal transformation and application.

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Worship

During their time at the academy students will discover a value for God’s presence, times of encounter, prayer worship and communing with God. Our schedule seeks to make significant space for the pursuit of His Presence. We seek to build this value into our students resulting in people who will cultivate and prioritise worship for the rest of their lives.

We believe that God is more concerned with our affection rather than our activity. It is His presence that alters the course of our lives and shapes our destiny.

We welcome students with a musical background to serve the student cohort on our worship team from term two of the school year.
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Activations

The academy implements a range of activations in the gifts of the spirit, in the scriptures, in connection with each other, in prayer and much more. We encourage students to actively engage their theology and faith on a daily basis.

Students are equipped with a range of activities and practises they can cultivate in their own families, communities and leadership team in the future.
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Connection Groups

We believe that God’s heart is for deep and real connection, with Him first and then with each other. God is family! We believe that when students feel safe, seen and loved they engage in the process of growing and sharing their lives with courage and joy. At the start of the Academy year, students are placed in Connection Groups where they will remain for the rest of the year. These groups become smaller relational units within the larger body of students. These groups will meet regularly during the Academy days, sharing meals together, encouraging one another, impacting the community together and are encouraged to grow and share their journey in God as they walk through the year.
The purpose of these groups are to:
  • Create deep relational connections between students
  • Reflect on the teaching of The Academy and provide a safe space to unpack, digest and apply what is being taught.
  • Provide a space where students can be safely activated
  • Reflect on weekly group goals.
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Retreats

As a part of the course curriculum, students attend two week long retreats, one at the beginning of the year and one at the end.

At the first intensive students are provided the opportunity to develop connection with their fellow students as well as the lecturers. There are also times of worship, encounter and teaching. Its purpose is to set the foundation, begin to develop culture and posture hearts for the year ahead.

The second retreat is held at the end of the year and is a time of celebration and, reflection and commissioning. It is also a time of preparation for the next season the students will move into. Our end of year retreat is always a highlight as students reflect and share testimonies of everything God has done throughout the year.

Pastoral Culture and Support

We place high value on supporting students pastorally throughout their time at The Academy. With an incredible pastoral team, the students have access to various levels of support. From time to time we realise that students may require some support to help process circumstances in their personal lives or during their time at the Academy. During their time at the academy students have access to various levels of support, including from their connect group facilitators and our qualified pastoral team.

Furthermore we passionately believe in developing a culture where students are equipped to support and encourage one another.

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Mission Trips

An exciting part of the academy year is the mid year mission experience. These mission trips are one valuable expression of active evangelism and community impact. During their trips students form amazing bonds, spread the Gospel, actively love and get to put into practice the amazing growth and equipping there are gaining. Each year offers different opportunities both nationally and internationally. They are generally 1-2 weeks in length and range from $500-$3500 in cost. Students are responsible for all costs of mission in addition to their Academy fees.
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Guest Leader takeovers & intensives

Glory city church will often host guest ministers at their weekend services, and where possible we will have these leaders runs intensives for our students based on their particular giftings and callings. This days look like entire takeover days with guests teaching, participating in Q and A’s, ministering to students and more. These days enable students to catch what others are carrying and further empowering them in their faith.
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Intensives

Extracurricular intensives are typically held on Monday evenings throughout the year. Build primarily around the 5-fold graces, these are recommended for students but are also open to the public and church community. These nights give the students the opportunity to interact with and minister to people outside of The Academy. Although these intensives are optional we believe that students that engage with these intensives gain far more benefit from the overall course.
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Serving in the Local Church

There is a value that students of the Academy seek to actively serve in their church family and community in some capacity. During your time learning at the Academy we encourage you to serve in your local church. If you are relocating to Brisbane and making Glory City Church your home church during your time at the Academy there will be many opportunities to connect and serve in the community.
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Meet the

Team

Katherine Ruonala

Principal of the Glory City Academy, International Speaker and Author, Recognised HIM Apostle, Senior Leader of Glory City Church, Brisbane, Founder and Facilitator of the Australian Prophetic Council

Dylan Wearne

Executive Pastor of Glory City Church, Brisbane

Luchi Miranda

Glory City Academy Pastoral Care Director and Glory City Church Pastoral Care Director

Jesse Cheesman

Glory City Academy Connection Co-ordinator

Sarah Cheesman

Glory City Academy Lecturer, Recognised Prophet in the GCN and Australian Prophetic Council (APC), Host of The Happy Prophet Podcast

Tara Williams

Glory City Academy Administrative Manager

Aaron Damianopoulos

Glory City Academy Director of Worship, Glory City Church Senior Associate Pastor and Worship Pastor

James Graham

Glory City Academy Lecturer, Glory City Church Pastor and Elder

Barry Winton

Glory City Academy Lecturer, Glory City Church Pastor and Elder, Glory City Network Apostle

Brendan Bezemer

Glory City Academy Lecturer