The Academy is a beginning not a culmination.

Successful graduates will be eligible to join the ‘Wilberforce Community’, allowing them to keep in touch with one another and with mentors through regular reunions and through social networking technology.

They will also be able to apply for a limited number of internships, providing the opportunity to work alongside experienced Christians in different areas of public life.

PREVIOUS | NEXT

Janine Nicholas
Wilberforce Academy 2011

Janine is in her final year of law at Cambridge University.

Attending the Wilberforce Academy was, quite simply, life-changing. Every day I experienced the presence of God in passionate worship, heard the uncompromised truth delivered by leading Christian professionals from all areas of public life, and was encouraged and uplifted through fellowship with the other delegates. The leaders invest a great deal of time and resources into the Academy and seek to equip every person who attends with the tools to become leaders and nation changers.

Personally, that week was an excellent opportunity to focus on God’s plan and purpose for my life. Something within me was deeply moved and broken by the challenges facing our society today and the imperative need for us as Christians to stand up and be counted in the public square. I came away with a desire to be sold out for God and to go forth and impact society with God’s biblical truth and the reality of His love.

PREVIOUS | NEXT

Aaron Morris
Wilberforce Academy 2011

Aaron is currently studying maths at Durham University.

The Wilberforce Academy marked a pivotal moment in my life; a week in which came an earnest cry to see God use me for his glory in the public square. A like-minded fellowship instigated a huge source of genuine faith to believe that what appears spiritually void in the influential spheres of this nation, can yet be revived. The intense routine developed a great deal of discipline, the world class speakers, powerful doctrinal development and the daily prayer, a huge focus on Christ.

Beyond Wilberforce, the opportunities have been overwhelming. From interviewing on the BBC to engaging with MPs and lawyers, the fruit of my experience has been remarkable. I unashamedly endorse the Wilberforce Academy as an opportunity to lay all you are at the feet of Christ and see him raise you up to truly do wonders in the nations. Wilberforce provides both this point of surrender and release.

PREVIOUS | NEXT

Tania Soris
Wilberforce Academy 2011

Tania graduated from University in 2011 and is
looking to begin a Masters in America in 2012.

Looking back, I can truly say that the Wilberforce Academy has been the turning point of my life. Although it was only a five-day conference, the impact it had on me and the network of Christian friends I have made will last a lifetime. The lectures and speakers were outstanding because they make you leave the Academy with a paradigm shift on your worldview. You feel empowered to want to become a leader and better Christian to serve your country and impact the lives of those around you.

The blessings that have followed since the conference are tangible this includes being selected to be a part of the renowned Blackstone Legal Fellowship for Christian lawyers in America. Having completed Blackstone I am not working at the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative and I also secured the opportunity to take part in a debate at the House of Lords. I would recommend anyone with a heart to serving and furthering Gods kingdom to apply for the Wilberforce Academy and get ready to begin a journey that will transform their life.

PREVIOUS | NEXT

Annabel Wilkinson
Wilberforce Academy 2010

Annabel is training to become a barrister.

The Wilberforce Academy really was a defining week for my faith. Just finishing my undergraduate degree and about to commence a Graduate Diploma in Law, God is using this time to talk to me about callings. For the past four years I have sensed God calling me to the legal profession and during the Wilberforce Academy I was humbled to realise that although we may feel like David facing Goliath, given the right weapons, we may step boldly up to the task ahead.

I left the Academy wanting my life to speak undeniably of Him and in all situations have the confidence to declare "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. Be it unto me according to your word." The Wilberforce Academy has increased my hunger to see God’s Kingdom realized in the UK and worldwide. It has equipped me to confidently proclaim the reasons for my faith as I prepare for a career at the Bar.

Listen to Annabel being interviewed by Christians Together in the Highlands and Islands.

PREVIOUS | NEXT

Andy Moore
Wilberforce Academy 2010

Andy is training at a large
accountancy firm.

For me, attending the inaugural Wilberforce Academy in 2010 was both a privilege and turning point. A privilege because I received teaching of the finest order, delivered with inspirational eloquence from some of the world’s leading Christian professionals; a turning point because the Academy has moved something very deep in my heart, which I can never forget, in response to the utter brokenness we observe in British society. I have discerned my call as a Christian to fear God, not man; to act with courage in the public square and declare the Truth of the Gospel whatever the political climate of the day...I simply cannot escape the challenge...if not me, then who? If not now, then when?

PREVIOUS | NEXT

Dan Cashman
Wilberforce Academy 2010

Dan is studying law at Oxford University.

I think that the Wilberforce Academy should come with a health warning: it will break your heart for this country and our world. It’s so easy to remain ignorant of, or at any rate passive towards, the key issues undermining Christian values today. But once you’ve heard the facts from the professionals, academics and clergy who teach on the Academy, you won’t be able to sit back and do nothing. For me, the week was definitely a chance to focus on God’s plan for my life and to focus on how I can best serve Him in all that I do.

Every day was God-focused, framed by God-centred worship; your fellow attendees create a stronger support network than you could ever imagine; and, the organising team invest a huge amount of themselves, their time, energy and resources in you. If you want to see God’s heart for this nation, want to get closer to Him, and want to intensively learn His truth, I cannot recommend the Wilberforce Academy enough.

PREVIOUS | NEXT

Heather Bellamy
Wilberforce Academy 2010

Heather works for a large
Christian media organisation.

The Wilberforce Academy had a significant impact on me, both during the residential week and on my direction work-wise since then. The week was intense and often heartbreaking, but absolutely vital. It was of a high calibre in every way - the speakers, lectures, venue, delegates and resources. It deepened my knowledge and understanding of where our nation is at on many of the crucial issues and increased my passion and motivation to be part of change. I already had a fire burning in me for these social and justice issues in the UK and where we are at spiritually as a nation; going to the academy threw petrol on the fire. As we all know, Christians in the UK are beginning to be thrown out and trampled by men (Matt 5:13). We need resources like the Wilberforce Academy to inform and shape thinking and mentor the next generation coming through, so the salt (us) gets back into the marketplace, salty enough to preserve our country. I couldn't recommend it highly enough.

PREVIOUS | HOME