A school of ministry at Elevate Life Church, in partnership with Southeastern University.
Elevate Life Academy at Elevate Life Church is a one-year leadership program in Frisco, Texas, designed to develop leaders through hands-on ministry, mentorship, and real-world experience. In partnership with Southeastern University (SEU), students will receive an accredited, Christ-centered education while being trained by the leadership at Elevate Life Church.
This program is built for those who want more than a classroom. It combines spiritual growth, leadership development, and practical ministry training to prepare students to lead with confidence in the church, in business, and in culture.
At its core, The Academy is A place where people are shaped, not just educated.
2026-2027 School Year
Applications are now open!
Fall Semester: August 10 – December 11th 2026
Winter Semester: Februrary 8th – May 28th 2027
Each student will need to apply to The Academy & SEU in order to attend the internship at ELC. The deadline to apply is July 17th, 2026.
Your Next Steps
Send Your Application
You will need to apply through SEU, as well as complete our application to Elevate Life Academy.
Choose Your Ministry Focus
Once you apply and are accepted, you will be placed in a ministry focus based on your preference and skill set.
Continue To Grow
Throughout a 12-month process, you will be trained by ELA & also do school online with SEU. There are two semesters within a year and they are 16-weeks long.
EXAMPLE SCHEDULE
ABOUT ELA
Why Elevate Life Academy Is Different
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- Real Leadership Experience
Students don’t just learn leadership, they live it. From weekend services to ministry teams, they are actively developed in real-time environments. - Accredited Education with Purpose
Through SEU, students can earn college credits or pursue a degree while staying committed to their local church. - Spiritual Formation + Practical Training
The program focuses on developing the whole person: spiritually, relationally, and professionally. - Mentorship & Leadership Development
Students are guided by experienced leaders and receive personal mentorship alongside structured leadership training.
What the Academy Meant in Ancient Times:
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The original academy wasn’t just a school; it was a community of thinkers committed to pursuing truth.
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- Dialogue over lectures – Learning happened through questioning, debate, and conversation
- Formation, not just information – The goal was shaping the mind, character, and worldview
- Philosophy as a way of life – Not just ideas, but how to live, lead, and think rightly
- Pursuit of truth – Exploring justice, virtue, leadership, and the nature of reality.
We believe growth happens when you’re actually doing the work. As a student at ELA, you won’t just observe, you’ll be involved. You’ll step into real responsibility, serve on real teams, and start to see how God can use what’s in you to impact others.
Creative & Production
Help bring the message to life. From visuals to video to service production, you’ll work behind the scenes and up front to create clear, effective, and meaningful experiences.
Next Steps
Be part of helping people take next steps. You’ll assist in environments where people are growing in their faith, building relationships, and being developed into who God has called them to be.
Events & Retail
Help create environments people want to be in. From the café and bookstore to events, you’ll take on real responsibility, support teams, and learn how details and consistency shape people’s experience.
Youth Ministry
Be part of developing students in a critical season of their lives. You’ll build relationships, help lead services and groups, and play a role in guiding them toward truth and purpose.
Kids Ministry
Learn how to lead and communicate in a way that reaches the next generation. You’ll help create environments where kids feel known, have fun, and begin to understand who God is.
Worship
Grow in both skill and heart. Worship interns are part of building moments that help people connect with God, while developing in excellence, consistency, and team culture.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PASTORS
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If you’re considering Elevate Leadership Academy, we want you to understand what you’re stepping into. This program was started to create an environment focused on who you’re becoming, not just what you’re learning.
In partnership with Southeastern University, you’ll receive a great education, but just as important, through Elevate Life, you’ll be developed as a leader. What makes this different is the environment. You’re being challenged, mentored, and given real responsibility.
You will get the opportunity to be around people who care about your growth and want to see you step into what God has for your life. We believe that being a leader is all about who God has uniquely built you to be, which happens through your personal discipline, maturity, and the decisions you make.
The Academy is designed to help you build that kind of foundation. If you’re serious about the future God has for you and are willing to grow, this step can help you step into who God has called you to be.
Pastors Keith & Sheila Craft
ETHAN HONEYCUTT
Site Director
Ethan Honeycutt brings a strong foundation in leadership, shaped by hands-on ministry and internship experience in Texas. Having walked through the development process himself, he understands what it takes to grow in discipline, responsibility, and spiritual leadership.
His experience equips him to guide students not just in theory but in real-life application, helping them navigate challenges, build consistency, and step confidently into leadership roles. Ethan’s strength lies in developing people relationally, offering both encouragement and honest accountability as students grow into who they’re called to be.
ELI ALUMNI
Graduates of Elevate Leadership Institute
Students at Elevate Life Academy are mentored by alumni who have already walked this path and are now leading in real environments. This gives students direct access to wisdom, accountability, and real-world perspective.
We intentionally match mentors and students based on relational and topical alignment to ensure the connection is meaningful and effective—accelerating growth, leadership development, and personal clarity.
Our HISTORY
From 2010 to 2023, Elevate Leadership Institute invested in over 100 students, shaping lives, strengthening leaders, and helping define calling and direction. That legacy is just the beginning. Here’s a look at where we’ve been and where we’re headed as The Academy at Elevate Life launches Fall 2026.
What is Elevate Leadership Academy?
Elevate Leadership Academy is a leadership development program designed to develop students spiritually, personally, and professionally. Each person is able to receive a fully accredited college education through SEU, while being immersed in real-world leadership, ministry, and life development.
Do you have to attend SEU to be in The Academy??
Yes, The Academy is only available to those enrolled in college through SEU. You must apply to both Elevate Life and SEU to be eligible to attend.Â
Who is Southeastern University (SEU)?
Southeastern University is a fully accredited private university based in Lakeland, Florida. Through this partnership, students at The Academy earn an accredited degree while being trained on-site at Elevate Life Church.
Is this an accredited college program?
Yes. All degrees are fully accredited through Southeastern University (SEU). Students receive the same recognized education as any SEU student nationwide.
What kind of degrees can I earn?
Students can pursue a variety of degree programs through SEU, including:
- Associate of Art
- Associate of Ministerial Leadership
- Bachelor of Science in Ministerial Leadership
- And other select degree tracks
(Available programs may vary based on enrollment and demand.)
How does the partnership with SEU work?
Students are enrolled through Southeastern University but attend classes and ministry and leadership training at Elevate Life Church. This allows students to receive a college education while gaining hands-on experience in leadership, ministry, and organizational environments. Students will receive college credit for the classes and learning environments at ELC.Â
The Academy at Elevate Life is a location-based instructional site in partnership with Southeastern University (SEU). Students are enrolled through SEU and receive an accredited degree while being developed on-site at Elevate Life.
What makes ELA different from a traditional college?
Elevate Leadership Academy combines:
Accredited education
Real-world leadership experience
Spiritual development
Mentorship and community
You won’t just learn information, you’ll be able to apply it in real time.
Will I have opportunities to gain experience?
Yes. Students are actively involved in teams, projects, and leadership environments within Elevate Life Church. The goal is to build practical skills, not just classroom knowledge.
Is housing provided?
Students are responsible for securing their own housing
What are the age requirements?
The Academy is designed primarily for students ages 18–25. Students must have: A high school diploma or equivalent.
The readiness to commit to a full-time college and leadership development environment.
*Applicants outside this age range may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Former Intern Info
If you were a previous student at ELI, you can still contact us or get your transcripts Here.
8500 Teel Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75034
