In 50 Words or Less

LTC is an annual convention designed to grow the Christian leaders of tomorrow. Kids from 3rd to 12th grade can choose from a variety of both pre-convention events (involving art, service, memorization, etc.) and live events ranging from drama and puppet shows to the prestigious trivia-style Bible Bowl.

Statement of Purpose

Leadership Training for Christ is an organization designed to stimulate and encourage spiritual, mental, and social growth among young men and women in the third through twelfth grades. Its mission is to achieve this growth by developing skills in leadership, Bible knowledge, and Christian servant hood.

Skill development in each of these areas is accomplished through participation in a variety of individual and group events that are conducted at a convention held Easter weekend each year. These events take place within the context of a wholesome and supportive environment designed for the purpose of fostering enthusiasm and high achievement among the participants.

The events are divided into grade categories and involve Christian young people from across the country. Participants compete only against themselves, and are encouraged to continually strive to be like Jesus in every activity of their life.

The organization encourages the involvement and support of parents, local church leaders, and other interested adults in the preparation leading to and during the convention. Although the convention primarily consists of achievement events, the weekend includes a worship service to reinforce the spiritual aims of the program. May God be glorified as young people learn to walk in His light through the efforts of Leadership Training for Christ.

A Brief History of LTC

In the late 1960’s, Jack Zorn began working with the young boys in his Montgomery, Alabama congregation. His goal was to develop their leadership skills. Under the name “Lads to Leaders”, the program spread to nearby churches of Christ. Eventually, registration at the convention grew to about 3,500, generating the need to expand to more locations! In 1988 it was decided to expand further, and become LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR CHRIST. From that first convention in Montgomery, Alabama, there are now conventions in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; Austin, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Kokomo, Indiana among others, and since 1997, San Jose, California.

LTC Conventions have been conducted over Easter weekends primarily because this is the only weekend throughout the year that hotels seldom, if ever, have a convention booked. This means that we can secure lodging and have access to all meeting rooms at a much lower rate than any other time of year. Keeping these costs down makes it possible for all to attend.

The aim of Leadership Training for Christ is to develop in our youth Christ-like leadership by serving others, forgetting self, and being true to God. The board sees the convention as a time and place where young people can meet and demonstrate their accomplishments and broaden their definitions of excellence. The events are the foundation necessary to sharpen the tool, the opportunity to practice leadership skills, and a challenge to raise our collective standards. Furthermore, the goal is to enrich the gifts and abilities that are God given. Our youth are challenged to compete only against their own interests and abilities as they strive for excellence. We look to mature Christian adults who will walk side by side with our youth and help them to become leaders in the Master’s church. Each person involved in Leadership Training for Christ is committed to the youth of the churches of Christ because they see and know today’s need of influencing young people in the path that God desires for all of us.

It is exciting when you realize that this movement has now grown to numerous major conventions, and that LTC is continuing to grow throughout the United States. We ask that you work hard with your youth and motivate them to excel in whatever they choose to accomplish. Demonstrate Christian leadership to them by not only training them before the convention, but also by helping them at the convention.