Inspired by the philosophy of our three-month Residential Fellowship, Politeia is a four-day (long weekend) immersive program designed as both a taster for the full Fellowship and a stand-alone experience for those unable to commit to the longer program. It serves as a starting point for equipping aspiring Christian leaders with the wisdom and insight needed to engage faithfully with today’s cultural and political landscape.
Grounded in biblical insight, historical analysis, and practical wisdom, this Retreat helps participants begin the process of constructing a theological and philosophical framework for understanding and responding to the world. Through Socratic-style discussions and expert faculty, delegates explore theological foundations of the human person, historical case studies of key leaders and their impact upon civilization, and the changing understanding of justice and freedom; learning to navigate cultural complexities with wisdom.
The program fosters an small discussion-driven learning environment similar to our Fellowship program, where participants engage in Socratic classes, shared devotions, communal meals, and interactive activities, cultivating both intellectual depth and Christian community.
Politeia is a Greek term that conveys the fundamental structure and governance of a state or community. It is most famously known as the title of Plato’s Republic, in which he explores the nature of justice, the ideal political order, and its relationship to the individual.
Similarly, Politeia invites participants to examine the principles that shape a just society. However, unlike Plato’s approach, this program begins with a theological foundation—exploring the nature of the human person and the conditions for a truly flourishing life. From this starting point, participants will consider the historical relationship between Church and state, as well as the evolving concepts of justice and freedom, to discern how these ideas should inform the pursuit of a just society today.
Through reflection, discussion, and engagement with Christian theology, Politeia challenges participants to think critically about political structures, citizenship, and the common good. The goal is to cultivate a vision for a well-ordered society—one shaped by Christian faith, grounded in justice, and directed toward human flourishing.
Each day will incorporate key elements of the LMI learning philosophy, including devotions, Socratic-style interactive classes, shared work through a light chores roster, communal meals, and engaging activities. Participants will be assigned a light reading load each evening, with the expectation that they come prepared to contribute to the next day’s classes.
The day will begin with communal devotions, followed by breakfast. Morning classes will cover theological foundations and historical analysis, with a morning tea break in between.
After lunch, participants will engage in basic chores, which are distributed among the group (such as washing up), before participating in an afternoon activity, such as a group walk or a visit to a local winery. Following afternoon tea, there will be a session on concepts such as Justice and Freedom, leading into free time for relaxation, reading, or socialising.
Dinner will be a communal affair, with Saturday evening featuring a formal dinner with special guest/s. Each evening will conclude with a session from a guest, with time after this session reserved for fellowship, reflection, or reading before bed.
Politeia is an exclusive program with only 15 openings. While we recognise that future leaders come from a range of backgrounds, LMI upholds an ethos of academic excellence and expects applicants to have demonstrated strong academic potential. Ordinarily, this means having completed an undergraduate degree with a good academic record. However, we also welcome applications from exceptional candidates with non-traditional academic backgrounds who can demonstrate equivalent intellectual engagement and leadership potential.
As a program designed to equip future Christian leaders, Politeia is primarily geared toward those in their early to mid-career. However, applications from those in later career stages will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Given LMI’s mission to cultivate wise Christian leadership, applicants must accept the Christian faith and affirm agreement with our statement of faith (Nicene creed – linked in the application form).
At the Lachlan Macquarie Institute (LMI), we are dedicated to equipping Christians for cultural and political leadership. In line with this mission, the majority of delegates attend the program through full or partial scholarships offered by our partner institutions. However, we also reserve a number of places for general applicants from the wider public.
If you have been awarded a scholarship through LMI or one of our partner organisations, please complete the application form on this page and enter your scholarship code in the designated field. Your application will be reviewed through our scholarship selection process, and if successful, you will be offered a place in the program.
If this program resonates with you, and you feel called to wise and faithful leadership, we encourage you to apply as a general applicant. Your application will be considered on merit alongside others. The full program cost is $450, which covers accommodation, meals, and tuition for the duration of the program.
In line with the philosophy of our Residential Fellowship, Politeia is held at the Lachlan Macquarie Institute Homestead, located on a scenic 20-acre rural property in the Yass Valley, just 25 minutes from Canberra. This purpose-built facility fosters a communal learning environment, providing a serene backdrop for immersive study and reflection.
The Yass Valley is known for its stunning landscapes, cool-climate wines, and rich history, making it the perfect setting for this transformative leadership experience.
Once a Bed and Breakfast, the Lachlan Macquarie Institute has thoughtfully transformed this property into a customised learning facility designed to support a vibrant learning community. Most applicants will be accommodated in onsite twin-share ensuite rooms, with overflow accommodation at a near-by third-party facility.
Central to the LMI experience is our lecture hall in which learning comes to life through engaging in Socratic discussions around our unique round table. Participants also have access to a well-stocked library, offering quiet spaces for study. Meals are a communal affair, enjoyed in our formal dining room, with food prepared in a fully equipped commercial kitchen. To support the well-being of participants, the facility also includes a basic gym, sporting equipment, and bicycles.
