The LMI Residential Fellowship Program is a 3-month intensive developed to train young men and women for wise engagement in politics and civil society from within a Christian perspective. Our residential fellowship programs each run for 3 months on our beautiful rural property just outside Canberra. Our goal in this time is to give participants a foundation in theology, history, and political philosophy as a basis for understanding the ideas that shape our public sphere.
Apply NowTransforming our society requires leaders who can see the world with a gospel shaped vision and have the skills and character to work to make this a reality.
LMI: Training Wise LeadersAre you concerned by the changing culture around you? Do you wish that you could be a part of positive change? Consider applying for LMI’s Summer residential Fellowship program. https://lmi.org.au/our-programs-residential/ We form an intimate Christian learning community by bringing together a diverse group of individuals who are united by a love for God and a desire to be effective leaders, and help hone their faith, intellect, skills, character, and knowledge. Transforming our society requires leaders who can see the world with a gospel shaped vision and have the skills and character to work to make this a reality. We train such leaders Find out more/Apply: https://lmi.org.au/our-programs-residential/
Posted by Lachlan Macquarie Institute on Tuesday, September 17, 2024
The LMI Course is designed to sharpen your thinking and equip you for cultural and political leadership. Through reading primary sources from influential theological, social, and political thinkers, and engaging in small, discussion-based seminars, you’ll develop a deep understanding of the ideas that have shaped our world.
Our curriculum begins with foundational studies in theology and intellectual history, then broadens to cover a diverse range of topics including law, economics, Australian political history, bioethics, art history, strategic thinking, and personal effectiveness. Alongside this intellectual training, you’ll gain practical skills in public speaking, debating, and writing for various audiences, as well as media presentation.
LMI blends theory and practice to ensure Fellows are well-prepared for real-world challenges. Skills training is comprehensive and includes: etiquette, public speaking, debate training and practice, chairing meetings, personal effectiveness, hosting formal dinners, cultural awareness (including a Sydney excursion).
As a Residential Fellow, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to participate in a week-long field placement in a parliamentary office, gaining firsthand experience in the workings of government.
Life at LMI is built around community, character, and growth. Each day is thoughtfully structured to blend learning and hands-on experience. Mornings begin at 7:30am with shared devotions, followed by Socratic classes from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Afternoons are dedicated to onsite work, where you’ll apply your training, working as a team to maintain and care for the homestead, and prepare for the next day’s lessons.
Evenings at LMI offer a variety of enriching activities, from formal dinners to debates, alongside time for independent study and socialising.
Nestled on a picturesque 20-acre rural property in the Yass Valley, just 25 minutes from Canberra, the Lachlan Macquarie Institute offers an ideal setting for immersive learning. Our purpose-built facility is designed to foster a communal learning environment, where Fellows can engage deeply with their studies, surrounded by the rolling hills and serene countryside that make this region so unique.
The Yass Valley is renowned for its cool-climate wines and rich history, offering a perfect blend of scenic beauty and cultural experiences. On weekends, Fellows have the opportunity to explore charming villages, delve into local history at museums and heritage sites, and admire the work of talented local artists in galleries and studios. For those who love the outdoors, the region offers bushwalking trails, cave exploring, and water sports, providing a refreshing escape into nature.
Food and wine enthusiasts will find Yass Valley to be a culinary haven, with options ranging from cozy cafes to fine dining, and world-class wineries. Whether you’re in search of adventure, cultural enrichment, or simply a peaceful retreat, the Yass Valley provides a vibrant backdrop to your journey at LMI.
Once a Bed and Breakfast, the Lachlan Macquarie Institute has thoughtfully transformed this property into a customised learning facility designed to support a vibrant community of Fellows. The accommodations include twin-share ensuite rooms, providing comfort and space for rest and reflection.
Central to the LMI experience is our lecture hall, where learning comes to life through engaging Socratic discussions around our unique round table. Fellows also have access to a well-stocked library, offering a quiet space for study and research. Meals are a communal affair, enjoyed in our formal dining room, with food prepared by the Fellows in a fully equipped commercial kitchen. To support the well-being of our Fellows, the facility also includes a basic gym, sporting equipment, and bicycles.
At the Lachlan Macquarie Institute, our teaching team is composed of distinguished professors from Australia’s top universities, elite public policy analysts, media specialists, and respected leaders from the church and business sectors. Our dinner guests frequently include former and serving parliamentarians, including past and present cabinet members, providing Fellows with unparalleled opportunities for learning and networking.
Our faculty members are deeply committed to our philosophy of Socratic learning. They provide Fellows with carefully selected readings in preparation for class and lead guided discussions that challenge participants to think critically and engage deeply with the material. These discussions are designed to help Fellows wrestle with big ideas and develop their own informed perspectives.
What truly sets our faculty apart is their belief in our vision and mission. They come to LMI not just to teach, but to invest in the next generation of leaders. Our instructors live onsite as part of the community during their time with us, fostering a holistic learning environment. At LMI, learning extends beyond the classroom—often, the most meaningful insights and connections are made during conversations around the dinner table.
At the Lachlan Macquarie Institute, we are committed to equipping Christians for cultural and political leadership. While the total cost of the course is approximately $30,000 per Fellow—covering accommodation, meals, and tuition—this amount is largely subsidized by a generous scholarship automatically awarded to each successful applicant.
As a result, Fellows are only required to contribute $6,000 towards their participation in the program. We believe this fee represents an important investment in the unique education and experience we offer.
However, we understand that financial circumstances can vary. If the cost poses a challenge for you, we encourage you to reach out to us for a conversation. We are committed to ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent you from joining our community.
17th November 2024 – 1st March 2025
23rd March 2025 – 5th July 2025
“My time on the Leadership and Civil Society residential was nothing short of life changing. From unpacking questions like what are human beings and what are they for? To what should good government look like? I was immersed in personalised teaching of the highest calibre. As a result, the effect of culture on society, particularly where it has come from, where it is going and what ideas shape it, was cleverly revealed to me. Culture influences politics, politics influences law, law governs what we can and cannot do. I have been equipped with skills and strategies to influence culture in both my professional and personal spheres for Christ’s glory. As I discovered, if you have questions, you will find answers. However, the greatest treasures I received from my time at the Lachlan Macquarie Institute were the lifelong and life changing friendships. Only God could have orchestrated such an experience.”
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