March 20th-21st, 2026
STREETLIGHTS Studio
Chicago, Illinois

Created in Christ.

Expressing God’s Glory.

Sent with Power to Serve.

Streetlights Academy 2026 is a fresh invitation to grow deeper in your identity in Christ, activate your gifts, and expand your impact in the Kingdom.

Whether this is your first time or you’ve joined us before, God is continually at work in you, and each Academy brings new revelation, encounters, and opportunities to walk fully in your calling.

two experiences

FRIDAY NIGHT // COMMUNITY CONCERT x SATURDAY // SL ACADEMY TRAINING

friday, march 20th | 6PM

  • Where faith, art, and culture come alive through live artistic expressions that glorify God and minister the Gospel.

SatURDAY, march 21ST, 9am

  • Deepen your identity in Christ and activate your gifts.

  • Renew & grow you more deeply grounded in your identity in Christ.

  • Help identify & activate your spiritual gifts and talents.

  • Help gain clarity to see your call and circumstance as Gospel mission opportunities for Christ’s glory.

Academy Values

Local Church x Global Mission

new identity in Jesus

SACRED EXPRESSIONS

INTENTIONAL Formative COMMUNITY

PURPOSE

Partnering with local anchor-churches, we help equip followers of Christ to understand new identity in Jesus, to be activated in their spiritual gifts and creative talents to express God’s Glory, and to call a generation to serve Christ’s Gospel mission in their church & city.

SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS

  • Friday, March 20th | STREETLIGHTS Concert

    • 6:00 PM: Doors open

    • 6:30 PM: Concert starts

    Saturday, March 21st | STREETLIGHTS Academy

    9:00 AM: Doors Open: Coffee // Meet & Build

    • 9:30 AM: Welcome // Worship

    • 10:00 AM: Session 1: Word & Preaching

    • 10:35 AM: Session 2: Word & Teaching

    • 11:25 AM: Mid Morning Brunch Break

    • 12:00 PM: Session 3: Preaching & Equipping

    • 12:30 PM: Extended Workshop Sessions

    • 1:45 PM: Q & A Panel & Close Out

    • 2:30 PM: Ministry Time

    • 3:00 PM: End

  • Title: The Painted Word & Work //By Esteban Shedd

    Description: This workshop and guided discussion will focus on exploring the use of spiritual gifts and skills — the talents — connected with visuals, writing, and speaking. Using an “inside the church body & outside the church” framework, we’ll uncover how these gifts operate both in sacred spaces and in the broader world. Esteban will weave in his story and creative journey as it aligns with God’s Word, inviting attendees to reflect on the full spectrum of sacred expressions — how art, language, and life can all echo the glory of the Creator.

    Focus: Visual Art, Writing & Speaking, Entrepreneurship

  • Title: The Musical Flow-State // By Aaron Lopez

    Description: What is the true gift and essence of music? Is it deeper than what pop culture shows us through modern artists and platforms? Aaron Lopez will unpack the muse of music — like a river with many routes — carrying power, message, service, and ultimately, Glory to God through its tributaries in the church, community, and culture. While many chase the “flow state,” maybe we’ve yet to tap into God’s deeper purpose for one of His greatest gifts: music. Through stories from hip-hop scenes, band seasons, and Streetlights audio work, Aaron will explore how call, skill, and spiritual gifts can merge to serve in ways “immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.”

    Focus: Musical Art and Ministry Inside & Outside the Church, Praise & Worship

  • Title: Loving City Streets & Sacred Hearts

    Description: Discover creative, Gospel-centered ways to love and reach teenagers in the city through mentorship, art, and relevant communication.

    Focus: Urban Youth Engagement, Creative Ministry, Core Truth Practices

    Key Outcomes: Participants will gain practical strategies to engage urban youth, build authentic relationships, and implement Gospel-centered creative initiatives.

  • Title: Vision in Action: Gifts, Faith, and Fruit // Loren La Luz

    Description: Learn to align vision with spiritual gifts, organizational skills, and faithful small steps to produce exponential fruitfulness.

    Focus: Vision Alignment, Spiritual Gifts, Faithful Stewardship, Leadership Development

    Key Outcomes: Participants will connect vision to action, steward gifts effectively, and understand how faithful small steps lead to sustainable growth and impact.

”We Are— Both the Canvas and the Brush— in the Hands of the ALMIGHTY Creator & Redeemer God. “

SUPPORT

Future Training and mobilization dates in other cities

We have been — and will continue — resourcing this generation with God’s Word and preaching the Gospel. At the same time, we sense a deep need to train and equip this generation alongside local urban churches to be the salt and light of Christ — both within their church communities and from their church communities into the culture.

In 2026, we plan to have multiple Academy gatherings both in Chicago and in other cities — Detroit, New York City, Atlanta, and San Juan.

Interested in supporting these events in other cities to help mobilize a generation passionate about evangelism and making disciples?

Your support helps us host more gatherings that mobilize a generation committed to evangelism and disciple-making.

Your gift fuels the creation of Streetlights' creative resources and Gospel outreach.