SL ACADEMY
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09.19.2026
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MASTERPIECE
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SL ACADEMY // 09.19.2026 // MASTERPIECE //
2026 Theme // Masterpiece
The 2026 content theme is MASTERPIECE [Ephesians 2:8–10], a yearlong discipleship journey exploring how God forms His people through the Gospel, shapes them by His Word, Spirit, and Church, and fills them with His Spirit so they may be sent as faithful witnesses in the world.
The MASTERPIECE journey is all about helping followers of Christ:
Understand their identity in Christ
Recognize their Spirit-given gifts
Cultivate Christlike character
Step into their calling to reflect God's glory in everyday life
Each STREETLIGHTS Academy gathering explores a different part of this journey.
NEW DATE & NEW EXPERIENCE
During the first half of 2026, we gathered in Chicago, Detroit, and New York City to explore Identity Transformation in Christ and Living for God's Glory.
This fall, we're inviting everyone to the Streetlights Studio in Chicago to continue the MASTERPIECE journey conversation with a brand-new focus: Cultivating Christlike Character. Whether you've attended Academy before or this is your first time, this experience will build on the foundation we've already laid while introducing new biblical teaching, workshops, conversations, and practical application centered on becoming faithful witnesses of the Gospel and instruments in the hands of God.
WHEN?
SatURDAY, sept 19TH || 9:30AM
WHERE?
STREETLIGHTS Studio, Chicago
SL ACADEMY PURPOSE:
Partnering with local anchor-churches, SL Academy helps equip followers of Christ to understand their new identity in Jesus and to be activated in their spiritual gifts and creative talents to express God’s Glory.
Speakers
“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.”
2 Corinthians 4:7
What Academy atendees Are Saying…
“The preaching at the beginning really shifted my perspective and mindset!! I had soooo many "Ouch, that's me " moments. The Holy Spirit dealt with me.”
— Kharon H.
“I received confirmation of my spiritual gift.”
— Shannese L.
“Tremendously encouraged.”
— Randy M.
“The Lord really met me where I am.”
— Rose L.
“Met people and reunited with people.”
— Ray V.
Schedule, WORKSHOPS & Registration
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Saturday, Sept 19th @ STREETLIGHTS Studio
9:30 AM: Doors Open: Coffee & Networking
10:00 AM: Welcome & Worship
10:30 AM: General Sessions: Word, Teaching & Preaching
12:45 PM: Formative Community: Brunch Break
1:45 PM: Extended Workshop Sessions
3:00 PM: General Session: Word & Ministry Time
3:50 PM: Closing: More Coffee & Networking
4:30 PM: Close Out
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Speaker: 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
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Speaker: 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
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Speaker: Rich Colón
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.
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Speaker: Esteban “eB” Shedd
Description: Does God care about lyrics and song? If so, how are we to write them, share them, and, just as importantly, create them? Are they for the body of Christ, for those who have yet to know Jesus as Savior, or both? Is the Holy Spirit involved? Does God have anything to do with how we articulate truth and Spirit through lyric and song?
And it begs the question: Why does God love song, and why has He placed it within us? What are His purposes for lyrics and music? How does His work move from heart to mind, from pen to paper, from tongue to ears, and from truth to worship?
Let’s dive in, learn together, and be built up as Spirit-filled, Gospel-centered writers, poets, and singers for the glory of God.
Academy Values
Local Church x Global Mission
new identity in Jesus
SACRED EXPRESSIONS
INTENTIONAL Formative COMMUNITY
Created in Christ.
Expressing God’s Glory.
Sent with Power to Serve.
FAQ
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Academy is for anyone who wants to grow in their walk with Jesus—whether you’re:
A student or young adult
A creative (music, art, media, etc.)
A ministry leader or volunteer
Someone exploring your calling
Recommended age: 16+
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Academy training is a morning-to-early-afternoon intensive with:
Community Worship Time
Biblical teaching
Interactive workshops
Real-life application
Creative ministry activation
You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of your identity in Christ and how to live on mission in your everyday life.
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We recommend bringing:
A Bible (physical or digital)
A notebook or journal
A pen
A heart ready to learn and grow
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$15 — We aim to keep Academy accessible while supporting the mission of STREETLIGHTS.
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Yes! We encourage groups to attend together — youth groups, creative teams, and friends.
Group Discounts available by contacting the SL Team — contact@streetlightsbible.com
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We’d love to help.
📩 Contact us at: contact@streetlightsbible.com
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.