5 Steps of Apprenticeship
When we think of the Apostle Paul, typically we consider him as a church planter and a letter writer. Yet it’s important to understand that he was also a disciple-maker.
Paul understood full well that Jesus’ example of strategically investing in a few who then would invest in others was one that he should follow. As a result, we read how Paul was never alone in his journeys. He took with him men whom he could apprentice, among them Aristarchus, Epaphras, Gaius, John Mark, Silas, Trophimus, and Timothy.
In a letter to the latter, Paul shares how he wasn’t content in merely making disciples, but in making disciplers. Note his words: “…and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).
This verse suggests no less than four generations of disciples:
First-generation – Jesus to Paul
Second-generation – Paul to Timothy
Third-generation – Timothy to “faithful men”
Fourth-generation – “faithful men” to “others”
Paul was underscoring for Timothy (and for us) that if we want to see a true movement, it will happen through apprenticeship.
If we want to see a true movement, it will happen through apprenticeship.
This can seem so daunting. How do you actually go about doing this? Where do you start?
The Steps of Apprenticeship
A leader named Eric Metcalf is an accomplished discipler. He became that by implementing these 5 steps of apprenticeship.
1. I do. You watch. We talk.
In this first step, the discipler takes his apprentice with him and demonstrates the skill he’s trying to teach. All the apprentice does is observe. Later on, the two discuss what was observed.
2. I do. You help. We talk.
In this second step, the discipler still does the lion’s share of the work, but he gives the apprentice a chance to help in a small way. Again, on the heels of the activity, there’s a debrief. What worked? What didn’t work? What can be improved?
3. You do. I help. We talk.
In this third step, the apprentice takes the lead, but the discipler is there to offer guidance and help when it is needed. After the event, once again there’s a discussion and evaluation with an opportunity for further training.
4. You do. I watch. We talk.
Step four has the apprentice lead fully. The discussion afterward is about whether he/she is ready to launch out with their own discipling.
5. You do. Someone else watches.
This is how exponential growth occurs. The apprentice (now leader) recognizes that it’s not enough to simply lead. Rather it’s important to multiply oneself and create more leaders.
Metcalf says, “The 5 steps to apprenticeship are really that simple! If you will use them, you can develop leaders who will then be able to develop other leaders.”
I encourage you to try this. It may be in hospital visitation or post-service prayer or leading a small group. Don’t simply do the ministry. Develop apprentices who can do the ministry. And then challenge them to pass on what they’ve learned.
The Everyday Pastor Blog is brought to you by our partners.
To support Dave DeSelm Ministries by becoming a partner, CLICK HERE.