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1. They are being prepared for a job.

2. They are being taught the theory of the job.

3. They are being taught how to do the job.

4. One day they will be released to do the job.

5. Then they will be able to teach others both the theory and practice of the job.

They way this works is by personal tuition, modelling, practising, coaching and mentoring. That’s how Jesus taught his disciples. And that is how they taught others, together with the Holy Spirit who worked with them as Jesus’ replacement. It is still the case today.

Disciples are practical learners. One of the difficulties some of us have is not being in a position to learn from others in this kind of way. So I want to invite some of you into an apprenticeship. I think there are some in our congregations who want to learn how to do the job of disciples more effectively. Who might this be for?  Someone who wants to learn to work for Jesus better. You may not have a structured “ministry” job, or you might. But you are eager to work for him – maybe in the workplace, maybe in church, maybe in other contexts, maybe you have no idea where or how.

You may know a lot, or you may know nothing. You may be brand new to church, or you may have been part of it since you were in nappies. You may think you are too young/old/busy/sick/dumb/clever – it doesn’t matter. There are no entry requirements for disciples except that they want to learn to work for Jesus as their Lord.

Would you like to take on an apprenticeship with me that would include the five things outlined above?. There are many ways such an apprenticeship could be structured. Please speak to me if you would like to know more.

Dale

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