Generating Kingdom Momentum

A ppendix • 47

Call of Duty: Church Planter Apprenticeship

Becoming Like Your Teacher: Developing Effective Church Planting Apprenticeships , continued

God has created a system in the church whereby we can equip emerging leaders to accomplish his will under the tutelage of mature mentors and leaders. Apprenticeships are pre-defined terms of service and learning sponsored in the context of a supportive church/ministry, overseen by capable supervision which is designed to equip the apprentice in church planting among the poor. “Pre-defined terms of service and learning.” Apprenticeships should be limited to a specific term of service, with specific rules and guidelines for its length and work. We strongly suggest that you create a written contract of service that spells out precisely the bounds, privileges, and responsibilities of the apprenticeship, including its length, any remuneration offered, terms of service, and all other matters related to the apprentice’s work and duties. “. . . in the context of a supportive church/ministry.” Apprenticeships should be connected to a particular church or ministry which has formally agreed to oversee the apprentice, providing specific training and exposure to church planting among the poor. “. . . overseen by capable supervision.” Apprenticeship’s should be connected to specific mentors, supervisors, or leaders who supervise and oversee the apprentice’s training, assignments and work. Apprentices should report to these supervisors who equip, encourage, and offer regular feedback as to the apprentice’s progress or areas of growth needed to be worked on. “. . . which is designed to equip the apprentice in church planting among the poor.” Apprenticeships are targeted to equip the individual to plant a church among the poor. Apprenticeships are not “special” in the sense of creating some unique and unrelated role for the apprentice. Rather, the best apprenticeship programs are connected specifically to training the apprentice to gain expertise and exposure for the task of planting a church that the church/ministry currently embraces, supports, and enhances the goals and priorities of that church/ministry. Training interns in a wisely-supervised apprenticeship program is an effective means to multiply spiritual laborers for the harvest, and to equip servant-leaders for effective ministry in the church!