When most of us think of an apprenticeship, we think of jobs like a plumber or welder. Bright-eyed young people have always looked to learn from seasoned veterans who will pass on their knowledge in fields we just can’t live without. As essential as this pipeline is in our secular world, it’s even more important in the church.
The kingdom grows as seasoned believers pour themselves into the next generation of leaders. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to see this happen in frontier regions of the world and in rural churches in the U.S. Across cultures, the process for apprenticing leaders looks essentially the same. The International Mission Board had an acronym for a simple apprenticing process: MAWL (Model-Ask/Assist-Watch-Leave).
Model
As we lead, those who are following are always watching what we do. We are modeling even when we don’t think we are. We need to model simply, in a way that doesn’t make what we do seem too unattainable. That means using simpler language, keeping tasks simple, and involving others as often as possible. That’s good leadership, but it also helps nurture fertile soil from which apprentices can arise. We are modeling for everyone. And as we model, we are praying that the Lord of the Harvest will call out His apprentices for ministry (Mt. 9:38).
Ask and Assist
As we’ve prayed for God to raise up laborers, we can expect the Holy Spirit is already at work. It’s His church and His mission after all! When apprentices step forward, it’s important to give them small tasks that they can help with. In doing so, they gain confidence. What if people don’t raise their hands, you might say? Look for signs of curiosity in those you lead as well as character. Invite those qualified who are willing to help, and assist them as you delegate small tasks and, later, larger ones. The competence and confidence of budding leaders will follow with opportunity and practice.
Watch
As your apprentices gain in competence and confidence, your presence will be less necessary but still important. As you watch them progress, they will actually be watching you also, looking for non-verbal signs of affirmation. Your verbal encouragement, too, will be important, so their confidence grows alongside their competence.
Leave
We all eventually leave, whether it’s retirement or to move to another area of ministry. When you know your apprentices have the character, conduct, competence, and confidence to be leaders on their own, it’s time to move on. It’s actually best for your group, your ministry, or your church that you move on, so the apprentice can take the next important step: gaining some more apprentices to grow the next generation of leaders!