Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 1
The speaker describes apprenticeship as “a learner… trying to gain and understand and internalize the same understanding, skill, and practice as the teacher by spending lots of time with him”; what picture of God and spiritual growth does that create, and how does it confront the modern expectation of quick transformation?
Another way to ask: If spiritual growth is like apprenticing with a teacher over a long time, what does that show us about God and how we change? How does that challenge our desire for fast, easy change?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s teaching, spiritual growth looks like slow, relational formation—God shaping a person through close, ongoing life-with-Jesus rather than quick fixes. That confronts modern “instant change” expectations by insisting that becoming like Jesus takes time, practice, and sustained closeness.
- Apprenticeship is “a learner… trying to gain and understand and internalize the same understanding, skill, and practice as the teacher by spending lots of time with him.”
- He connects discipleship to apprenticeship: learning happens by being with the teacher and absorbing their ways.
- He says Christian apprenticeship has three goals: “to be with Jesus, to be like Jesus, and to do what Jesus did.”
- He emphasizes it “does not happen overnight” but “takes dedication, community, and practice.”
- The modern equivalent of being with Jesus is “maintain that connection… with the Spirit… in every waking moment,” supported by prayer and “check[ing] in.”