Matthew 10:5-6 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.
Jesus was the greatest model for how to apprentice someone in the faith. Even more so, Jesus’ method developed disciples. Jesus’ model/method was simple: teach, model, include and release (repeat).
We see a great example of the teaching in the ‘sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7).’ In Matthew chapters 8 and 9 we see a great example of Jesus modelling. Jesus continued teaching, but demonstrated the kingdom through ministering in people’s lives (healing, raising the dead, casting out demons) with the disciples always looking on. Jesus most popular method of inclusion was simply modelling ministry to the disciples. The disciples were firsthand observers of ever act of ministry Jesus did.
In Matthew 10:5-6, Jesus releases the disciples. Jesus didn’t just release the disciples, he gave them a specific audience. Why would Jesus give such specific instructions regarding the audience? Remember, this is the first account of the disciples being released to do ministry on their own. First, we know that the Jewish people are God’s chosen people. Secondly, Jesus released them to an already receptive audience. The ‘lost sheep of Israel’ knew of a promised coming Messiah. They knew of the Old Testament prophecies.
I think this is a great principle of apprenticeship for small group leaders. Release them in environments where they have a greater chance of receptivity. Release small group apprentices within their small group. Release them amongst friends.
As a small group leader, I need to be deliberate about identifying members that would be ripe for leadership. Once I have identified those people: I need to teach them about small group leadership, I need to model small group leadership, I need to include them in small group leadership (all the time observing and providing feedback) and finally I need to release them to lead in a safe environment. So, as you release your apprentices into ministry, remember to be deliberate about the environment where they are released.
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