OK... so you've got a good small-group thing going on. Everyone's engaged, supportive, and growing. In fact, your group is also probably seeing some new members as a result.

If this is where you're at right now, and you currently aren't training future leaders to take on a new group or help support the load you're carrying, now's the time to consider it. It's a big growth opportunity, for both you and the person you decide to invest in. So let's talk about apprentices....

Why IS apprenticeship important?

a) First, because our teacher and leader, Jesus Christ, did it. Rather than spending all his time preaching to the masses, he poured his life into 12 disciples, then entrusted them to continue his earthly ministry. Step back for a moment, and realize that you also are a product of that original apprenticeship. Then pass it on.

b) Also, there are certain natural principles to any church or group -- ultimately, it will either give birth to new ministries, or begin focusing inward and slowly stagnating and shrinking. With apprenticeship, leaders continue to be developed and unleashed to build up God's Kingdom. The more Christians actively ministering, the more lives that will are changed.

c) Another benefit to you as leader is that you'll able to see yourself in your apprentice. By pouring yourself into someone else's life, you grow. This also is healthy. Your own experience as a leader can be "cemented" as you share time and experience with your apprentice.

d) And on the purely practical side, developing apprentices will help prevent burnout, as needs that arise in your group can be capably handled by others in your group. Your group is your extended family; sharing the load with one another is a great way to build one another up.

So, what do I look for in an apprentice?

You may have heard this before -- and try not to giggle if you haven't -- but what you're looking for are people who are FAT. Which means, they're:

Faithful -- They're on time. They keep their word. They're excited about serving God, and maintain a good attitude.

Available -- Some are faithful and committed to being used by God, yet are unable to serve right now. They may be hesitant to take on another responsibility, or simply too committed elsewhere (work, family, whatever). Saying "no" can also be healthy. (On the other hand, be wary when someone offers his or her services without considering how a new responsibility might affect his or her life -- or the lives of those around him or her.)

Teachable -- Observe: Who's staying after group and asking questions? Who's growing in his or her walk? Who's being transparent with his or her life -- including his or her shortcomings? Who's taking the group and the small-group vision seriously? Who in your group is self-feeding -- that is, taking personal responsibility for his or her own spiritual growth? And perhaps most significantly, who are other group members looking to for answers, encouragement, and affirmation? These are all telltale signs of potential apprentices.

OK... I've identified someone who I believe is apprentice material. What now?

First, ask that person to prayerfully consider being an apprentice. As you do so, also make a point of doing the following:

• Share what you've seen in that person that's encouraging you to approach him or her.

• Ask point-blank if he or she has ever considered becoming an apprentice or leading group. (A "no" answer to this doesn't mean the door's shut.)

• Walk him or her through what being an apprentice or leader would mean.

• Share your own heart for group ministry. Why is it important to you?

• Let him or her know that apprenticeship is a step towards ministry -- not a "good bye and good luck" as you toss them into the lion's den -- and that you'll be there to help him or her along the way.

• Once you've spoken, give God the chance to speak. Give him or her time to think about it. No pressure!

If someone in your group seems like the right person but obviously isn't interested, that's OK! Let him or her be passionate about his or her own ministry. A desire to shepherd others is needed in order to lead a group -- this is the passion part of the equation. But he or she may be more passionate about evangelism, feeding the hungry, worship, or some other area of ministry -- which is ultimately what you want for everyone in your group. Let them serve where God's led them, and rejoice with them as they serve.

Someone said "yes"! Now, what can I do to help him or her?

• Meet regularly. Get to know him or her. Pray together, share your lives together, and build a friendship.

• Provide opportunities. Let him or her lead prayer time. Delegate certain points in the lesson. Encourage him or her to open up his or her home - whatever plays to that person's natural abilities and the abilities you want to grow in him or her.

• Brainstorm. Set aside times with this person to discuss the pulse, direction and vision of the group. Then listen.

• Let him or her observe. Give him or her opportunities to see you in ministry outside of the weekly group setting. Watching you is key!

• Let him or her take the initiative. Allow him or her to plan an event, activity, or outing that involves the group. Make sure he or she includes the host and other group members in the planning.

• Lend the reins. Allow him or her to lead a group meeting with (or without) you there.

• Set goals. What areas does he or she want or need to grow in? Give him or her opportunities to do so. Also, help your apprentice to find others to invest in, where his or her gifts can really shine.

• Get the tools you need. Appropriate the necessary resources -- written, video, or human -- to help your apprentice develop where he or she needs to.

• Provide feedback. Congratulate your apprentice on his or her successes. Encourage and instruct him or her when things don't go perfectly. Be consistent, and commit to providing feedback regularly.

A couple more quick thoughts...

• Do you have all of the qualities for group leadership? Didn't think so. Neither will your apprentice. And that's OK. We each have our own styles and roles (teacher, hospitality-giver, administrator, servant), and so does each member of your group. A good leader or leader-in-training recognizes this and utilizes it, rather than carries everything on his or her own shoulders. God made your group unique; help your apprentice to see and appreciate this as well.

• Each group or group member is in a different place. Some groups are close to multiplying, and have at least a few mature Christians who may be ready to lead a group. Other groups are smaller, and apprenticeship isn't as immediate a concern, but it's no less important. It's an opportunity for you as leader to speak deeply the lives of others in your group, and as it becomes more a regular part of your mindset, the easier -- and more rewarding -- it becomes.

So be on the look-out for opportunities! And good luck, as you sow (and reap) the life of Jesus in those around you!