Apprentice Leaders and Passing the Baton!
March 5th, 2008Over the years I have been involved in Small Group Ministry in a number of ways. I have led groups and I have led programs. One of the on-going necessities that I have observed is the need for an apprentice (or co-leader) within each group.
We can easily see the value of a Leader who will contact his/her group each week; pray for group members; study; and lead the group discussions. However, the apprentice plays a vital role in group’s growth and multiplication. The apprentice gains experience with the leader and when the group grows large enough, he/she will lead the new group that is established from the initial group.
To provide the necessary experience, the group leader can delegate responsibilities to the apprentice. Not only does this provide important experience, it helps the leader avoid burnout. The group leader then leads the group, and also becomes a trainer for the apprentice. This follows the 2 Timothy 2:2 pattern.
If you are leading a small group, be sure you have an apprentice/co-leader. Give the apprentice opportunities to gain experience and grow. As your group grows, assist the apprentice in leading the new group. Then find a new apprentice. Keep passing the baton!
Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene
