"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." 2 Timothy 2:2
Developing ‘apprentices' or ‘disciples' is the biblical way for a leader to multiply his or her ministry. If the developing of apprentices becomes the pattern of your life, you can be sure you will multiply your ministry many times over, literally fulfilling Christ's promise that we will bear much fruit (John 15:5).
It is a key principle of our cell system that we see every cell member as a potential Cell Leader. In support of this goal is another key principle, that every member should be equipped for Christian living and ministry. By faith in "the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were" (Romans 4:17), it is possible to see even brand new Christians and ‘problemed persons' as potential leaders.
Seeing this potential changes the way we deal with people – instead of writing them off as having no hope we begin to believe in what God can do with them. Every one of us develops and grows more readily when someone believes in us. Even those with severe limitations may eventually enter leadership through becoming a partner in shared leadership with another person.
"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong…" 1 Corinthians 1:26-27
Every cell group should have at least one Apprentice Cell Leader from its very beginning. Just as the Lord Jesus had a core group of 3 within his 12 disciples (see for example Mark 5:35-38), it is possible for a Cell Leader to have up to 3 Apprentices at any one time. But where will these apprentices come from? Apprentice Leaders should be raised up within the cell group. It should be every Cell Leader's goal to see each member develop and grow steadily, working through the Equipping Track and gradually taking on more responsibility for ministry tasks and roles, so that in due time they will be ready to enter into training to lead their own cell group.
Signs that a person is ready to become an Apprentice Cell Leader are:
As stated earlier, at least one Apprentice Leader should be in place from the very first time a cell group begins to meet. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and recruit potential Apprentices as the parent cell prepares to multiply. Each new group to be formed will require a Leader and an Apprentice. Further cell members may be recruited as Apprentice Leaders at any time during the lifetime of the cell. Such persons may begin their apprenticeship under your leadership and continue as Apprentice to the new Cell Leader (i.e. your most mature Apprentice), once your group has multiplied.
In prayer, seek God's will for each group member. Discuss each person's progress with your Apprentice and your Cell Coach. Watch for the signs mentioned above. When you feel the time is right, discuss with the potential recruit the progress you have observed and personally invite them to become an Apprentice Cell Leader. It is essential to respect the free will of the potential recruit. Answer any questions or concerns they may have. Give all the encouragement you can. But allow them to make their own decision without feeling pressured.
In outline, the pattern for training your Apprentice Cell Leaders is this:
Yourself and your Apprentice Leader(s) effectively form the ‘leadership team' of your cell group. As such, you can take turns co-ordinating the whole cell meeting and leading individual sections, particularly the Witness, Word and Ministry sections. Give feedback to each other and suggestions for improvement. Pray for one another and support each other. Visit cell members together. Plan outreach strategy together. Delegate tasks like organising a special event – make sure you give feedback and support. As the time for cell multiplication approaches, allow your Apprentice(s) to lead the group more than yourself.
Ralph Neighbour describes the overall scheme for apprenticing as follows: (note, ‘Intern' = Apprentice Leader)
"The pattern for apprenticing:
(The Shepherd's Guidebook, page 48)
Once your Apprentice begins leading a group of their own, you will continue to support them as their Cell Coach. But remember: Avoid interfering with the new group!
E8.14 Multiplying Leaders - Version 3 – Apr 11