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Discipleship is often misunderstood in today’s world. For many, it is viewed as a process of acquiring knowledge, learning about Jesus through study and reflection. While this is an important aspect of following Christ, there is a deeper level of discipleship that involves active participation—living out the teachings of Jesus, embodying His character, and following Him wherever He leads. This is where the concept of apprenticeship comes into play.

Discipleship vs. Apprenticeship

Discipleship, in the traditional sense, is often seen as a passive endeavor. It’s about learning from a teacher, studying their words and actions, and becoming familiar with their ways. However, apprenticeship goes a step further—it’s an active, hands-on process. An apprentice doesn’t just observe; they practice, learn by doing, and work closely with a mentor to become skilled in a trade or craft.

In the context of following Jesus, discipleship is not just about absorbing knowledge or information. It’s about learning to live as Jesus did. It’s about not just knowing His words, but also doing the things He did. It’s a continuous process of transformation and growth. The call to follow Jesus is a call to active apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship in Following Jesus

To be an apprentice of Jesus means more than attending church or reading the Bible. It’s about living out the teachings of Jesus in daily life—seeking to be with Him, becoming like Him, and doing the things He did. Discipleship is not merely an intellectual pursuit, but a lifestyle that is centered around Jesus.

In James 1:22-25, Scripture speaks directly to this active form of discipleship, urging believers to be doers of the Word:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”
— James 1:22-25 (NIV)

This passage highlights the difference between passive discipleship and active apprenticeship. The call is clear: to truly follow Jesus, believers must not only listen to His words but live them out.

The Three Goals of Apprenticeship

To be effective apprentices of Jesus, there are three primary goals that should guide the process of discipleship:

1. Be with Jesus
   The first goal of apprenticeship is to be with Jesus. In John 15:4, Jesus emphasizes the importance of remaining connected to Him:“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
   — John 15:4 (NIV)Being an apprentice means spending time with Jesus—through prayer, Scripture reading, and fellowship. Only by remaining close to Him can one bear the fruit of a transformed life.
2. Become like Jesus
   The second goal is to become like Jesus. Discipleship involves a radical transformation of one’s life, where personal desires and ambitions give way to the will of God. In Matthew 16:24-27, Jesus outlines the cost of discipleship:“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.”
   — Matthew 16:24-27 (NIV)To become like Jesus means denying oneself, surrendering personal ambitions, and embracing a life of self-sacrifice for the sake of others and the Kingdom of God.
3. Do what Jesus did
   The final goal of apprenticeship is to do what Jesus did. Jesus didn’t just teach—He demonstrated how to live. He healed the sick, showed mercy to the marginalized, and proclaimed the good news of God’s Kingdom. As apprentices of Jesus, believers are called to do the same. It’s not enough to learn about Jesus; they must follow His example and actively engage in His mission to bring restoration to the world.

Living Out the Call

The call to discipleship is not a passive invitation. It’s an active, lifelong journey of transformation. It requires more than just knowledge—it requires action. Apprentices of Jesus don’t just study His life, they live it out. The process of discipleship is one of continuous learning, growing, and doing.

For those who seek to follow Jesus more closely, the journey begins with a commitment to be with Him, become like Him, and do what He did. This is the heart of true discipleship, and it’s what it means to be an apprentice of Jesus. It’s a call to live out the Gospel every day, in every situation, and to be transformed by the power of Christ.

n life, it’s easy to feel like we’re stuck in a routine. We may go through the motions, day after day, and sometimes wonder if anything is really happening. Pastor Rich shared how the Israelites must have felt as they marched around the walls of Jericho. For days, they followed God’s instructions, but nothing seemed to change—until, on the seventh day, the walls came down.

Marching Around Jericho

Pastor Rich reminded the congregation to put themselves in the shoes of the Israelites. God had commanded them to march around the city of Jericho for seven days. On the first six days, they walked in silence, blowing their horns but seeing no immediate change. On the seventh day, they marched around the city seven times, and then, when they blew their horns, the walls collapsed.

Joshua 6:15-16
“On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, ‘Shout! For the Lord has given you the city.'”

Faithful Action Requires Patience

Pastor Rich pointed out that sometimes the journey of faith feels similar. People may feel like they are walking through the same struggles, day after day, without seeing any significant change. But the story of Jericho shows that it takes time for God’s plan to unfold. Even when there is no immediate progress, faithfulness is still required. Like the Israelites, people are reminded that even when nothing seems to change, they must continue trusting in God’s timing.

Despite their grumbling and frustrations, the Israelites remained faithful to God’s instructions. Pastor Rich emphasized that God did not give up on them, and He will not give up on His people today, no matter how long it takes.

From Passive Discipleship to Apprenticeship

In the message, Pastor Rich highlighted the danger of falling into passive discipleship—going through the motions of faith without truly engaging with it. The call of a disciple is to be an active apprentice of Jesus, to learn from Him, and to live out His teachings. Too often, people stop short of fully committing to the process, expecting things to be easy or immediate. However, true discipleship involves cost, sacrifice, and a willingness to be shaped by Jesus.

The most powerful examples of discipleship in the Bible, Pastor Rich noted, are those who committed themselves to apprenticeship, not just by listening to Jesus’ teachings but by living them out. They were open to correction, willing to fail, and determined to learn from their mistakes.

Matthew 7:24-27
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Pastor Rich explained that Jesus is clear: true discipleship is about putting His teachings into practice. It’s not enough to just hear the words; they must shape the way people live.

Apprenticeship in Action: A Personal Story

Pastor Rich shared a powerful example from within the church. Around 14 years ago, when Pastor Rich first walked into the church, the first person he met was a nursery worker. Today, that same person is the lead pastor of the church. Pastor Rich used this example to show how apprenticeship works—when someone steps out in faith, even in the small things, God can use them for great purposes.

This story also served as a reminder that no one is too small or insignificant to be used by God. Whether it’s a volunteer or a seasoned leader, God calls each person to apprentice under Him, to learn and grow in the faith. Pastor Rich acknowledged that he has been shaped by mentors who corrected him, guided him, and showed him what it means to truly follow Christ.

“You Can Do Hard Things”

In his message, Pastor Rich also shared how his mentor, Pastor Zoe—who serves as the lead pastor—encourages him with a simple yet powerful phrase: “You can do hard things.” Pastor Rich admitted that he often finds himself grumbling when faced with difficult challenges or when things don’t go as planned. But Pastor Zoe has been a constant source of encouragement, reminding him that even in the most challenging times, God equips His followers to face hard things with faith and perseverance.

Pastor Rich recalled that there were many times he wanted to give up, but Pastor Zoe’s words served as a timely reminder that discipleship, like apprenticeship, involves difficulty and growth. It’s not about avoiding hard things but embracing them with God’s help.

This message resonated with the congregation, as Pastor Rich challenged everyone to embrace the hard things in their lives—whether it’s the challenge of being a parent, the difficulty of personal growth, or the cost of following Jesus. Through it all, God’s grace is sufficient, and He strengthens His people to endure.

The Power of Community and Mentorship

Pastor Rich emphasized the importance of community and mentorship in the discipleship journey. No one is meant to walk alone. In our apprenticeship to Christ, we need people—teachers, mentors, and fellow apprentices—to guide and challenge us. The church community plays an essential role in this process, helping individuals grow and mature in their faith.

God equips each believer with the tools needed for spiritual growth. But Pastor Rich reminded the congregation that it is important to be intentional in finding wise teachers and mentors who can help them along the way.

The Call to Be Apprentices of Christ

The message ended with a challenge for everyone: How are they living out their discipleship? Are they simply going through the motions, or are they actively learning from Jesus and His Word? Pastor Rich called the congregation to move from passive discipleship to active apprenticeship. He encouraged them to follow Jesus’ example by becoming not just hearers of the Word, but doers of it. This call to action is not just for the individual, but for the whole community of believers.

Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Pastor Rich reminded the church that being an apprentice of Christ is about following Him, living out His teachings, and helping others do the same. As the body of Christ, believers are called to walk this path together and accomplish great things for God’s Kingdom.

Prayer for Apprenticeship in Christ

Pastor Rich closed the message with a prayer, inviting the congregation to join in:

Father,
Thank You for sending Jesus as the perfect example of what it means to live out our faith. We acknowledge that we need You, and we need each other, to grow in our discipleship. Teach us to be active learners, apprentices of Christ, who not only hear Your Word but put it into practice. Help us to count the cost and embrace the challenges of apprenticeship, trusting that You are with us every step of the way.
We thank You for the teachers and mentors You’ve placed in our lives, and we pray that You continue to guide us as we learn from You and from others. May we be faithful in our discipleship and live out the truth of Your Word.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Kingdom Encounter Series focuses on cultivating a missional mindset within the church, urging believers to prioritize the kingdom of God above all else. It emphasizes the importance of living with purpose and intention, engaging in activities that advance God’s mission on earth. The series encourages the church to go beyond simply meeting together for worship and instead adopt an outward-facing approach that reaches the community, brings people into the kingdom, and reflects God’s love and justice in all aspects of life. It challenges believers to live as active participants in God’s redemptive work, making a tangible impact both locally and globally.

Dan Robinson starts by talking about how common it is for people to feel like they don’t belong. He acknowledges that this can be a difficult experience and that it might take people a long time to find a place where they feel at home.

God’s Invitation

He then transitions into talking about how God invites everyone to belong to His family. Dan explains this is more than just a label; it’s a real relationship with God and other Christians. He emphasizes that this relationship requires people to accept God and be willing to grow in their faith.

Dan quotes John 1:12 (NIV):
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
This verse highlights the transformative power of believing in Jesus—it grants the right to become part of God’s family.

Dan compares the church to a family and points out that through Christ, people are no longer disconnected from God. He then quotes Ephesians 2:19 (NIV):
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”
This scripture emphasizes that belonging to God means being part of a larger, eternal family, the Church, with support, love, and connection.

Dan shares personal experiences of going through difficult times, when members of his church supported him. He sees these events as proof that God places people in each other’s lives to help them through challenges.

The Wrong Kind of Belonging

Dan cautions, however, that people can sometimes look for belonging in the wrong places. He uses Matthew 13:1-8 (NIV), the Parable of the Sower, to illustrate this.
In this parable, Jesus describes how a farmer scatters seed on different types of ground. Only the seed that falls on good soil grows into a healthy plant. Dan relates this parable to people seeking a sense of belonging.

He shares an experience from his own life when he spent a lot of time at a bar, feeling a sense of belonging. However, he now realizes that it was a shallow, temporary connection. He compares this experience to the seed that falls on bad soil and fails to grow.

Dan then contrasts this with the seed that falls on good soil, representing finding a real sense of belonging in God’s family. He points to Matthew 13:8 (NIV):
“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
This scripture signifies that true belonging in God’s family leads to real growth, as the seed planted in good soil produces lasting fruit.

How to Live Out Belonging

Dan then talks about ways to show we belong to God’s family. He emphasizes the importance of creating environments where people feel loved and accepted. This starts with individuals but also extends to churches, which are called to be inclusive.

He encourages Christians to follow Romans 12:15 (NIV):
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
This scripture stresses the importance of empathy—genuinely listening to others, sharing in their joys and sorrows.

Dan also points to James 5:16 (NIV):
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Here, he sees vulnerability and honesty as key to building trust and helping others feel less alone. Confession and prayer create a deeper connection, allowing people to experience healing together.

Dan encourages Christians to reach out to those on the margins of society, citing Galatians 6:10 (NIV):
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
This reminds Christians to show kindness to everyone, particularly those who are part of the faith community.

Dan emphasizes that Christians are called to break down barriers that divide people, whether those are differences in belief, lifestyle, or social status. He stresses the importance of celebrating diversity and helping everyone thrive. He calls on his listeners to follow Romans 15:7 (NIV):
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
This verse highlights the importance of accepting others, just as Christ has accepted us, to honor God and promote unity.

Conclusion

Dan concludes by reminding people that a relationship with God provides a sense of belonging that cannot be found anywhere else. This relationship is eternal, and it comes with purpose and connection. He urges his listeners to accept God’s invitation to belong to His family and to help others find their place in it.

In her powerful sermon, Pastor Zoe Hatcher calls us to examine how we respond when God calls us to a task greater than ourselves. Through the story of Moses and the burning bush, she explores the tension between human insecurity and God’s unwavering call. Pastor Zoe encourages us to stop making excuses and start stepping into God’s mission, trusting that He will equip us with everything we need.

God Calls Moses: Leaving Comfort Zones and Recognizing the Call

Pastor Zoe begins her message by drawing us into the familiar story of Moses at the burning bush, as recorded in Exodus 3:1-10:

“Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, ‘I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.’ When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ‘Here I am.’”

Moses, living a comfortable life as a shepherd, had no idea that this moment would change the course of history. When God called Moses from the bush, Moses was filled with doubt and insecurity. He questioned why God would choose him to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. Pastor Zoe reminds us that Moses’ reaction mirrors our own hesitation when God calls us to something beyond our comfort zones. She asks, “What type of burning bush is God drawing your attention to right now?”

She challenges us to reflect on those moments when God stirs something deep within us—perhaps through a passion for a cause or a burden for a specific group of people. Often, these “burning bush” moments ignite a sense of urgency or passion that points to God’s calling. Pastor Zoe urges us to pay attention to where God might be drawing our attention, even in the midst of our insecurities.

Confronting Excuses and Remembering Our Creator

Moses’ response to God’s call was filled with excuses. In Exodus 4:1-14, he continues to resist, saying:

“Moses said to the Lord, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.'” (Exodus 4:10-12, NIV)

Pastor Zoe draws a direct parallel between Moses’ reluctance and our own tendency to focus on our weaknesses. Moses didn’t believe he was equipped to speak on behalf of God, but God reminded him that He is the Creator of all things—even his speech. Pastor Zoe emphasizes that God does not call the equipped; He equips the called.

She urges us to stop focusing on our limitations and to trust in the One who created us. When we acknowledge our dependence on God, we open ourselves to His power working through us, despite our flaws and perceived shortcomings.

Finding Confidence in God, Not Ourselves

Pastor Zoe then moves to the New Testament, referencing 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, where the apostle Paul writes:

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-9, NIV)

In this passage, Paul compares our fragile human bodies to “jars of clay,” emphasizing how our weaknesses are part of God’s design to showcase His power. Pastor Zoe points out that, even though we experience hardship and difficulty, God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. She encourages us to lean into God’s strength, rather than relying on our own abilities. It is not about how capable we are, but about how capable God is to work through us.

When we embrace our vulnerability and trust in God’s strength, we become vessels that showcase His glory. Our insecurities and frailties do not disqualify us from the mission; they make space for God’s power to shine even brighter.

Living Out Our Faith: Moving from Consumerism to Action

As the sermon continues, Pastor Zoe shifts the focus to a critical issue in today’s culture: consumerism in the church. She urges the congregation to move beyond a faith that is centered around personal comfort and desire, pointing out that faith without action is dead. She quotes James 2:17, where James writes:

“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:17, NIV)

Pastor Zoe reminds us that faith requires action. It is not enough to simply believe in God and attend church; we are called to live out our faith in tangible ways. She challenges us to move from a mindset of “what can I get from God?” to “what can I give to God and His kingdom?” She explains that the more we focus outward, the more we align with God’s mission in the world.

Embracing God’s Mission: Leaving Our Comfort Zones and Trusting God

In her closing remarks, Pastor Zoe challenges us to consider what our “burning bush” moments might be—those places where God is calling us to act. Whether it is stepping into a leadership role, serving in a ministry, or reaching out to a neighbor, God is inviting us to participate in His mission.

The key is trust—trusting that God will provide for us just as He did for Moses. Pastor Zoe encourages everyone to take the first step of faith, knowing that God will equip us as we go. When we step out in faith, we demonstrate that our confidence is not in ourselves, but in the One who calls and empowers us.

Conclusion

Pastor Zoe’s sermon reminds us that God’s call on our lives often comes when we least expect it, and it’s often accompanied by feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. But just as God empowered Moses and Paul to fulfill His mission, He will empower us as well. When we shift our focus from our own limitations to God’s limitless power, we can step boldly into the mission He has called us to.

As Pastor Zoe so eloquently puts it, we must “move from comfort to action” and trust that God will equip us for whatever He calls us to. It’s time to embrace our “burning bush” moment, step out in faith, and be part of God’s incredible mission in the world.

Key Scriptures Referenced:

• Exodus 3:1-10: Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush.
• Exodus 4:10-12: Moses’ excuses and God’s response.
• 2 Corinthians 4:7-9: Paul’s declaration about God’s strength in our weaknesses.
• James 2:17: Faith without works is dead.