Discipleship Classes and Programs
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Apprentice
The Apprentice Program: a small group experience in becoming more like Jesus
I know I should pray (read my Bible/have solitude/whatever) more than I do, but it ‘s so hard to get up early, the day is too busy as it is, and I fall over exhausted at night.. And if I’m really honest with myself, I’d really rather spend the few minutes of free time I have watching TV (surfing the web, reading a book, texting my friends) just to relax. Is it ok that I said that? Is there a place that it’s even safe to have this conversation? People it’s safe to have it with? Is this really the abundant life that Jesus promised? Is there something more than just trying harder to be good enough? Honestly, I don’t even know how good “good enough” is. There has to be something more. . .
THE APPRENTICE PROGRAM: a small group experience in becoming more like Jesus!
Do you long for the abundant life that Jesus promised? Are you sensing a calling from God to something new? Do you have a yearning to “go deeper” or to find richer fellowship? Are you in mourning for the passion that once fueled your spiritual life? Have you tried to become “more like Jesus” but the same old problems of worry or anger or judgment or control keep cropping up?Is it really possible to be transformed? Is it possible to exchange your “routine” Christian life to a joyful walk with Jesus?
The answer is yes! Apprentice is a process of bringing healthy change into our lives. The change happens when we change our false perceptions of God, practice soul training activities, grow in community and accountability with a small group of people – all through the power of the Holy Spirit. If transformation into the likeness of Jesus is your goal, the Apprentice program is for you!
Apprentice requires a high level of commitment of time and energy as well as the willingness to be authentic with other Christians who are on this journey of Christ-likeness. You are asked to attend an orientation retreat in August at Christ Memorial Church and to commit to missing no more than four of the 31 weeks of class. You will be asked to read three very readable and yet challenging books by James Bryan Smith. (If you prefer audio books, please specify that on your application.) You will do weekly soul-training exercises, ranging from getting enough sleep to reading the Gospel of John in one week. If you truly commit to this program and to the people in the class and to be open to the work of the Spirit, you will be amazed at the transformation in your life. If transformation is your goal, the Apprentice program is for you!
AVAILABLE CLASSES:● Monday evenings (6:30 - 8:30PM) September 10, 2012 - April 2013
● Tuesday evenings (6:30 - 8:30PM) September 11, 2012 - April 2013
● Wednesday mornings (9 - 11AM) September 26, 2012 - Mid-May 2013
The Apprentice Program is based on a series of three books written by James Bryan Smith, theology professor of Friends University in Wichita, KS, as well as the director of the Aprentis Institute, a spiritual formation center there. A writer and speaker in the area of Christian spiritual formation, Jim is a founding Board Member of Renovare. He writes with grace and humility and humor; all of the books are filled with stories, anecdotes and illustrations that bring the material to life.● The Good and Beautiful God (Book 1) focuses on the character of God and how we move into a life of intimacy with God. The aim of this book is to help you discover the God Jesus knew and revealed.
● The Good and Beautiful Life (Book 2) introduces you to the kingdom of God and focuses on our inward character, dealing specifically with vices that cause ruin: anger, lust, lying, worry, judging others, and so on. It replaces these with Jesus’ narrative about life in the kingdom of God.
● The Good and Beautiful Community (Book 3) focuses on helping us learn how to live as apprentices of Jesus in our ordinary, everyday lives. How do I live out Jesus’ kingdom vision in my family? What impact will my life with God have on my life at work? What will loving my enemies look like in my daily life?
For more information on The Apprentice Program contact Karen Bables, 616.796.3353 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). To join one of the fall classes, complete the application found in the Apprentice brochure available at Christ Memorial on the Adult Discipleship kiosk in the Mixing Area.