Andy Stanley - Apprenticeship

Pop Quiz: How did Mathew set to be an apostle? (Luke 5: 27-28) Answer: Jesus selected him. The same goes for the other eleven. (Luke 6: 12-16)

We don't want to fail where previous generation has failed: we want to pass it on.

I. Defining Terms

1. Apprenticing: selecting, modeling and coaching for the purpose of replacing yourself. This isn't fair. But the reality is, Jesus wasn't fair. (See his opening talk)
2. The New Testament term is Disciple.

II. Jesus' Approach

1. He began with succession in mind.
2. He handpicked those to whom he would entrust his mission. He didn't ask for volunteers.
3. He rarely did ministry alone. BUT...
4. He gave his disciples opportunities to do ministry alone while he was still around to debrief.

The bottom line is: You won't be it forever. Be there to see it done without you.

III. "But" Removal

A. "But I'm not an expert." This excuse is deadly.

1. You will never feel adequately prepared to apprentice another leader.
2. You are not responsible for…
   1. …Knowing everything there is to know about your field.
   2. Knowing more than everyone else about your field.
3. You are responsible for passing along what you know to somebody else.
4. Your responsibility is to empty your cup.

We think our responsibility is to fill up somebody else's cup. But it's not. Just to empty ours. The reality is that you can't take it with you. Leave it!

B. "But what will I do?"

1. In a healthy organization, if you replace yourself you will always have a place.
2. In an unhealthy organization… why would you stay?

IV. Two Outcomes

A. You become a multi-site leader. B. You become a multi-generational leaded. Anytime someone blames a generation they've abdicated responsibility.

It doesn't matter how smart, trained or spiritual you are. If you are 1 step ahead, you have something to offer.

V. Application

A. Hire for the future. Hire young and smart. B. Don't work alone. Invite people to do what you do. You should be doing as little as possible. C. Remember your MEDS

1. Model - Here's what I do.
2. Explain - Here's why I do it.
3. Demonstrate - Here's how I do it.

This is the one place where preferential treatment is preferred. Your assignment: replace yourself.

Success is not measured by how capable you are at handling your responsibilities. Success is measured by whether or not you leave your responsibilities in capable hands.