APPRENTICESHIP & THE 7 PRACTICES

Our mission at VCC is to make, mature, and mobilize apprentices of Jesus. This is our way of talking about the global Church’s universal call—the Great Commission found in Matthew 28v18-20.

What is apprenticeship?

Why do we use the word “apprenticeship”?
The word apprentice is used to communicate an embodied reality, a life that integrates trust and affections with obedience, with Spirit-empowered practice. Apprentice and disciple are essentially synonymous in definition, but the term apprentice often brings to mind something embodied, a physical reality with hands-on practice, whereas a learner/disciple is often (and incorrectly) reduced to mere head knowledge or theory.

How We Understand Apprenticeship to Jesus

Apprenticeship begins with union with Jesus Christ, being drawn into the very life of God by his indwelling Spirit. The essence of this life is abiding (being) with him and obeying (doing) what he says to do. As an apprentice works out this trust in love through these practices of grace, they become more and more like their Master by the power of the Spirit working within them—they come to image Him, to be like him.

 In short, the way of apprenticeship is how we become truly human—like Jesus.

Our 7 Apprenticeship Practices

SCRIPTURE MEDITATION

Listening to the voice of Jesus above all other voices by delighting in and meditating on His word.

UNCEASING PRAYER

Talking unceasingly to God first and most about everything.

LIFE TOGETHER

Practicing true community in which the love of God takes on flesh by loving one another.

UNHURRIED PRESENCE

Living life at a with-God pace, slowing down, and being attentive to God in the present moment He has given you.

JOYFUL GENEROSITY

Loving others by freely sharing what God has graciously given you.

COMPASSIONATE GENTLENESS

Loving others through the proper and compassionate use of the power God has given you.

FAITHFUL WITNESS

Telling the world the good news of Jesus with our words and our deeds.