What is the history of The Apprentice Series? Where did it come from?
Jim Smith has been working in the area of spiritual formation for over twenty years. During that time he has edited and written Renovaré Resources such as A Spiritual Formation Workbook and Devotional Classics. While these resources are helpful for encouraging apprenticeship to Jesus, Smith wanted to create a more comprehensive resource for the formation of disciples of Jesus. In 2004, Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, Wichita, Kansas, commissioned Jim to write a curriculum for small groups and congregational use. Over the next five years Jim wrote, re-wrote, and wrote again, punching it out in the midst of leading groups of 15-20 people through the nine month class. The foundation of the study came as Jim decoded the spiritual DNA of his mentors Dallas Willard, Richard Foster, and the classic spiritual writers. With this foundation, Jim added simple spiritual practices, called soul-training exercises, that replace false narratives about God with the kingdom narratives Jesus reveals. This approach is now in print form as The Apprentice Series, books for individuals and small groups, published by InterVarsity Press and a small group and church curriculum offered in partnership with Renovaré.
For what age is the Apprentice Series most appropriate?
So far, our experience has shown that the series pretty much defies age. Every age from high school youth to senior citizen has participated in groups that were studying the material, and found it very beneficial.
Can I read the books in any order?
Yes. The material in each book is free-standing and understandable on its own. However, the books were written in a particular order with The Good and Beautiful God coming first, then The Good and Beautiful Life, and finally The Good and Beautiful Community. In this order, the reader is given some very helpful building blocks in the faith journey.
What type of person is going to enjoy these books?
These books are for anyone who wants to grow closer to God and see their lives changed through that relationship. To get the most out of the books it is best to read them with a group of friends, discussing the chapters and the soul-training exercises as you go.
Right now only the first book in The Apprentice Series, The Good and Beautiful God, is available. When will future titles go on sale?
The Good and Beautiful Life (January 2010)
The Good and Beautiful Community (September 2010)
How may I make use of The Apprentice Series:
• on my own?
While The Apprentice Series was originally written as a small group/church curriculum, the InterVarsity Press books have been formatted for both individual and group use. As such, you may make use of The Good and Beautiful God, The Good and Beautiful Life, and The Good and Beautiful Community on your own just like any other book written for a wide audience.
• as a small group book study?
Each book in The Apprentice Series has an appendix with reflection/discussion questions for each chapter. Individuals read each chapter on their own, reflect and/or journal on the questions, and then come together for discussion. The questions will help create a casual, conversational setting, the beginning point for a wide-ranging discussion between friends. Ideally this group will be 3-6 people in size and meet weekly or a couple of times a month for 60-90 minutes. A different person may lead the discussion each week.
• as a small group curriculum?
For groups of 6-12 participants with a designated leader who is willing to coordinate the activities of the class there is a small group curriculum available for free download (in PDF format). The Leader Guide provides 34 Sessions and three Retreats, making use of the content in The Good and Beautiful God, The Good and Beautiful Life, and The Good and Beautiful Community. Group participants read and interact with the book material on their own each week and come together for discussion and shared spiritual practices once a week. The session schedule is flexible and can be adjusted to different settings. All 34 sessions can be done in a row, or groups can take a break between each book. At the completion of the final book, The Good and Beautiful Community, the group is given resources to develop a group "rule" and also to continue meeting together to encourage one another in kingdom living and soul-training exercises.
• in my church or congregation?
While there is no formal, “boxed” program for applying The Apprentice Series to congregational life, the opportunities are myriad. Encourage individuals to use the book. Facilitate small book discussions or groups making use of the Leader Guide. Make use of chapter themes for sermon series. Use the books and Leader Guide with an elder board, vestry, session, or other church leadership body. Take a church staff through the books and help them apply the learning to their own ministry settings: senior adult, youth, children, prayer, etc. For ideas or information, please contact C.J. Fox at csfi@friends.edu.