Last summer in San Antonio something magical happened. Wait. Did I just say magical as if Harry Potter had something to do with it?
The Holy Spirit granted us an audience in San An. How's that? I don't want to get any emails chastizing me for endorsing warlocks or anything like that.
The Apprentice Ministry was kicked off. And from the moment Jim began leading thousands of people and hundreds of churches worldwide, something seemed to click.
Since then books have been sold, blogs have been read, an Institute was created, conferences have been had, and lives have been changed. If you're one of those lives, perhaps you'd like to leave a comment here on how the last year with Apprentice has been.
I've been fortunate to call James Bryan Smith a mentor and a friend for the last decade. I can tell you, what you read in the books, is what this man lives out in his day to day routine. My colleagues within the Apprentice Ministry, CJ-Matt-Pat-Deidre-Ben-Lyle, all live and breathe this Kingdom life too. My hope is that you have a community of fellow sojourners, spurring you on toward good deeds as you go about doing the business of our great God.
In the coming year(s), lots of great things are planned. Pay attention to the website for upcoming events Jim and the A-Team will be at. (My last name is Taylor, so technically, Mr. T may be there.) And also check IVPress for the latest release, Good and Beautiful Community.
My prayer is that the next few years, we'll begin to see ways in which planted seeds are moving into fruition. Maybe you have a better relationship with your family? Maybe you're lying a bit less? Maybe your church's small group ministry has exploded with enthusiasm? I know I experienced that in the small rural church I serve.
Again, if you have anything, we want to hear it. And if you represent a church, we're also interested in having you participate in a survey which would indicate ways in which Apprentice has benefitted your setting.
Let me know.
I'm all ears. Or, eyes.
Pax.