The Develop Tool
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Developing Others Through An Apprentice/Assistant Strategy
Jesus developed leaders who changed the world by spending time with them. The word for “spend time” in Greek is pronounced “di-ah-tree-bo” (diatribo). Dia means “against,” and tribo means “to rub.” So diatribo literally means “to rub against” or “to spend time together rubbing off on each other.” When we spend enough time with others, we begin to rub off on them, and they rub off on us. This is how Jesus transformed his followers into people who would impact the world. He did it through simply spending time with apprentices (what we call assistants).
Jesus’ 5 Steps of Apprenticeship/Assistants
I do. You watch. We talk. As the experienced leader, you do lead a tribe or group while the assistant observes. Then meet.
I do. You help. We talk. Give the assistant some smaller roles, while you still lead most. Meet afterwards to discuss.
You do. I help. We talk. The assistant now leads the majority of the tribe for a period, while you play a supporting role. Meet.
You do. I watch. We talk. The assistant leads completely while you observe. Discuss if they are ready for full leadership.
You do. Someone else watches. The former assistant leads and begins developing new apprentices.
Some Possible Next Steps or Ideas
- Pray and ask God who are some key people to invest in.
- Select a few emerging leaders and ask them to help you (assistant)
- Resist doing everything yourself.
- Schedule regular meeting times to “rub off on each other.” Plan formats like coffee or video calls.
- Clarify expectations for the apprentice to eventually lead their own group/ministry.
- Empower the assistant with authority to lead, make decisions, and develop others.
- Be patient as the assistant grows. Allow space for failure, then debrief and realign.
- Release the assistant at the right time to lead independently and develop their own assistants.
- Apprenticeship takes time and commitment, but it’s how Jesus multiplied disciples who multiplied disciples. When each one of us takes personal responsibility to develop the next generation of leaders, we can see exponential growth in fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission.