Apprenticeship Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

Apprenticeship Groups are small-group communities at Agape Church where people
gather to follow Jesus together—not just to learn about Him, but to live like Him. These
groups are designed to help people apprentice under Jesus by engaging His teachings, adopting His way of life, and being transformed by the Holy Spirit. They are not just another small group—they are where discipleship becomes real, communal, and kingdom-oriented.
While “discipleship” is a biblical term in the English translation, the word often conveys a more informational tone in modern usage. However, in the original languages of Scripture—such as Greek, Hebrew, and even modern languages like Romanian—there is no distinction between a disciple and an apprentice. The biblical concept includes both learning and doing.

That's why we use the term “apprenticeship”: it emphasizes the active, participatory,
and transformative nature of following Jesus. Apprentices don’t merely absorb information; they embody a way of life—learning in context, through imitation, experience, correction, and spiritual formation.

As described in Pastor Florin’s doctoral thesis, apprenticeship under Jesus is a Kingdom-oriented transformation of life and culture. It’s how we learn to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom by practicing the values and rhythms of the King.

Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me” (Matthew 11:29). This was not an
invitation to a classroom, but to a relationship of transformation—walking with Him,
watching Him and doing life in community under His rule.

Using the term “apprenticeship” helps us reframe our spiritual growth not as a series of
lessons, but as a lifestyle shaped by ongoing surrender, obedience, and the power of
the Holy Spirit.
Jesus told His followers to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness”
(Matthew 6:33). Apprenticeship Groups help us live out this call. The Kingdom of God is not a metaphor—it is a real nation with its own culture, values, and mission. In these groups, we learn how to live as citizens of that Kingdom, not conforming to the patterns of this world, but being transformed by the renewing of our minds

(Romans 12:2).

As Pastor Florin wrote in his thesis, Kingdom culture is the national culture of God’s realm... directly influenced by its King, Jesus Christ. Apprenticeship Groups help us align our personal and community culture with the Kingdom culture.
Apprenticeship Groups are open to anyone 18 or older, regardless of background, church
attendance, or familiarity with the Bible. You do not need to be a member of Agape Church—in fact, many participants are exploring faith for the first time or reconnecting after a long
time away.

Whether you’ve never opened a Bible, have never been part of a small group, or have
been following Jesus for years, there’s space for you. These groups are designed to be
accessible and welcoming for everyone—from the spiritually curious to the spiritually
seasoned.

We believe that Jesus invites everyone to come and learn from Him (Matthew 11:29), and
Apprenticeship Groups are a way to respond to that invitation—together, in community,
with grace, patience, and curiosity.

So come as you are. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need a willingness to
grow, explore Scripture, and walk with others on the journey of following Jesus.
Each Apprenticeship Group gathering is designed to be relational, Spirit-led, and
centered on the teachings of Jesus. The goal is not just to learn about Jesus, but to
actively apprentice under Him—letting His Word shape how we live, think, and love.

Here’s what you can expect:

Gathering for Community & Fellowship

Every meeting starts with time to connect, catch up, and build authentic relationships. We believe discipleship flourishes in the context of real friendship.

Listening to The Carpenter’s Apprentice Podcast

Together, we listen to the latest podcast episode, which focuses on the sermon from the Sunday before; it generally covers a specific passage of Scripture and offers pastoral insights rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus.

Engaging in Meaningful Discussion

After listening, we explore a set of discussion questions (included in the episode description). These are designed to:

Deepen our understanding of God’s Word

Stir reflection and Holy Spirit-led conviction

Help us connect truth to everyday life

Encouraging Kingdom Living

We challenge and inspire one another to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom —
seeking His righteousness in our work, relationships, decisions, and habits

(Matthew 6:33).

Praying Together

Every gathering includes space for prayer—for one another, our church, and the
people we’re reaching. We invite the Holy Spirit to speak, convict, comfort, and
empower us.

Walking Out the Word

Apprenticeship isn’t just what happens in the room—it continues throughout the
week. As a group, we encourage one another to practice what we’ve learned and
support each other in real-life obedience and growth.

Groups are hosted weekly in locations such as Pewaukee, Menomonee Falls, and
Oconomowoc, and new groups may launch as interest grows. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and anchored in truth—come expecting to encounter Jesus, grow with others, and live out your faith more intentionally.
Each week, Apprenticeship Groups engage with a passage of Scripture that ties into the previous Sunday’s message or the theme of the Carpenter’s Apprentice podcast. The goal is not just to read the Bible for information, but to let the Word of God dwell richly in us (Colossians 3:16), leading to Spirit-led transformation and Kingdom living.

In addition to tailored discussion prompts, every group is encouraged to use these five
foundational questions that shape our rhythm of Bible engagement:

1. What does this passage say about God—His character, His actions, or His
desires?

This anchors the study in the nature of God, reminding us that Scripture is first
about who God is, not just what we should do. It forms the habit of pursuing God
relationally, not just extracting advice.

2. What does this passage reveal about humanity—our condition, our calling, or
our struggles?

This fosters honest self-awareness. Scripture is a mirror (James 1:23–25), helping us see where our lives align with or drift from God's design.

3. What does this passage say that I need to believe, obey, or turn away from?

The Word is meant to be lived. This question helps move us from hearing to doing
(James 1:22), cultivating a faith that is active and responsive.

4. Is there a promise, warning, or example I need to hold onto or learn from?

This draws us into the emotional weight of Scripture—stories, covenants, instructions, and encourages us to embrace God’s truth with humility and hope.

5. Who can I talk with or pray for in light of what I’ve learned today?

God’s Word always sends us back into relationship and mission. This question invites us to think outward—toward encouragement, intercession, and disciple-making.

These questions are more than a study guide—they are tools for Kingdom formation.
They train us to approach the Bible not only with open minds, but with open hearts and obedient hands, letting the truth of God reshape the way we live in the world.
Our Apprenticeship Groups are rooted in the way of Jesus—a way marked by humility,
truth, love, and transformation. To reflect that, each group commits to creating a safe,
Spirit-filled, and respectful environment where every participant can engage, grow, and be formed in community.

These values aren’t just about good group etiquette—they’re about cultivating a culture that reflects the Kingdom of God and honors the work of the Holy Spirit.

Here are the guidelines we follow together:

Be open to the Holy Spirit’s voice—through Scripture and through others.

Come with expectancy. The Spirit speaks in community, and sometimes He uses
others to say what we most need to hear.

Listen respectfully and avoid interrupting.

We honor one another by listening fully and attentively. Every voice matters, and
every story is sacred.

Share the time and space.

Keep your contributions focused and succinct so others can also engage. We grow best when we hear from the whole Body of Christ.

Stay centered on the topic.

It’s easy to wander in conversation, but our aim is transformation. Staying focused
allows the group to go deeper together.

Maintain confidentiality.

What is shared in the group stays in the group. This builds trust and allows people to be honest without fear of gossip or judgment.

Resist the urge to “fix” people.

We are not here to solve each other’s problems but to walk alongside each other
and trust that Jesus, our Master, is doing the deeper work.

Be mindful of the time.

We respect the commitment of others by starting and ending on time and ensuring space is given to everyone.

These guidelines help foster spiritual safety, meaningful dialogue, and a culture of mutual honor, where people of all backgrounds and stages of faith can encounter God and grow as Kingdom citizens together.
Apprenticeship Groups are not just another church program — they are a strategic
expression of the Kingdom of God in real time. These groups form the relational and
spiritual backbone of how we grow as disciples /apprentices and advance the mission of Jesus in our homes, neighborhoods, and cities.

In his work Pursuing Kingdom Growth by Intentionally Engaging Our Culture, Pastor Florin explains that churches thrive not by passively assimilating the culture around them, but by intentionally embodying Kingdom culture — the values, rhythms, and priorities of the nation of God. Apprenticeship Groups are one of the primary ways we train citizens of the Kingdom to live faithfully in a culture that often runs counter to Christ’s teachings.

Here’s why they’re essential for Kingdom growth:

They equip people to live under the rule and reign of Jesus (Matthew 6:33).

Kingdom growth isn’t just about numbers — it’s about seeing lives aligned to God’s righteousness, priorities, and purposes. Apprenticeship Groups help people seek first the Kingdom by putting Jesus’ teachings into practice.

They create spaces for intentional spiritual formation.

Transformation happens in community. These groups are where people can wrestle with Scripture, listen to the Spirit, and support one another in obedience and growth.

They help us discern and resist cultural compromise.

Without intentional engagement, believers often absorb cultural values without
realizing it. Apprenticeship Groups help us name the pressures we face, compare
them with the Word of God and live in faithful resistance as Kingdom citizens.

They multiply the ministry of Jesus into everyday life.

As people apprentice under Jesus together, they become carriers of His Kingdom — in workplaces, homes, schools, and beyond. Groups are not containers of ministry, but launchpads for mission.

They decentralize leadership and cultivate maturity.

Just as Jesus trained His followers to lead others, Apprenticeship Groups help
develop mature, Spirit-empowered believers who can disciple others — growing the Kingdom one life at a time.

Ultimately, Kingdom growth isn’t just about what happens on Sunday mornings — it’s about how people live, love, and lead throughout the week. Apprenticeship Groups are where Kingdom life becomes Kingdom culture, and where Jesus is not only confessed as Savior, but followed as King.
You are welcome anytime. Apprenticeship Groups are intentionally designed with
flexibility and grace in mind. Life happens—and we understand that schedules change, emergencies arise, and sometimes people are exploring faith at their own pace. That’s okay.

Whether you're joining mid-season or returning after missing a few gatherings, you won't feel lost. Each session is standalone yet connected, meaning you can jump in at any point and still fully engage in what God is doing.

There’s no guilt or pressure—just invitation.

We don't take attendance; we extend welcome. Every week is a fresh opportunity to connect with others and grow in your walk with Jesus.

The format is relational, not rigid.

Because groups follow the rhythm of The Carpenter’s Apprentice podcast, all
content is easily accessible. You can catch up at your own pace or simply join the
current discussion without missing a beat.

The community is always ready for you.

Even if you’re brand new or just returning, you’ll find encouragement, space to
share, and people eager to walk alongside you.

Discipleship is a journey—and every step matters. You don’t have to start at the
beginning to grow, and you don’t have to be perfect to belong. Just come as you are, and let Jesus meet you where you’re at.
Absolutely—Apprenticeship Groups are about more than Bible discussion. They are
communities where people do life together in the Kingdom of God.

In addition to weekly gatherings, we’re planning social events designed to strengthen
relationships, foster joy, and create shared experiences outside of the study environment. Whether it’s a meal, a game night, a service project, or simply time to relax and connect, these moments help turn a group into a spiritual family.

Why? Because following Jesus is not a solo journey. Scripture teaches that growth
happens in relationship (Acts 2:42–47, Romans 12:4–5). These social gatherings provide
space for:

Friendship to flourish

Trust to deepen

Laughter and celebration

Shared life that builds lasting connection

Beyond scheduled socials, many groups also choose to pray for one another throughout the week, serve together, or engage their communities with the love of Jesus. Apprenticeship isn’t just a meeting — it’s a way of life, together.
Getting started is simple—and we’d love to help you take that next step!

You can:

Visit our calendar here: Agape Calendar

There, you’ll find the current group times and locations.

Talk to a group host or leader at Agape Church.

On Sundays or during midweek events, please stop by the info table—we’ll help
you connect with a group that fits your season of life and schedule.

Send us an email: info@agapechurch.life

If you have questions or would like help getting connected, send us a message and someone from our team will respond promptly.

Whether you're exploring faith for the first time, returning after a break, or looking to go
deeper with Jesus, you belong here. Apprenticeship Groups are open, flexible, and
designed to help you grow—no pressure, no prerequisites, just a warm invitation to follow Jesus together.

Don't wait for the “perfect time”—just take the next step. The door is open, and we’re
excited to walk this journey with you.