The Apprenticeship Journey: An Interactive Guide

The Apprenticeship Journey

An interactive guide to the stages of spiritual formation.

The Call to Apprenticeship

This section introduces the foundational shift from passive faith to active apprenticeship. It explores the core commitments that define the journey: a dynamic relationship with Jesus, the reality of "costly grace," and the necessity of a "long obedience."

Beyond Belief to Transformation

Dallas Willard reframes discipleship as an active apprenticeship: intentionally "being with Jesus to learn to be like him." This is not a static status but a dynamic process of integrating one's entire existence into God's kingdom through loving cooperation and shared aims. It's a journey of becoming, not just believing.

Costly Grace

Dietrich Bonhoeffer contrasts "cheap grace" (forgiveness without repentance) with "costly grace"—a call that demands obedience, sacrifice, and genuine transformation. It is the treasure that compels us to give up everything else.

A Long Obedience

Eugene Peterson emphasizes that spiritual maturity requires steadfast persistence and endurance. It is a marathon, not a sprint—a consistent, daily living out of faith rather than a search for instant spiritual highs.

The Nature of Our Being

Transformation is not fragmented; it engages our whole person. This section explores the interconnected dimensions of the self that God renovates and the crucial link between our emotional health and spiritual maturity.

Holistic Transformation

Dallas Willard outlines six interconnected dimensions of the human person that are transformed in apprenticeship. Hover over the points on the chart to see how each area is vital for becoming like Christ.

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

Peter Scazzero argues it's impossible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature. Emotional health isn't separate from spirituality; it's foundational to it. Ignoring our inner life of feeling leads to a shallow, unsustainable faith.

  • Know Yourself to Know God: Self-awareness is the soil for intimacy with God.
  • Go Back to Go Forward: Healing requires revisiting our past and family of origin.
  • Embrace Grief and Loss: Honest lament is a biblical practice that leads to maturity.

The Path of Growth

While unique to each person, the spiritual journey often follows recognizable patterns. Below is an interactive model based on the work of Hagberg & Guelich, outlining six common stages of faith. Click on each stage to explore its characteristics.

Select a Stage

Click on a stage to the left to learn about its core themes, characteristics, and challenges.

The Life of Practice

Transformation is not passive; it is cultivated through intentional habits. This section details the spiritual disciplines that create space for God to work and the concept of a "Rule of Life" to sustain our journey.

The Spiritual Disciplines

Developing a "Rule of Life"

A "Rule of Life" is a personal framework of intentional practices that helps you remain anchored in Christ. It's not a set of rigid laws, but a life-giving structure for your unique journey. It operationalizes a "long obedience" by turning aspirations into sustainable habits.

1. Prayer & Contemplation

Establishing rhythms of connection with God (e.g., daily prayer, weekly silence).

2. Rest & Restoration

Honoring Sabbath, sleep, and recreation as spiritual acts.

3. Work & Service

Integrating faith into your vocation and acts of love for others.

4. Relationships & Community

Intentionally cultivating healthy, life-giving connections.

An interactive synthesis based on the work of Dallas Willard, Richard Foster, Janet Hagberg, Peter Scazzero, and others.

This application is for educational purposes. All concepts are derived from the source study guide.