APPRENTICING

Thanks for taking this important next step!

As an Apprentice Leader, you will have the opportunity to experience the joys of group leadership and serving God through serving others! We want to prepare and equip you for this task as best as we possibly can, so we have compiled a list of resources for you to work through. We believe that after you work through each of the provided resources, you will have a clearer understanding of why we do groups the way that we do them and that out of that understanding, you will be able to lead more effectively.

Take advantage of your time in the apprentice process by really digging into each resource and internalizing the principles within. We look forward to seeing what God is going to do in and through you at Mercy Hill Church as you step into greater levels of service!

Here are the required resources for the apprentice process:

Step 1

Click here to read the Community Group Leader Handbook.

Step 2

Complete apprentice application. Husband and wife (if applicable) should each fill out a separate application. Click here to fill out the application.



Step 3

Please send a picture of yourself, and your spouse if applicable, to ndavidson@mercyhillchurch.com.



Step 4

Someone from our Community Groups team will reach out to you to go over different aspects of group leadership.

Step 5

Complete the following
action steps:

Listen to Pastor Andrew’s Abide Sermon Series (Click here).
Read Sticky Church by Larry Osborne
Coordinate teaching schedule with Community Group Leader.

Groups Team Leader

Groups Team Leaders invest not only in students, but also in their teams, in order to help team members minister effectively to students each week. Team Leaders are held accountable for their assigned small group of Mercy Hill Students. This includes creating a hospitable and positive small group environment, creating a culture of discussion, accountability, and prayer among the group, leading games, and intentionally connecting with students. Groups Team Leaders are also expected to develop team members, ensuring they are equipped to engage students on a weekly basis.

Team Leader Competencies

Facilitate teaching and discussion in a way that presents the gospel and engages each student
Ensure you and your team members are effectively implementing programming
Identify and develop emerging volunteer leaders
Communicate with parents in a way that conveys the vision of Mercy Hill Students
Create a culture of community within your small group (both with leaders and students)

Time Commitment: 6-8 hours each week

Groups Team Members

Groups Team Members make Mercy Hill Students great every week for students by intentionally interacting with students at our events. This includes working together with other volunteers to create a hospitable and positive small group environment, assist in creating a culture of discussion, accountability, and prayer among the group, lead games, and intentionally connect with students.

Team Member Competencies

Be present, prompt, and prepared
Communicate clearly and respectfully with staff and leaders
Initiate positive interactions with students
Understand and apply Mercy Hill Students Policies and Procedures
Shoulder-tap others to join the Student Team

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per week

Bibles and Bible Storybooks

Ages 0-4
Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones
The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy

Ages 5-6
The Gospel Story Bible by Marty Machowski
The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung

Ages 7+
The One Big Story Bible (CSB)
The Action Bible

Devotion Books

Indescribable by Louie Giglio
Old Story New by Marty Machowski
Long Story Short by Marty Machowski
Wise Up by Marty Machowski
Listen Up by Marty Machowski

General

Give Them Grace by Elyse Fitzpatrick
Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas
Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
Parenting Beyond Your Capacity by Reggie Joiner
The Village Church Parenting Class with Jeff and Jen Wilkin
Parenting by Paul Tripp
God, Marriage, and Family by Andreas Kostenberger
Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens by Paul David Tripp

Technology

The Tech-wise Family by Andy Crouch
Right Click: Parenting Your Teenager in a Digital Media World by Art Bamford

Discipline

Boundaries with Kids by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Don’t Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Hubbard