In historic Germany, only a master craftsman could train an apprentice. To become a master, he had to demonstrate that he was an expert craftsman and businessman. When we started THS Academy with a focus on training church planters and pastors, we adapted the German apprenticeship system for pastoral training. We desire to have the disciplines that Jesus taught his disciples to make up the basis for the THS apprenticeship. And so, the THS apprenticeship is a three-year-long process where a “Master Pastor” or instructor trains a future leader based on actual ministry expertise. So this is more than a residency. It is a time of intense learning within your organization.

The 9 spiritual disciplines within the Apprenticeship

The Tree

A tree is a model we use to understand spiritual growth.

The goal is that all 9 disciplines advance in the apprentice. From there the name 3×3 is derived. Therefore THS Academy uses 2 ways to ensure healthy growth. First, we want to be sure to track the right things. This is what our 3×3 Program is designed for.

Goals of the Apprenticeship 3×3 disciplines

The 3×3 Program contains 3 sections, each with 3 disciplines. The 3×3 Program provides rigorous practical training during the entire 3 THS training years. The THS student receives a graded apprenticeship certificate at the end of each trimester, giving each student feedback on their progress in the individual disciplines – always with coaching support of a “Master Pastor.” Here the principle of discipleship is at work: watching, then participating, then working with feedback, and finally, doing it yourself. See the core disciplines of this model: