If an Apprentice does not Proceed onto Vocational Ministry, has the Trainer or Apprentice ‘Failed’?

No. Over the years, we have seen many complete the apprenticeship and then—having learnt much about God, ministry, people and themselves—decide not to proceed towards a paid ministry role. This is a great outcome. Beyond their apprenticeship, these people have shown themselves to be godly and able leaders in their own churches, serving in all kinds of ways in personal, small group and administrative roles. The trainer has failed if they make their apprentices feel like second-class citizens if they do not go onto vocational ministry. In addition, the trainer has failed if they encourage apprentices to proceed into ministry roles for which they are not suited. Every member of the body of Christ contributes to the building of the church, but they do so in their own way.