The Apprentice
Ancient rabbis taught on the move. So life for a rabbi's student or apprentice was literally a journey of learning. But unlike a student who just wants to know what their teacher knows, an apprentice wants to actually become like the teacher.
I began my apprenticeship to Jesus one Friday evening, at the age of 14, on Dixon Road in South London, on my way home from the church youth group I attended. I remember thinking that if God exists and if Christ was everything he claimed to be then I should dedicate my life to following him and serving the poor as he had done.
Some years later, I began Oasis in order to develop a hostel, hospital and school. Twenty-five years on, due to the hard work and vision of so many other apprentices who have joined me along the way, No.3, our first hostel, is still housing vulnerable young people in South London, Oasis is running 9 Academies in some of the UK's toughest communities - with more on the way - and we are developing children's centres, healthcare, churches and youth work projects in our community hubs across the country...not to mention our work in 10 other countries around the world.
Whatever part of Oasis you look at, you'll find all of it is motivated by the life, message and example of Jesus. In this way, Oasis is really a community of apprentices trying to imitate the Rabbi and do what he would do if he walked our streets today.
I'd like to thank those of you who already walk alongside us and support our work; who give to us
financially, or who give up their time to volunteer with us, or who pray for our staff and the young people we work with. And I'd like to invite those of you who are new to Oasis to get your shoes on, and join us in our journey.
Steve Chalke
Founder, Oasis
Apprentice: The Tour
Join Steve Chalke at major UK venues to explore more of what it is to be an apprentice to Christ -featuring special guests, live discussion and resources for you and your church.
Click here for more information.
Taking place throughout November and December 2009