This book—and all of the books in The Apprentice Series—would not exist were it not for Dallas Willard, a living example of a true apprentice of Jesus, who has inspired me in countless ways. Dallas’s outline of a “curriculum for Christlikeness” is the framework of these books. It is difficult to measure the impact of his life and writings on my soul.

And this book would not have been written were it not for Richard J. Foster, who has poured his life and wisdom into me for over twenty-five years. Everyone should have a teacher as brilliant and authentic as Richard—I am grateful. Thank you, Richard, for finding something in me worth believing in and taking a chance on.

The person that made the most sacrifice is my wonderful, beautiful, fun and very patient wife, Meghan Smith. She endured many months as a “writer’s widow” and never complained. Thank you, Meghan, for knowing how important this series is to me by supporting and encouraging me every step of the way. And thanks for editing the material along the way. My whole life is better because of you. You still take my breath away.

My son and daughter, Jacob and Hope, also gave up a lot as I wrote. Thank you for allowing me to tell your stories. Thanks too for being supportive throughout these years while I wrote, rewrote, edited and taught this material. I know that the time I spend with others is time taken from you. I will work to make it up to you!

I would also like to thank four former disciples and now colleagues for all of the encouragement and support they have given. The two “sons of thunder”: Patrick Sehl, thank you for your relentless support and love for this material; and C. J. Fox, thanks for being an example of integrity and enthusiasm. The two “wise hobbits”: Matt Johnson, thank you for your quiet confidence, dedication to the King and the kingdom, and scent of patchouli; and Jimmy Taylor, thanks for your creativity and depth, and sheer love of Jesus. These four young men are going to change the world.

I would like to thank three of my colleagues at Friends University who read the manuscript of The Apprentice Series, offered a lot of helpful suggestions and helped me avoid some errors—Dr. Chris Ketter for your theological insights, Dr. Stan Harstine for your biblical brilliance and Dr. Darcy Zabel for your literary skills.

I owe a great debt to Kathy Helmers, my agent and guide through the maze of publishing, for sharing my love for this series, shaping it into something good and then finding the right publishing partner. Kathy, you are the best at what you do, and I am fortunate to work with you.

I would also like to thank Jeff Crosby and Cindy Bunch of InterVarsity Press, who made it clear to me from the moment we met that you were quality people with incredible skills, a passion for publishing good books, and a clear vision for what this series is and can be. I am blessed to work with you both.

I would like to thank others who contributed in hidden ways.

Emil Johnson—for your careful reading of this book and endless encouragement.

Bob Casper—for your belief in me and these books, and for your brilliant mind.

Jeff Gannon—my pastor, friend and fellow worker in the kingdom.

Lyle SmithGraybeal—for never once having doubt about The Apprentice Series.

Vicki and Scott Price—for loving me and believing in this series.

Finally, thank you, thank you, thank you to those people who went through this “course” at Chapel Hill UMC, Wichita, Kansas, who studied and practiced the concepts in this series, and allowed me to learn from your experiences and insights. Your presence flows in the pages of the series. You worked hard on this material, and you deserve to be named: Betty Leader, Chris Faulk, Trevor Hinz, Stuart Mochrie, Doug Oliver, Ernie Reiger, Pete Orsi, Barb Orsi, Phil Ladwig, Richard Spillman, Arlo Casper, Marita Soucie, Tammy Langton, Craig Rhodes, Tracy Cassidy, Greg Fox, Michael Criss, Craig Warren, Ben Leader, Jane Albright, Chris McNeil, Joy McNeil, Paul Oldland, Denise Oldland, J. J. Miller, Charlotte Miller, Kelly Sooter, Steve Coen, David Nelson, Bob Casper, Nancy Wallace, Mary Warren, Shawn Chesser, Mary Uttig, Pam Tilson, Abe Rodriguez, Cassie Hill, Eric Johnson, Eva Johnson, Andrew Tash, C. J. Fox, Matt Johnson, Catherine Johnson, Bill Eichelberger, Laurie Rhodes, Sheree Gerig, Lu Ross, Bob Ross, Ashley Brockus, B. J. Brockus, Juliet Mochrie, Monica Coen, Jenny Bennett, Dan Bennett, Gary Shanks, Kylie Jennings, Arlene Amis, Kassie Taylor, Jason Searl, Carrie Mills, Preston Todd, Carlee Todd, Stacy Clark, Patrick Sehl, Janeen Sehl, Chuck Romig, Kim Romig, Scott Price, Vicki Price, Josh Luton, Carol Jones, Charlie Schwartz, Chrissy Searl, Christine Vogt, Holly Myers, Tony Myers, Jane Frye, Laurie Furse, Rick Furse, Lindsey Bricker, Pam Larsen, Suzanne Schwartz, Chris Randolph, Jill Casper, Mark Zonnefeld, Bob Epperson, Malaura Epperson, Charlie Tannehill, Cindy Tannehill, Dan Jehlik, Diana Storm, Jack Storm, Dick Heggestad, Cheryl Heggestad, Gay Hendrickson, Kim Packebush, Terri Guthrie, George Guthrie, Mike Todd, Terri Todd, Jennifer Hinz, Meghan Smith, Brooke Hill, Carol Fisher, Joan Tash, Brooke Krause, Dennis Phelps, Justin Lefto and Kara Lefto.