2026-05-17 Elder Andrew Neill – “Be His Apprentice” – Adult Study Class

Summary

Elder Andrew Neill’s adult study class titled "Be His Apprentice" draws an inspiring parallel between professional accountability, personal growth, and spiritual apprenticeship in Christ. Using a candid story from his career in corporate finance, Neill illustrates the importance of humility, responsibility, and coachability when confronting mistakes. He shares how a major error in his financial model led to feelings of failure but ultimately resulted in support from a new, wise CFO who valued capability, coachability, and desire. These three traits form the foundation of being an apprentice—not only in the workplace but in a spiritual context as well.

Andrew expands these principles through biblical teachings emphasizing that everyone is capable through God’s grace, everyone must remain teachable, and most importantly, everyone must genuinely want to be transformed. The class includes reflective questions to challenge participants on their openness to correction and willingness to embrace change. Real-life examples, including the cautionary tale of NFL quarterback Carson Wentz and the transformative journey of comedian Theo Vaughn, underscore the consequences of resistance versus the blessings of submission. The discussion culminates in a call for honest self-examination, asking whether one truly desires to be healed and renewed by God, acknowledging that transformation demands courage and ongoing commitment. The lesson encourages a detailed, “bottom-up” approach to spiritual growth, ensuring submission in all facets of life, not just superficially.

Highlights

1. Andrew’s personal story of a costly mistake highlights the power of humility and accountability.
2. The three critical traits for success: capability, coachability, and desire ("do you want it?").
3. Biblical foundations affirm that spiritual gifts are diverse and growth is lifelong.
4. The cautionary tale of Carson Wentz illustrates the pitfalls of refusing to be coached.
5. Theo Vaughn’s story exemplifies the struggle and hope in seeking transformation despite hardship.
6. The importance of examining every area of life to truly submit and desire spiritual renewal.
7. Reflective questions foster self-awareness about openness to change and healing.

Key Insights

1. Mistakes are powerful teachers when met with humility: Andrew’s experience reveals that errors, no matter how severe, can become catalysts for growth when one accepts responsibility and remains teachable. His CFO’s response exemplifies leadership that values potential over perfection.
2. Capability is God-given and diverse: Romans 12 Verse 6 reminds us that spiritual gifts differ by grace, emphasizing that every individual is inherently capable, though in unique ways. Recognizing this encourages confidence and contribution without comparison.
3. Coachability is essential for continuous growth: Proverbs repeatedly stresses the wisdom of accepting instruction and correction. Being coachable means embracing a lifelong learner’s mindset, which keeps us aligned with God’s purpose and prevents spiritual stagnation.
4. Desire fuels transformation: Without a genuine desire to change—“do you want it?”—capability and coachability are meaningless. True apprenticeship requires an earnest longing to be made new, willing to submit fully to God’s work.
5. Resistance to change often stems from fear: The class discussion reveals that many resist healing or transformation because it demands stepping into the unknown, relinquishing control, and accepting greater responsibility. This resistance is natural but must be overcome to grow.
6. Spiritual renewal requires detailed self-examination: Like bottom-up budgeting in finance, spiritual submission cannot be superficial or vague. It demands honest evaluation of faith, relationships, career, and decisions to identify where full surrender is lacking.
7. Stories of real people illuminate spiritual truths: The examples of Carson Wentz and Theo Vaughn vividly illustrate the difference between resistance and openness to growth, showing how personal choices impact destiny and spiritual health.

Outline

• Introduction: Be His Apprentice
  • Personal career story in corporate finance illustrating accountability and humility
  • The mistake of omitting commissions in a financial model and its emotional impact
  • Leadership response emphasizing capability, coachability, and desire
• Key Traits for Apprenticeship
  • Capability: Understanding spiritual gifts and individual strengths (Romans 12:6)
  • Coachability: Embracing correction and ongoing learning (Proverbs 9 Verse 9, 12 Verses 1-2, 15 Verses 31-32)
  • Desire: The essential “do you want it?” question (2 Corinthians 5 Verse 17)
• Reflection and Group Discussion
  • Handling differing opinions and willingness to reconsider beliefs
  • Personal testimonies about spiritual growth and learning to be teachable
  • The struggle and fear in embracing God’s transformative work
• Cautionary Tale: Carson Wentz
  • Talented athlete undone by lack of coachability
  • Demonstrates the consequences of pride and resistance to feedback
• Inspirational Story: Theo Vaughn
  • From poverty and broken family to fame and personal struggle
  • Illustrates the complexity of healing and desire for new life
• Spiritual Application: Do You Want to Be Healed?
  • Biblical story of the sick man at Bethesda (John 5)
  • The challenge of wanting healing despite the cost of change
  • The balance between potential and willingness
• Practical Spiritual Growth: Bottom-Up Examination
  • Comparing top-down vs. bottom-up budgeting as a metaphor for spiritual submission
  • Detailed evaluation of faith, family, relationships, career, and decisions
  • Encouragement for honest self-assessment and commitment
• Closing Reflections and Prayer
  • Why some resist healing and change
  • The call to courageously embrace God’s plan for renewal