Why I Train Furniture Refinishing Apprentices

Here at Old Virginia Woodworking I do not hire laborers or carpenters I hire apprentices. There is a world of difference in my opinion. Typically when business owners hire people it is to fill a need for the business. That is true here as well but I have other motivations too.

I believe God has prepared me for such a day as this. Having worked in the building trades for 48 years God has been gracious to let me learn a great deal about building and woodworking. It is only by His gracious provision and kind providence that I have gained my skills. That providence has also helped me to own and provision a good sized shop full of modern tools and equipment.

My Dream Job – Woodworking & Furniture Refinishing

Here I am in my later years working on what many tradesmen would call their dream projects. We refinish a wide variety of furniture pieces. Some are quite nice antiques. We also build some new pieces and make custom moldings for restoration work. I often reflect on the kindness of God in allowing me to work on these desirable projects.

I realize there are numbers of guys around who would love to do the kind of work we do here and would be greatly blessed to have that opportunity. I have decided I ought to (to quote a famous Person) give as it has been given to me and give other guys a chance to learn what I have learned. Hence my commitment to train apprentices in refinishing and woodworking.

Working at My Calling

This is work I believe God has given me to do. It is right here in front of me. I do not have to go to Africa or any third world country (though I greatly respect those who do) in order to fulfill my calling. I can walk just 300 feet down to my shop and do some kind of good for Christ’s kingdom without moving anywhere or driving a single mile.

Given the moral decay and philosophical and spiritual collapse of the university systems and the general lack of trade school opportunities the need has never been greater for apprenticeship training. This idea of apprenticeships was a part of old Christendom that has been bypassed and forgotten for over a century.

Many people have heard the word apprentice but have no real, meaningful content for that concept. I am trying to revive an old idea that I believe is both biblically sound and useful in our time. I am doing something new by imitating something old. True, Christian apprenticeship involves more than just learning trade skills. It involves teaching and learning an entire worldview to go with the trade skills. This is what makes Christian apprenticeship Christian and it is why I am determined to train Christian apprentices. May God give me the grace to succeed to His glory.