Leadership in the Church of Christ:

THE TEACHERS OF THE CHURCH

Over the past few weeks we have been talking about church leadership.  We have addressed the roles of church leaders in the order they appear in Ephesians 4:11-16.  One of those important roles is the role of the teacher.  There are many thoughts that could be expressed regarding this role, but I would like to address some qualities the Bible gives to a teacher of the Word of God.

Teachers need to have a desire to teach the Word of God.  Knowing the Word of God influences the Christian teacher to share that Word.  It is shared willingly, lovingly, and longingly.  The apostle Paul put his trust in the gospel (I Thessalonians 2:4) and said, "Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel" (I Corinthians 9:16).  The Great Commission is taken personal (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16).  Why do they share it?

Teachers need to have a reverence for the Word of God. The writer of Psalm 119 declared that the Word was his daily "meditation" that gave him "light" (Psalm 119:97, 130). Only a respect for the Word will cause us to remember that "holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (II Peter 1:21) and that its truth is "not the word of men but the Word of God" (I Thessalonians 2:13). Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word which proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).

Teachers need to stand upon the Word of God.  They equip themselves to be "ready always to give an answer to any man that asks a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (I Peter 3:15).  By standing upon the Word of God they learn to "handle the Word of truth" in a right manner (II Timothy 2:15).  The content of the message convicts teachers to believe it so strongly that they would die for the faith.

Teachers need to live in harmony with the Word of God.  Paul said, "Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Philippians 1:27).  We are to "practice what we preach."  All Christians are to be "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-16).  This brings the teacher full circle, because a person cannot teach what he/she does not know. You cannot lead where you do not go.

Teachers need to be happy, optimistic, and spirit-filled people. Many Christians act like its nearly killing them to live the Christian life!  This was not the spirit of Paul (II Corinthians 4:13), nor the attitude he encouraged in Timothy and Titus.  All teachers can look to Jesus, the Master Teacher, for their source of inspiration.  Their role in the church is vital to our survival and maturity. 

Have a great week!