Written by Pastor Micah Eldridge

Read: Ephesians 4:11-13

My kids are all teenagers now, so they’re at the age where they occasionally (and unknowingly) provide me helpful feedback in my parenting. One of the clear messages I’ve received, especially in their teen years, is that my long “lectures” don’t actually work. Whether it’s wandering eyes, deep sighs, or the empty “ok” at the end of my talks, I’ve discovered that, while monologues may work on a Sunday morning at church, they’re not great for a Monday evening at the dinner table. But, in my defense, I’m a Teacher. I can’t always help it!

The equipping gift of the Teacher builds up the church through instruction and insight. Teachers serve the body through explaining and interpreting the Scriptures, articulating theology, and/or creating discipleship resources. Teachers often function as teaching pastors, instructors, group leaders, trainers, theologians, writers, and researchers. As you can see, the teaching gift is broad and can show up all over the church.

But gifted Teachers aren’t just focused on good information. They are aiming for transformation. Teachers are supernaturally gifted at transferring insight in a transformative way. They don’t just want their listeners to hear it; they want them to get it. Think of Jesus’ admonition that “he who hears his words and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24)

Gifted Teachers can be great storytellers. They can often come up with a simple analogy (a parable, if you will) on the spot to make a complex concept clearer. Or maybe they have a way with words, in written or spoken form, that draws listeners and readers into deep truth. Some Teachers know how to say a lot with a few well-chosen words. Others have the ability to orate for hours without losing people’s attention. No matter the communication style, Teachers are transformative.

My first opportunity to teach came as a college sophomore in a small-group setting. I was a Group Leader Apprentice, and my mentor felt it was time for me to take a crack at teaching our group. I took it seriously and couldn’t wait. I thoroughly prepared a robust lesson on Hebrews 10. When my time came, I dove in with all the conviction and passion in the world. I got lost in the insights I had discovered and the pages of notes I had written. I let it fly. But when I came up for air, I realized most of the group had the same look on their faces that my teens have during one of my parenting talks. I talked too much and went way too long. The leader of the group kindly coached me with some feedback I’ll never forget: “You don’t have to tell us everything you know about the Bible in one sitting. Just say what’s most helpful.” It was not a transformative night for the group, but it was for me.

A true Teacher wants to see people change. They may be excited about the information, but they are passionate about the transformation.