Issue #104, April 22, 2013
Paul’s quality checklist to Timothy next calls for leaders who are “able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2). Many associate this skill with only a few select individuals who are gifted and called to public speaking and teaching. But Paul is convinced that all leaders should have this ability. He agrees with the writer of Hebrews who says to us all, “by this time you ought to be teachers” (Hebrews 5:12). Paul recognizes that being able to teach is for every servant leader because it reveals four key passions of their heart.
Able to teach reveals a love for learning.
Effective teachers are passionate learners. They recognize that before they can teach others, they need to learn themselves. This learning can be formal or informal but leaders who pass the quality assurance test “able to teach” are always learning and growing. They are eager to read, attend trainings, and learn from others who are ahead of them on the journey. They are willing to invest the time and resources required to learn. A love for learning requires thinking, reflecting, evaluating and digesting information. Servant leaders love to learn not simply to impress others with their knowledge or credentials, but because they see themselves as stewards of the mind which God has given to them. They have a passion to learn as much as they can so that they glorify God by becoming all that God created them to be.
Able to teach reveals a love for others.
Teachers are not simply passionate about personal growth but they desire to pass this on to others to see them also grow and develop. Leaders whose motives are selfish will learn and grow for their own benefit. But servant leaders’ love for others motivates them to develop their teaching ability so they can help others grow. They recognize that their leadership is a sacred trust from God for the good of others and they deeply desire to see those under their leadership learning togrow as well.
Able to teach reveals a love for communication.
Not all leaders will be skilled or gifted in the area of public communication. But all servant leaders have a passion to communicate well to others what God has taught them. A mother at home takes time over a cup of tea to communicate with a neighbor what she has learned about parenting. Corporate managers find emerging leaders and coach them to navigate the system. Pastors prepare to teach as a way of communicating with others what God has taught them through their study and experience. Servant leaders are passionate about communicating to others and continually seek to be more effective in this skill.
Able to teach reveals a love for transformation.
Effective teachers recognize that the goal of teaching is not passing on information but life transformation. They take seriously the Great Commission’s charge, “teaching them to obey” (Matthew 28:19). Servant leaders are passionate about producing change in the lives of those who follow and sharpen their teaching skills in an effort to see increasing transformation take place.
Ezra was a biblical leader who was well able to teach. A short description of his life provides a lot of insight for all servant leaders. For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. (Ezra 7:10) Note the progression, Ezra first studied, then obeyed and then taught others. As his own life was transformed he passed it on to others. He teaches all servant leaders not to teach without study which produces transformation. But he also challenges us after transformation to teach others. Take a moment to rate your leadership in the area of teaching.
For further reflection and discussion:
- What am I doing to learn and grow this week? In the past month? What books am I reading and what seminars have I attended? Am I meeting with a mentor to help me grow? Am I growing in wisdom, the ability to apply what I'm learning to life situations?
- What is my attitude towards those whom I lead? Am I passionate about their growth? Do I desire to see them develop their own skills and abilities? Is my desire for their growth because of my love for them or is it simply because I want them to help me accomplish my vision?
- How effective am I at communicating to others what God has taught? Am I growing in this area? Am I most effective in public or private settings?
- What transformation do I see in the lives of those whom I am leading? Are there ways that I can grow as a teacher which will result in greater transformation in their lives?