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Ministry Gift of a Teacher

Definition:

Someone who has the ability to discern and communicate spiritual truths in such a way that people can understand them. This ministry is primarily for the edification of the believer. Teachers instruct people regarding the Word of God, shape and develop core doctrinal beliefs, provide insights into issues of personal wholeness, and facilitate spiritual growth through the learning process.

Biblical References:

• 1 Corinthians 12:28
• Romans 12:7
• Acts 18:24-28
• 2 Timothy 1:13

Typical Ministry Characteristics:

1. Supernatural ability to communicate spiritual truth. State Biblical truth in a way that people can understand and remember. Often exhibit strong gifting in wisdom, knowledge and discerning of spirits.
2. Passionate about teaching and instructing others. Highly motivated to influence what people think and believe, but unlike pastors are not as strongly concerned with how people feel or burdened about their emotional needs. Enjoy seeing others grow in their knowledge and understanding of the Bible.
3. Significant understanding of doctrinal truth. Often feel that God is teaching them directly. Can look at Scripture and find important connections and precepts that are not always obvious to other believers. Quickly discern when someone else is presenting some idea or concept that is not quite right or accurate.
4. Conceptually oriented in their approach to ministry. More intellectual than emotional in their ministry style. Has a strong inclination to gather the facts, analyze information, think things carefully through, and follow a logical course of action. Generally not spontaneous in ministering to others.
5. Comfortable at communicating in a group setting. Enjoy public speaking. Not afraid to express themselves or share their opinions with others. Very adept at facilitating group discussions.

General Information

The Greek word for teacher means instructor or master (as in master/apprentice). It is used to describe someone gifted with strong spiritual insight and knowledge that can effectively instruct others, and in so doing, bring them up to the same level of understanding as they possess.

Apollos The Teacher

Apollos is an excellent example of the teaching ministry in the early Church. According to Acts 18 Apollos was a Jew from Alexandria, who was highly gifted in his ability to teach others. When the church leadership first discovered him, he was already teaching other Jews accurately about Jesus Christ, even though he had only experienced the baptism of John at that point in his life. Later on we are told his ministry significantly helped the apostle Paul. In 1 Corinthians 3:6 Paul mentions that he had planted the church but Apollos was watering it. The Greek word used for watering means to irrigate or give drink. Paul was describing to the Corinthian believers how he had laid key doctrinal foundations in their church but it was a teaching ministry of Apollos that was being used to complete his work and bring these saints into greater spiritual maturity.

How Teachers Operate

Teachers today continue on this same kind of ministry of completing the church and bringing believers to greater levels spiritual depth and maturity. While their ministry is usually directed towards the intellect of the believer, those with the gift of teaching also possess an anointing and inspirational element to their ministry. They can look into the Word of God and pull out great spiritual insight and understanding. When you come into the presence of someone with a true teaching ministry you can sense they have a special anointing and authority.

Teachers Differ From Pastors

Pastors are also called to teach according to Ephesians 4:11. And there is no distinguishable difference mentioned in Scripture between a pastor and a teacher regarding their teaching ability. The primary difference between these two ministries seems, instead, to be in a pastor's call to also shepherd the congregation. A pastor teaches and ministers to others with a shepherd's heart. There is no indication that a teacher has the same motivation. Teachers are often involved in church leadership because of their knowledge and ministry style. 1 Timothy 5:17 indicates teachers in the early Church served as elders in local congregations.

Teachers Are Conceptually Oriented

Teachers are conceptually oriented individuals. They minister, teach, debate, and discuss from their minds more their emotions. They often think strategically and may need to understand the "big picture" before they can deal with the details. Teachers are very gifted at seeing how ideas and concepts fit together. They can look at Scripture and draw forth truth and put together information in ways that other people are unable to do.

Sometimes people called to this ministry area lack important people skills. They may be great public communicators, but they are unable to relate well with others on a more personal level. This is due in part to their strong passion for ideas that can distract and even diminish their sensitivity to relational issues. There is a saying that you can win the battle but lose the war. In arguments you can win a debate with someone but lose his or her friendship in the process. Relational success can be very independent of intellectual success. Teachers sometimes get caught up in defending and promoting an idea, but miscue in their relationships with others.