“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues…” – Matthew 4:23

Teaching was a central part – indeed a defining feature – of the ministry of our Lord Jesus on earth.

In the Book of Matthew, Jesus is directly addressed as “Rabbi” by His disciples (Matthew 26:25) and by His adversaries (Matthew 22:16).

The title ‘Rabbi’ (teacher) emerged in ancient Israel as a designation for Jewish teachers and scholars who were experts in Jewish law and tradition.

The title conveyed not only authority and expertise in Jewish law and tradition, but also the person’s role as a spiritual leader in the community.

Indeed, over the three decades of His life, Jesus demonstrated a deep understanding of Scripture and Jewish tradition, which was a key requirement for being allowed to teach in the synagogue during Sabbath services.

The diversity of Jesus’s teaching methods allowed Him to reach a heterogeneous audience, adapting His approach to different contexts and learning styles, which contributed significantly to the effectiveness and lasting impact of His message.

At a personal level, Jesus’ teaching, particularly in small-group settings, fostered deep personal relationships and a committed group of followers, which formed the solid foundation for the Early Church and buttressed its subsequent global spread.

It is important to note that in Jesus’ ministry, teaching came ahead of preaching and healing.

In the Great Commission before He ascended to heaven, Jesus instructed His disciples to “Go and teach all nations… teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20), which emphasizes the centrality of the teaching ministry to the Church’s core mission of making disciples.

Be part of a church where the leadership encourages and supports the development of biblical literacy and theological understanding within the congregation.

In 1 Timothy 3:2, the Bible lists being “apt to teach” as a key qualification for church leaders.

“Apt to teach” implies having the ability or skill to teach effectively or having a natural inclination or passion for teaching.

The Bible also cites ‘teacher’ as one of the ‘ministry gifts,’ in addition to prophets, apostles, evangelists, and pastors (see Ephesians 4:11).

Unfortunately, one of the most telling features of the contemporary Church is the marked loss of interest in the teaching ministry.

Compared to the other ‘prestigious’ titles such as ‘Apostle,’ ‘Prophet’ and ‘Evangelist, very few men of God, if any, are inclined to add the title ‘Teacher’ to their name.

It’s simply alarming how most of the time in many church services is spent on entertainment-focused worship and ‘motivational speaking’ rather than in-depth teaching of the Word, which is usually dismissed as ‘boring.’

Busy schedules for church leaders, coupled with tightly programmed services have made it extremely challenging for churches to maintain a strong teaching ministry.

Of course, the dire effects of lack of teaching, of the decline of biblical literacy and of the low level of theological understanding among Christians are there for all to see.

So, the question is; how relevant is or rather, what is your attitude to the teaching ministry as an individual?

However exciting and enjoyable they might sound to our ears, ‘motivational speeches’ from the pulpit have not and will never ground us nor edify us spiritually.  

I think that underlies the frustration the apostle had when he wrote to the Hebrews:  “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:12-14).

This year, I urge you to earnestly pray for the gift of teaching and to seek to be “skilled in the Word of righteousness.”

I challenge you to find a church where the in-depth teaching of the Word of Truth is well-incorporated into the church’s programs.

Rather than merely seeking to have ‘fun’ in Church, be part of a church where the leadership encourages and supports the development of biblical literacy and theological understanding in the congregation.