I Want to Teach the Word, but Where Do I Go From Here?

[Steven Yeadon]

Hi,

I have been at this forum for 8 months, and talking on it has convinced me that I desperately want to teach the Word of God to others. I have no idea what this means for me now, though. I had been a false believer for 12 years before becoming a believer on faith a year and half ago. I also went to seminary in that time at a "Moderate" seminary called Asbury Theological Seminary where I studied mainly teaching, Christian apologetics, church history, and theology before dropping out due to medical problems and because I was "too literal" with how I read the bible. I had planned on becoming a "Moderate theologian."

Thus, my pastor, a Southern Baptist, is very worried for me whenever I say I want to do anything where I would have a ministerial role in anyway. I also have a history of severe mental illness, but thankfully I have been well treated in the last two years.

The difference now though is like night and day. I honestly want to teach the Word to others, even though the bible is clear that I will be judged more harshly (James 3:1). However, what is my next step? How does this role function in the church from amateur to elder? What are the options available to me? I don't really know so I came here looking for help.

Salty gave me a reply in another thread and I am looking for as much advice as I can get.

 

[annsni]

My husband at one time felt a call to the ministry. He had already been in ministry in the past and at that time was a computer engineer but he just felt led to do something that had a bit more eternal value. Well, he spoke to our senior pastor who told him to wait. The time wasn't right. It took a bit of time but during the time, hubby worked at learning, being mentored and working alongside the pastors as a volunteer. Eventually, it was time for him to leave his employment and enter the ministry. It has been a blessing and a rough road all at the same time but I'd not trade it for anything.

My counsel to you is to work alongside your pastor and the other teachers at the church, show yourself faithful and a student of the word, someone who is reliable and stable, and I'm sure in time they will begin to use you. Maybe not in full time teaching but maybe here and there. Again - be faithful in the small things and you will be rewarded with more.

 

[JamesL]

I agree with @annsni

I'm going the long way around the barn, if you will.

I felt called to ministry shortly after becoming a believer almost 20 years ago, but I had the perception that it meant immediately jumping ship from my career as an electrician. I was unsure what to do, so I did nothing.

Through a lot of fumbling and bumbling, I have been involved in some type of ministry almost the whole time, but still working secularly. So God's calling was always on the back burner.

I'm being led into bivocational ministry now.

 

[Van]

There is an old story about a Rabbi and his students. They listened to him, they traveled with him, broke bread with him. And when he sat down to teach, they listened and then studied. You see they did not want to learn what the Rabbi knew, or even teach others what they had learned from the Rabbi, but instead, they wanted to become the Rabbi. Do you want to become Christ-like or just another know-it-all blowhard? Christ was clear, we do not need to be Christ-like, to teach the Word, to feed His sheep. But if we do not see where we are and where we need to go as a developing Christian, we are not ready to teach. Study John 21.

 

[Steven Yeadon]

But if we do not see where we are and where we need to go as a developing Christian, we are not ready to teach. Study John 21.

That is an excellent point. I would probably get weird looks from many people for saying this, but the biggest problem I have is not understanding the Word of God as much as I should. I am amazed at how much I glean form the Word nowadays as I read, so much more than before. I know I have to read the whole Word thoughtfully all the way through, but it seems such a huge thing to do I get scared and procrastinate. That needs to end if I want to be a teacher.

Another thing that gets me about where I need to go is that teachers are also pastors, as far as my amateur ability to translate Ephesians goes. As you say pastors feed the sheep. Its a shepherding job like caring for a bunch of sheep. I am certainly not ready for that kind of role. I do not have the life experiences or leadership ability to do so at this point in my life.

 

[Deacon]

It's already been said but I'll say it again:

• Attend and contribute to various group studies - not only for a few lessons but for the duration - learn teaching methods from them that you can effectively use.
  As others notice and value your contributions you gain confidence and poise.
  When someone ask you to fill in, you will be ready.
• Learn how to ask a good group question (something I've never really got the knack of)
• Find your strengths and use them
• Find a group of people that you can connect with

Rob

 

[PastoralMusings]

Steve,
I haven't been here in ages. I have just returned and, while scrolling throigh, noticed your question.
It is a good thing to desire to teach. As you have said, teachers must first be students of the Word.
I also echo those who recommend being under the tutelage of your pastor.
Growing in the Lord while awaiting His timing is an honorable thing also. It is imperative that our example speaks of our faithfulness to our Master.
In addition to these things, I recommend that you regularly seek God''s help so that you are assured that you are correct both about calling and motive. Then I recommend that you become a bibliophile, if you are not already. Seek advice concerning the best books you can read on hermeneutics, theology, homoletics, and whatever particular book and/or topic you find yourself focusing on at a particular time.

 

[Reformed]

I also echo those who recommend being under the tutelage of your pastor.

Ditto. The landscape is replete with seminary graduates who have a degree but no calling to ministry. Allow your pastor and elders to do their job. Come under their care and guidance. Share your desire with them and see if they recognize ministerial graces in your life. I highly counsel against allowing yourself to determine whether you have a call to ministry. Desire is important but desire alone is not enough.

 

[HankD]

I Want to Teach the Word, but Where Do I Go From Here?

Prayer.

NKJV James 3:1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.

HankD

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I Want to Teach the Word, but Where Do I Go From Here?

Prayer.

NKJV James 3:1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.

HankD

Agreed, it is a hard row to hoe ... even if you believe it’s a calling.

I’m in a similar situation that is nawing at me regarding the rebuild of a church... kind of a calling Here is the thing, I’ve grown skeptical and complacent that anything can be accomplished... actually comfortable that it’s not going to happen...then guess what, this church gets a new minister, one that’s young and eager... now what am I supposed to do!?!

Because of timing, this will have to be a church of the Future... to be rebuilt stone by stone, picked up from the rubble, by witnesses of the initial blast... and God help me, I am witness.

 

[HankD]

Agreed, it is a hard row to hoe ... even if you believe it’s a calling.

I’m in a similar situation that is nawing at me regarding the rebuild of a church... kind of a calling Here is the thing, I’ve grown skeptical and complacent that anything can be accomplished... actually comfortable that it’s not going to happen...then guess what, this church gets a new minister, one that’s young and eager... now what am I supposed to do!?!

Because of timing, this will have to be a church of the Future... to be rebuilt stone by stone, picked up from the rubble, by witnesses of the initial blast... and God help me, I am witness.

I think its called renewal.

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

I too share some of your pessimism but blended with optimism.

We also have a new pastor. he is marvelously gifted in the transmission of the word from the page to our ears and I love to hear him.

True he may follow a canned sermon from a commentary but i believe the preaching of the word is effective depending greatly upon the gift and skill of DELIVERY.

Our pastor is certainly spiritually gifted in this area.

Very important to a local church and its spiritual health is a pastor connected to the Holy Spirit ungrieved, unquenched.

may the LORD bless us with a new awakening(s).


HankD

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I think its called renewal.

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

I too share some of your pessimism but blended with optimism.

We also have a new pastor. he is marvelously gifted in the transmission of the word from the page to our ears and I love to hear him.

True he may follow a canned sermon from a commentary but i believe the preaching of the word is effective depending greatly upon the gift and skill of DELIVERY.

Our pastor is certainly spiritually gifted in this area.

Very important to a local church and its spiritual health is a pastor connected to the Holy Spirit ungrieved, unquenched.

may the LORD bless us with a new awakening(s).


HankD

Again, I'm skeptical. Besides I am a professed rotten scoundrel who enjoys the life. This endeavor will require me to alter my life & plans. Oh what the heck, why is He doing this to me now?

 

[HankD]

Again, I'm skeptical. Besides I am a professed rotten scoundrel who enjoys the life. This endeavor will require me to alter my life & plans. Oh what the heck, why is He doing this to me now?

Because He can?

HankD

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Because He can?

HankD

Yea.....wait for years till the area is almost totally in shambles then do something (seemingly last minute). I prefer action plans & timelines. Guess its not about me.

 

[TCassidy]

God is seldom early, but never late.

 

[Yeshua1]

That is an excellent point. I would probably get weird looks from many people for saying this, but the biggest problem I have is not understanding the Word of God as much as I should. I am amazed at how much I glean form the Word nowadays as I read, so much more than before. I know I have to read the whole Word thoughtfully all the way through, but it seems such a huge thing to do I get scared and procrastinate. That needs to end if I want to be a teacher.

Another thing that gets me about where I need to go is that teachers are also pastors, as far as my amateur ability to translate Ephesians goes. As you say pastors feed the sheep. Its a shepherding job like caring for a bunch of sheep. I am certainly not ready for that kind of role. I do not have the life experiences or leadership ability to do so at this point in my life.

I would really think better to learn now what and why you believe, as coming from charasmatic chaos, need to get a good theology on your own now. get a good primer like JI packer knowing God, read thru it, and also maybe meet with your pastor and glean from him on a weekly basis awhile. Once you get own theology underneath you, see what gifting the pastor and others se that God placed in you, as one can teach and not be called as a pastor. No rush here, as need to get built up good theology secured in scriptures for now!

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

God is seldom early, but never late.

my own personal dictum, " If you are not early then you are late."

So what am I supposed to do with all this? I just called the guy, and ahhhh....he is young 32 YO. A kid really. The others that aren't dead are old.....heck, Im old. Im asking him to outline an action plan (with a time line)....I will feel more comfortable with that laid out. Then a budget but I wont ask for that yet....just want to know this isn't this kids free ride to obscurity.

 

[thatbrian]

Ditto. The landscape is replete with seminary graduates who have a degree but no calling to ministry. Allow your pastor and elders to do their job. Come under their care and guidance. Share your desire with them and see if they recognize ministerial graces in your life. I highly counsel against allowing yourself to determine whether you have a call to ministry. Desire is important but desire alone is not enough.

This is key because I believe the call to pastor is first outward. If no one is telling you that you should be a pastor, you probably shouldn't be.

 

[Yeshua1]

This is key because I believe the call to pastor is first outward. If no one is telling you that you should be a pastor, you probably shouldn't be.

The pastor or elders should be able to recognize that calling is in place to some degree.

 

[John of Japan]

Another thing that gets me about where I need to go is that teachers are also pastors, as far as my amateur ability to translate Ephesians goes. As you say pastors feed the sheep. Its a shepherding job like caring for a bunch of sheep. I am certainly not ready for that kind of role. I do not have the life experiences or leadership ability to do so at this point in my life.

Actually, the "pastor/teacher" paradigm from Eph. 4:11 is based on a mistaken usage of the Granville Sharp rule, which applies to singular nouns in that usage but not plural ones as in that verse. So a teacher is not necessarily a pastor and vice versa. One can be both or either.