Leaders are Teachers

Leaders are Teachers

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding. Proverbs 3:13 (NIV).

The early disciples stepped out boldly, serving and teaching in Jesus' Name.  Listen carefully to sincere teachers of the Word of God.

“Teachers have three loves: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together.” ~Scott Hayden

When we find wisdom we gain understanding.  There are times when we need another person to help us in this search.  This is when leaders become teachers.  In a previous post I discussed the importance of leaders serving as mentors.  A mentor is someone who walks side-by-side and partners.  There are also times when leaders need to be teachers.  As teachers, leaders can help others find wisdom and understanding.  Ephesians 4: 11 – 16 talks about the necessity for the five leadership roles in the Church, teachers being one of them.  The teacher is the one who trains God’s people in the truth and teaches others to do so.

Martin Luther said that when schools flourish, all flourishes.  Now school does not need to be formal places of learning.  Leadership schooling can happen within informal settings.  But what is constant is creating an environment where learning can take place.  When we have leaders who are teachers, ordinary people become equipped for ministry.

Jesus is described as a master teacher.  Through His work He demonstrated the highest qualities of a great teacher.  When we examine the Scripture closely Christ used teaching more than any other technique.  Throughout Scripture Jesus is referred to as teacher, Rabbi.

Jesus knew His subject and He knew how to teach it.  Finally Christ lived what He taught.  And as leaders this is a critical piece.  We cannot tell those we lead, “Do as I say and not as I do.”  Followers today demand leaders of integrity.  As leaders we need to role model the behavior that we seek in others.  Just as Jesus role modeled this behavior, so must we.

Take time to teach others while you lead.  A crucial outcome of leadership is the ability to produce leadership in someone else.

Prayer

God of wisdom, in your goodness you provide faithful teachers for Your glory.  Your Son came among us as the Master Teacher and Leader.  By Your Holy Spirit give all teachers and leaders inspiration and insight into Your Holy word, lives that are examples to all, and the courage to know and do the truth.  Enable teachers and leaders to train the hearts and minds of new leaders so that they may grow in Your will and be prepared to face challenges firm in Your wisdom.  Through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.  Amen.

Song of Hope