What is a teacher?
Releasing treasure from the heart of God
The teacher is a widely accepted ministry within the church. When this ministry is valued and allowed to flourish, teachers are ‘like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom treasures new and old’ (Matthew 13:52).
They unlock storehouses of revelation and release treasure from the heart of God.
Profound revelation by the Spirit
I highly value the teaching grace. However, sometimes it seems in the western church, teaching has been used as an excuse to not press into the things of the Spirit.
Teaching and the moving of the Holy Spirit are by no means mutually exclusive. A true Ephesians 4 teacher will bring profound revelation and bring scripture to life in ways you couldn’t imagine.
Illuminate God’s word
The teacher is a foundational gift to the church, empowered by Christ to illuminate God’s Word and clarify His truths. They are to instruct believers, enabling them to mature in their faith and effectively participate in the ongoing work of ministry.
Teachers possess a God-given ability to delve into God’s Word, understand its complexities, and grasp its profound truths. They are often ‘light givers,’ bringing clarity where there might be confusion. Gifted in breaking down complex biblical concepts into understandable and digestible truths, their goal is to make God’s truth accessible and applicable to the lives of believers. They are deeply concerned with biblical accuracy and sound doctrine, guarding against false teaching and keeping the church grounded in the truth.
James 3:1 warns that ‘not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly,’ highlighting the weighty responsibility of handling God’s Word correctly.
Truth, not only knowledge
A mark of a true teacher is that they don’t just impart knowledge but truth that leads to a transformed life. They aim for revelation that results in spiritual growth and maturity. They are tasked to see a people equipped to discern truth from error, so that they are not ‘tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming’ (Ephesians 4:11).
Working alongside the pastor
While the role of a teacher is distinct, the teacher often works closely with the pastor. In Ephesians 4:11, the term ‘pastor and teacher’ is seen as a single office, implying the close links.
In Acts 13 you have prophets and teachers who are gathered together; a beautiful partnership of those who bring the written word to life and those who communicate revelation in the Spirit.
We need more teachers!
We need more teachers, those who handle the word of truth correctly. Ephesians 4 mantles are sovereignly given by the Lord, we are to ‘eagerly desire the greater gifts’, 1 Corinthians 12:31.
By Simon Baddeley, Filling Station Regional Consultant for South West England, co-leader of our online training sessions (Equip & Empower) and also our Prophetic Mentoring Course, All Shall Prophesy.
