Teaching (the greek word is “didasko”) is a vital aspect of the local church for the health and growth of the body. It is the greatest influence and divine means for the achieving of God’s purposes (John 17:17, 8:31-32). From the very beginning, the teaching ministry was highly esteemed in the early church and it gave a prominent place to its exercise (Matt.28:19-20; Acts 13:1; Eph.4:11).
According to the original language, teaching has inherent in it the calculation to influence the understanding of the person who is taught. The aim of biblical teaching is to shape the will of the one taught by the communication of sound knowledge (Matt.5:19; Acts 21:21; Col.1:28).
What Is Teaching?
Generally, teaching is a part and parcel of the message of the Gospel every Christian proclaims (Matt.28:18-20; Acts 5:42, 15:35, 28:31). In this sense, it is a command. Generally, it is a dynamic of spiritual fellowship, an aspect of the “one anothers” of the true church (Col.3:16). However, it is also a gift of the ascended and enthroned Lord to His purchased church (pastor-teacher, Cf. Eph.4:11-12). In addition to teaching being a command, a dynamic of spiritual fellowship, and a gift, it is also a required skill of a duly authorized and appointed elder (Titus 1:7-9). Elders must be able to teach, not necessarily gifted to teach.
Specifically, as it relates to instruction in the Christian faith and Christian doctrine (Acts 11:26; Rom.12:7; Heb.5:12), the teacher (“didaskei”) is a limited role. In 1 Timothy 2:12, there is a connection of its discharge in certain arenas (pulpit, public, or private gathering of the church for instruction) with the exercise of authority in the church (1 Cor.14:26-34). Thus, there is placement of a divine prohibition upon it (see MTR’s Women in the Pulpit study guide).
Its Importance
Whether generally in evangelism and/or encouragement, or specifically as an equipping teacher in the church, teaching is both a solemn duty and a skilled privilege. Its position requires faithful responsibility and discharge. It demands and exacts a great price (1 Tim.1:7). Teachers must not rashly assume or carelessly discharge their duties. This is why the requirements are so high.
“Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.”
James 3:1
Stricter judgment means greater judgment. The “judgment” (“krima”) refers to the decisive verdict of a judge. In the future in heaven, all Christians will stand at the judgment seat of Christ (1 Cor.3:10-15; Rom.14:10-12; 2 Cor.5:10). However, presently on earth, teachers are scrutinized more closely by both those inside and outside the church—and rightly so!
Charles Bridges (1794-1869) asserted that “the sacred record mark[s] the power of the Spirit, as the seal and confirmation of the Word, as the life-giving influence…And therefore, the withholding of this blessing [the Spirit’s power through the exposition of His Word]…explains sufficiently the symptoms of barrenness which prevail among us…[but] it alone commands…heavenly blessing.”1
"This is not an attack upon the office of a teacher. Rather, he is seeking to restrain the rush to teach on the part of those who are not qualified…the word “many” (polloi)…indicates…[the] necessity some must assume [in] the work of being teachers, but…others should not."2
Our Process
Before we give anyone a place of influencing people through teaching, the elders must affirm and evaluate him. This is why we do not readily give teaching positions to people right away, no matter their experience or ability. There must be time for the elders to evaluate a person’s character, competency [fitness], and commitment [faithfulness] (1 Tim.4:16).
Some people, who are teaching in various settings outside this church, come to CASM and desire membership. If that is the case with you, you need to be willing to come under our process and structure for accountability. This would involve you not engaging in teaching, but being a part of a Rock Solid group. This will give us the opportunity to see the qualifications necessary to be an effective teacher. One of those qualifications is the willingness to come under authority. Before a person can lead, he must be able to follow. This is crucial, because the teaching ministry is so important to a church.
We are not trying to hold anyone back; we are simply seeking to make sure he is as fruitful as he needs to be. That is why we are so careful when it comes to teaching.
Someone may ask, “What about teaching our little ones in the Nursery, Toddler Zone or Pre-Kindergarten departments?” As elders, we believe that planting the Word of God in the hearts of our children should happen as soon as God brings them into the world. However, developmentally, certain concepts concerning sin, Christ, faith, and repentance become clearer and more concrete at certain ages. We are not saying God cannot help any child to understand truth at any point. We are only affirming the fact that a responsible understanding of certain truths is an expectation as a child grows. At CASM, Pastor Huggins currently oversees the entire Children’s Ministry and writes the curriculum currently used in the Toddler Zone.
Once a child enters Kindergarten, it is the desire of the elders to fill all teacher and assistant positions from Kindergarten through 6th grade with husband and wife teams. If this isn’t possible, then we will seek to pair a qualified male teacher with a qualified female assistant. Qualified women are encouraged to fill the teacher and assistant roles in the Nursery, Toddler Zone and Pre-Kindergarten departments.
We are a teaching-oriented church and, because of that, we need skilled, gifted, and qualified teachers. Nevertheless, our need will not outweigh our commitment to make sure we have the right people doing the teaching. The reason is that teaching the sacred text carries much influence. Therefore, we proceed with caution when evaluating a person for teaching opportunities. We are also well aware that one of the reasons the church as a whole is so weak and powerless today is because the teaching of God’s Word, with clarity and precision, from pulpits, in classrooms, and in homes is absent. We are adamant about not being a part of that damaging trend. Therefore, we will seek to evaluate potential teachers and then equip them to be as effective as they can be for the glory of God!
An important note to make here is the difference between being a servant and just serving. We are looking for people who are willing to serve where needed and not just in areas where they want. An unwillingness to serve wherever needed is a red flag in our minds and will be a hindrance to that person gaining greater responsibilities within this church. So know that we are looking for servants: people who desire to do whatever it takes to make a kingdom impact!
1 The Christian Ministry, pp.78-79
2 D. Edmond Hiebert, James, p.186