Ten Essential Characteristics Of A Bible Teacher
When evaluating someone who wants to teach in the church, here are ten characteristics of a Bible teacher that I look for.
I have been in ministry for over 30 years. In that time, I have seen many people come and go. Many told me God called them to preach or teach. I have discovered that it is one thing for someone to say they are called and another thing for them to be called. Many who say they are called are self-appointed.
There is also the question of the timing of God in the call. It seems that some sense the call of God and think that they need to immediately jump into doing rather than waiting for God to lead them to do. They tend to forget the stories of the people like Paul, who have a time of preparation before carrying out the ministry. It is one thing to be called and another for that call to be accomplished God's timing.
With these thoughts in mind, I want to share ten characteristics of Bible teachers that I look for. This post is not an exhaustive list, but a list of things that immediately come to my mind when someone tells me that God has called them to teach.
Note: There is nothing wrong with having criteria to evaluate people for ministry. It can potentially save from headaches down the round.
First, here are some verses to give a foundation.
1 Timothy 3:1-2 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the office of an overseer, he desires a good work. An overseer then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach;
Ephesians 4: 11-13 He gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, for the equipping of the saints, for the work of service, and for the building up of the body of Christ, until we all come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, into a complete man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ
Characteristics Of A Bible Teacher
Are they anointed by the Holy Spirit to teach?
This is more than just being naturally gifted to teach. Just as someone needs to be more than just a good singer to lead praise and worship, the person teaching needs to be anointed. Otherwise, it will not have the purposed outcome.
Do they love God’s Word?
It is impossible to be an effective teacher of the Bible without loving God’s Word. Do they read God’s Word to teach, or do they read it to learn and grow themselves?
Are they naturally gifted to teach?
Knowing how to communicate is essential. Sometimes those who genuinely sense the call of God are not ready or willing to put in the hard work and learn how to be effective in the calling of God. Putting someone in a place they are not prepared for can frustrate the teacher and those being taught.
Can they speak to the level of the group? Can they adjust?
Do they know when information is needed or not?
Are they interesting or enjoyable to listen to?
Do they have natural charisma?
Are they humble and teachable?
If someone can’t receive teaching, they shouldn’t teach. If they think they know it all or are not humble enough to take instruction, they should not be put in place to teach others.
What is their doctrine?
Is it scriptural?
As the lead pastor/leader in the church, I need to ask is it generally in line with mine? There needs to be a united voice.
For me, that means Spirit-filled, Full Gospel, Pentecostal, and Faith-Filled.
Take the time to know what their doctrinal stances are.
Are they subject to go off on tangents or get mixed up in fables and tales that make little difference?
What is their track record?
Do they have experience? If not, are they willing to learn, to be taught, and grow in the skills needed?
What do others say?
If they come from another church, what do that church and leadership say about them?
Is there a proven history?
What is their attitude in communication?
Are they humble?
How will they respond to someone who disagrees?
Are they contentious?
Are they overly sarcastic?
Do they talk down or teach down to people?
Do they come across as arrogant and that they know it all?
Are they a fit? Will the church/group respond?
Sometimes a person is a qualified teacher, but their style doesn’t fit a group very well. While this may not be as important as the other characteristics, it should be at least considered.
Can they be quiet when necessary?
Do they listen? Do they listen to someone who disagrees with them? Do they only listen to respond but not understand? Many disagreements are effectively smoothed over when people (teachers) listen to understand rather than only react and correct.
Do they always need to express an opinion?
Do they always need to be right?
Again, are they subject to tangents?
Would or could I fully trust them if I wasn’t there?
I recognize that this may not be the case for someone new or beginning down the road in this area. It might not be so much trust as it may be. Are they ready to teach without supervision? The overall idea is can I trust the person to be the same way when I am there as if I wasn’t there? Can I trust them to handle the enormous responsibility that comes with the task of teaching God’s Word?
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