Category Archives: Teacher Issues

Seeking to teach the absolute truth of God’s Word in a pluralistic society in which everybody does what’s right in their own eyes can be challenging. More than ever, Bible teachers need encouragement, not just affirmation of their value.

The Kind of Encouragement Bible Teachers Need

Bible teachers need encouragement that’s on-going, not just an occasional pat on the back.

The biblical word for encourage (parakaleo), as in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 3:13 and 10:25, denotes coming along side of the individual.

They need encouragement that’s genuine, not an insincere pat on the back.

Sometimes people need to be spurred on (Heb. 10:24). That requires the combination of grace and truth as we encourage them, speaking the truth in love.

Bible teachers also need encouragement that’s timely, more than a contrived or programmed pat on the back.

We can easily fall into routines of how we show appreciation to teachers. While well-intentioned, these efforts are insufficient to truly encourage teachers. For encouragement to be more than a pat on the back, it must be on-going and genuine but also timely. We need to encourage teachers when and how most needed.

Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thess. 5:11-14)

Finally, teachers need encouragement that substantive, not just an empty pat on the back.

Give teachers something to hold on to, something that is relevant, practical, and able to make a difference. Though our kind words can mean a lot to teachers, remember that the Word is that which provides substance to encouragement, thoroughly equipping us for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). We might use something like Encouragers for Teachers of God’s Word. But even then, we must remember that providing these encouragers isn’t enough. We must keep at it, coming along side of teachers in ways that are genuine and timely.

How we, as teachers, view the Bible matters because it impacts our teaching from lesson preparation on to how we present truth. Do we have a view worthy of the time and effort to get it right?

Not only will our view of the Bible impact what and how we teach it but also how students may perceive the God of the Bible.

Some Obvious, Foundational Beliefs about the Bible

Lets first consider where we fall on obvious distinctions about the Word.

1) Truth versus Fiction

If we see the Bible as mere symbolic or allegorical, then our teaching will tend to be more theoretical or “fluff”. We will tend to present an anemic God. This is a God who doesn’t have power to literally create the heavens and earth or part the Red Sea, etc. — If this is the case, how can students expect Him to make a real difference in their lives? Why should they follow such a God?

2) Absolute versus Relative

When we view the Bible as relative, we get to pick and choose what to believe. We adhere to what fits our situations. This not only makes our lessons somewhat meaningless but also presents an aimless God who isn’t really sovereign. — If this is the case, how can we expect students to trust Him to direct their paths?

Other Views of the Bible That Affect Teaching

We may view God’s Word as absolute truth. Within that framework, however, we can still hold to views of the Bible that affect how we teach as well as students’ perceptions. Click on the links for more.

We might view Scripture primarily as a book of God’s rules and regulations. That could negatively impact motivations.

Maybe we see the Bible strictly as an historical account of God’s work in the world. That could negatively affect how we perceive its relevancy for today.

Or, we could view the Word as a love story depicting God’s quest for relationship with the people He created. That could positively affect our heart’s pursuit of a relationship with God.

For More about Our View of the Bible, Also Read:

• Importance of Truth
• Source of Truth
• What You Believe About the Bible Has Implications

Perhaps you, or someone you know, has fears about teaching the Word. It could be fear of …

• inadequacy — afraid you aren’t spiritual enough or eloquent enough in how you speak.
• the unknown — afraid you won’t know how to respond to questions, handle discipline issues, etc.
• what other people might think — afraid maybe they won’t view you as a good teacher or respect you.

We could go on listing fears. Realize, however, that you aren’t alone. Even Moses, whom God used to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, began with fears. Read Exodus 3:1-4:17. Also, check out the Called to Teach But Still Afraid Devotional which looks at how God addressed Moses’ fears and the difference these lessons could make for you. (Please note: The following acrostic is not in that resource.)

An Acrostic for Dealing with Fear

When feeling afraid, remember this acrostic.

Face
Eliminate
Ask
Rely

F – Face your fears.

Begin by identifying the cause of fear. Is it a lack of ability, lack of Bible knowledge, lack of confidence to stand in front of people?

E – Eliminate the problem.

Once you know what’s causing the fear, you can work to remove or lessen the cause to the extent it can be eliminated. For example:

• If it is a lack of ability, then get training in the areas needed.
• If it is a lack of Bible knowledge, then spend more time studying the Word.
• If it is a lack of confidence, then practice teaching in a safe environment.

A – Ask God for help.

As you work to eliminate or lessen the causes of fear, remember to look to God for help. If the cause of fear is something that can’t be removed, ask God to help you rise above it. For example, you may be shy by personality. It’s who you are. Ask God to help you step outside of yourself as needed.

R – Rely on God’s power to to be your ability, His wisdom to be your understanding, His presence to be your confidence.

Overcoming fear shouldn’t be seen as a self-help plan. The Lord will be with you and help you as you trust in Him.

To not only recruit teachers but also retain them, we better learn how to spell affirm. As followers of Jesus, we should learn to do whatever we do as unto the Lord, not people (Col. 3:23) so we shouldn’t “need” affirmation. Bible teachers, however, are human, no matter how spiritually mature they may be, and humans do better when affirmed. Perhaps, it’s the kind of affirmation needed with which we should be concerned.

An Acrostic Spelling the Word Affirm Suggesting the Kind of Affirmation Bible Teachers Need

While the Bible doesn’t specifically tell us to affirm Bible teachers, it does encourage expressions of encouragement that could spell affirm. These expressions will build up rather than puff up teachers.

A – Appreciation

… expressions of gratitude for who they are and what they do

I thank my God every time I remember you. (Phil. 1:3)
We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. (2 Thess. 1:3)

F – Fellowship

… expressions of value and acceptance of who they are

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Rom. 15:5-7)

F – Feedback

… expressions of awareness of how well they do

Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. (Prov. 15:31)
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Prov. 27:17)
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thess. 5:11)

I – Inspiration

… expressions of encouragement to keep going

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds …(Heb. 10:24)

R – Respect

… expressions of consideration of their time, needs, feelings, opinions, etc. (Rom. 12:10; 1 Thess. 5:12)

Show proper respect to everyone … (1 Pet. 2:17)
Honor one another above yourselves.(Rom. 12:10)
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. (1 Thess. 5:12-13)

M – Multiplicity

… expressions of affirmation many times and in many ways

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. (1 Thess. 1:2)
But encourage one another daily … (Heb. 3:13)

Also Check Out: Teacher Training Resources to Help with Discouragement & Disillusionment in Bible Teaching