Some might question if teachers should be friends with their students due to the potential to lessen their sense of authority as a teacher. That, in turn, they say could affect discipline as well as their credibility with students. If we look at Jesus’ example, we’ll find the opposite to be true.
Bible Teachers who Take on the Role of a Friend Emulate the Master Teacher
People in Jesus’ day noticed His penchant for being a friend to those He served (Matt. 11:19). And, the Bible even records Jesus calling His disciples, those He taught, His friends.
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (Jn. 15:15)
Certainly calling the disciples friends did not minimize His authority with them. Quite the opposite as Jesus, full of love and compassion toward people, was acknowledged as one who spoke with authority (Lk. 4:31-32). It was actually those who didn’t enter into relationship with Him who questioned His authority (Lk. 20:2; Jn. 2:18). And, friendship did not keep His disciples from obeying but rather made them want to love (1 Jn. 4:19) and obey Him all the more (Jn. 14:15; 15:14).
The Kind of Friendship Students Need from their Bible Teachers
There are plenty of ways to extend friendship, like:
acceptance
affirmation
availability
attentiveness
authenticity
Click on the links above to learn more about these different aspects of a teacher’s role as a friend. Learn even more in the Bible Teacher’s Role Download which includes instruction for teachers on being a friend but also seven more roles that will also make an impact in students’ lives.
Thank you. This will help us in our Sunday School and Church – school.
Wonderful. At the time of your comment, Helen Mutya, there are three more posts in this series to come. I pray you will find something useful in each of those posts.