“A truth is known by its resemblances, and can best be seen in thelight of other truths. the pupil, instead of seeing a factalone, should see it linked to the great body of truth, in all itsfruitful relations. Great principles are discovered amid familiarfacts vividly seen, and concepts clearly wrought. The power ofillustration -- a most important tool in the teacher's art -- comesonly out of clear and familiar knowledge. The unknowing teacher islike the blind trying to lead the blind with only an empty lamp tolight the way.” (John Milton Gregory, The Seven Laws of Teaching) John Milton Gregory’s classic book on the basics or fundamentals of teaching is still used today by a vast majority of people. This classic has gone through its 10th printing since its first publication in 1884. It continues to be required reading for educators and teachers abroad. One of the very first things the book addresses is the almost obvious--that the teacher must know his/her subject well. This concept may be understood superficially and not practiced as often as expected. No student or learner can ever learn, if the teacher does not know thoroughly the subject. One thing that is applicable to the church today and related to this is the pastor’s role in being teacher. Pastor-teacher, as Ephesians 4:11-15 describes the gifted men given unto the church, should not be underestimated! In fact, many today try to divide the pastor’s function into preaching on one side and teaching on the other as though these two operations were mutually exclusive. In other words, many in the church try to say that the pastor’s role is not to teach per se but to preach a relevant, trendy, engaging, upbeat, and non-boring message. It is to be filled, nonetheless, with personal, transparent experiences, touching stories, and current events. In other words, a “teachy” pastor is irrelevant! But, this could not be farther from the truth! To think that Paul, an exemplary model for modern day pastors, in 1 Timothy 2:7 and 2 Timothy 1:11 called himself a teacher along with other functions can hardly be ignored. This same writer wrote Ephesians where our quote aforementioned states that one of the main officers of the church is a pastor-teacher. In fact, even Jesus throughout the gospels is called teacher and the masculine noun form of the Greek for teacher is found at least 50x in the gospels referring to one of Jesus’ ministries. Even in Antioch the early church had teachers as its foundation (Acts 13:1). In the listing of the gifts for the building of the body, the gift of teaching was one of the primary ones (1 Corinthians 12:28-29). Lastly, even a mature Christian was known by his passing from novice level to teacher (Hebrews 5:12). This is the design. Teaching is critically important for the church! Without it, the pastor will result in what the author above says will happen, “The unknowing teacher is like the blind trying to lead the blind with only an empty lamp to light the way.” The contemporary church should praise and honor the teachers that labor in the Word! They should appreciate the pastors that are willing to sacrifice time to explain truth so that the sheep can grasp the great truths and theology of the Bible. Pray for the pastors that are humble in standing before their congregations trembling to be faithful in handling God’s Word.                           

Pastor Jim Cater