TEACHING

The divine enablement to educate God’s people by clearly explaining and applying the word of God in a way that causes them to learn. The ability to equip and train other believers for ministry.

Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28. Teaching is passing on the truth to others so they can receive it and implement it. It is systematic training; a behavior change takes place.

DISTINCTIVES:

• These people like to study and reflect.

• Clearly explain and simplify information

• Apply truths practically to today’s lives.

• Appeal to the will and not only the mind. Secular teachers appeal to the mind only via facts and information. The Spiritual teacher addresses the will, the lifestyle, and the values of the believer. The focus is upon changing lives.

• These people generally like to speak to groups (but not all). Sometimes this gift manifests itself in the form of discipleship. These people use their gift “one-on-one.”

• These people have a passion to understand people; a burning desire to share the knowledge with others.

CAUTIONS:

• Keep it simple; teachers have a tendency to share too much information. Temper your enthusiasm and focus your efforts on the material to be emphasized. Your job is to discern the information that will best be received by the group or person you are addressing; there will always be more “truth” to be shared than time available to share it.

• Only a few are teachers, so be careful that PRIDE does not get in the way of a genuine and humble spirit.

• Avoid “too much detail” - keep it simple and to the point; be practical.