Teach as a Shepherd

I'm not down on school teachers. There's a lot to learn from school teachers.

But teaching an adult sunday school class, or youth, or children, or a small group Bible study is very different than teaching in a school setting.

You're teaching as a shepherd.

Consider what Paul said, "we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children" (1 Thessalonians 2:7) and, "For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory." (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)

Why do I bring this to your attention? Because how you see yourself and your role dramatically affects the way you teach!

If you see yourself as a spouter of facts and information and opinions, that's how you'll teach. If you see yourself as a the smart, knowledgeable one in the room, that's how you teach. If you see yourself as distant and elevated from your students, that's how you'll teach. Shepherds don't teach in any of these ways.

Meditate on how shepherds care for the flock. Then teach out of that spirit of boldness, fearlessness, and gentleness.