In 1 Timothy 3 Paul says , “Elders must be able to teach.” While I value the gift of teaching, requiring it as a quality for this level of church leadership seemed to be so restricting. But now after 20 years in church leadership myself, I totally agree leaders must be teachers.
- Leadership is the ability to influence the thoughts, attitudes and skills of others which requires an ability to teach.
- Leadership means identifying and equipping future leaders which requires an ability to teach.
- Leadership is building a team of people and focusing them on a common mission which requires an ability to teach.
Now before you disqualify yourself as a leader please understand I’m not talking about the traditional standing in front of a classroom and dispensing information. I’m talking about being alert to capitalize on teachable moments, available to debrief successes and struggles of those you lead and being astute of those who are hungry students of leadership in your minstry. Teaching leaders will have a multitude of growing leaders in their wake.
What adjustments do you need to make to become a teaching leader?
