Teachers

One of the rewards of a long ministry is to see people grow spiritually. I have had opportunities over the years to mentor several young people who have gone on to serve the Lord in ways great and small. Some of them were youth that I taught and gave opportunities to practice ministry. Some were brought on as staff. Some were in classes I taught through the association. We touched each other’s lives in positive ways.

I had my teachers too. I look back on them and realize how they molded my ministry today. I cannot list them all, but in light of the recent Revival I was thinking about a few of them in particular.

I and another Baptist student had it in our hearts to start a coffee house ministry to reach fellow college students. Herb, on staff with Teen Challenge, spent several weeks taking us through CS Lovett’s book, Soul-Winning Made Easy. We memorized a handful of scriptures and a plan. Soon we were blanketing the campus and surrounding area with the gospel. I already knew God had called me to preach. I had been in Sunday School all my life. But this was different. Herb taught me to preach on street corners. Dr. Messer, the Baptist Student Union director, was another teacher who gave me the opportunity to preach in Churches.

I have continued to learn about soul-winning, preaching, and much more. I find teachers in friends, associates, books, conferences, and unexpected divine encounters. I could go on about other teachers such as Ralph, Jerry, Jack, Mike, Dan, etc. We should never stop listening to others.

The word disciple simply means student, or one who follows the teachings of another. Jesus had twelve disciples. In that day, if you wanted to learn more than basic education you would go to someone who knew what you wanted to know and attach yourself to him as a disciple. It was a relationship in which the student and the teacher both had to choose each other.

There are times in our life we need to be the student and times when we need to be the teacher. Both experiences are important. You cannot be a teacher unless you have first been a student. You cannot be a great teacher unless you continue to be a great student.

When Jesus sent out His Disciples He did not tell them to go start a Teachers College. He told them to go make disciples. (Matthew 28:18-20)

What have you learned today? Who have you influenced?

Bro. Robin