The spiritual gift of Teacher is the special ability God gives to some to explain the truths of the Word of God clearly and to apply them effectively so that those taught understand and learn. Those with this gift have a strong desire to instruct others in the Bible in a logical and systematic way so as to communicate pertinent information for true understanding and growth. It is a divine enablement to understand, clearly explain, and apply the word of God causing greater Christ-likeness in the lives of listeners through application to their thinking and conduct.
“Must have compassionate sensitivity to the needs of the taught” (Graham, 187)
“For it is not enough to be learned and intelligent, but the gift of grace, too, is required in order that one be chosen by God for teaching.” (Pauck, 335)
“…the teacher longs to share everything that he knows.” (Stanley,44)
The gift of teaching is a supernatural ability, given by the Holy Spirit. Just because one has knowledge does not mean they have been given the gift of teaching. It is not always a classroom setting as God leads teachers everywhere. Teachers take great pleasure and happiness in their calling. They see their research and preparation for teaching a divine mission of sorts and find joy in the work.
Teachers are Judged More Harshly
Teachers must remember that in James 3: 1-2, we are warned that teachers are judged more harshly by God than others. This is primarily due to the fact that what you teach can sway or manipulate the faith and actions of those you teach. Dr. Charles Stanley writes this additional cautionary warning about those with the gift of teaching:
“The goal of a teacher within the Body of Christ must be to present Jesus Christ to others, with the intent that others grow up in their faith to be more like Jesus. The purpose is not to convince others of the teacher’s own intellect or degree of information, but rather to convince others to accept Jesus Christ and become more mature in their Christian lives.“ (Stanley, 47)
The gift of teaching is often used in the context of preaching, Sunday school classes, Bible studies, and other forms of Christian education. Those who possess this gift may also be called upon to mentor and disciple others, helping them to grow in their faith and understanding of God’s word.
It’s important to note that the gift of teaching is not limited to those who hold formal teaching positions within the church, but can be expressed in a variety of ways in the context of everyday life. Those who possess this gift may be called upon to share their knowledge and insights with others in a variety of settings, including work, family, and social situations.
As with all spiritual gifts, the gift of teaching is meant to be used for the building up of the church and the glory of God. Those who possess this gift are called to use it with humility and a servant’s heart, seeking to help others grow in their faith and understanding of God’s word.
Martin Luther on the Spiritual Gift of Teaching
Martin Luther regarded the spiritual gift of teaching as vital for the growth of the church and the dissemination of the Gospel. He saw teaching not merely as a human effort but as a divine calling, a vocation ordained by God to edify believers and build up the body of Christ. This understanding placed great responsibility on those who taught, as they were stewards of God’s Word.
For Luther, the essence of teaching lay in faithful adherence to Scripture. He insisted that teachers must communicate God’s Word without distortion, studying it diligently and relying on the Holy Spirit for insight and accuracy. This emphasis on faithfulness was accompanied by his insistence on simplicity and clarity. Luther believed that teaching should be accessible to all, from scholars to ordinary people. His Small Catechism exemplifies this principle, offering concise, practical instruction to guide families and congregations in their faith.
Luther also highlighted the critical role of the Holy Spirit in teaching. He maintained that the effectiveness of teaching depended not on the eloquence of the teacher but on the Spirit’s work in illuminating the truth to listeners. Teachers, as instruments of God, were to approach their task with humility and prayer, trusting in the Spirit to guide their efforts.
The purpose of teaching, according to Luther, extended beyond the transfer of knowledge to include spiritual transformation. Teaching was a means to strengthen faith, inspire repentance, and encourage holy living. It equipped believers for service and contributed to the unity and maturity of the church. Luther’s vision of teaching was comprehensive, encompassing all ages and stages of life. He believed in its importance for childhood education through catechesis and for the ongoing theological development of adult believers.
John Wesley on the Spiritual Gift of Teaching
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, had a deep appreciation for the spiritual gift of teaching as a crucial element in the life of the church and the growth of believers. Wesley understood teaching as more than an intellectual endeavor; it was a means of shaping the heart, mind, and soul in alignment with the will of God.
For Wesley, teaching was rooted in the authority of Scripture. He believed that a teacher’s primary task was to communicate biblical truth clearly and faithfully. Teachers were called to interpret Scripture in a way that illuminated its meaning and practical application for the believer’s daily life. Wesley’s sermons, writings, and small group practices all emphasized the importance of grounding teaching in God’s Word.
Wesley also recognized that the spiritual gift of teaching was a divine empowerment, given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church. He stressed that teachers needed to cultivate their own spiritual lives, seeking holiness and being open to the Spirit’s guidance. Effective teaching, in Wesley’s view, was not merely about conveying knowledge but about inspiring transformation. Teachers were to nurture faith, lead others toward sanctification, and encourage a deeper commitment to living out the Gospel.
A hallmark of Wesley’s approach to teaching was its practical and relational nature. Through his class meetings and societies, Wesley created environments where teaching was interactive and focused on accountability. These gatherings emphasized not only learning but also applying spiritual truths in the context of community.
Wesley believed teaching should address both the head and the heart, integrating theological understanding with personal piety and social responsibility. For him, teaching was a means to promote love for God and neighbor, foster spiritual growth, and equip believers for service and witness. He saw it as integral to the mission of the church and essential for the ongoing renewal of individuals and communities.
The Catholic Church on the Spiritual Gift of Teaching
The Catholic Church regards the spiritual gift of teaching as a vital charism for the life and mission of the Church, rooted in the authority and mission of Christ as the divine Teacher. This gift, understood as a divine grace given by the Holy Spirit, equips individuals to faithfully communicate and illuminate the truths of the Catholic faith, guiding others in understanding and living out the Gospel.
In Catholic theology, the spiritual gift of teaching is intrinsically connected to the Church’s teaching authority, or Magisterium, which ensures the faithful transmission of divine revelation through Scripture and Tradition. Those who teach within the Church—whether clergy, religious, or laypeople—are seen as participating in this mission. This gift is exercised under the guidance of the Magisterium to ensure that the teaching remains consistent with apostolic faith and sound doctrine.
The Church teaches that the spiritual gift of teaching must always be grounded in the deposit of faith, which encompasses Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that effective teaching leads others to a deeper understanding of God, the truths of the faith, and the moral life, fostering a closer relationship with Christ.
The gift of teaching is understood as a charism that builds up the Church by nurturing faith, instructing believers in moral and doctrinal truth, and equipping them for their Christian mission in the world. This aligns with the vision expressed by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 12, where teaching is identified as one of the gifts given for the common good.
The Church emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in the exercise of the teaching gift. Teachers must prayerfully seek the Spirit’s guidance to communicate effectively, inspire transformation, and encourage spiritual growth in their listeners. This reliance on the Spirit ensures that the teaching reflects not merely human knowledge but divine wisdom.
The spiritual gift of teaching is particularly important in the Church’s evangelizing mission and catechetical efforts. It serves to introduce individuals to Christ, deepen their understanding of the faith, and help them grow in holiness. Pope John Paul II, in his apostolic exhortation Catechesi Tradendae, emphasized the importance of teaching that is rooted in love for Christ, informed by sound doctrine, and responsive to the needs of the faithful.
People with this Gift:
- Communicate biblical truth in ways that inspire obedience to God’s Word and motivate listeners to live out their faith.
- Present Scripture simply and practically, making it accessible to all levels of understanding.
- Focus on life transformation, helping others understand the Bible in a way that leads to personal change.
- Pay careful attention to detail and accuracy, ensuring their teachings align with the true meaning of Scripture.
- Prepare through extensive study and reflection, ensuring they teach with depth, clarity, and authority.
Bible References
| Matthew 5:17-20 | Teaching of the law |
| Acts 18:24-28 | Apollos the teacher |
| Romans 12:6-8 | Gift of teaching noted by Paul |
| 1 Corinthians 12:28-31 | Gift of teaching noted by Paul |
| Ephesians 4:11-16 | Gift of teaching noted as a greater gift |
| Hebrews 5:12-14 | Some should be teachers but are not ready |
| Colossians 3:15-17 | Let the message of Christ dwell among you |
| James 3:1-2 | Teachers are judged more strictly |
| 2 Timothy 2:2 | Teachers to be reliable |
| Titus 2:7-8 | Be an example |
- Luther/Pauck, 335-336
- Graham, 187
- Stanley, 42-54
Other Greater Gifts
- Spiritual Gift of Apostle
- Spiritual Gift of Prophet
- Spiritual Gift of Evangelist
- Spiritual Gift of Shepherd/Pastor
