The Need for Teachers

The Need for Teachers

My name is Micah Rice and I want to teach like my hair is on fire. I have been a formal educator for over ten years as a classroom teacher and administrator. I have a passion to be an effective educator--especially as a Bible Class teacher. I want this podcast to generate discussion and motivate others as we work to better ourselves as educators. I hope to share the passion God has given me with others as we work together spread God’s kingdom.

This will be a series of episodes devoted to helping teachers become more effective at their craft, helping churches grow and train Bible Class teachers, and sharing the message of the gospel.

Note the context of Deut 6:1-9. Moses is saying farewell and is retelling the Israelite story and law to a new generation. What were the Israelites commanded to do? Why? They were commanded to pass on what they knew to other generations. We have a responsibility to pass on what we’ve learned to future generations. We have a great need for teachers. Many people are not willing to teach. Many think they are not able to teach. The purpose of the class will be to train and encourage future teachers. We all have a responsibility to be teachers. Parents must be teaching constantly. As Christians, we should be teaching others.

Why do you think the children of Israel served God during the time of Joshua? (Joshua’s Teaching Generation of Judges 2:6-10a) During Joshua’s time, the people of Israel served God. Why? Was it just a coincidence or was Joshua and the elders who served him following the principles set by God to teach future generations? What made the difference between his generation and the following Generations? (Judges 2:10b) What do we think will happen if we have an absence of teachers? What do you think will occur if we place little emphasis on passing on knowledge of God and His will to the future? What if, in just one generation, one age group, one quarter, we fail? What if we let three children slip through our grasp?

According to Judges 2:10, what was the difference between Joshua’s generation and the following generations? In the absence of Godly teaching, something will fill the void. In Israel’s case, it was filled with Baal. In our children’s case, what do you think will fill that void? What happened to this generation? No personal experience of all that God had done for Israel in the past—Not their fault (who had taught them?). Yet, they were just as accountable to God as was the “Joshua Generation”. They were just as obligated to serve God. We cannot discount a generation just because of the time when they lived.

Because there was a void in leadership, and therefore a void in teaching God’s word, what eventually happened to this generation? The people filled the void with Baal (other gods) and then eventually were servants of God’ enemies. The Israelites did not completely drive them out, and therefore were influenced by those people. When there is a void in our leadership and/or teaching what do we think will happen?

We must beware that without teachers who teach of God’s power throughout time, children (and adults) will find something to fill the void. Without teachers who teach God’s will, that void will quickly be filled and before long, children (and adults) will be servants to the enemy.

We need teachers who are similar to the generations of Joshua. Men and women who have obeyed the gospel and followed God’s will—pass it on! (Deut 6:1-9) There are no explanations--no excuses. Another generation knows nothing of the power of God or His will for man. Future Gospel preachers, elders, and other leaders will arise from this generation. How will they face future struggles without knowledge? Just because you have no experience, no confidence, or fear doesn’t mean that there is not a need for teachers. Our Goal as the people of God is to become teachers (Heb 5:12-6:1).

Every generation of God’s people needs teachers. What are you planning to do to meet that need?