By Billie Davis

As Christians, we are all called to be disciples. But a select few are chosen, as Christ chose His intimate followers, to be core instructors. These are the teachers. They are an integral link, directly impacting the present and future success of the Church.

Church leaders can get great insight into the needs of their core group by studying how Jesus treated his closest circle of instructors.

Jesus saw His teacher-disciples:

• Needing guidance and searching for answers—
  “Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you want?’” (John 1:38). The disciples were looking for meaning and direction. He asked them to join in His purpose and task. He offered Himself to them as a source of direction and assurance.
• Capable of learning and developing strengths—
  He did not promise to transform them from fishermen into divine oracles. He clearly communicated their life purpose: “If you entrust me with who you are and what you know, I will do something very special with you.” (See Matthew 4:19.) 
• Having potential and limitations—
  Jesus discussed with His disciples the need for workers. He gave them authority and sent them out to minister. But he recognized their specific strengths and limitations. The disciples were encouraged to use Christ’s teachings but within the limits of their own ability and experience. 
• Having ideas and opinions that could be respected—
  The Gospels suggest that Jesus discussed matters with His disciples. On the occasion of the feeding of the 5,000, He consulted with the disciples, even though He had in mind what He would do, He utilized the resources that Andrew discovered—the boy’s loaves and fish. (See John 6:8,9.).

Christ’s willingness to empower His disciples birthed one of the most significant announcements: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” from the lips of His student, Simon Peter. (See Matthew 16:16.)

There would be no Church if Jesus failed to make disciples. The church of tomorrow depends upon how we disciple our teacher-disciples today.

—BILLIE DAVIS has served as an educator, writer, and missionary for more than 65 years. Raised by migrant farm workers, her life changed profoundly when she began attending Sunday School as a young girl. Her autobiographical story, “I Was A Hobo Kid,” has been featured in several publications and anthologies. It is the basis for a film created by The National Education Association, “A Desk for Billie.”

Resources:

Christian Education Teachers Reference Manual 020602 (Spanish 020603)

The New Breed: Understanding and Equipping the 21st Century Volunteer 038196.