Seven Tips for Offering Your Teaching Skills 

“I can see that you need teachers, and I just know the Lord has brought me to your church to help!  I’m also experienced with music.”  

After visiting only two Sundays, “Cindy” called to give me the wonderful news.  She wanted to join both our worship team and teaching team.  Enthusiastically she shared the improvements she could offer.

While “Cindy” was not her real name, the call was very real. 

I was serving our church as an associate to the lead pastor.  Screening candidates for teaching roles and facilitating Bible studies was part of my portfolio.  Cindy had called the right person, but her approach was all wrong.

She might have been a good fit.  Unfortunately, we never found out.  Cindy was no longer interested when I explained the policies and procedures we had in place for those moving into the pipeline for leadership.  She quickly moved on to another church.

It can be disappointing to feel you have a Bible study ready with no outlet for teaching.  It can also be painful to feel overlooked when teaching roles are assigned within your church. But remember a pastor’s calling is to protect the sheep.  If your pastor moves cautiously when choosing people who speak to those sheep, he is probably being protective, not resistant.

Is there a better approach?  Here are seven easy answers to that question.  Perhaps you will find help for approaching your own church leadership about a teaching/writing gift you’d like to share.

1. See the need.

Cindy saw only her desire to be given a platform.  She hadn’t attended long enough to understand the culture, much less see where there was a genuine need she could fill. If your gifting will add value, be prepared to explain how.  Use familiar verbiage and examples from within your church family. Proverbs 18:16 “A man’s gift makes room for him.”

2. Study now.

Abraham Lincoln said, “If I prepare, the day will come when my preparation is needed.”  Be diligent in your personal study. Make thorough notes.  Cite quotes and scriptures.  Be ready for when the call comes.  You’ll be so glad you are simply reviewing prepared material not scrambling to create new material. 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to show yourself approved.”

3. Stay servant-hearted.

A lady once asked me how I managed to get an invitation to travel and speak for a particular organization. My answer? “I know where they store the vacuum cleaner in every church where we hold events.”  As a young assistant, I learned to serve first. As the organization grew, so did my opportunities to teach. In John 13, Jesus taught that servanthood is the path to blessing.

4. Seek to affirm.

Your pastor spends hours every week serving the congregation and studying for messages to feed their souls.  Be aware he more often hears criticism than words of encouragement after all that preparation. Choose to be a voice of consistent encouragement. Demonstrate you are on board with his vision. Take notes.  Quote your pastor on social media. Watch for opportunities to affirm your church leadership.  I Thessalonians 5:11 urges us to encourage one another and build each other up.

5. Share solutions.

John Maxwell teaches that almost anyone can point out a problem. The mark of a true leader is someone who brings potential solutions to the table. Suggest two or three Bible studies that could support the sermon series being used.  Offer to be a fill-in whenever/wherever needed. (Be sure to say YES, even if it’s for toddler church.)  

6. Stay connected.

Waiting for a teaching opportunity?  Invest. Make friends.  Become part of the broader fabric of your church family. Attend current Bible studies. Practice hospitality by inviting others to your home for coffee or a meal. You may discover the makings of a small group that would enjoy discussing Bible topics. Zechariah 4:10 warns us not to despise the day of small beginnings.

7. Speak to God.

He has the broader picture. God knows the gifts He has given you and how He intends to use those gifts to benefit others.  Spending time with Him now will better equip you for telling others of His greatness when the door opens. Philippians 4:6 says to avoid being anxious.  With gratitude, let your requests be known to God.  

Your desire to teach and to encourage is a gift from God.  He wouldn’t give you the ability and then forget to give you the opportunity.    

Question: In what specific ways has God opened doors for you to utilize your teaching/writing gifts?  How long did it take, and were you surprised?