Moment of Meditation: Teacher (1 Timothy 3:2)

An overseer must be ... able to teach.
(1 Timothy 3:2)

Teacher

One of the chief responsibilities for a pastor is to teach. This is the pastor's most noticeable work. He's seen as the guy in the pulpit. The one who speaks God's Word in the congregation. A pastor must be able to take what is in the Bible and apply it to the lives of all the people in the congregation.

This application is a moving target as the demographics of the congregation change over time, and even week to week. In many congregations, the typical Sunday service can have worshippers that range from newborns into Christians in their nineties. This moving target makes the pastor's teaching and preaching role the most difficult part of his job.

Can each pastor effectively teach the same as each other pastor? No. Each pastor has his own abilities and specialties. Some are more people-oriented and able to apply things personally. Others are more academic and have a bit harder time in application to "regular life". But each pastor is blessed with his own gifts. Praise God for your pastor's gifts, even if they don't quite work for you, and offer suggestions for him to improve his teaching styles. He will appreciate the constructive input. Amen.