THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 15:30-35
“They and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.” (Acts 15:35)
In the model of church I grew up in, there is usually one preacher/teacher.
The role of the professional preacher/teacher has replaced home grown ones.
Following Jesus’s equipping model, the early church trained up many preachers/teachers.
In fact, it was expected that disciples would eventually become teachers.
“Though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again.” (Hebrews 5:11?-?12)
Jesus did not set up a hierarchy of clergy and laity.
Jesus trained disciples who trained disciples to train disciples, and so on.
In my experience, many disciples do not see themselves as “teachers”.
Even after years – even decades – of sitting in church, they still can’t teach.
Nor do we let them, because we have assigned this role to the paid professional.
The church has lost it’s voice; the Enemy has silenced the witnesses.
In my opinion its time to raise up disciples as preachers/teachers.
May there be “many others” who can teach and preach the word of the Lord in our church!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive us for silencing the voice of Your church. May Your Spirit inspire every disciple in our community to teach and preach the message about You!