Teach it Forward

I received an e-mail the other day from Platform University asserting that “the Age of Information has ended.”

The point of the article was that we now have access an to overwhelming amount of information. The excitement and euphoria have worn off. And now we’re filtering out the daily deluge of announcements, advertisements, offers, solicitations, and notifications.

What is needed today, the authors opine, are real experts who can understand the information, analyze it, and provide interpretation, insight, and application.

The message concludes with the challenge to “teach it forward” which is a take-off on the iconic expression “pay it forward.” The idea is just like repaying a good deed to others instead of the original benefactor. “Teaching is forward” is using the wisdom, knowledge and skills you’ve learned from your teachers and mentors to benefit others.

“Teach is forward” has a wonderful application to preachers, pastors, parents and teachers in the Lord’s church.

Two relevant passages come to mind that speaks to the need to “teach it forward.”

“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also”(2 Tim. 2:2).

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:11-12).

“Teaching it forward” is an important and needed ministry in the Body of Christ. But it’s more than just sharing information. Too often our Bible classes and sermons are just filled with lots of facts, but little, if any application. It’s good to remember that the Bible wasn’t given just for our information, but for our transformation.

“Teaching it forward” is how we equip others to achieve their potential in order to do good works, meet their responsibilities and fulfill their own ministry. Author Alan Loy McGinnis was right when he wrote, “There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being–to help someone succeed.”

Those who’ve studied for years and possess both Bible knowledge and the wisdom of life experience have a great opportunity and responsibility to “teach it forward.”

We can “teach it forward” through…

…Teachers’ Workshops that train teachers to share God’s Word.

…Men’s classes that equip men to lead in public worship.

…Ladies classes that instructs women in their special role in the home and in the church.

…Song worship training that improves our singing and elevates the level of praise in our assemblies.

…Teen classes and devotionals that ground them in the truth, provide opportunities for fellowship and inspire teens to Christian service.

…Preacher training programs that guide, model and mentor young men to preach the gospel and do the work of an evangelist.

…Marriage enrichment seminars that teach couples how to love one another as Christ loved the church and grow in their intimacy.

…Parenting classes that instruct mothers and fathers how to “train their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

…Leadership training to equip men to Shepherd the Church of God.

…Counseling others and sharing insights, resources, and comfort to people who are hurting and desperately need help.

…Preaching sermons based on Biblical principles that offer real answers and practical applications to the challenges of 21st-century living.

…Empowering others to discover their gifts, find their place in Christian service and realize their potential.

“Teach it forward,” preachers and pastors. The success, failure, or mediocrity of our local churches depend on it.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman