A lady once told me that pastors don’t need the ability to teach. What? She continued saying that even if someone is gifted to teach, that doesn’t have to apply to pastors. What?? Whilst I knew that there was something very wrong with her statements I was way too ignorant of Scripture to give a proper response.

What does the Bible say?

It was Jesus Himself who gave the role of Pastor to the church (Eph. 4:11-12) in order to help build and equip believers. And one of the many requirements of a Pastor is the ability to teach which even Paul stressed to Timothy (1 Tim. 3:2; 4:13). Do you realise that your Pastor reports directly to Jesus, the Chief Shepherd (1 Ptr 5:2-4)? In return for his faithful service a Pastor will receive an unfading crown of glory!

Why Pastors must teach

Pastors must teach because it is a biblical requirement and they are also answerable to Jesus for how they shepherd their flock. Building and equipping the saints cannot be done without the preaching of the Word – good works and fellowship alone is inadequate. If Pastors refuse to or cannot teach, the entire church body will suffer. Weak leadership allows for weak sermons; straying and confused sheep; false teaching; and little to no discipleship or evangelism. A pastor who does not teach makes a mockery of the role that God has provided for His church. John’s gospel refers to such a man as a hireling (John 10:12-13). Is your pastor knowledgeable in the Word of God? As Jesus is the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls (1 Ptr 2:25) would you trust your Pastor to look out for your soul (Heb. 13:17)?

Why deny that Pastors should teach?

Why then do some people still hold to the view that pastor’s don’t need to teach? This is because of their own ignorance of Scripture. There are people who still mistakenly assume that the role of pastor is mainly relational and personable. They want the Pastor to hear their problems…but certainly don’t want that same Pastor to use the Bible to give counsel or bring correction or conviction! As per the Word of God, no one can be a church pastor, or elder, if they cannot or will not teach. After all, that is why Pastors need to spend time in the Word of God…so that they can teach their own congregation (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Scriptures to help you re-align with God’s Word

It will be quite evident whether your Pastor is able to teach or not.  But if they assume they, or their elders, don’t need to, I would encourage you to speak to them and show them what the Bible says.  If they don’t agree, then it would be in your best interests to find another church where the role is seen in its proper Scriptural context.