Discipleship in Action: 3 Keys for Teaching
“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”—2 Tim. 2:2 (ESV)
In a previous post, I wrote about the importance of building reproducing ministry. This involves equipping people to follow Christ in such a way that they, in turn, equip others.
But if that’s the vision, then teaching is one of the key skills that makes reproduction possible. This may come more naturally for some than others, but it is something we can all grow in. Let’s dive into these ideas. [Note: I’ll be using teaching and discipleship interchangeably in this post, though they do have some differences.]
The Prerequisite: Teachers Are First Learners
Before any of us step into the role of discipler or teacher, we must first take our place as learners. Jesus Himself modeled this in His days on earth. As a young boy (yet fully God), He was found “sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions” and “increased in wisdom and stature” (Luke 2:46, 52). A teachable heart is essential to growing in wisdom (Prov. 9:9).
Paul echoed this pattern: “I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received” (1 Cor. 15:3). His teaching was not self-generated but first received from the Lord, absorbed into his own life, and then passed along. This is why he could say, “Join in imitating me” (Phil. 3:17). He was following Christ even as others followed him. Therefore, our teaching must also flow out of a heart that is still being taught by the Lord.
This attitude then places us as fellow learners under the same Master, not above them. Even though teaching is a leadership position, this humble posture protects us from pride. It keeps us dependent on God’s Word and Spirit and reminds us that we are really stewards, passing along what we ourselves are still learning (2 Tim. 2:2).
It also shapes how we teach. Because we know what it’s like to struggle, we can teach with greater empathy, patience, and clarity. It helps us not be frustrated when things don’t click immediately. Humble learners make the best teachers because we pass on both wisdom and models lifelong discipleship.
“But I’m Not Gifted to Teach!”
I’m sure some of you reading this may be thinking this, and yes, teaching is a spiritual gift (Rom. 12:6–7; Eph. 4:11). The Spirit has gifted some with the unique ability to explain God’s Word clearly and help others grow. If you love digging into Scripture and can clearly communicate it so that others are strengthened through your words, then you may have this gift.
Yet the absence of the gift does not remove the call. When Jesus commissioned his disciples to make disciples, teaching was understood to be a shared responsibility, not reserved for the gifted (Matt. 28:19-20). Every believer is commanded to pass on truth: parents to children (Deut. 6:6–7), older believers to younger (Titus 2:3–5), and all of us to one another (Col. 3:16).
Discipleship—whether at home, over coffee, or in formal ministry—always involves teaching in some form, even if it isn’t in front of a classroom or congregation. Gifted teachers may equip the church in special ways, but if we remember that all of us are learners first, pointing others to Christ as we pass on what we ourselves are receiving from Him, we will always have something of value and help to share with each other.
Three Keys to Faithful Discipleship Conversations
While not all our conversations need to be spiritual in nature, there may moments when we have the opportunity to point others to Christ. Or perhaps you are approached by someone with a question or prayer request. How can we faithfully make the most of these opportunities to not merely transfer knowledge but guide someone closer to Christ?
1. Understanding the Learner: Know the Person
God’s instruction is always shaped by His intimate knowledge of His people. He “knows our frame” and remembers we are dust (Ps. 103:14). Jesus models this. He knew the heart of the rich young ruler that lay behind his question and what he most needed to hear (Mark 10:17-22). He then turns to his disciples, who were watching this exchange, and speaks to them as well, teaching them what they most need to hear (Mark 10:23-31). Most importantly, he ministers to all who approach him with love.
Discipling others well requires this love. Unlike the omniscient Christ, we might not know the hearts of others so we can take time to understand the person in front of us. Consider what you know of their strengths and weaknesses, prior knowledge, and preferred ways of learning. If you don’t know, ask questions and observe—not just their answers but how. Do they ask a lot of questions? Do examples, object lessons or word pictures help? Do they want to hear your personal testimony or experience?
This understanding does require intentional effort, but it is essential. Ignoring a learner’s frame risks overwhelming or discouraging them. Acknowledging life circumstances such as disabilities, past trauma, or current pressures may affect how they process truth or the pace of learning so a wise teacher takes note of this so they can adapt to the other, out of love for them. This doesn’t mean you compromise truth, but in doing so, we reflect God’s care as we speak.
Understanding the learner is not extra work; it is faithful discipleship.
2. Move People from Point A to Point B
As a homeschooling mom, I was responsible for teaching each child how to read and add (among other things). Understanding their personality who they were and how they learned, however, tempered how I moved them from point A to point B, when to speed up or slow down.
Adding a daughter with disabilities refined this further. For her, even a simple task, like tearing a piece of toilet paper, required multiple steps: judging the length, holding it steady, and tearing without shredding. Sometimes what we think are small steps need further breaking down.
Similarly, if you mentor at work or lead a Bible study, you may notice some participants grasp concepts more slowly, so be prepared to note where the sticking points are. Perhaps what is obvious to you may need further explanation. Help them break general ideas into manageable, bite-sized steps so they can build that bridge of understanding. Make it practical where possible.
We are called to “work out our salvation” as God works in us (Phil. 2:12–13), growing progressively in virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (2 Peter 1:5–8). God reveals truth gradually (Phil. 1:6), ensuring each step of growth is secure and lasting. Long-time believers have years of experience newer Christians cannot absorb instantly so give them the grace that you also received.
Moving people from point A to point B—fast or slow—is one way we serve each other. As we provide steady guidance, patience and incremental teaching, God uses us to help others grow in understanding, skill, obedience, and ultimately, the transformation into Christ’s image through the Spirit.
3. Patience in the Process
I’ve already been indirectly stating this but I’ll be direct now: be patient with the process. Growth rarely happens on our timeline. Each learner is at a different stage. Some may need more practice, while others may require prerequisite understanding before grasping a new truth. Our role is not to pour in content but to help them become more like Christ, modeling the process ourselves while coaching and encouraging them along the way.
There really is no fast-track to lasting change. It takes time for new truths to take root in our thinking, choices, words, and actions. Slowing down does not mean diluting the process. Rather, it builds a foundation that supports lasting growth. Even if each learner progresses at a different pace or reaches different levels of understanding, what matters is faithful growth in Christ. God sovereignly shapes each disciple according to His plan, not our comparison.
This is another reason why it’s important to be a learner yourself. When we feel impatience with others, remember your own experience learning and struggling with new truths and God’s patience with you. Hopefully, that memory motivates you to meet your disciple where they are—gently guiding, clarifying, and patiently breaking down steps even further if needed.
Of all these keys, patience is the most important as it mirrors God’s work in our lives. True discipleship flows at God’s pace, not ours.
The Cycle of Learning and Teaching
To summarize: teaching requires understanding the learner, guiding them step by step, and exercising patience—but in the process, you also become a learner. We learn to teach as we teach others. Because it is not an easy process, we must rely on the Lord, so in teaching we learn to go back to Scripture for wisdom. We deepen our dependence on God in prayer as we ask Him to enlighten darkened minds or reveal blind spots. I know I have learned so much in my own journey to counsel and care for others.
If God gives you an opportunity to influence another, consider your response by:
1. Listening First
Ask questions before teaching to understand where the person is spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually (Prov. 18:13). Do this prerequisite work to avoid speaking off assumptions and meet them where they are.
2. Choosing One Step
Focus on a single truth or takeaway that matches their next stage of growth. Ask for God’s help to reframe it with a story, illustration, or question if they struggle to grasp it.
3. Praying with Patience
Teaching is spiritual work (Col. 1:28–29). Pray for God’s patience and wisdom, trusting Him to shape both you and your learner. Let your posture and words model Christlikeness in every interaction (Phil. 4:9).
Teaching and learning form a cycle: the more we guide others, the more God teaches us, and the more our disciples grow, both in truth and in grace.