It must be the greatest satisfaction of a teacher to say, I have taught you what I know, now go study with this other teacher. Or, like the rabbis, go make students of your own.
The student that surpasses the teacher is a precious gem to the teacher. Can you imagine training Yo-Yo Ma, the famed cellist? Or teaching Tom Brady to throw a football? This is especially true within ministry. We are all connected in the body of Christ and when one grows, we all do. When someone stands on my shoulders to reach people I could not reach, the kingdom expands and we can all rejoice in the success.
As a teacher or leader then it is imperative to be humble. Are our pastors training others to be better teachers and preachers than themselves? Are we invested in one another’s success? Isn’t that the goal - to expand the kingdom and bring God the glory?
If we protect our own territory and fail to produce disciples that exceed us, then our overall reach will naturally diminish. Self-ambition has no place in the church.
Parents dream their children will surpass their own achievements and we all must aspire for our spiritual children and disciples. It’s natural when we love them.
I want to pray big prayers for those around me. Let’s train, encourage, uplift and support one another to move ever forward. May the Spirit move in us together to fulfill our Kingdom calling.
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
