Why teachers are not trending.

Of the five ministry offices Christ established for the advancement of His Church, the office of the teacher is perhaps the most neglected. When the early Church began, teaching wasn’t just part of the program—it was central. Dr. Luke recorded that “they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

But when was the last time you heard of someone being recognized simply as “Teacher”? We hear of apostles, prophets, pastors, and evangelists quite often—but the teacher seems to have quietly slipped into the background. Are they still there? Absolutely. Christ promised five, and I know He’s still delivering five. In truth, the body of Christ needs teachers more than ever, for it is through sound teaching that the saints are equipped for the work of ministry.

So why have teachers faded from the spotlight?

First, the title doesn’t sound deep or demure enough. “Teacher” feels ordinary—something for children’s ministry—while the other titles sound grander and more gifty. Yet, ironically, many adults in faith remain spiritual children who need solid teaching the most. Remember when the disciples tried to chase the children away, and Jesus said they were the true example of the Kingdom?

Second, teachers demand something most believers are not used to—accountability. A teacher gives homework, expects feedback, and follows up with correction, rebuke, and training. These are not easy or entertaining experiences, and many believers have never known discipleship that goes beyond being inspired.

Third, teachers are rarely entertaining. Evangelists tell gripping stories and perform miracles, prophets paint vivid pictures of the unseen, apostles carry an aura of authority, and pastors strive to keep the crowd awake and encouraged. Teachers, on the other hand, are repetitive, methodical, and predictable. They keep asking the same questions until understanding takes root—and that’s rarely exciting for the average listener.

Fourthly, the enemy is fully against this office. This is the office that equips the other offices. Apostles and the lot know their role through the teachers. This is the office that Christ focused on while with the disciples. Hakuitwa Rabii randomly. He would teach them, then give them assignments to fulfill and Matthew captured that well in his writing. If teachers teach the whole Bible again and again, sin will be washed out, deliverance will be delivered and an army will arise from the pews and set-up pulpits across the globe. The enemy knows that this is the only office that releases workers into the field. That's the graduation. If teachers are silenced, the students never graduate or outgrow their previous lifestyle. (Matthew breakdown: https://mapstage.blogspot.com/2024/09/matthew-knew.html)

Yet, despite their unpopularity, teachers are still among us. Some have withdrawn from big platforms and now quietly lead home and online fellowships. Others serve faithfully in children’s classes, shaping the next generation. Some, sadly, have been overlooked and now sit silently in the congregation, carrying treasures untapped.

We must rediscover and restore the teacher’s place in the Church. Without their depth, we risk fulfilling that old African proverb about the Church being “a mile wide but only ankle deep.”

Something to think about as saints and leaders.