Page 33 - Youth Discipleship Student Textbook

6. Able to Teach (1 Tim. 3:2; 2 Tim. 2:24)

Before bringing out the possible meaning Paul had by adding the ability to
teach, it’s important to know that in the New Testament to be specific;
teaching appears to be necessary to every aspect of the Christian life. We
call ourselves “disciples and we practice spiritual disciplines” words whose
roots have to do with teaching and learning. Therefore, teaching is a central part of proclaiming the
gospel and making disciples as commanded in Matthew 28: 19-20).

Teaching is critical for training younger generations of men and women as well (Titus 2:2-6). Teaching is
necessary for people to learn how to pray (Luke 11:1). Teaching is at the heart of Christian maturity
(Eph. 4:11-16). Teaching is important because it makes Christian music different from secular music
(Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).

After outlining the importance of teaching, I strongly believe that refers to the ability to communicate
and apply the truth of scripture with clarity, systematic and fruitfulness. Those who have this ability
handle the scripture with carefulness and others are edified when they do so. This ability is not limited
to public speakers, but anyone involved in counseling or teaching people from scripture.

Preaching is not the completeness in the youth pastor’s teaching responsibilities. A great deal of a youth
pastor’s teaching will be accomplished by modeling. If he aspires to be a teacher, he had better learn
how to be a proper model. Sometimes teaching by this method is the most powerful teaching of all.

Teaching must not be confused by way of using texts against every person who has a different opinion.

7. Not Addicted to Wine (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7)

As we can see “drunkenness, violence and quarreling” are probably placed together in Paul’s list
because they are often found together in person who drinks strong wine. The qualities found in verse 2
(able to teach), when present, qualify a man for the office; while the qualities of verse 3, when present,
disqualify a man to serve in that office.

Addiction to wine or alcoholic drinks leads to drunkenness and the losing of one’s faculty of a sober
mind. Other scriptures that reference this topic are Romans 12. 1-3; Proverbs 20:1, Eph. 5:18 and many
more.

Violence often follows intoxication and is never suitable for a youth pastor. He should patiently instruct
and recognizes disputes in the church as a symptom of deeper spiritual desires.

The text no doubt is referring to anyone to avoid being a stumbling block to those who are weak; surely
it should be the youth pastor.

8. Not Pugnacious (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7)

A feisty person with a perennial chip on his shoulder had better wait until he can gain better control of
himself before attempting to youth pastor.

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