Teach, train, behave...

We often use the terms 'teaching' and 'training' interchangeably, assuming they are two sides of the same coin. But what if they are distinct currencies altogether?? Scripture shows us that these concepts are both beneficial for effective leadership. We will be exploring how moving from teaching, to training, to behavior is key for our personal growth. Let’s get into it!?

Teaching

Teaching is a skill that requires discipline. Jesus taught many, often large groups, and His transfer of knowledge was incredible. This can be compared to the modern day keynote, TED talk or webinar where valuable knowledge is shared to massive audiences.? The value in the lessons and insights He shared as a Teacher were undeniable so much that we are still studying them over 2000 years later. Today we can open our Bibles, and the words He used are as beneficial for helping us learn and discern as the day He spoke them.?

One of the greatest tests I’ve encountered regarding teaching was when I was asked to teach Sunday School at my church.? All the thoughts of inadequacies, doubt and condemnation came to the surface. However, after agreeing and being obedient to what God had called me to, I found that by being required to teach my personal growth began to accelerate.

Even for the most seasoned theologian, before sitting down to teach on a given topic, research is done, notes are made, and due diligence is given to ensure they are equipped to do good work. Teaching is a great responsibility and leaders recognize the opportunity to transfer knowledge is crucial to helping others grow and serving them well.? However, there is another level that comes into play that Scripture is clear on, we will dig into that tomorrow. For now consider these questions:??

1. What do you feel the most comfortable with teaching?
2. How can you adjust your approach to equip yourself to teach others when the opportunity arises??

Training

The Bible is a stimulus for implementation, not passive language for recitation purposes.? For much of my life I generally compared how “far along” I was on my Christian journey to the amount of Scripture I had memorized.? Recently the thought surfaced that having the knowledge of those verses is fruitless unless there was a plan to put them into action.? Upon studying 2 Timothy 3:16 it appears that training is in of itself a crucial way to grow as a leader.?

As I reflect on my career, the greatest moments of growth occurred after items were taught and the focus shifted to application.? This is when things started to heat up and intensify.? I think about a business development role where role playing with management was instrumental to ensure that when I was in front of a potential client, I had been through so many scenarios that my comfort level soared through the roof when it was time to shine.??

We see in the New Testament that Jesus chose a specific group of disciples and for those individuals He moved from teaching to training. This is where the rubber meets the road and is why their growth soared.? In a relatively short period of time He equipped those leaders to go out, share His message and change the world. With an impact like that perhaps focusing on training as a core competency is the best way a leader can truly invest in those we are serving.

1. ?What are you actively doing to receive training that will equip you to do the work you are called to do?
2. How can you begin training others that are behind you to build up the next generation of leaders??

Behavior

Paul was helping Timothy see that an effective path starts with teaching which will lead to training, and the end goal was for those he was leading to change their behaviors to be obedient to the Holy Spirit.? Pulling on that thought further, it appears to me that as leaders, an effective way to serve and help others grow is to provide training that moves knowledge from conscious to subconscious behavior.? Consider how professional athletes perform their skills on a consistent basis.? It seems as if the truly great athletes like Kobe, Brady, and Maddux (you didn't see that one coming) are able to perform the? most difficult tasks with seemingly effortless ease.??

Now what we don’t see behind the scenes, is the countless hours of training they endured to master their crafts to this level. No doubt they all had knowledge of the sports like no other but knowledge without application is fruitless.? For example, you can spend countless hours studying how to do a crossover move on the basketball court, with the never ending feed of YouTube and Wikipedia the ability to learn about this move is endless. However when you step on the court unless the transfer of knowledge has occurred to take the skill from your head to your actions then have you really grown?

As I think about my subconscious behaviors as a Believer many are shaped by the training that has occurred throughout my spiritual journey. Items such as dedicated prayer time, discipleship group discussions, weekly Bible study and engagements with other Believers have become part of my natural behaviors as a result of training completed thus far. The best part is that as a follower of Christ, our growth never stops and because of that truth our subconscious behaviors are always being shaped. So on your journey look for opportunities to teach, train and as you draw closer to Him you will naturally begin shifting from conscious to subconscious behaviors as you strengthen your faith.?

1. What subconscious behaviors do you recognize in others that you would like to add to your walk?
2. How can you use the new behaviors you adopt to serve others in their growth??

#leadership #training #behavior