The Teacher

Teaching is far more effective than preaching because teaching is about empathy - empathy for the learner and his lack of knowledge and understanding; sometimes for reasons of lack of intellectual capacity but more often because of a lack of knowledge of where to seek it. Therefore the true teacher points out to his student a direction, kindles purpose and curiosity and then leaves him to find the destination for himself. Purpose and curiosity then sparks desire and passion.
Jesus Christ is and was the role model Teacher – gentle, empathetic, directional. Conveying His simple life messages by parables and personal example. No wonder His teachings are timeless and still hold the power to change millions of lives.
It’s time to understand that Teaching works, Preaching does not, because Preaching seems to be increasingly about histrionics, hysteria, harangue or hyperbole. All of which are about the personality of the Preacher and less about the ‘personality’ of the message. Histrionics, hysteria, harangue or hyperbole can raise various emotions - awe, fear, disgust or admiration- but rarely emotions like desire, direction and passion. Preaching, thus, appeals to the transient ‘emotion of the moment’ and leaves the heart unmoved and untouched.