How to Identify a (Female) Bible Teacher

This article was first published in French at SOLA.

Are you a pastor wondering if you have the time and energy it takes to identify qualified women Bible teachers in your church? If so, we understand. You have a very demanding job and we want to lighten your load rather than add to it. That initial investment of time may be significant, but I assure you that the dividends on that investment will be great. For in every woman you raise up as a teacher, you will discover a powerful ally in creating a culture of discipleship in the local church. 

The Profile of a Woman Bible Teacher

What does a gifted women's Bible teacher typically look like? Is she an eloquent woman who can give theologically deep messages at a conference? Yes, that is one image, but it's not the only one. Another woman's teaching gift may shine best when leading a small group discussion, where she asks pointed questions that help her hearers discover the truths in the text for themselves. Yet another profile is that of a woman who teaches one-on-one with ease, where her listening skills, her empathy, and her attention to detail allow her gift to surface in a completely different way. And still another woman is most comfortable teaching with pen and paper. Her best reflections come as she prepares a Bible study, a devotional, an article, or a book. We need them all, and each one is essential to the flourishing of Christ's Bride. 

Begin with Prayer

But how do we find them? As we seek to identify potential women teachers in our churches, our first step should be prayer. We need to ask the Lord for discernment to see which women have untapped gifts that could bless her church family.

Examine the Scriptures

Next, we should consider character. To discover what the New Testament has to say concerning the quality traits of women Bible teachers, we need look no further than the pastoral epistles. Paul instructs his protege in 1 Timothy 3:11 of the traits that are to singularize a deaconess or deacon's wife (depending on how one interprets the Greek term gune). He also gives instructions in Titus 2:3-5 on what ought to mark both older and younger women in the church in Crete. Finally, we read of the character qualities required for those seeking support from the church as widows in 1 Timothy 5:9-10.

In each of these cases, such a woman is defined by godly character and serves as a model in both her public and private life. By implication, she should also be humble and teachable, recognizing that every believer is to be a lifelong learner. And she should be faithful and solid, having been tested over time - not a new believer (1 Ti 3:6). She shouldn't waver with every wind of doctrines (Ep 4:14), but stay the course on the essentials of the faith.

Passionate for the Gospel

Having considered character, the next step is to examine who is already teaching in some capacity, be it among women or children. In this category, you could also include the woman who demonstrates a passion for God's Word by faithfully attending adult Sunday school, prayer meetings, community groups, conferences, and other Scripture-centered environments. Keep an eye out for the woman who asks intelligent questions and gives constructive feedback after a sermon or study. This sister's passion for Christ can be seen in her relationships with her husband, her children, and her friends at church, as she will often turn conversations to the subject of Christ and what she is learning in the Scriptures. 

Expressed Interest

Some sisters will make it easy for you. If you publicly announce that you would like to train women for Bible exposition, they will eagerly answer the call. Such a woman demonstrates an interest in teaching, experiences joy in the practice of this gift, and bears fruits in her ministry. But also grant that some women may express an interest in teaching but feel scared or intimidated by the idea of it. They may need more coaching and reassurance. 

Upcoming Training

Yanick Éthier (President of SOLA) asked me to join SOLA's team because we shared a vision for equipping women in the church for a ministry of the Word. May 20-21, we are planning a workshop for women in expository teaching with this end in mind (details are forthcoming). Would you prayerfully consider partnering with us in this endeavor by encouraging your brightest women to attend our workshop?