The best teachers in a congregation are often spiritually hungry. Sunday school teachers and adult Bible study leaders do not attend adult formation—they are busy elsewhere teaching others. The director of adult education needs to tend his or her flock and feed those who are feeding others.

This may happen by providing special events for teachers—workshops, retreats, continuing education, and even sabbaticals from lay ministry—to help them grow in faith and re-vision their vocation as congregational mentors and educators. Resources geared for clergy health and spiritual growth may be adapted for all those in important leadership positions. If you are developing a learning congregation, everyone in leadership needs the kind of support generally thought of only for the clergy. Supporting those on the front lines of teaching and learning is key to congregational health and maturity—and provides the nuts-and-bolts of bona fide shared ministry.

Questions to consider:

• What support do you have for your ministry?
  
• What support do you give to other teachers, mentors, and leaders in your congregation?
  
• What mechanisms and programs exist to train teachers and empower their spiritual lives?