The Difference Between a Teacher and an Exhorter

Some classic Ben Arment from July, 2009:

A TEACHER

• Values the study process more than the communication of it.
• Knows exactly what’s going to be said
• Would have loved to pastor the Bereans
• Starts with Scripture and tests the wisdom of the world against it. Of course, Scripture wins each and every time.
• Sees effectiveness as building a “wall” of biblical precepts sermon-by-sermon
• Invests in conventional study tools
• If anyone complains, it’s about boredom

AN EXHORTER

• Values communicating over studying for it
• Knows the general outline, but fills in holes along the way. Counts on it, in fact
• Would have hated to pastor the Bereans
• Brings up the wisdom of the world and tests it against Scripture. Of course, Scripture wins each and every time.
• Sees effectiveness as moving people to action with the Bible
• Invests in unconventional study tools
• If anyone complains, it’s about not getting fed