Why do so many people in the ministry lose the ability to be teachable? It doesn’t work and it leads to ineffective ministry. Face it, none of us know it all. If you aren’t teachable, you won’t be able to teach. You can talk, but you won’t teach.

Here are some reasons why I think people in ministry have a hard time learning.

1) It requires that you admit you don’t know everything. Big egos often get in the way of change.

2) You lack confidence in yourself. Being teachable might make you look bad.

3) You will make mistakes. People always do when they are learning.

4) You are trained to talk. Remember, preachers preach. Teachers teach. The Cowboy’s Code of Conduct says, “Never miss an opportunity to stop talking!” When we’re talking, we are not listening. When we’re not listening, we are not learning.

5) You’ve been told that ministry is “doing” instead of “being”. Ministers are suppose to work, serve, teach, visit, meet needs, etc. When your focus is on “being” (not just “doing”), you spend time studying, praying and learning.

6) Ministry can be the survival of the fittest. Consequently, you spend more time defending yourself and your agenda rather than learning from those around you.

Remember, being teachable demonstrates both a spirit of humility and a desire to grow. So what are you waiting for? Start learning!