Teachers in Christian education or spiritual formation classes serve as:

Content specialists: They guide learners through Scripture, doctrine, church history, and spiritual writings with clarity and depth.

Mentors in faith: Their lives model the truths they teach, embodying the call to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

Discerners of truth: They help participants navigate theological complexity, distinguishing sound doctrine from distortion.

Spiritual midwives: Especially in adult education, they support the birth of new insights, convictions, and commitments.

Importantly, Christian teaching is not just about knowing about God - it’s about knowing God. The teacher’s task is to point beyond themselves to the living Christ.

Facilitators often lead spiritual practice classes (e.g., contemplative prayer, lectio divina, discernment groups), and their role is more experiential and relational:

Creating sacred space: They foster environments of trust, silence, and openness where participants can encounter God.

Encouraging participation: Rather than lecturing, they guide group reflection, dialogue, and shared spiritual exercises.

Listening deeply: They attend to the movement of the Spirit in the group, adapting the flow as needed.

Integrating life and faith: Facilitators help participants connect spiritual practices to daily living, making formation holistic.

Their work echoes Jesus’ own facilitation style - asking questions, telling stories, and drawing people into lived wisdom.

Both roles contribute to the church’s mission of discipleship, but with different emphases:

Role - Primary Focus - Methodology - Outcome Sought

Teacher - Knowledge & theological depth - Structured instruction, study - Understanding, discernment

Facilitator - Experience & spiritual practice - Guided reflection, group process - Transformation, integration

Together, they reflect the dual rhythm of Christian formation: learning and living, knowing and being, study and surrender.