Admonishing and teaching are integral components of Christian discipleship and pastoral care, deeply rooted in the New Testament's exhortations to believers. These practices are essential for spiritual growth, community edification, and the maintenance of doctrinal purity within the body of Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul frequently emphasizes the importance of admonishing and teaching in his epistles. In Colossians 1:28 , Paul writes, "We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ." This verse highlights the dual role of admonishing and teaching as means to guide believers towards spiritual maturity and completeness in Christ.

Admonishing

Admonishing, derived from the Greek word "noutheteo," involves warning, correcting, and advising with the intent of steering someone away from error or sin. It is an act of love and concern, aimed at restoring a fellow believer to a right path. In 1 Thessalonians 5:14 , Paul instructs, "And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone." Here, admonishing is presented as a communal responsibility, requiring patience and discernment.

Admonishment is not to be confused with harsh criticism or judgmentalism. It is to be carried out with gentleness and humility, as seen in Galatians 6:1 : "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted."

Teaching

Teaching, from the Greek "didasko," involves imparting knowledge, doctrine, and instruction. It is foundational to the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 , "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you."

Teaching is a gift of the Holy Spirit, as outlined in Ephesians 4:11-12 : "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ." This underscores the role of teaching in equipping believers for service and fostering unity and maturity within the church.

Interplay of Admonishing and Teaching

Admonishing and teaching often work hand in hand. While teaching provides the doctrinal foundation and understanding necessary for Christian living, admonishing addresses deviations from that path, ensuring that believers remain aligned with biblical truth. In Acts 20:31 , Paul reflects on his ministry in Ephesus, saying, "Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears." This illustrates the persistent and heartfelt nature of both admonishing and teaching in pastoral ministry.

Practical Application

In the life of the church, admonishing and teaching are vital for maintaining sound doctrine and promoting spiritual growth. Leaders are called to teach with authority and clarity, as seen in Titus 2:1 : "But as for you, speak the things that are consistent with sound doctrine." At the same time, all believers are encouraged to engage in mutual admonishment and teaching, fostering a community where truth and love prevail.

In summary, admonishing and teaching are complementary practices that serve to guide, correct, and instruct believers, ensuring that the church remains faithful to the teachings of Christ and grows in spiritual maturity.