EACH ONE TEACH ONE
“EACH ONE TEACH ONE”, a phrase that has been around since slavery. It was instituted because African Americans were denied education, including the right to learn to read. So, when an enslaved person learned or was taught to read, it became his or her obligation to instruct someone else. The commitment to this belief and practice was pivotal to the advancement of the people.
Similarly, the commitment to the “EACH ONE TEACH ONE” method is critical to the movement of the church, the Body of Christ. The Apostle Paul maintains this principle. He states, “You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others” – 2 Timothy 2:2 (NLT). If you fail to be a disciple who makes disciples then the progression stops, the train is stalled, the wheel is toppled, and the ball is flattened. When you fail to accept and assist the spreading of the Gospel and the stewardship of making disciples, you deny the command of Jesus: “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 everything I have commanded you” – Matthew 28:19-20a (NIV).
As it was during the time of slavery, the expectation once you received your liberty in learning would be to set someone else free by teaching them. Likewise, Jesus expects nothing less than the same when it comes to spiritual liberation. He states, “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin…So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” – John 8:34,36 (NIV). Furthermore, “Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people” – Matthew 4:19 (NLT).