Teach Like a Disciple

Although much has been written about P-12 teaching from a biblical perspective, this study focuses on Christ's relationships with a diverse group of individuals: wealthy and poor, women and men, unschooled and well-educated, loud and quiet, influential and powerless, those whom Jesus knew well and those who were strangers to him, those of his own faith and culture as well as those outside of it. These individuals are remarkably similar to the students we teach in our public and private school classrooms today.
Each interaction between Jesus and an individual focuses on what we can learn from the student and Jesus as well as what we, as teachers, can apply in our profession. As in our own practice, some students learned their lessons well; others failed. For some, we are uncertain when or if they achieved Jesus' objective for them.
Whether we are novices or experienced educators, we can learn through these instructive relationships how to be teachers who follow Jesus' example in seeing our students' potential, holistically caring for them, and ultimately having a positive impact on their lives. Through exploring these biblical relationships, we can gain a better understanding of how to teach like Christ's disciple.


""In the midst of pressures such as high stakes testing, a scramble for resources, and intense scrutiny of education, it is no wonder that teachers and those considering the profession may grow weary and discouraged. What Jillian Lederhouse presents to us in this text is Jesus' demonstration of loving relationships as a counter balance to the pressures, and a foundation for effective teaching.""
--Scot Headley, Dean of the College of Education, George Fox University

""Teach Like a Disciple offers fresh perspective on ten interactions between Jesus and his pupils. In addition to looking at what we can learn about Jesus, the author considers what can be learned about each student and what one can learn about teaching from the Master Teacher and his disciples. Lederhouse combines careful biblical exegesis with application to teaching that is both practical and timely.""
--Karen A. Wrobbel, EdD; Director, Division of Education, Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL

""I highly recommend this very readable and valuable book to all teachers who want to develop in their profession and vocation and would recommend it as required reading for programs that educate teachers.""
--Ken Pudlas, Professor, Director, MAES - SPED, School of Education, Trinity Western University

""The authors of the four gospels record conversations between Jesus and a variety of characters. With care and clarity, Lederhouse shows in Teach Like A Disciple how Jesus created and used these teachable moments. Teachers and professors will love how she unpacks these encounters. In fact, all those interested in how Jesus taught should read this thoughtful and needed book.""
--Ken Badley, Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta


Jillian Nerhus Lederhouse, PhD, is Professor of Education at Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois. She is the author of Life Lessons through a Teacher's Eyes (2008).