I hope it has occurred to you that you have something to share with others. Your experience, expertise, knowledge, and wisdom provide you with valuable insights to share with me and those around you.
When we share what we are learning with others, it cements it in our minds. We begin to understand it more clearly. We learn more as we teach and share than when we’re learning alone, and we help others grow in the process.
I’ve heard it said, “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.”
It also dawned on me that sharing your learning with others is a totally free project that pays big dividends in your legacy.
In what ways are you sharing what you are learning with others? Here are three ways to consider:
Write It
Ben Franklin once quipped, “If you want to be remembered in life, write something worth readin’ about or do something worth writin’ about.” One of the beauties of this day and age is the multiple ways you can write something and share it. You don’t have to publish a book; you can write something you’re learning on your social media feed or in a blog post.
Pastors and preachers should take their messages, write them out, and save them digitally. Any meaningful devotions or articles should be saved and collected so that others can learn and benefit from them. Don’t let what you’ve learned slip away – someone else can learn from you.
Talk About It
Share what you’re learning in a conversation, presentation, or message. If you hear something interesting, talk about it at dinner with your family. I recently listened to a podcast where a doctor discussed the concept of happiness from a technical perspective. He concluded that happiness doesn’t come from an end product, but is the process of progressing, accomplishing goals, and enjoying what God has given us. After listening, I discussed it with the whole family while we were eating breakfast.
I recently learned from one of my daughters how to do a particular thing on Instagram. My other daughter is becoming an expert gardener. I heard about a new program from one of the leaders in our ministry.
As we discuss what we’ve learned, we share insights to help others grow.
On a side note, I recently read Meg Jay’s book, “The Defining Decade – Why The Twenties Are So Important And What To Do About It Now.” I’ve written and talked about some of the things I’ve learned in conversations, the blog and a podcast episode.
Meet Together
Intentionally get together with peers, colleagues, or young leaders in your ministry for the specific purpose of sharing what you’ve learned. These kinds of meetings help fuel ideas and help move ministries and organizations forward. Every pastor needs a group like this.
Young couples can learn about living a faithful married life by meeting with older couples to gain insight and guidance. Younger pastors can learn the art of staying in it for the long haul by meeting with older pastors who have seen it all.
When we meet with someone to learn and grow, both parties benefit. Next time you meet and talk with someone, listen, encourage, and share what you’re learning.
One Final Thought
Sharing what you’re learning isn’t a one-way street, especially in an informal conversation. Remember that you may be wearing out your welcome as a “teacher” if you do all the talking. If you’re older than another person, asking questions is a way to keep learning and stay relevant. Most adults learn through talking and sharing, so listen, respond to questions, and make your moments of sharing as concise as possible.
LISTEN TO EPISODE #154
