What We Look For When Hiring Teachers at Sunlight | Season 3 Episode 8

What does it take to be a truly great teacher—especially when it comes to the next generation?

 In Episode 8 of The Disciple Standard Podcast, Pastor Aaron, Pastor Scott, and special guest Pastor Jary dive deep into the heart of teaching in ministry. Whether you’re leading a youth group, preaching, or discipling one-on-one, this episode unpacks what it means to teach with impact.

We discuss:

👥 The importance of building real relationships with youth

📚 What sets a great teacher apart from a good one

💬 How teaching can become a powerful tool for discipleship

❤️ Why connection matters more than content Whether you're a pastor, mentor, or youth leader, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to lead with purpose, presence, and passion.

🎙 New episodes of The Disciple Standard Podcast drop every Thursday on YouTube!

Timestamps:

00:00 – The Heart of Teaching and Ministry

00:37 – Podcast Introduction & Guest Introductions

01:39 – Jary Reed’s Surprise Reputation 02:35 – Jary’s Journey to Sunlight

03:29 – First Impressions & Church Conversations

04:07 – Getting to Know Jary 

04:30 – The Emotional Rollercoaster of Ministry

06:31 – Being Real vs. Becoming a Persona

07:50 – Jerry on Authenticity and Ministry

08:14 – The “Professional” Pastor Worldview

09:06 – Preaching from a Place of Brokenness

10:08 – Intentional Vulnerability & Missionary Kid Stories

10:54 – Leaving the Pastor Persona Behind

11:20 – Teaching Teens with Honesty

12:07 – Making Space for Real Conversations with Youth

13:00 – Jary’s Forced Exit from Ministry

13:32 – Losing a Job, Gaining a Mission

14:22 – Staying Put for the Kids

14:59 – A Teaching Opportunity Opens Up

15:20 – How Teaching Teens Trains You for Adults

21:02 – Importance of Fun and Belief in Teaching

21:17 – Vulnerability and Entering Students’ Lives

21:55 – Teaching as a Calling, Not a Job

22:18 – The Weight of Knowing Students' Stories

22:56 – Lifelong Impact and Relationships

23:21 – Staying Connected Beyond Graduation

23:43 – Weddings, Funerals, and Life Milestones

24:11 – Seeing Students as Disciples

24:35 – Time Spent with Students vs. Parents

25:07 – Teachers as Surrogate Parental Figures

25:41 – Changing Family Dynamics and Influence

26:22 – The Teacher’s Role in Culture and Discipleship

26:47 – Two Powers: Gospel and Relationship

27:19 – Misconceptions of the Gospel

27:51 – Personal Need for Grace

28:12 – Power of Real Friendships and Care

29:08 – “You Before Me” Mentality

29:40 – Bible Teaching as a Vehicle for Care

30:03 – Why Former Students Return

30:31 – Gospel in Every Class

30:49 – Students Recognizing Teacher Vulnerability

31:38 – Kids Perceive What You Feel

31:54 – Students Need Jesus, Not Religion

32:18 – Students’ Honesty and Transparency

32:52 – Balancing Curriculum and Relationship

33:19 – Grades Don’t Define Bible Class

33:39 – Cheating in Bible Class

33:58 – Humor and Nicknames from Mistakes

34:44 – Grading Through Essays and Honesty

35:38 – Senior Final: Personal Worldview Paper

35:52 – Administrative Support for Open Dialogue

36:10 – Students Skipping Classes for Bible

36:26 – Easy A’s with Honest Effort

36:59 – Freedom to Doubt and Converse

37:27 – Senior Privilege vs. Underclassman Rigor

41:10 – Teaching Is More Than Information

41:39 – The Role of Understanding in Teaching

42:01 – Motivations in Teaching

42:27 – Skills and Growth in Any Profession

42:48 – Bible Literacy and Early Content Learning

43:12 – Memorization and Foundational Knowledge

43:51 – Moving Beyond Moral Lessons

44:08 – C