You don’t have to know it all to share what you do know.

As you may be aware, I have written a couple of books on preaching. However, there is a secret about me, that I really wish were not true.

Ready for it? Are you sitting down? Ok…*deep breath*…here goes…

I do not know everything there is to know about preaching.

Ok, I admit you probably already knew that. However, I mention this because there is a weird dynamic in the arenas of writing, speaking, coaching, or anywhere one person might try to teach someone else. The dynamic, whether expressed or implied, is that in order to teach you need to be an expert.

For many, myself very much included, this shows up in what is called “imposter syndrome.” The gist of imposter syndrome, if you’re unaware, is the inner voice that says things like:

Who do you think you are to write about this? There are dozens, hundreds, even THOUSANDS of others out there who know this information better, are more successful, and could teach more impactfully than you. What gives you the right to think you know enough about any of this to try and teach other people how to do it? If people knew how clueless you really were, no one would give you the time of day.”

For some, your imposter syndrome will show up in subtle ways, leading you to not speak up in a group or write down your thoughts for anyone else to see. For others, the above dialog is just the surface of the messages you hear your inner voice speak back to you every day.

However, the inner struggle with imposter syndrome is not the only way these types of messages show up. There are others, often filled with angst themselves, who love to sit on the outside and criticize those who attempt to step out from the crowd.

It’s the co-worker who whispers statements like, “Who does he think he is?” when a colleague steps forward to take on a challenging assignment. It’s the social media posts where users can pelt insults from afar at the coach, teacher, speaker, or leader who had the courage to step beyond their comfort zone. It’s found in the sense of superiority from those in the crowd who feel they know more than the one standing on the stage.

Please don’t misunderstand me, I’m not suggesting we dismiss incompetence among those who just wish to have a platform. What I am advocating for, however, is a change in attitude among ourselves and toward others. A statement I’ve had to repeat in my own life, often daily, is, “you don’t have to know it all to share what you do know.”

The featured image is an example of when I decided to live this out.

Given I am a preacher, speaking in front of others is common for me. However, this image reflects a talk I gave about a programming design framework…to a room full of programmers.

Again…I’m a preacher. I’m trained to exegete Biblical passages and communicate what is there. Yet several years ago I decided to pick up the topic of programming as a hobby. And, to this day, it’s a hobby I enjoy. In fact, my site is one that I did by hand myself. However, that is a far cry from the years of expertise sitting in that room. And, while the talk was admittedly not great, those in attendance were kind and attentive. While anyone in that room could have programmed circles around me, this niche design framework was something I knew a little bit more about.

In other words, I did not know everything. Heck, I barely knew anything. But I decided to pass on what I did know.

A Scriptural Ideal

One of my favorite passages in the entire New Testament speaks about this very topic.

In 2 Timothy 2:2, we read, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” Paul, who knew plenty and had a great theological education, implored Timothy to pass on what he had heard and what he did know. Paul wasn’t demanding Timothy dedicate eight years to study before teaching anyone else. Paul wanted Timothy to identify qualified individuals and pour into those people as Paul had poured into him.

What would it look like, in both religious and personal contexts, if instead of convincing yourself that you needed some level of professional or educational status, you decided to openly share what you DO know?

Would you write a book on forgiveness in relationships, even though you don’t have a Ph.D. in counseling?

Would you speak out about the plight of refugees around the world, even if you still have a lot to learn about international law?

Would you volunteer to train those learning English as a second language, even if you don’t have an English or teaching degree?

Would you share what you know about following Jesus, even if you cannot answer every question about the Bible?

There is a lot I don’t know about preaching. There is also a lot I don’t know about the Bible, public speaking, writing, leadership, parenting, marriage, home improvement, automotive maintenance, graphic design, marketing, environmental science, and much, MUCH more. However, I have decided that it’s not important to know everything about any one of those topics. What is important, to me and many others, is instead sharing what I DO know.