Called to Teach? 6 Steps to Discerning if Online Course Creation is Right for You

Have you ever felt that nudge or that persistent thought that maybe, just maybe, you’re meant to teach?

Maybe it’s the joy that bubbles up when you share something that clicks for someone, or the spark in their eyes when a conversation unlocks new understanding.

Or perhaps it’s that idea that won’t quit—popping up during your quiet moments and refusing to let you off the hook.

But then... doubt crashes the party. Who are you to teach? What if no one listens? Is this really my calling or just a fleeting whim? Doubt has a way of amplifying every insecurity and disguising it as logic, doesn’t it?

But here’s the thing—it’s often in wrestling with doubt that clarity starts to emerge.

This blog post is a 6-step guide on discerning if online course creation is right for you. It is designed to help aspiring online course creators—especially those of you fueled by faith and purpose—navigate the decision-making process without overwhelm.

Here are the 6 steps at a glance:

• STEP 1: Clarify Your Ideas
• STEP 2: Consider the Greater Good
• STEP 3: Let Go of What’s Holding You Back
• STEP 4: Gather Practical Information
• STEP 5: Discern Through Prayer
• STEP 6: Take Action 
  
  

Faith-Driven Advantage: Discerning Your Calling to Teach

For faith-driven entrepreneurs, discerning whether teaching is your God-given calling isn’t a solo journey. You have a profound advantage—Scripture and spiritual frameworks offer a foundation to guide your decision-making with clarity and confidence.

Take Romans 12:6-7:

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us…if it is teaching, then teach.”

This verse highlights that teaching isn’t just a skill; it’s a divine gift, entrusted to you for a purpose. But with this gift comes responsibility. 

 James 3:1 offers a cautionary note:

“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”

Sobering? Yes. Discouraging? Not at all. If God is calling you to teach, He will also equip you with the wisdom and grace to fulfill that call.

So, how do you discern if online course creation is part of your calling? 

That’s where the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola can guide us. Ignatian discernment is a powerful spiritual tool that helps us recognize God’s movements in our lives—whether through the quiet joy of alignment (consolation) or the unrest of misalignment (desolation). It’s a method that blends deep reflection and practical action to help you tune into God’s will.

The following six-step process blends Ignatian spiritual reflection with practical online course creation demands. 

6 Steps to Discern if Online Course Creation Is Your Calling

As you go through these steps, slow down. Pray, reflect, and give yourself room to genuinely listen for God’s direction. This process isn’t a race; it’s a journey of clarity and faith.

STEP 1: Clarify Your Ideas

Before you take action, you need a clear vision. Putting your thoughts into words and writing them down transforms abstract ideas into a solid foundation. Clarity comes when vague ideas become tangible goals.

Action Step 1: 

• Write down the decision or question you’re discerning:

Example: “Should I transition to teaching online full-time, or keep my current job?”

• Reflect on your motivations and purpose. Ask yourself:
  
  
  • What unique knowledge or experience do I want to share?
  • Why does this matter to me or my future students?
    
    
• Craft a simple statement that captures your calling:

Example: “I want to teach time management to busy parents so they can create more balance and joy in their lives.”

STEP 2: Consider the Greater Good

In online course creation, it is essential to find your ideal learners. Teaching isn’t just about sharing your knowledge; it’s about the people you serve and the impact you create. Your course solves problems, inspire growth, or bring transformation to others. When you focus on the greater good, your purpose becomes more than personal ambition; it becomes a mission.

Action Step 2: 

1. Reflect on the impact your course could have:
    
   • Who do I feel called to help and who will benefit most from your course?
   • What transformation will my course inspire?
     
     
2. Write down a statement about your course's greater purpose:

Example 1: “My financial literacy course helps beginning entrepreneurs who want to plan their business future without compromising their values.”

Example 2: “My course isn’t just about simplifying baking. It’s about helping busy moms make more time for their families.”

STEP 3: Let Go What’s Holding You Back

Obstacles like fear, self-doubt, and comparison can cloud your vision. Sometimes, you might feel pressured to create a course because “everyone else is doing it.”

But discernment requires freedom—freedom to choose the path that aligns with God’s will, not external expectations.

9 Common Obstacles to Overcome: 

1. Inferiority or Superiority Complexes

When we cling to views of ourselves that originate from others’ voices.

Example: If a mentor or peer once criticized our teaching style, we might internalize it and feel unworthy to lead. On the other hand, constant praise from others might tempt us to overly rely on human approval. 

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." – Galatians 1:10

2. Tyrannizing “Shoulds” and “Oughts”

When we’re driven by others’ expectations or our own unrealistic standards.

Example: You might feel like you “should” create a six-figure course because that’s what other course creators boast about, even if God is calling you to prioritize depth and purpose over scale and glitz.

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." – Proverbs 16:3

3. Perfectionism

The desire to be flawless rather than helpful or faithful.

Example: You delay launching your course because every video, module, and slide has to be “perfect, ” making you miss reaching people who need your help.

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." – Colossians 3:23

4. Fear

Allowing fear to dictate choices instead of trust in God.

Example: Fear of negative reviews might keep you from promoting your course boldly or trying new teaching methods. 

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." – 2 Timothy 1:7

5. Materialistic Greed

When we prioritize material gain over purpose. 

Example: You might obsess over revenue goals at the expense of designing a course that truly transforms lives. This focus on profits can lead to burnout and block your capacity for generosity.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." – Matthew 6:21

6. Desire for Control, Power, Status, and Prestige

When ambition overshadows submission to God’s will.

Example: You might push to become a “top” course creator to gain recognition, prioritizing flashy marketing strategies over meaningful content, instead of serve with humility and integrity.

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." – Philippians 2:3

7. Past Hurts and Self-Pity

When we dwell on past wounds and let them shape our self-image and actions.

Example: A failed course launch might lead to self-pity or reluctance to try again. Dwelling on past disappointments can block you from trusting God’s redemptive power to bring growth and healing through your efforts.

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!" – Isaiah 43:18-19

8. Competitiveness that Leads to Envy

Constant comparison can breed resentment rather than inspiration.

Example: Seeing another creator’s success might stir envy, making you question your own worth or methods. 

"Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." – Galatians 5:26

9. Impatience with Yourself or Others

An unwillingness to extend grace or wait on God’s timing.

Example: Frustration over slow course sales might lead you to doubt your purpose or compromise your values to gain quick results. 

"But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." – Romans 8:25

Action Step 3: 

1. Write down your biggest obstacle and reframe it:

Example: “I feel like I’m not qualified. But I trust that God equips those He calls.”

2. Journal one small step you can take today to overcome that obstacle.

STEP 4: Gather Practical Information

Let’s balance reflection with practicality. Consider any pros and cons of creating an online course factoring in your time, resources, and goals.

To get you started, here are some common pro and cons in the online course creation industry: 

Action Step 4:

1. Research what’s truly involved in designing, marketing, and launching an online course. Practical knowledge helps you make an informed decision that aligns with both your purpose and your capacity. Confidence comes from preparation. Here’s how to start:
   
   
   • Talk to experienced course creators: Hear their wins, struggles, and lessons learned.
     
   • Read success and failure stories: Gain perspective on what works and what doesn’t.
   • Explore the realities of course creation: Understand the time, effort, and resources required.
     
     
2. Weigh the pros and cons with clarity:
   
   
   • which pros align with your values, calling, and lifestyle goals?
   • which cons are deal-breakers, manageable, or potential growth opportunities?
       

STEP 5: Discern Through Prayer

Prayer is your direct line to clarity. St. Ignatius of Loyola taught that the heart’s movements—consolation or desolation—can reveal whether a decision aligns with God’s will:

Action Step 5: 

1. Start by visualizing your options.
   
   
   • Picture yourself stepping into the role of a teacher. What emotions arise? Now, imagine your life without teaching. Does it feel peaceful or incomplete?
   • Keep in mind that discernment is a process, and clarity often unfolds over time. You might experience single “aha” moment or a series of gentle confirmations or closed doors.
     
     
2. Let this simple prayer guide you:

Lord, you know my heart and my desire to honor You with my gifts. If teaching is the path You’ve prepared for me, grant me peace, courage, and clarity. If not, guide me to the work that reflects Your purpose for my life. Above all, help me trust in Your timing and direction. Amen.

STEP 6: Take Action

Discernment comes alive when you act on the work you just did. Even the smallest step forward is an act of faith, demonstrating trust that God will guide and refine your path as you go. 

Action Step 6:

Take action with these quick tips: 
 

1. Start with Small, Faithful Steps

Once you’ve discerned a calling toward teaching, begin by testing the waters in a manageable way. You don’t have to dive into a full-fledged course or teaching career immediately. Consider offering a single lesson, workshop, or Bible study session. Use this experience as a way to explore how teaching feels in practice. Does it energize you? Do you feel a sense of flow or connection with your audience? Small beginnings allow you to grow in confidence while staying open to God’s leading.

2. Faith Over Perfection

Faith-driven decisions aren’t always about having every detail perfectly mapped out—they’re about trusting God with the process. Like Abraham stepping out toward an unknown land or Peter stepping onto the water, taking action often involves embracing uncertainty. Trust that God will meet you in your steps, providing wisdom, resources, and opportunities along the way.

3. Be Open to Adjustment

If teaching doesn’t bring the peace and joy you expected, it’s not a failure—it’s a redirection. Trust that God is leading you toward His best plan, even if it looks different than you imagined.

4. Anchor Your Actions in Trust

Whether you’re preparing a lesson, hosting a workshop, or reevaluating your direction, keep your heart rooted in trust. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” When you approach each step with faith and openness, you align yourself with God’s ongoing work in your life.

Well done, my friend!  No matter where your journey leads—whether teaching becomes a lifelong calling, a simple stepping stone, or not part of your future—taking small action steps is how you discover God’s unique purpose for you. 

Final Encouragement: Step Boldly Into Your Calling

If you’re feeling that gentle nudge to share your gifts through teaching, take it as a sign to lean in. I hope these six steps bring you clarity and confidence to move forward with purpose and courage.