I was a part of the last Bible Teacher Training (BTT), a weekend-long (and rather intense) training session carefully designed to develop and hone Bible teaching skills for staff and interns at our church. We arrived at our Sierra Lodge around 9pm on Friday, and the first session started without much delay. Pastor Ed taught us how to effectively teach the Bible using a seemingly simple structure with very clear examples. Then we got to all pick a number. Little did we know, this number turned out to be our identity for the entire weekend, to either give our own Bible study if there is no volunteer, or to critique someone else’s Bible study! Quite a nerve-racking experience…
And, it didn’t take long for us to realize that the strategy was actually pretty difficult. We grappled with some very familiar passages to come up with a good Bible study… or just any Bible study that is coherent and decent. It was amazing how I could be absolutely lost though I’ve heard a number of messages on them. I looked around and I felt a bit relieved. Yes, we are all feeling the same; I am not alone! As each session went by, however, I think we did learn many valuable lessons that we could apply.
It was truly an intense and packed weekend full of stress yet much laughter and even some physical workout, as we got to also do some work on the house, too. As I thought about this experience, I felt thankful for Pastor Ed and Kelly. This was their 6th BTT session for this summer! In addition, they have been hosting different groups in between: various discipleship retreats, ministry group getaways, meetings, etc. They could have easily spent the summer relaxing a bit. But no. They have gone all out to train us, to get to know us better, and to teach us the value of hard work.
But one of the biggest take away lessons from this weekend was seeing them give their all. Sure, I learned many tips on giving a good Bible study and all, but more than that, I came back feeling refreshed and challenged again by their fully devoted lives. As we prepare in eager anticipation of all that God has in store for us in the new school year, I want to imitate their zeal and passion to serve God and love the people he will bring us in our ministry by giving my all.
2 comments:
Yeah, I echo your comments about Pastor Ed and Kelly. They went up there to supposedly get some rest, but they have been just as busy!
it was an awesome weekend!
I'm thankful for the training we received & that Chris does our DisCoVer Bible Study (& not me!)
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