Equipping to Teach: A conversation with Cheryl
Cheryl, 1st Congre
Cheryl
Hi, I'm Cheryl and I attend the First Congregation. I joined Equipping to Teach (ETT) because I wanted to grow in leading and facilitating Bible studies in my CG. I always appreciated how well-structured the CG guides are, but I often found it hard to see the thought process behind them or how each part connects from one to the other. I also wanted to learn how to better engage my CG and to ask them better questions and to help them connect more deeply with God's Word. So I felt like ETT was the perfect place to learn how to do that.
ETT was really so thoughtfully designed. We started with how to read scripture well, especially the epistles, and finding the main point, tracing the argument, and seeing Christ at the center of the text. Then we learned how to craft and facilitate a Bible study where we gave and received feedback along the way.
I thought the facilitation would be the most intimidating and stressful part but it actually was the part that on hindsight I really enjoyed the most. The feedback helped me realize that leading a Bible study isn't about presenting insights or preaching a sermon but it's really inviting others to see the beauty of Christ in the text and creating a space for them to wrestle with the text and to really see Christ. What I gained beyond ETT was realizing that I was personally convicted by how I previously took Bible study quite lightly. I thought it was just, you know, going through the text, listening to the sermon, reading a few commentaries, and then going through the CG guide. But it really takes time, it takes intention, and it takes a lot of effort and brain power. But that's a beautiful thing.
Most of all, I learned that facilitating isn't just for the natural, particularly it's something we can all grow in and steward well.
ETT was really a course that was of such was so excellent and well put together that I think that in the secular world this course would probably come with a hefty price tag but I really appreciated the way the teaching team worked through the whole process studying, crafting a bible study and then facilitating and seeing them treat the God's word with such care and love reminded me that we should approach God's word with the same reverence, effort and joy. So if you want to understand the Bible more deeply or learn how to read Bible studies well, I think ETT is really the best place to start. The environment is so encouraging and so conducive to learn and you'll be supported every step of the way.
I think anyone who wants to grow in understanding God's word or to serve their CG better should sign up. You'll be stretched and you'll be encouraged and most of all you'll be equipped.