People who have taught the Bible for a number of years can settle into their style of teaching and feel as though they have a good enough handle on how to teach. Consequently, veteran Bible teachers could feel as though they no longer need training.
People who have never taught the Bible but have had a successful career teaching in the public school system can also decide they don’t need training either. They may feel that if they can handle teaching in the public school, certainly they know how to teach and don’t need training.
The Reality about Teacher Training for Those with Well-Honed Skill Sets:
Undoubtedly these people do already have teaching skills to bring to the classroom due to previous training but also years of teaching. The Bible, as the living Word of God, is more than a textbook to be taught. When teaching Scripture, we are seeking to connect people with the Author Himself. We set changed lives as our objective, not mere head knowledge. Teaching the Bible differs from teaching in public school.
Further, if we stop learning, we stop growing. When we stop growing, we don’t have as much to offer. Even the Apostle Paul, who was a very learned man (Acts 22:3), acknowledged that he hadn’t arrived. He said, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Phil. 3:12).
Remedies for Getting Veteran Teachers Involved in Training:
To make exceptions for certain people to not participate in your teacher training efforts can be a slippery slope. Where does it end? How do you fairly determine who needs it and who doesn’t without the potential for building resentment in some and smugness in others?
Help all teachers understand that we all can become sharper in what we know and do and can help sharpen one another (Prov. 27:17). We grow as we help others learn. How can you seek the input of veteran teachers during the training session to help others?
Rather than exclude these teachers from training, perhaps you could think through how you can modify the training for those who have already mastered what you will be discussing. What can you incorporate to help them build on what they already know? How can you tailor training to accommodate the various backgrounds and teaching skills?
Check Out: Bible Teachers Training Resources