Sometimes in fishing with nets, fishermen would have to make some adjustments. Depending on current weather conditions, depth of the fish, etc., they would have to either add some weights or sinkers or perhaps add some floats or corks. At times they would pull the net back in and cast it on the other side of the boat. The objective? — do what was needed to go where the fish would most likely be. They may need to adjust and then readjust to reach that objective.
Readjustments Needed in the Equipping Process
Since the word used in the New Testament for preparing nets (Matt. 4:21; Mk. 1:19) is also used in Ephesian 4:12 where it says pastors and teachers are to “equip his people for works of service”, we should be able to make some parallels. With our objective to reach our students where they are, we adjust and then readjust as needed.
You’ll find some suggestions of where you might sometimes need to adjust and readjust lessons in the Bible Teacher’s Role Download. This resource also provides input into other aspects of being an equipper along with seven other roles a Bible teacher might need to assume to have the greatest impact.
I like your analogy of using fishing simply because Jesus said he’ll teach us to be fishers of men. The 4rs expressed: ready, readjust, repair and re-enforce is noteworthy.
Scripture itself is so rich with these kinds of analogies, especially when you look at original words used — i.e., how the Greek word for equipping is from the same word used of fishermen mending or preparing their nets. The English word often doesn’t fully capture the full meaning.