ABSG Questions for Discussion: Paul’s Pastoral Appeal

Welcome

Many Sabbath School class teachers either preach a sermon to their class or deliver a monologue on the whole lesson, going through it "day-by-day." The most rewarding sessions involve the members in discussion. These questions here are intended to stimulate the active participation of the members in your class. Of course pertinent information imparted by the teacher is also very valuable, for which there are many resources in print and on the internet. This site seeks to provide a resource for discussions.

If you are a member and not a teacher and your class is boring, try asking questions such as these in your class.

Tuesday, 22 November 2011

Paul’s Pastoral Appeal

When trying to reach people with the gospel, after sharing doctrines, how much of personal appeal is appropriate?

The Heart of Paul (Gal 4:12, 20)

1. Is it an advantage or disadvantage to become like brothers or a father to the people we are trying to convert?

2. Can I say now that “Christ is formed” in me, as Paul was longing for in the Galatians? If not, what is it that might be keeping me from feeling so?

The Challenge to Become (Gal 4:12)

1. Are Adventists in general we experiencing love, joy, freedom, and certainty of salvation like Paul did?

2. Am I a good enough example for other people whom I am trying to reach? If not, why not?

I Have Become as You ((Gal 4:12)

1. How much of traditional Adventism are we prepared to surrender in order to convert people of another background and culture?

2. Have we compromised any essential part of the gospel in the name of contextualization?

Then and Now (Gal 4:13)

1. Is there anything that I am using as an excuse to avoid reaching others as Paul could have used his illness as an excuse?

2. Do my trials and infirmities draw me closer to God or do they drive me further away?

Speaking the Truth (4:16)

1. What are the situations that prompt me to “be frank” with others?

2. When does “being frank” result in making people enemies?

How to Teach a Sabbath School Class

1. Make a conscious decision that you will lead a discussion and not preach a sermon. Prepare accordingly and be alert for discussion opportunities. A discussion in which many participate is very rewarding.

2. You must have a page of freshly written notes. Don't waste people's time with inconsequential things just to occupy the time.

3. Sprinkle your notes with discussion questions and mark them out in bold. Any time you feel you are losing the attention of the members get them into another discussion. The discussion should be relevant to the lesson as well as to everyday life.

4. Start the lesson with a discussion question, or at the very latest within the next few sentences. If you wait for ten minutes and then try to generate a discussion it will be too late. The class will have tuned you out because you have tuned them out.

5. The opening question should be general enough so that even those who have not studied will be interested in contributing.

6. Avoid questions that can be answered by a single word. If someone answers with "yes/no" ask them to give reasons for their answer. If the answer is too short ask them to clarify or simplify the answer.

7. If a member asks a question, that is a golden opportunity for a discussion. Don't waste it by answering it too quickly. Throw the question back to the members for their opinion. You can give yours at the end.

8. Avoid childish questions such as "Which day is the Sabbath?" Members will not feel any need to answer it. Similarly do not pause in a sentence for the members to supply the last few words. That kind of participation is not a discussion. Members must contribute ideas and thoughts and not just words.

9. Avoid trick questions. Members will be embarrassed if you show them wrong and they will not answer the next time. Also avoid questions that will make it obvious whether or not they have studied the lesson. Those who have not studied should also feel urged to contribute.

10. You may sometimes present two views and ask the members to evaluate the views.