ABSG Questions for Discussion: Releasing into the Ministry

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.

Thursday, 31 May 2012

Releasing into the Ministry

Whose fault is it if your talents and gifts are not being appreciated?

Shared Responsibility

What are some of the negative results when a pastor or leader attempts to do everything and does not share responsibilities?
What is the result (for the church, for the pastor, for the individual) when one has certain abilities – such as leadership, and is not called upon to use it.?

Risking for Success

How much damage can an unprofessional do in witnessing the “wrong” way?
Will one who has a meaningful relationship with Jesus naturally be successful in witnessing?

Matching the Labourers with the Harvest

Why were the first seven deacons who were ordained all Greek? Is it because those who complained of being overlooked were Greeks?
Besides language and culture what other aspects should a pastor look into when selecting which members to use for which targets?

Spiritual Growth Through Ministry Involvement

How does witnessing strengthen one’s own faith?
Does it make a difference if the witnessing is “unsuccessful” or not to the faith of the one witnessing? Why or why not?

Bringing Harmony Through Involvement

Is it true that Indian Adventists are the most disunited group? Is it true that Indian Adventists are the least involved in witnessing?
Could involvement in witnessing be the solution to bringing unity in Southern Asia Division? Why or why not?
Can disunity be used to actually advance the church better such as the differences between Paul and Barnabas?
If there is someone in church who has something against me without cause, whose responsibility is it to try to restore the relationship?

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.