ABSG Questions for Discussion: Preserving Relationships

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, 10 July 2012

Preserving Relationships

Is it good or bad for new members to get attached to the evangelist?

Opposition in Thessalonica

Why is so much hatred and violence connected with religion? What does one lose if a family member or neighbour is converted to another religion?
Do you think that the Jews really believed that Christ was a threat to the Roman emperorship or was that just a ploy to get the Romans on their side?

The Episode in Berea

How can I know if my behaviour is obnoxious to others in the church or to those outside the church prompting persecution?
Should we like the Bereans examine other Christian doctrines to see if they perhaps are right?

Interlude in Athens

How could Paul preach Christ anywhere and everywhere with no concern for his safety? Was being single and not having a family a factor? Should we encourage our pastors to stay single?
How much of Hinduism do Adventists in India understand? Why have we not developed a systematic strategy designed to reach Hindus?

Arrival in Corinth

Historical finds tend to confirm the veracity of the Bible. How would you respond to a find that didn’t agree with the Biblical data?
How far can one go in “meeting the people where they are” in order to attract them to the gospel?

Paul Reveals His Heart

How advisable is it for a pastor (like Paul) to get so emotionally attached to a congregation that he thinks of them long after he has left them and is pasturing another church in another city?
How would a church today probably respond to having a young pastor (like Timothy was) sent to preach strengthen and encourage them instead of having a seasoned minister come?

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.