ABSG Questions for Discussion: Thessalonica in Paul’s Day

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, 17 July 2012

Thessalonica in Paul’s Day

The Romans Arrive in Thessalonica

Is it better to be ruled by a superpower or by a neighboring country?
Should India grant more religious freedom than at present? Why or why not?
Do offering jobs and scholarships to a poverty stricken person impinge on his or her freedom?

A Pagan Response to Rome

Why would human beings consider another human superhuman or divine?
What is the greatest longing of the human soul?
What are the best hopes that non-Christian religions have to offer?

The Gospel as a Point of Contact

Why does the working class respond better to the gospel than the ruling class?
Why do people respond better to the gospel in times of instability?

Paul the “Street Preacher”

Why do we not stand on a box on the pavement and preach? Is it any greater risk today than in Paul’s day?
Some “preachers” are suspected of having ulterior motives for their work other than being constrained by the gospel. What would some of these be?

Home Churches

What are some disadvantages of having church services in a home?
What are some advantages of meeting in homes instead of church buildings?

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.