ABSG Questions for Discussion: The Apostolic Example

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.

Wednesday, 1 August 2012

The Apostolic Example

Is it easier to please God or humans?

Boldness in Suffering

Is persecution an inevitable result of witnessing or can it be avoided?
If we are not “bold for the gospel” is it an indication that we are not fully converted?

The Character of the Apostles

What are some of the causes for pastors inadvertently preaching error from the pulpit?
What are some reasons for pastors to become impure?
Why would some pastors deliberately mislead a member?

Pleasing God

Is it possible that we are trying to please humans without sensing it? How can one know one’s motives?
What are some of the purposes of flattery?
Could there be some wrong ways to try to please God? If so, what are some of these?

Caring Deeply

Paul claims to have taken care of members like a mother and nursing baby? Is that how it should be? What do you think he meant?
Is a mother always gentle when dealing with her children?

To Not Be a Burden

Is it better or worse for a pastor to have a business so that he does not need support from the church?
Is it good or bad for a rich member or members to support the pastor financially?
Paul claims to have looked after his members like a father. What is wrong with calling a pastor “father?” Should we call our pastors something like “uncle?”

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.