ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 7 (August 10-16), Unity: The Bond of Revival

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.

Saturday, 10 August 2013

Lesson 7 (August 10-16), Unity: The Bond of Revival

What other words besides "disunity" are opposites of "unity?"

Answering Christ's Prayer for Unity

Why would disunity among the disciples trouble Jesus so much?
Does disunity come in the way of witness? If so, how?
Why did the disciples not unite while Jesus was with them?

New Testament Illustrations of Unity

Why did the early church try to bring unity without equality of genders and race and caste?
Which of Paul's many images of the church (building, army, body) illustrate unity best?

Elements of Unity: Our Mission and Our Message

How do we get a common enemy and how does that unite us?
Do we in the Adventist church have a common mission and message? What is it?

Church Organization: The structure for Unity

Did Jesus intend to leave behind an organization? Why did he not designate a leader? How did Jesus respond to the disciples' desire for position? How can we make leaders truly like servants in attitude?
Was James like president or chairman of the first council? What is the difference?
How does the presence of officers and hierarchy bring unity and disunity?

Achieving Unity

What are some of the tools Satan uses to destroy unity?
Do we need unity in all aspects or certain ones? Is it possible to proceed fully with our mission while we have disagreements in some areas, or do we need perfect harmony?
Why does our lesson not include the Old Testament for lessons on unity?

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.