ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 8 (Aug 16-22), The Church

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.

Sunday, 17 August 2014

Lesson 8 (Aug 16-22), The Church

Why didn't Israelites in the Old Testament asemble for church on Sabbath?

The Foundation of the Church

Why are some scholars reluctant to accept Peter as the rock on which the church is built? Can humans not participate in the foundation of the church?
Why do some scholars promote the idea that Peter wasnthe roxk on which the church is built?
If leaders are corrupt does it mean the church is false?

Christ's Prayer for Unity

Since there are wheat and tares in the church can unity be achieved?
What threatened unity among the apostles? Or was Jesus concerned about the last days?
Has Jesus prayer for unity among His followers been answered or not?

Christ's Provision for Unity

Is the "I in you, and you in me" relationship limited to God-humans or can human-human experience it too?
What is the relationship of selfishness and pride? Which comes first?
What is the relationship of mind and heart? What do we mean by "heart?" Since the physical heart feels nothing?

A Great Obstacle for Unity

Why do humans enjoy gossiping?
Why might it be wrong to share gossip if it is true?
Is there any good reason to talk about others' misdeeds?
Why is it not gossip if what we are sharing is good news, or neutral information?

The Restoration of Unity

How does an animal sacrifice restore relationships? Do pagan religions teach the same thing about the function of animal sacrifices?
If another person has a grudge against me and does not relent, how much do I need to do before God accepts my tithes and offerings?

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.