ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 8 (August 15-21), Cross-cultural Missions

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.

Friday, 14 August 2015

Lesson 8 (August 15-21), Cross-cultural Missions

Is culture good or bad?

The Samaritan Woman

Are Adventists justified in evangelising Christians first when they enter a new country, or should they target the non-Christians there?
What makes women more receptive to the gospel than men?
What made the disciples marvel that Jesus would talk to a Samaritan woman? Did they not know Him that well?

The Roman Army Officer

Why do higher ranking officers seem better-mannered than lower ranking soldiers?
Is it good for Adventists to support the local government and army even if they are not Christian?
Did the Centurian who believed in distance healing have more faith than the widow who struggled to touch the hem of Jesus' garment?

Dealing with Demons

Did Jesus demonstrate any preference for His own people? Is there room for "community" feelings among Christians?
What does the devil get out of possessing people?
What did the demons gain out of causing the pigs to drown?

Ten Lepers

Is the attitude of gratitude inherited or cultivated? What can parents or teachers do to promote it?
Why did Jesus say that He was sent only "to the lost sheep of Israel?
Is it necessary to 'like' all comments and posts on your wall on FB?

The Greeks and Jesus

What makes people feel that they must approach God through a human intermediary?
Is approachability a desirable trait?
Why do you think Philip talked to Andrew first before approaching Jesus with Him about the Greeks who wanted to see Jesus?
Did the Greeks end up meeting Jesus?

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.