ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 1 (Sept 26-Oct 2), The Prophetic Calling of Jeremiah

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, 26 September 2015

Lesson 1 (Sept 26-Oct 2), The Prophetic Calling of Jeremiah

The Prophets

What makes a prophet a prophet? What makes a prophet a "major prophet?"
What qualities make a person eligible to be called by God to be a prophet? Is it a privilege or a burden to be called to prophetic ministry?
What profession today is nearest to fulfilling the role of a prophet?
For how long is a prophet's message valid? Does it have any validity beyond its fulfillment?

Jeremiah's Family Background

Why was calling a priest as a prophet not conflict of interest? How does the work of a priest compare with that of a prophet?
Is a pastor today closer to the function of a priest or prophet?
Are children of pastors worse than other kids?
What positives or negatives are there for a pastor's kid to enter the ministry?

Reluctant Prophets

Why were so many prophets who were called, reluctant to accept the call?
Should a person who is elected as a church administrator today feel "ready and worthy," or is it preferable to have one who feels "unworthy?
Why did they have "schools of the prophets" in Samuel's day? Can one choose to be a prophet?

The Almond Branch

Can one be a part-time prophet?
Are prophet's normal people?
Is the fact of God watching us constantly comforting or discomforting?
Why is a prophet not accepted in his own hometown?

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.