ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 10 (Aug 27-Sept 2) Jesus Won Their Confidence

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.

Monday, 29 August 2016

Lesson 10 (Aug 27-Sept 2) Jesus Won Their Confidence

Winning Confidence

How did God win Abraham's confidence?
Why did the Israelites lose confidence in God repeatedly?
Does the presence of a little doubt mean that one does not have faith?

A Careful Balance

Why did members of the Corinthian church take pride in being of Apollos or of Paul? Has there always been and will there always be factions in the church?
How should one address a problem in a church? Is there any merit in reporting this to the higher organisation?
What problems in our local church might deter visitors from returning after one or a few more visits?

Social Capital

What behaviour of Adventists makes deductions from goodwill with our neighbours? In other words what are obstacles to good relationships with our neighbours?
What can we do that builds up good relationships? Or in other words invests in social capital?
Is our community service aimed at conversion?

The Value of Social Capital

How can we contribute to the community without spending much money?
Why was the king willing to support Nehemiah's project of rebuilding the wall?
What makes corporate businesses willing to support ADRA and our ingathering (welfare projects)?

Favour with All People

How useful is our health message in an Indian community? How much respect would Indians have towards our Adventist lifestyle?
How much would our community miss us if our church and its members were removed to a different location?
If prejudice against Adventists is based on misinformation what can we do to correct their understanding?

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.