ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 10 (Dec 1-7), Unity and Broken Relationships

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.

Thursday, 6 December 2018

Lesson 10 (Dec 1-7), Unity and Broken Relationships

Restored Friendship

If inspired leaders like Paul made mistakes of judgement, how can we know when to trust them?
How can young pastors like John Mark know if they are fit for the ministry before spending years of preparation?
Did Paul have to apologize to John Mark and Barnabas?

From Slave to Son

Why didn't Paul condemn slavery outright and ask all Christians to release their slaves?
Was Paul blackmailing Philemon by putting pressure on him to send Onesimus back to him?

Spiritual Gifts for Unity

Are some kinds of competition okay for church--quizzes, temperance contests, preaching and singing competitions for children?
How can we encourage the above without competitions?

Forgiveness

Is forgiving with words adequate even if we don't feel it in the heart?
Can we forgive even if the person who wronged us does not ask for forgiveness?
If we don't forget does it mean we have not forgiven?

Restoration and Unity

Why do we not bring personal problems before the church for discussion and consideration?
Is the church too slow to discipline?
If a person is not willing to reconcile, what does it mean?

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.