ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 11 (June 8-14), Families of Faith

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, 8 June 2019

Lesson 11 (June 8-14), Families of Faith

Hold Fast What is Good

How does one culture/community start feeling superior to another? Why are some cultures/communities looked down upon?
If all peoples are equal in God's sight, why do some seem more blessed than others? What are evidences of God's blessing upon any group/nation/tribe of people?
What impels some people to disciple another community?

The Power of Culture on Family

Why didn't Abraham first consult God regarding Sarah's suggestion of acquiring an heir through Hagar?
Why did God tolerate Rachel's possession of her father's gods for so long?
Why didn't God give clear instructions regarding polygamy to the patriarchs and the Israelites?

Sustaining Families Through Seasons of Change

Why did God have to move Abraham and his family out of Ur in order to bless them?
What are some of the hardest changes for a family (or part) to cope with? What makes it hard?
Which stages of rearing children is the hardest? What makes it hard?

Toward a First-generation Faith

What does the phrase mean "God has no grandchildren, only children?"
Why are effects of God's blessings and curses felt up to the third and fourth generation?
What makes is difficult to transmit faith of fathers to children

Twenty-first-Century Runners

What is the difference between "gospel" and "message?"
What made the apostolic church the fervant church that it was? What social behaviour did that inspire?
What will it take to re-create that spirit among our church members today? Is there anything members can do to foster that spirit, or must we just wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit?

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.