ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 13( Dec 21-27), Leaders in Israel

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, 23 December 2019

Lesson 13( Dec 21-27), Leaders in Israel

The Influence of Our Leaders

How can some leaders (or anybody), be both good and bad?
Why do the children of good leaders turn out corrupt?
How does a person who is a good leader in the beginning become bad later?

Evil in the Sight of the Lord

Why is it worse for a leader to be bad than for an ordinary person?
In a judgement can a person blame a leader for leading him/her astray?
Can earlier harm be undone by a leader who repents?

Courage and Empowerment

Can a person who does not have courage be a leader?
What strategies can a timid leader employ when courage is required?
When will God fight for us and when does He expect us ourselves to fight?

Purpose and Passion

Does God help one who comes only when help is needed? How sincere are such people?
Is a leader born with purpose and passion or are those developed?
Why did God need both Ezra and Nehemiah? Isn't one good leader enough?

Humility and Perseverance

Why does a leader need humility?
Is one born with humility or is it developed?
What dangers are there if any of taking help from human powers?
What negative aspects are there if any, to perseverance?
How practical is it for a leader to be the servant-type?

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.