Elder Gerrit W. Gong (Apr. 19): "Good Shepherd, Lamb of God"

-
This talk powerfully and tenderly testifies and teaches of Christ's roles as The One who reaches out to us and as the One who laid down all for us.  There are many aspects of this talk to focus on.  I chose one point that really struck me.  I think this emphasis (on Christ as our exemplar) was even more powerful for me given the course of study in Sunday School this year.

The Activity:

  1. Read par. 17 "Third, as the  . . . minister in love"
  2. Divide the class members into small groups of 3-5 people each.
  3. Ask the group to think/discuss scriptural accounts of the Savior acting as a shepherd in Israel ministering in love.  Class members can use their own memories and/or the scriptures as they feel most comfortable.  Wjhat principles can they glean from these accounts?
  4. Allow the groups a few minutes to discuss various points.
  5. Come back together and ask the groups to share with the rest of the class some of their ideas.
  6. Give each class member a piece of paper and something to write with.
  7. Ask them to reflect on how the Savior has ministered to them and/or those close to them.
  8. After a couple of moments, ask the class members to take a few minutes and record those experiences.
Using the Activity:

In my mind there are two powerful parts of this activity.  First, discussing how the Savior ministers to people and the associated principles is an important way to bring the Spirit into the heart of each class member.  Doing this in small groups further encourages the Spirit by making it more likely that each person exercises their faith by contributing to the discussion.  Second, by writing down the experience we are helping the class members to do one of the central directives of the scriptures-- to remember.  Also, by writing it down they can keep and share it with loved ones more easily.  

This activity might take a longer time.  So, be aware of that when you start.  You might want to set some specific time limits with the class for the various parts, e.g. 5 minutes to talk in small groups, etc.  Of course, other classes may have the opposite problem-- being too quiet.  So, it might be useful to have a scripture story to share as an example before turning the class loose to discuss on their own.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (Apr. '23): "Hosanna to the Most High God"

-
 Like Elder Stevenson's talk, a quick reading of this talk might appear as if the talk were really about a holiday (Palm Sunday in this case).  However, it is really about so much more.  This is a powerful talk on coming to Christ and being prepared for His coming. The Activity: Make sure that everyone has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Read par. 24-25 "We, like the . . . Father in Heaven." Discuss this passage briefly as a class. Point out that Elder Rasband mentions four ways to fill our lamps with oil. Divide the class into four groups and assign each group one of the doctrines that Elder Rasband discusses: Prophecy (par. 13-15:  "First, prophecy.  For . . . shall rise again.'") The Gift of the Holy Ghost (par. 16:  "Second, the companionship . . . of all things'") Discipleship (par. 17: "Third, discipleship.  True . . . cried, 'Crucify Him'") The Atonement (par. 18-19:  "Fourth, the Atone
Read more

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell (Oct. '23): "More Than a Hero"

-
 This talk is custom made for today.  All around us we can see people who choose worldly heroes to focus on and follow with little, if any, thought given to Christ and Father.  The results are perilous to us and to society.  This talk in some aspects reminds me of some of Pres. Kimball's teachings ( here , for example).   The Activity: Draw a line down the middle of the board. Read par. 23 "For us on . . . Savior and Redeemer." Ask the class members to consider what would characterize too much trust placed in "the politician, the musician, the athlete, or the vlogger" or anyone. Invite them to share their ideas.  As they do, list them on one side of the board. Invite the class members to look over the list they have created and consider how they can either safeguard against these things or walk back from perilous positions. Allow a moment to think and then discuss. Point out that if this is too much attention placed on people, in what ways could we do the same t
Read more

Elder David A. Bednar (Apr. '23): "Abide in Me, and I in You; Therefore, Walk with Me"

-
 I have mentioned in other places in this blog that I am a newly called Elders Quorum president.  As such, this talk really struck home.  I feel woefully inadequate in fulfilling my calling.  This talk gave me comfort and confidence in moving forward.   The Activity: Explain Enoch's reaction to his calling and share your own experience with receiving a calling that overwhelmed you at first and/or invite some class members to share their experiences like this. Invite the class members to read paragraph 5 ("And the Lord . . . give thee utterance'") silently and ask them to identify 1) what God asks of Enoch and 2) what God promises Enoch.   Allow class members a moment to read the passage. Come back and discuss as a class what they found. Ask them to think about how these same commands and promises could apply to various callings (including those they currently have and/or those talked about at the beginning). Invite the class members to share experiences/testimonies
Read more