Elder Alan T. Phillips (Oct. '23): "God Knows and Loves You"

-

 This is a great talk, but it is one that may feel daunting to teach because Elder Phillips covers three very distinct topics-- even though he brings them together under the same umbrella.  How can you cover all of those topics adequately?  Or even inadequately? One approach-- shared here-- is to not try to teach all of the topics and leave the actual choice up to the class members themselves.

The Activity:

  1. Prior to Class-- Prepare a sheet that has 8-10 quotes on it from Elder Phillips' talk.  These quotes should be what stands out to you as you prayerfully prepare, but there should be at least a couple from each of the three sections.  Possibilities include the following:  
    1. Par. 7 "Life is challenging . . . belonging and purpose."
    2. Par. 10 "Your life has . . . and redeem you."
    3. Par. 17 "Our Savior's mission . . . in the journey."
    4. Par. 26 "To anyone burdened . . . our storms still."
    5. Par. 28 "Some of the . . . too are real."
    6. Par. 30 "If you are . . . And then listen."
  2. In class, pass out the papers to each class member.
  3. Ask them to read over the quotes on the page and make note of one or two that they feel are most impactful.
  4. After a minute or so, invite the class members to move around the room until they find someone who has chosen the same quote.
  5. When they have, ask them to discuss their quote together.
  6. Repeat with a different person and/or a different quote.

Using the Activity:

This activity is designed as the intro says to allow each class member to choose the focus of the discussion (at least for a time) for themselves.  Also, by asking them to share with someone else it provides an opportunity to build community between the class members and to deepen their understanding by learning from another.  

Another option would be to simply ask the class members to vote on (or call on someone to choose) the quote to discuss.  If you did either of these things, it would be important to prepare a series of generic questions that could be used in discussing (almost) any quote.  For example, "Why do you feel this is so important?"  "How have you seen this principle in your life?"  Etc.

Thank you for visiting my blog

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