Tips for Teaching Adult Sabbath School

 

Teaching a Sabbath School class for adults in a Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) context can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips to make your class engaging, meaningful, and reflective of SDA beliefs.

Prepare Prayerfully and Thoroughly

Study the Lesson Deeply

Read the lesson several times and reference related Bible verses, Ellen G. White writings, and other SDA resources.

Pray for Guidance

Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to understand and present the material in a way that resonates with the class.

Know the Background

Understanding the historical, cultural, and theological context can help answer questions and provide depth.

Encourage Participation and Open Discussion

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Encourage critical thinking and personal reflection by asking questions that provoke thoughtful responses rather than simple yes-or-no answers.

Invite Personal Reflections

Allow time for class members to share how the lesson applies to their own lives. This can strengthen faith and build community.

Be a Facilitator, Not a Lecturer

Guide the conversation rather than dominate it. Allow for varied perspectives, as long as they align with the Bible and SDA teachings.

Use a Variety of Teaching Methods

Engage Through Stories and Examples

People connect well with relatable stories. Use examples from everyday life or stories that illustrate the lesson’s themes.

Incorporate Multimedia

Where appropriate, use visual aids, short video clips, or even songs that relate to the topic.

Divide into Small Groups

Sometimes splitting into smaller groups to discuss questions can lead to deeper insights, and it’s a great way to involve everyone.

Stay True to SDA Beliefs and Values

Focus on Core SDA Teachings

Emphasize elements like the Sabbath, the Second Coming, health principles, and the Great Controversy theme in relevant discussions.

Teach Grace and Hope

Balance discussions on prophecy and lifestyle with the principles of grace, salvation, and Christ’s love.

Address Tough Questions Honestly

Be prepared to tackle challenging questions about doctrine with biblical support. If you don’t know the answer, commit to finding it for a later discussion.

Make It Practical

Connect Lessons to Daily Life

Emphasize how biblical principles can impact relationships, work, health, and decision-making.

Encourage Service and Witnessing

Remind class members to put their faith into action through service and witnessing opportunities.

Discuss Spiritual Growth

Encourage habits like daily Bible study, prayer, and service, which can strengthen one’s walk with God.

Cultivate a Welcoming Atmosphere

Value Every Opinion

Create an environment where everyone feels their contribution is respected, even if they differ in opinion.

Start with a Warm Welcome

Greet each participant and make them feel valued. Begin with a short prayer to invite God’s presence and guidance.

Be Mindful of Different Backgrounds

Some participants may be new to the faith, so avoid assuming prior knowledge or understanding of SDA doctrines.

End with a Challenge or Call to Action

Summarize key takeaways and challenge the class to apply what they’ve learned in practical ways during the upcoming week.

Encourage them to pray, study, or engage in an act of kindness related to the lesson theme.

These strategies can create an enriching, Spirit-led class experience that encourages growth and fellowship.