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Sabbath School Leadership Tools
April 2019
Volume 1, Issue 1
Inside this Issue
TMI in Action 2
Sabbath School and
Personal Ministries
Coordination
4
Action Units 6
What Would Jesus
Ask
8
In Step With Jesus 10
In Step With Jesus 2 12
The Gift of Listening 14
Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
The World Church is sponsoring an outreach initiative
called “Total Member Involvement” (TMI). It is
described as “a full scale, world-church evangelistic
thrust that involves every member, every church, every
administrative entity, every type of public outreach
ministry, personal and institutional outreach.”
TMI is based on the Seventh-day Adventist Church
commitment to Jesus’ Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-
20), and the words in the First Angel’s Message, “the
eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the
earth—to every nation, tribe, language, and
people” (Rev. 14:6). Ellen G. White writes: “The work of
God in this earth can never be finished until the men
and women comprising our church membership rally to
the work and unite their efforts with those of ministers
and church officers.” - Testimonies for the Church, vol.
9, p.116.
TMI is an updated version of a time-tested and
successful strategy utilized in many parts of the world
field over the years. In some places it was called “Every
Member Evangelism.” A North American Division
version was once called “Mission (year added).”
A non-Adventist version was called “Evangelism-in–
Depth,” and worked in conjunction with the Billy
Graham Evangelistic Association and college/university
-based evangelistic entities.
Its greatest strength is in energizing more members to
become actively involved in both direct and indirect soul-
winning activities. It is focused on finding ways to
activate all kinds of ministry outreaches: seminars,
evangelistic campaigns, Bible studies, etc.
WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH SABBATH
SCHOOL?
One of the four primary purposes of Sabbath School is
community outreach. Whatever name it goes by, any
outreach program can become part of the Sabbath
School evangelism toolkit. Sabbath School members have
always been on the cutting edge of outreach and
evangelism. Some of the most successful church planting
projects have started as Branch Sabbath Schools.
Churches that have allowed Sabbath School to diminish
or discontinue have lost not only the educational
department of the church, but a cutting edge of outreach
and evangelism.
Ellen G. White made another innovative evangelism
statement. “The strength of an army is measured largely
by the efficiency of the men in the ranks. A wise general
instructs his officers to train every soldier for active
service. He seeks to develop the highest efficiency on the
part of all. If he were to depend on his officers alone, he
could never expect to conduct a successful campaign. He
counts on loyal and untiring service from every man in
his army. The responsibility rests largely upon the men
in the ranks.” - lbid.
Page 2
TMI In Action
By: Sabbath school toolbox
The Sabbath School Update
Changing the analogy to further illustrate the point,
she writes on page 117: “Prepare workers to go out into
the highways and hedges. We need wise nurserymen
who will transplant trees to different localities and give
them advantages, that they may grow.”
For instance, the North American Division sponsors a
project called “Compassion 10Million.” “Compassion
10Million” is an opportunity for each Adventist
member in North America to be involved in mission by
becoming the eyes, heart, hands, and feet of Jesus
inside and outside the walls of our homes and
churches. It calls for Adventists across North America
to invest collectively 10 million hours blessing our
communities with intentional, repetitive, and relevant
acts of love and service.1
TMI world and North American Division projects
include many that are health-related. If your Sabbath
School has health-profession members, you could
coordinate with your church’s health ministry
department and sponsor some health-related seminars
or other activities. An organization called “Pathway to
Health” sponsors health-related outreach activities in
conjunction with the world Church and the North
American Division.2
The world TMI office lists some other involvement
possibilities:
Support Adventist World Radio, Hope TV, the Voice
of Prophecy, or other Bible schools, so their work
can continue over the airwaves
Get involved in a Sabbath School care group or
church outreach.
Organize a health seminar, small group, Bible study,
or evangelistic series in your home using available
evangelistic series in your home using available
outreach resources.
Participating in TMI projects is an excellent outreach
activity for any Sabbath School.
1 Http://compassionmovement.org. 2 Https://pathwaytohealth.org.
Page 3
In a nutshell
Emphasizing TMI is a way to involve your
Sabbath School in outreach ministries
Outreach involvement will energize your
Sabbath School
Volume 1, Issue 1
Editorial note: An effective Sabbath School requires
careful organization. Sabbath School has always had
an excellent organizational arrangement. This series of
articles will highlight some of the key positions and
how they function.
The Sabbath School and the personal ministries
department of the church share many activities in
common. Personal ministries is the outreach planning
department of the church, and one of the functions of
Sabbath School is to participate in and sponsor
outreach activities.
An ideal organizational plan in a church/district is for
a representative of the Sabbath School committee and
the personal ministries committee to serve on each
other’s committees. In this way they can coordinate
plans and participation and enhance the effectiveness
of outreach activities.
Personal Ministries
The personal ministries department was established as
a major venue for soul-winning activities in the church.
It exists to teach and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ
in response to the command of Jesus, in the context of
the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14:6-12.
The personal ministries statement of purpose is,
“Equipping and mobilizing the membership to
accomplish the world mission of the Church.”
According to the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual,
“Personal ministries provide resources and trains
members to unite their efforts with those of the pastor
and officers in soul-winning service.”1 One of the ideal
ways to activate this goal is to include systematic
Sabbath School member participation.
Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Coordination By: Sabbath School Toolbox
Page 4 The Sabbath School Update
A pamphlet titled Keys for the Personal Ministries
Leader, published in print and online by the Sabbath
School and Personal Ministries General Conference,
provides guidance on how to organize an effective
outreach program.2
Sabbath School represents one of the key sources of
personnel for the outreach initiatives of the church.
THE PERSONAL MINISTRIES LEADER
According to the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Manual, the personal ministries leader “trains and
directs members in outreach (missionary) service and
chairs the personal ministries council.” The leader
reports in the monthly church outreach (missionary)
Sabbath service and business meetings about total
outreach (missionary) activities of the congregation.
Assistants may be assigned to coordinate the Bible
correspondence school, bible evangelism, literature
distribution, small-group ministries, member
training, and other soul-winning programs.”
RESOURCES AND SUPPLIES
The Sabbath School secretary and the personal
ministries secretaries work together to better the
effectiveness and efficiency of both entities. The
Sabbath School secretary is responsible for keeping
Sabbath School records and ordering and distributing
Sabbath School supplies.
The personal ministries secretary is responsible for
ordering and distributing church supplies in general,
and is the key liaison between the local
church/district and church resource suppliers such as
Adventist Book Centers and providers such as
AdventSource. These personnel need to work together
very closely.
ADDING OUTREACH TO SABBATH SCHOOL
Many years ago one of the world divisions devised a
plan to mobilize Sabbath School classes and enhance
their outreach potential. It was called Sabbath School
Evangelistic Units, later adapted in the North American
Division as Sabbath School Action Units. The idea was to
assign someone in the class leadership team to
cooperate with personal ministries to make sure each
Sabbath School class had a specific outreach project.
One of the key projects that Sabbath School has always
utilized is Branch Sabbath Schools. These have been
organized under various names such as Neighborhood
Bible Clubs. Many Branch Sabbath Schools have
developed into newly planted churches. Personal
ministries has cooperated by providing people who are
expert in giving Bible studies and holding member-led
evangelistic campaigns.
ADAPTABLE ACTIVITIES
Personal ministries has traditionally sponsored core
outreach activities that are custom-made for Sabbath
School participation, such as (1) door-to-door
evangelism, (2) literature distribution, (3) personal Bible
studies, (4) member-led evangelistic campaigns, (5)
church-sponsored health and community-service
seminars, (6) local church Discover Bible Schools, and
(7) small– group ministries.
Personal ministries can cooperate with Sabbath School
in initiating and running baptismal classes such as the
traditional pastor’s class and baptismal classes in
Sabbath School departments.
The recently developed In Step With Jesus curriculum
designed for new members is an ideal venue of activity
for both Sabbath School and personal ministries
personnel.
Work at developing a close relationship between
Sabbath School and personal ministries in your church.
You will be amazed at the result!
Page 5
Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, Revised 2015, 19th Edition. (General
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists), p. 100. 2 Available in print from AdventSource (www.adventsource.org) and
at Adventist Book Centers. Online downloadable copies are available at nadult-
ministries.org and sabbathschoolpersonalministries.org.
Volume 1, Issue 1
2. A loving, caring atmosphere develops that is essential to
quality church growth. Most members who leave the
church do not leave over doctrinal issues but for lack of
true friendship and loving fellowship.
3. Attendance increases of up to six times previous
attendance have been reported. Excited action unit
members are successful in inviting their friends to class.
4. Large numbers of missing and former Sabbath School
and church members return. Many units make bringing
them back their first priority.
5. Membership involvement in outreach of all types,
especially Bible study work, is phenomenal. This, of
course, is the major purpose of an “action” unit.
6. All the above results in large numbers of quality
baptisms. The newly baptized are not left to backslide but
are immediately invited, by those who taught them, to join
their Sabbath School Action Units. Here they receive
follow-up support and witness training so that they
become strong soul winders.
7. Tithe increased up to eight times in three years, and
Sabbath School offerings reportedly more than doubled in
many places in a short time. When each unit gets excited
about the Lord and His work, in addition to giving more
time to study and prayer, they naturally give more of their
means to hasten the spreading of the good news.
Underlying Concepts for Success First, those who developed the plan sought most diligently
wisdom from the Lord and through much prayer
discovered and built the plan on the following nine basic
divine imperatives for a finished work as set forth in the
writings of God’s messenger to this church:
Page 6
What is the ideal Sabbath School like?
It is a place with a warm, caring atmosphere, where new
and older members feel the spiritual and emotional
support and encouragement they need in meeting the
complexities of daily life. It is a place where missing
members are first cared for, where the class outreach
leader then leads out as they share the joys and
challenges they met in sharing Jesus during the week in
accordance with their class outreach plan.
Finally, it is a place where prayer lists are updated,
where soul winning training is conducted that is
appropriate to the outreach needs of the coming week,
and where total participation in the discussion of the
lesson takes place as it is applied to life and witnessing
opportunities that week.
This is a brief description of the simple Sabbath School
Action Unit plan set in operation to organize, equip, and
mobilize the church to accomplish its mission and to
give support to new members and to active long-
standing members.
It is a revolutionary and comprehensive plan covering all
the objectives and essential elements of Sabbath School,
and its broad perspective can include all aspects of
Personal Ministries.
Results This plan has brought tremendous increases in at least
seven ways:
1. Many report increases in Bible study immediately or
within a few weeks. Often it has been stated that 90 to
100 percent are studying daily. When members have
time and opportunity, and experience the joy of sharing
what they learned in the class, they study diligently so
they can share.
Action Units—Part 1 Editor: Gary B. Swanson
The Sabbath School Update
“The church must realize its obligation to carry the
gospel of present truth to every creature.”1 In doing
so, “they will find pure happiness and rich joys.”2
“We can receive only as we impart to others.”3
The work will never be finished until the
membership unites with the ministers of the work.4
The essential latter rain cannot come until the
“largest portion of the church are...laborers together
with God.”5
The greatest help that can be given our people is to
teach them to work for God, and to depend on Him
not on the ministers.”6
“Time is short, and our forces must be organized to
do a larger work.”7
“Every church should be a training school for
Christian workers.”8
“The Sabbath School, if rightly conducted, is one for
God’s great instrumentalities to bring souls to a
knowledge of the truth.”9
“One who cannot err” has advised the formation of
small groups “as a basis of Christian effort.”10
The small-group Sabbath School Action Units can
provide adherence to the above imperatives. They can
provide an excellent, organized, and continuous training
school, without adding another organization with its
time requirements, since Sabbath School already meets
every week. The system with its outreach leaders can
provide the greatest help, weekly promotion and training
in soul winning, both theoretical and practical, so that the
largest portion of the church can soon be unitedly
working together with God for a finished work.
When the whole church works unitedly, God works to
produce unlimited results. We are told, “If Christians
were to act in concert, moving forward as one, under the
direction of one Power, for the accomplishment of one
purpose, they would move the world.”11 Much prayer is
essential in every detail of the plan. “Only the work
accomplished with much prayer...will in the end prove to
have been efficient for good.”12
Finally, the plan is so simple that everyone can easily
follow it. We are instructed to implement a simple plan
and notice the promised results. “The very simplest
modes of work should be devised and set in operation
among the churches. If the members will unitedly accept
such plans, and perseveringly carry them out, they will
reap a rich reward; for their experience will grow
brighter, their ability will increase, and through their
efforts souls will be saved.”13
Page 7
Leaders and Pastor Chichester who attended Kirk Thomas’ seminar at
the DiscipleShift Ministries Convention of March 22-23, 2019
Volume 1, Issue 1
Jesus and His disciples were en route to Caesarea
Philippi. As they were walking along, He tossed them a
question that at first sounded a bit casual or offhand:
“‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’” (Matthew
16:13).
The disciples offered a range of answers, all of them
tentative, maybe even evasive. They were at first
apparently being cautious.
“‘ But what about you? ’” He asked. “‘ Who do you say I
am?’” (vs. 15).
Thus Jesus moved them from what appeared to be a
rather superficial question to one of the most probing in
all the Gospels.
Many students of Scripture have explored, analyzed,
and categorized the questions that Jesus asked in His
three–year ministry on this earth. There are 52
questions recorded in the Gospel of Matthew alone.
Exploring all of them would be instructive but beyond
the scope of an article like this. The single question
“Who do you say I am?” however, provides unusual
insights into some of Jesus’ most effective teaching
techniques.
Jesus posed questions that moved learners toward a
goal. This shifts the focus from teaching to learning.
His questions were not intended to fill in the quiet time.
This is why what a teacher does in a Sabbath School
class is not as important as what the class member
does. The effectiveness of a teacher is gauged by
positive changes in the lives of his or her students.
Jesus knew His students well. He wasn’t simply
making conversation to pass the time on the road to
Caesarea Philippi. There was one very clear purpose in
His question. His objective was to bring the disciples to a
realization that He was the Messiah. And rather than
come right out and declare it, He knew that creating a
moment in which they would have to articulate it would
have a greater impact on their learning– and their
response to that learning. And the point that Jesus was
intending His disciples to learn came from the learners:
“Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of
the living God’” (vs. 16).
Jesus asked questions that prompted learners to draw
on personal observation and experience. “It is not the
best plan for teachers to do all the talking, “ writes Ellen
G. White, “but they should draw out the class to tell what
they know.”1 In this instance on the road to Caesarea
Philippi, Jesus’ opening question was much like, “What’s
the word on the street about the Messiah?” “What are
the people saying?” At this level, the learners have
opportunity to share what they have observed.
But then, with His follow-up question, He moved them
from observation to experience: “Who do you say I am?”
He’s asking them now to draw on their own experience
with Him. At this stage what other people say isn’t
pertinent. What’s important is a personal response from
the learner.
Jesus presented simple questions. They were
conversational, everyday, direct. Difficult or complicated
questions that stump a class often lead merely to an
opportunity for the teacher to display privileged insights.
Page 8
What Would Jesus Ask?
By: Gary b Swanson
The Sabbath School Update
The Bible study in a Sabbath School class is not intended
for the teacher to show off his or her knowledge or
preparation. “There is in all true teaching a certain self-
obliteration… The teacher and the preacher are in the
last analysis only finger-posts to God.”2
When a teacher becomes the sole source of information
in a Sabbath School setting, the role of the learner is
turned from active participant to passive or inactive
sponge. Learning must be active to have any kind of
longstanding result.
Jesus asked questions directed at individuals with
universal implications. “Who do you say I am?” though
directed at Peter, was intended for all the disciples– and
for countless others they would witness to in the future
(including us). We may not have the same awareness of
posterity when we craft our discussion questions, but
they should be composed with the idea that they may
have an impact that reaches beyond the end of the class
period and into the everyday lives of the class.
Jesus posed questions that encouraged learners to
make a commitment. When He asked Peter, “Who do
you say that I am?” He wasn’t merely involving him in an
intellectual exercise. He was not intending to be merely
provocative. Identifying the Messiah isn’t a multi-choice
exercise in which the trick is to guess the right answer.
Satan himself would pass that test. “Even the devils
believe” (James 2:19). Jesus was inviting Peter and the
others to commit themselves to a new life.
A Sabbath School class that is studying stewardship
should focus less on the mere dictionary definition of the
term “stewardship” and more on embracing it in
everyday life. Not “What is the definition of
stewardship?” but “How would stewardship make a
difference in someone’s everyday life?”
In crafting life-changing discussion questions for a
Sabbath School class, a teacher can look to Jesus as a
model. This will make a difference in the quality of
learning that goes on, which may even have eternal
consequences.
1 Counsels on Sabbath School Work, p. 115. 2 William Barclay, The Daily Study Bible: The Gospel of Mark (Philadelphia:
Westminster Press, 1571), p. 200.
Page 9 Volume 1, Issue 1
Seventh-day Adventism is mission oriented and
experiences a regular flow of new members. Some of
these join because of attending evangelistic series.
Some have taken Bible studies; some are
Correspondence Bible School graduates. Some have
been members of a church-sponsored baptismal
class, or a pastor’s class during Sabbath School time.
Spouses and family of members may attend
regularly. They may be considered part of the church
family but have not joined through baptism. Non-
attending members (sometimes referred to as
“backsliders” appear and express a desire to return to
the church.
Occasionally people responding to the voice of the
Holy spirit walk in off the street. In one church a
person walked in one Sabbath morning, heard the
praise team presentation, and after the service asked
if he could join the team. They welcomed him and he
became a regular member. Sometime later he
approached one of the team members and said that
he had decided to be baptized. Astounded, the
member said, “Aren’t you an Adventist?”
“No,” he said, “I’m a Seventh-day Baptist. This was
the only church I could find in the area that worships
on Sabbath, so I came here. I have listened to the
sermons, studied my Sabbath School lesson, and
made friends. I have decided to join the church.”
All these categories of people usually consider
themselves as “new.” Even people who have been
members for years still sometimes refer to
themselves as “new.” Some longtime members hear
something that rings a new bell in their thinking and
they remark, “But I always thought…”
All these people groups benefit from an orientation-
type study of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, its
beliefs, mission, and lifestyle.
THE IN STEP WITH JESUS CURRICULUM
The Sabbath School and Personal Ministries
Department of the General Conference has developed a
curriculum designed to orient and inform new
members and to help established members review the
panorama of Adventist belief and practice.
The curriculum study guides have the same
appearance as the Sabbath School Adult Bible Study
Guides. The curriculum is designed as a four-quarter
Sabbath School class, though each module can be used
separately.
This curriculum is not designed as a baptismal class. It
is a post-baptism series of studies. The study guide
content is organized for interactive study. It explains
unique Seventh-day Adventist vocabulary; terms we
use that may be new to recent members. It contains fill
-in review sheets in which students may respond to
the topic under consideration. In the next few issues of
Sabbath School Toolbox, we will review these study
guides and outline how to use them.
CURRICULUM CONTENTS
The In Step WITH JESUS curriculum includes four
Bible Study Guides. Each is numbered. They may be
used in sequence, or as self-sanding units, depending
on the situation and environment.
Page 10
In Step With Jesus By: Sabbath School Toolbox
The Sabbath School Update
1. The Journey Begins. This study covers: (5) the
meaning of the call to discipleship and the Christian
‘journey’ [Lessons 1,2]; (2) who Jesus is [Lessons 3,4];
(3) what it means to adopt and practice a Christian
lifestyle [Lessons 5-8]; and (4) how to study the Bible
as the guide to Christian life [Lessons 9-13]. This Bible
Study Guide is excellent for a new believer to help
establish biblically oriented devotional habits and
lifestyle practices.
2.The Power of Love. This guide deals with
developing what some call a Christian personality
(also called a sanctified life, or a Christian-oriented
human relationship). It covers: (1) God’s original plan
for the human race and the plan’s eventual
restoration [Lessons 1-3]; (2) the ongoing controversy
between Christ and Satan and how it affects those
attempting to live a Christian life [Lessons 4,5]; (3)
personal issues that may hinder Christian growth and
how to deal with them [Lessons 6,7]; (4)
accomplishing Christian growth within the church
family and in personal relationships with family and
personal people networks [Lessons 8-13]. This is a
very practical bible Study Guide dealing with everyday
human relationship issues that all Christians face.
3. The Power of the Word. This Bible Study Guide
pinpoints basic Adventist doctrinal beliefs from the
perspective of how the individual Christian can practice
them: (1) the power to do so comes form Jesus [Lessons
1-4]; (2) Sabbath and Sabbath-keeping [Lessons 5,6];
(3) stewardship and Christian finance [Lesson 7]; (4)
healthful living [Lesson 8]; biblically-oriented sexual
practices and faithfulness in marriage [Lesson 9]; (6)
illness, death, and physical and spiritual healing
[Lessons 10-12]; (7) the Second Coming and the
restoration God’s original plan [Lesson 13].
4. The Power of Mission. This Bible Study Guide
outlines the mission of the church and the part any
member can play in forwarding that mission: (1) the
mission to evangelize as seen in the life of Jesus, the
early Christian church, and the Seventh-day Adventist
Church [Lessons 1-4]; (2) the ways that an individual
Christian fits into the mission of sharing the gospel
[Lessons 5-9]; (3) how to work with some specific
people groups [Lessons 10-12]; (4) the importance of
keeping Jesus in the forefront of all outreach activities
[Lesson 13].
In future issues of Sabbath School Toolbox, we will
outline how to use these In Step With Jesus study guides
in your Sabbath School.
Page 11
It is very important to sponsor an orientation
class for new members.
Some longtime members will also benefit.
Keep these articles on file for the benefit of
Sabbath School leadership teams.
In a Nutshell
Volume 1, Issue 1
As noted in the previous issue of Sabbath School
Toolbox, the church experiences a regular flow of recent
members. These people consider themselves “new.” In
Seventh-day Adventist thinking, a new member is the
equivalent of “recently baptized.” Some members,
however, often have a different definition of “new” in
mind. One often hears someone say, “I am new in the
church.”
“How long have you been a member?”
“Ten years” may be the answer. How can someone who
has been a member for 10 years be new? Somehow,
they don’t quite feel that they belong.
CHANGE IS INEVITABLE An ancient Greek philosopher remarked that you can’t
step into the same river twice! In the history of the
settlement of the early western United States,
controversies (and sometimes open warfare) often
arose between settlers, the original arrivals, and
homesteaders, more recent arrivals. Settlers often felt
the new arrivals were taking over and didn’t like the so-
called “old-timers.” Homesteaders had a hard time
fitting in and feeling included. This same phenomenon
happens in churches. It is surprising how often one
hears comments about “all these new people taking
over!”
Contemporary Adventist literature regularly contains
information generated by additional study that may use
different terms and vocabulary; or may even correct
some long-standing flawed ideas. These changes often
cause reactions such as “But I always thought…”
With this in mind, the world church provides the
Sabbath School In Step with Jesus curriculum. Recent
converts learn what Adventism is all about. And long-
time Adventists can restudy in a contemporary
framework the beliefs and lifestyle of the church.
HOW IS THE STUDY GUIDE PUT TOGETHER? This curriculum contains some unique features. The
following examples are from Lesson 1 of the Study
Guide titled The Journey Begins.
1. The main learning sections are formatted as
questions and answers based on Bible verses to look
up and read. For instance, in Lesson 1 (about the
calling of the first disciples of Jesus), Monday’s lesson
asks: “How do we know that Andrew was overjoyed
with his experience of visiting with Jesus? Read verses
41,42.” The students will write in their answers or
discuss them in a small-group setting. There is also an
opinion question that represents a personal response:
“In your opinion, why were Andrew and Philip so
eager to tell someone else about Jesus.”
These questions and answers help the student build a
database of biblical knowledge and understanding.
2. “Walking With Jesus in the Real World.”
Everyone loves a story! Each lesson has a personal
story as part of Sunday’s lesson. All the stories are
from real experiences. As much as possible, each story
relates to the topic of the lesson.
3. “A Closer Look.” this section appears in a shaded
box at the end of a daily lesson.
It is an explanation or definition of some biblical item
and provides additional information. Here is an
example from Lesson 1 (Wednesday): “Lamb of God.
Page 12
In Step With Jesus 2 By: Sabbath School Toolbox
The Sabbath School Update
This title, given to Jesus by John the Baptist, refers to
the sacrificial lamb that was offered as an atonement
for sin.
4. “Adventese.” New members, and even current
members, especially younger people, may not be
familiar with terms commonly heard in sermons,
conversations, and Sabbath School classes. For
instance, Lesson 1 (Thursday) has a shaded
“Adventese” box that explains what a Sabbath School
“quarterly” is and describes various age group
editions. Occasionally, the section gives brief historical
accounts of the Adventist Church and tells of current
items of special interest.
5. “Key Terms.” This is a shaded box that defines or
identifies something in the lesson. For instance, Lesson
1 (Monday) identifies the titles “The Twelve”: New
Testament writers sometimes refer to the 12 disciples of
Jesus simply as ‘the Twelve.’ These 12 were later
appointed by Jesus as apostles or leaders.”
6. “Checking Up.” This is a full-page section in each
Friday’s lesson. It continues the learning process by
using a quiz, a question, or an activity to relate the
lesson to the student’s personal experience, and an
activity to extend knowledge. This section also contains a
decision segment.
For instance, one of the “Checkup Up” questions is:
“Your Own Experience:” Place a + before a statement
that is true; place a 0 before a statement that is false. At
the end of each statement, there were be directions
asking you to tell more. This ‘tell more’ may be done in
your study group.
“I recognize that it is Jesus calling me to be His
disciple.” Explain.
“It took me a long time to respond to His invitation.”
Why?
“I am learning almost every day something new
about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.” Give
an example.”
7. “Consider This.” This is a full-page section that is
part of each Friday’s lesson. Often this part will present
additional information from social sciences, history, etc.
related to the week’s topic. This section will often note a
website where students can obtain further information
about the topic.
Page 13
In Step With Jesus is a well-organized
curriculum.
Some long-time members will also benefit.
Keep these articles on file for the benefit of
Sabbath School leadership teams.
In a Nutshell
Volume 1, Issue 1
PREPARATION
The year 2019 is the centenary of Adventist family
ministries. Each quarter at least one Quick Start
program will focus on the key ingredients of healthy
relationships. This program focuses on the importance
of listening to each other.
Prepare a large gift box by using an attractive storage or
presentation box or wrap a plain box in attractive gift
wrap. In this box place a pair of eye glasses, a pair of
earphones or large plastic ears, a small pair of shoes, a
large cardstock question mark, something heart-shaped
(preferably soft), a pair of rubber gloves, and a
cardstock speech bubble with a picture of a gift on it. If
you can’t find an object, use a picture instead. You could
also create a PowerPoint presentation using pictures of
the objects and slides with the key points and verses.
Place the gift box on a table at the front before you
begin the program. Optional: Set up the equipment to
show the YouTube clip about listening.
PROGRAM OUTLINE
Welcome: Welcome to Sabbath School! Today we are
learning about growing healthy relationships by giving
the gift of listening.
Suggested Opening Song: The Seventh-day Adventist
Hymnal, no. 974, “Not I, but Christ.”
Morning Scripture Reading: James 1:19; Proverbs
18:13.
Mission Emphasis Program Theme: The Gift of
Listening
Share an experience of your own about a time when you
didn’t listen well and something funny happened. Or a
time when someone listened well to you, and the result
was amazing or helpful. Then ask the following questions
to the group and record their responses on a screen or
flip chart.
What do good listeners do well? (Give good eye
Page 14
The Gift of Listening By: Karen Holford
The Sabbath School Update
Why is listening so important for growing healthy
relationships? (We get to know each other better
when we respectfully listen to each person’s stories
and perspectives, etc.)
What do you think prevents us from listening well?
(We’re too busy, too distracted, too focused on
ourselves rather than others, we fear getting over
involved in other people’s lives, etc.) If possible,
show this short and helpful video clip: https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BdbiZcNBXg.
Share the following:
Our listening is a gift to others. It is especially
meaningful when we listen with our whole body. (Open
the box and take out each item in turn as you illustrate
the points):
Eyes: (glasses) When we’re listening we need to
give good eye contact, preferably 100 percent of the
time. This lets the other person know that he or she
is special and worthy of our full attention.
Eyes -(ears or headphones) We need to listen to
everything they say. This shows that we are totally
focused on them and not distracted by our own
thoughts and selfish preoccupations. (Have a
volunteer read aloud Proverbs 18:13.)
Feet- (shoes) We need to put our feet into the other
person’s shoes and walk through their life for a while.
This helps to empathize with their emotions and
challenges. (Have a volunteer read aloud Matthew 3:12.)
Curious mind—(question mark) When we ask good
questions, we show that we are interested in
hearing more. These questions invite the other
person to keep talking and to think about their
experience from different perspectives. “Tell me
more about it…”
Feeling heart—(soft heart) we need to listen for
people’s emotions, help them to identify their main
feelings, and then respond appropriately to them.
“Wow! That sounds amazing! I wish I had been there
to cheer you on!” That must have been so sad. I’m
sorry that you went through that all alone” (Have a
volunteer read aloud Romans 12:15). This shows that
we understand their feelings.
Helpful hands—(rubber gloves) We can listen for the
person’s practical and relationship needs and say: “It
sounds as if you might like some encouragement.”
Or: “I wonder if you would like me to go to the
hospital with you next week.” Or simply ask: “How
may I help you?” This shows that we care enough to
make a generous and active difference (Have a
volunteer read aloud Galatians 6:2).
Mouth—(speech bubble) Once we have listened well,
we can respond with words that are encouraging
gifts (Have a volunteer read aloud Ephesians 4:25.)
Encourage audience participation: Have people find a
partner that they feel comfortable with. Have the
partners share a short incident from their past week. As
one person speaks, the other person can practice good
listening skills with their eyes, ears, feet, mind, heart,
hands, and mouth. Remind them to swap places so that
each person has a chance to listen and to be heard.
Conclude the activity with the whole group by discussing
what it felt like to receive the gift of good listening, even
for a short time. Encourage the Sabbath School class to
take the time this week to listen to a family member or a
friend.
Page 15 Volume 1, Issue 1
Page 16
Your Sabbath School . . .
We are your Ontario Conference Sabbath School Department. We are here to serve you. We are here for
training, advice, to answer all of your questions and also to provide you with Sabbath School materials and helps. We also
receive all of your Sabbath school reports at the end of every month. Please
e-mail them to Lucille at [email protected]
Our dream . . . To see every church reporting.
Pr. Allan Chichester Director
Lucille Grondin Secretary
Sunday April 28 Introduction to the Bible: Canonization
and Biblical Issues
Sunday May 5 Introduction to the Bible: Overview of
Bible and Understanding Biblical Themes
Sunday May 26 Biblical Interpretation: Authority of Bible
and Choosing Translation
Sunday June 2 Biblical Interpretation: Principles of Inter-
pretation
Sunday June 23 How to Interpret the Writings of Ellen G.
White
Sunday Sept 8 The High Calling of Sabbath School
Sunday Sept 22 Lesson Preparation
The Sabbath School Update
Ontario Conference Designed by Malissa Flores