- FEBRUARY 2016
- CONDUCTING A WELL-TUNED GROUP DISCUSSION
Conducting a Well-Tuned Group Discussion
By Dustin West
Seminaries and Institutes
When you lead a gospel discussion, it might be helpful to think of yourself as a conductor of an orchestra. Those you are teaching are not the audience listening to the concert. They are in the orchestra, playing their parts to create music. The conductor coordinates the musicians, brings out the best in each, and helps their music become an inspiring work of art.
Teach people, not lessons. Those you teach will be more willing to participate in discussions when they feel that you care more about them than getting through the lesson. Learners want to feel that you have prepared yourself to fortify and increase their faith in the Lord, rather than just present facts. Learners who feel loved by their teacher and by other class members will be more willing to share insights and experiences.
To the Teacher: “Can I Fit It All In?”
The lesson materials, the chapters of scripture, the insights you gained as you studied—it’s all so good, but your hours of study often can’t be replicated in a designated period of time. Your task is not to share all you learned but to direct the class time in such a way that learners discover truths for themselves—much as you did in your own preparation. Pray for help, and the Holy Ghost will teach you what to focus on. As you focus on a few truths, you can allow for a more meaningful discussion that penetrates deeper into the hearts of those you teach.
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