Come follow me

[Meerkat]

22 hours ago, The Nehor said:

Giving ours out at 5th Sunday in the last third hour bloc. I am assigned to talk about the home based study and how to make it work. Any suggestions?

My recommendation would be to study the first week's lesson yourself and experience the powerful revelation that will come to you.  Then testify of that.  You may want to assign two or three other families in your ward to do the same thing.  Then ask how they feel about it.  It will be a spiritual experience for everyone, and they will be on their way.

Of course, we will need to overcome the inertia of the old way of teaching.  That is why teachers will want to be diligent reminding their members of the weekly assignments, especially during the two weeks between Sunday School lessons.  They can do this through a personal phone call, email blast, text, social media or other creative ways.  

I believe each class will quickly get a core of participants, and each ward will increase in spirituality and influence with God and their fellow beings.

15 hours ago, tulip said:

The Sunday school teachers are going to struggle to teach the small outline.   Not enough information to teach for 50 minutes.   

Their preparation time will now be two weeks.  And they will have a common experience with their class members studying Come Follow Me for individuals and families every day.  They can select material from one or more lessons to stay aligned with the individual and family resource.

It won't be a situation where "Tulip gave a great lesson."  It will be "We gave a great lesson."

One teacher in the video "Sunday School for Youth and Adults,"

https://www.lds.org/study/video/videos/2018-06-0010-introduction-to-come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families ,

starts her lesson asking the question "As you spent the last two weeks reading and studying, what impressed you?  What touched your heart?"

I can tell you from personal experience with the very first lesson that revelation comes in a powerful way.  I can promise you that as people begin to study this way at home, they will have beautiful testimonies to share in Sunday School.   It will be easier for the teachers.

I believe this kind of teaching is what the Savior meant when He said in Matt. 11:28-30 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Teaching in the Savior's way is easier, more comfortable and comforting than trying to carry the lesson on our own.  If we believe the Brethren are inspired, we should sustain Elder Nelson and the quorum of the Twelve, prepare diligently and prayerfully and expect great things.

Edited December 10, 2018 by Meerkat

[clarkgoble]

1 hour ago, sheilauk said:

Two weeks ahead.  Gospel study is only fortnightly. And,  if your stake conference falls on the "wrong" week, you'll go 5 weeks between Sunday school classes as our stake schedule is at one point. 

I believe my ward will get our manuals on 29th December.   There has been very little discussion or training though there was finally some teacher training last week at the stake. I think it will take quite some time in my area to work, if at all tbh, (based on experience with the youth come follow me programme and our GD teachers) which is a shame because I think it could work very well. Unfortunately, I will be a student,  I got released as Sunday school teacher last week!   I was looking forward to teaching the new manual too!  

Yeah, I'm not sure the "week ahead" works because how the adults are studying and how the kids are studying are pretty different. I'm not quite sure how that gets reconciled. As I said studying before Sunday School for the lesson is something everyone is supposed to do but almost no one ever does. The fact the class is so often ignorant of the lesson can make it a bit frustrating for many lessons. 

However kids are going to be doing lessons every week. For primary it's going to be short - only 20 minutes. That's fine and actually a good thing for Junior Primary. For Senior Primary it could get a bit trickier. We can do it, but those kids can actually handle a lot more. 

My guess is that a lot will work great but there will also be issues that will have to be resolved by the Church or at least the Stake over time. As I mentioned right now in our Stake we have wards starting meeting at 9 and then staggering every 1.5 hours. That means however the next ward is coming to start Sacrament the exact same time that class change is happening in Primary. The extra 10 minutes of Sacrament always meant we avoided that but now that 10 minutes is gone. I'd rather have lost an other 10 minutes from Sacrament to avoid colliding meetings.

I'm confident all these things will get worked out eventually. There were growing pains I'm sure back when we first changed to the 3 hour block. I was just too young to remember them.

Edited December 10, 2018 by clarkgoble

[Avatar4321]

17 hours ago, clarkgoble said:

I'm a bit nervous. It seems clear the idea is to have FHE lessons on Sunday after Church and reteach the lesson. As a senior primary teacher though having only 20 minutes to teach the lesson is going to be pretty hard. Also I'm worried since our Stake has staggered the hours so that the next ward is coming into the church right as primary is switching. Sounds like pandemonium guaranteed. 

That said, the lessons are more just very, very vague outlines with a few ideas. Lots of room for teachers to do what they want. Of course the traditional problem is that while that's great for many teachers, many people need structure and will really struggle with this.

 

BTW - the manuals have been in the Gospel Library app for some time now.

I don’t expect to be re teaching the lessons. I expect more focus on all the scriptures for a given week. The lessons barely scratch the surface of the scriptures

[Avatar4321]

16 hours ago, tulip said:

The Sunday school teachers are going to struggle to teach the small outline.   Not enough information to teach for 50 minutes.   

Sunday school is meeting twice a month. So they should literally have two weeks more of scriptures to discuss each class. That should allow quite a bit of inspiration for the teachers to follow the Spirit

[SouthernMo]

On 12/9/2018 at 6:41 PM, Hamba Tuhan said:

I strongly suspect this will prove to be one more brass serpent for modern Israel. I fully expect many more.

I was thinking about this. What do you mean mean that this will be a brass serpent?  What will happen to those who do not study the Come Follow Me manual?

[Avatar4321]

13 minutes ago, SouthernMo said:

I was thinking about this. What do you mean mean that this will be a brass serpent?  What will happen to those who do not study the Come Follow Me manual?

Are you familiar with the parable of the ten virgins?

[SouthernMo]

8 minutes ago, Avatar4321 said:

Are you familiar with the parable of the ten virgins?

I am - but it seems we are shifting parables?  Are you answering for Hamba?

But: I’ll bite - go on. 

[alter idem]

We aren't starting church till 11:30 am, because our stake wants no overlap (there is a ward that will start at 9:00 am) in our building, so that means we don't get out till 1:30, then if I attend choir practice, I'll have another 45 minutes to 1 hour at the chapel, so I'm not out of church any earlier than I was on the 3 hour block.  I prepare a Sunday dinner every other week for my extended family, so that takes up a lot of the time I have left on Sundays.

 

I already use what free time I have of my Sunday afternoons to listen to talks and study the gospel, so I don't see much difference in how I will implement this.  I suspect that the manual is good for those who've never spent much time studying the gospel,  or have children who need to learn the basics, but my children are grown.  Also, there will be more time on Sunday for those who get out of church at 11:00 am and don't have a lot of obligations for the rest of the day.  My husband and I are discussing how best to bring gospel study into our home and he's made a list of doctrines which we will study and discuss together.  I'm sure we will look at the manual and use some suggestions, but  I'm not going to feel we MUST stick to a manual if it's not the best fit.  The church is required to teach  to the lowest common denominator and so lessons are simplified these days.  I'll adopt what works from 'Come Follow Me' and continue what I've been doing on my own.

 

Also, other than having Sunday school every other week, it shouldn't be that different.  The time alloted for class is about about the same, just 10 minutes more and often teachers struggled to get out on time anyway, and we were already supposed to be studying the lesson material before we came to class.  I don't see how this is going to be hard to adjust to.

[gopher]

If you have kids and need any ideas, go ask homeschool parents who all screamed "validation!!!" after the announcement in GC.  Just make sure you have a good exit strategy because you may be there a while.

[bluebell]

41 minutes ago, gopher said:

If you have kids and need any ideas, go ask homeschool parents who all screamed "validation!!!" after the announcement in GC.  Just make sure you have a good exit strategy because you may be there a while.

Homeschooling parents believe that the leadership in the church saying that gospel learning needs to be mostly at home and then supported at church is validation for the idea that secular leaning should happen completely at home?  

[Avatar4321]

7 hours ago, SouthernMo said:

I am - but it seems we are shifting parables?  Are you answering for Hamba?

But: I’ll bite - go on. 

The Lord is having us buy oil now before it’s too late 

[SouthernMo]

2 minutes ago, Avatar4321 said:

The Lord is having us buy oil now before it’s too late 

I get the parallel, but can you be clear on how this applies to the new manuals?

Are you saying specifically that if we do not study the Come Follow Me manuals that we will not be allowed into heaven?

Or, are you making a broad point that we need to do all we can to find Christ’s teachings wherever we can and that the new manuals can help do that?

Or something else?

[Avatar4321]

2 hours ago, bluebell said:

Homeschooling parents believe that the leadership in the church saying that gospel learning needs to be mostly at home and then supported at church is validation for the idea that secular leaning should happen completely at home?  

As a homeschooling parent, I can’t say I’ve ever looked at it as validation. It’s just always what’s made sense. Parents are responsible for the education of the children. Not the church. Not the state. Not the guy down the street. Parents.

 I will say that this new program is consistent with previous revealed principles. And homeschooling is consistent with those principles as well.

[gopher]

3 hours ago, bluebell said:

Homeschooling parents believe that the leadership in the church saying that gospel learning needs to be mostly at home and then supported at church is validation for the idea that secular leaning should happen completely at home?  

I was told the validation story by a homeschool parent who doesn't feel all secular learning needs to be at home.  I thought the comment was only directed towards the church giving additional recognition for the value of learning at the home, nothing more.  But I could be wrong - I was public schooled.  

[The Nehor]

3 hours ago, bluebell said:

Homeschooling parents believe that the leadership in the church saying that gospel learning needs to be mostly at home and then supported at church is validation for the idea that secular leaning should happen completely at home?  

Having met a lot of homeschooled children I believe their argument is self-refuting.

[Avatar4321]

1 hour ago, The Nehor said:

Having met a lot of homeschooled children I believe their argument is self-refuting.

That’s because you’ve been subject to the horror that is public education;)

[The Nehor]

1 minute ago, Avatar4321 said:

That’s because you’ve been subject to the horror that is public education;)

We prefer to call it government funded daycare.

[Avatar4321]

1 hour ago, SouthernMo said:

I get the parallel, but can you be clear on how this applies to the new manuals?

Are you saying specifically that if we do not study the Come Follow Me manuals that we will not be allowed into heaven?

Or, are you making a broad point that we need to do all we can to find Christ’s teachings wherever we can and that the new manuals can help do that?

Or something else?

We are told that we are to be preparing for the second coming.

the point of the new home centered program is to help the saints become spiritually self reliant.

i don’t presume to know what will happen if we don’t enthusiastically embrace the program. Personally I’d rather not find out. The Lord has given us guidance, why not follow it so we can learn more for ourselves and be blessed?

[tulip]

On 12/10/2018 at 2:57 PM, Meerkat said:

My recommendation would be to study the first week's lesson yourself and experience the powerful revelation that will come to you.  Then testify of that.  You may want to assign two or three other families in your ward to do the same thing.  Then ask how they feel about it.  It will be a spiritual experience for everyone, and they will be on their way.

Of course, we will need to overcome the inertia of the old way of teaching.  That is why teachers will want to be diligent reminding their members of the weekly assignments, especially during the two weeks between Sunday School lessons.  They can do this through a personal phone call, email blast, text, social media or other creative ways.  

I believe each class will quickly get a core of participants, and each ward will increase in spirituality and influence with God and their fellow beings.

Their preparation time will now be two weeks.  And they will have a common experience with their class members studying Come Follow Me for individuals and families every day.  They can select material from one or more lessons to stay aligned with the individual and family resource.

It won't be a situation where "Tulip gave a great lesson."  It will be "We gave a great lesson."

One teacher in the video "Sunday School for Youth and Adults,"

https://www.lds.org/study/video/videos/2018-06-0010-introduction-to-come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families ,

starts her lesson asking the question "As you spent the last two weeks reading and studying, what impressed you?  What touched your heart?"

I can tell you from personal experience with the very first lesson that revelation comes in a powerful way.  I can promise you that as people begin to study this way at home, they will have beautiful testimonies to share in Sunday School.   It will be easier for the teachers.

I believe this kind of teaching is what the Savior meant when He said in Matt. 11:28-30 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Teaching in the Savior's way is easier, more comfortable and comforting than trying to carry the lesson on our own.  If we believe the Brethren are inspired, we should sustain Elder Nelson and the quorum of the Twelve, prepare diligently and prayerfully and expect great things.

Less than 5% study the lesson beforehand.   Yes, for the first few months members will study, but once spring break and summer come along it will be crickets.  

[Meerkat]

3 hours ago, tulip said:

Less than 5% study the lesson beforehand.   Yes, for the first few months members will study, but once spring break and summer come along it will be crickets.  

Maybe.  We've already seen the level of spirituality raise in our wards and stake with the Teacher Council meetings and Teaching in the Savior's Way.  Taking but a few minutes each day to review the daily lesson can prepare a person to uplift others with their testimony and to better share the Gospel.    I say try it, then encourage others to do the same.  If we choose not to sustain the Brethren, who does it hurt?  I choose to sustain them and am reaping a great benefit.

 

[let’s roll]

On 12/10/2018 at 12:16 AM, tulip said:

The Sunday school teachers are going to struggle to teach the small outline.   Not enough information to teach for 50 minutes.   

Prayerfully considered, l think you could have multiple uplifting and enlightening 50 minute sessions exploring the question/theme “what seek ye.”

i look forward to the opportunity.

[alter idem]

On 12/10/2018 at 12:16 AM, tulip said:

The Sunday school teachers are going to struggle to teach the small outline.   Not enough information to teach for 50 minutes.   

It just means the lesson hasn't been provided for the teacher,  they will have to ponder, pray and then prepare a lesson from the spiritual impressions they receive. If they do it they will have no trouble filling the time. Some of the best lessons come from discussion of simple truths when the spirit is present. 

[alter idem]

12 hours ago, tulip said:

Less than 5% study the lesson beforehand.   Yes, for the first few months members will study, but once spring break and summer come along it will be crickets.  

This new direction of providing a short outline for teaching is inspired,. And you are right that.many won't study beforehand or at home. But those who accept the invitation will be blessed being taught by the spirit and they will bless others with what they share, so it's worth it to me.

All were invited to the feast but not all accepted the invitation,  this shouldn't mean that no one gets an invitation, because some don't see its value. 

[clarkgoble]

5 hours ago, alter idem said:

It just means the lesson hasn't been provided for the teacher,  they will have to ponder, pray and then prepare a lesson from the spiritual impressions they receive. If they do it they will have no trouble filling the time. Some of the best lessons come from discussion of simple truths when the spirit is present. 

To be fair I also know very few people who, for adult classes, even look at the manual. I'm sure it's helpful for people unsure of teaching, but I don't think it's that big of a deal. Primary on the other hand is a bit trickier but there the lessons have been cut in half in time. Which as I said is probably great for junior Primary but a bit trickier for senior Primary. The Primary Come Follow Me has a lot more information and examples though.

[Avatar4321]

21 hours ago, tulip said:

Less than 5% study the lesson beforehand.   Yes, for the first few months members will study, but once spring break and summer come along it will be crickets.  

I’m not so sure about that. After our elders quorum discussion I see a lot of enthusiasm for this curriculum. And little of it has to do with being prepared for Sunday school.

 

i think that’s the difference here. We are talking about studying the scriptures and learning as a family. Not preparing for Sunday class

Edited December 12, 2018 by Avatar4321