By Joshua J. Perkey
Church Magazines
Joshua J. Perkey, "Getting the Most Out of Gospel Principles", Ensign, Jan. 2011, 48–49
09601_000_019
One year ago the Church introduced the newly revised
Another member appreciated the updating and republishing of the Gospel Principles manual. She loves the new images and format, but for her the best part was getting back to basics.
Helping members worldwide focus on the fundamental doctrines of the gospel is one of the key purposes of the current program of study. As Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: "All Church members will benefit by a return to the basics. A careful study of core doctrines as presented in the new and improved Gospel Principles manual will help members strengthen their understanding of the fundamental teachings of the gospel."1
1.Prepare in advance. Your lessons will be more successful if you carefully read the chapter materials, including all the scripture references, several days in advance and then prayerfully consider which ideas will best address the needs of class members. Many teachers are realizing that they can't just walk into class and expect to be able to teach without preparing. The materials require them to think about their classes before they start teaching. Of course, lessons also tend to be more effective when members come to class having studied the chapter and related scriptures as well.
2.Regularly review the
Read the "For Teachers" suggestions in each chapter. They are drawn from Teaching, No Greater Call (see the URL at the end of this article) and may apply to any chapter or teaching situation, not just the chapter in which they are printed.
4.Read from the materials in the text and the accompanying scriptures—in class. The text is wonderfully concise, direct, and easy to understand. And it contains the core doctrines of the gospel. This clarity will invite the Spirit and facilitate learning and discussion.
5.Do not substitute outside materials, however interesting they may be. Although some additional materials may add to the lesson, the manual cautions: "Stay true to the scriptures and the words in the book. As appropriate, use personal experiences and articles from Church magazines to supplement the lessons."2 There is a difference between supplementing material and substituting material. Appropriate supplemental materials include the scriptures, Church magazines, and uplifting personal experiences (see D&C 42:12–13).
6.Use questions to inspire discussion. Class members can learn from one another when they share insights and uplifting experiences. "Use questions at the beginning of a section in a chapter to start a discussion and send class members … to the text to find more information. Use questions at the end of a section to help class members … ponder and discuss the meaning of what they have read and apply it in their lives."3
7.Testify of the truths you teach and invite class members to ponder the lesson. As you prayerfully prepare your lessons and ponder what would be best for your class, you will find this promise to be true: "Then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men" (D&C 50:22).