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So, I accidentally ended up teaching Lesson 28 “After the fire comes the still small voice”. I didn’t feel at all qualified to teach the lesson — first it was Old Testament and there is a lot of history there I don’t know, and frankly, didn’t care to research. I wasn’t too much into the discussion of miracles and making sacrifices either….but I got through it. I got through it by a) putting everyone in small groups to discuss questions about a synopsis of each part of the lesson.
b) We discussed 4 questions — no more, all crafted to allow me to be myself.
No real earth moving complements afterwards — only obligatory ones from people I know, but I got through it. I dreaded it all week.
I also felt VERY uncomfortable at the front of the class of about 45 people. I don’t think it was showing, but it was odd as I have been teaching full time for 2.5 decades many times a week — and it was the first time I felt nervous in literally a decade. I think what caused it was my fear I would say something apostate without being able to filter it. Or that I would have to say something I don’t believe.
My Bishop attended the meeting too. He NEVER does — he was the one who asked me to teach the lesson, But I think he attended to monitor or make sure I didn’t go off the rails. I don’t know this, but it was odd since he’s never there.
Anyway, I know another calling for which I’m no longer suitable — Gospel Doctrine teacher!!!
When asked to give a talk on repentance, the bishopbric sent me a long email on talk giving fundamentals. Because of the wording, I think it was a generic email they send to everyone. They quoted from the handbook quite a bit. Quote:…Speakers should teach in a spirit of love after prayerful preparation…. [and avoid] subjects that are speculative, controversial, or out of harmony with Church doctrine.
The purpose of sacrament meeting talks is for the congregation to feel the Spirit of the Lord and have their hearts touched to draw closer to the Lord. This can only be done if correct doctrine is taught. Teach from the scriptures and the words of modern church leaders. Focus your remarks on Jesus Christ and the doctrines that are central to the gospel. Please avoid personal opinions that are not in harmony with the core doctrines of the church.
It didn’t sit right with me (my wife said she’d give the talk in my stead). This, combined with a few other sections, felt restrictive in what I was allowed to say. It almost felt like I was required to echo our current GAs in just about everything, like my purpose was to reinforce the authority of the Q15 and nothing more. I understand not wanting a member to go rogue over the pulpit, but there really wasn’t much I felt like I was allowed to contribute.
The only way I’d feel comfortable with such an assignment, is if I am able to in some way help some members of the congregation better their lives in some way. And I really don’t feel I can do this, by simply repeating repeating what’s already been said, without interjecting a new take or fresh perspective. Change doesn’t happen by continuing to do what’s always been done. Instead, I felt I was only allowed to maintain the status quo. And that’s not something I feel comfortable with.
I started the Gospel Doctrine class yesterday by mentioning that I was grateful the section about the bears attcking the “youth” who mocked Elisha was not included in the lesson outline, since I personally view that story a story as a “translated correctly” issue or inserted later strictly as a way to frighten kids into obedience. I smiled and laughed as I said it, and nobody said a thing. There almost always is a way to teach without violating one’s conscience, if we try. (D&C 132 is a good example of an exception for some people.) Good job.
Old Timer wrote:There almost always is a way to teach without violating one’s conscience, if we try. (D&C 132 is a good example of an exception for some people.) Good job.
Agreed, most topics can be approached in multiple ways. My assigned talk topic yesterday was temple and family history work, and I am not a fan (or really a believer, although I do appreciate the symbolism). My talk was really centered on us all being children of Heavenly Parents who love us and want us to return to them (couched in “why” we do temple an family history work). It went over very well and the actual mentions of temple and family history were minimal with do dogma or guilt attached.
SilentDawning wrote:
So, I accidentally ended up teaching Lesson 28 “After the fire comes the still small voice”. I didn’t feel at all qualified to teach the lesson — first it was Old Testament and there is a lot of history there I don’t know, and frankly, didn’t care to research. I wasn’t too much into the discussion of miracles and making sacrifices either….but I got through it.
What did you feel the main take-away message from the lesson ended up being for most people in the class on this topic?
Heber13 wrote:
What did you feel the main take-away message from the lesson ended up being for most people in the class on this topic?
That God requires sacrifice before sending miracles is to
a) make sure the receiver of the miracle ascribes the miracle to God, not chance or their own efforts.
b) ensure the miracle is appreciated
c) to make the best rise to the top.
I went on a tangent about how I qualify volunteers for the non-profit where I dedicate my time — and requiring a sacrifice, such as attending a meeting, registering at a site, watching youtube videos, and agreeing to a volunteer agreement produces a small team of dedicated people. Many are called, but few are chosen — and sacrifice is the factor that qualifies people for being chosen.
Second, that the service of every day members builds testimony. Told my story about the stake president who made me stay home from a mission over money, how it nearly shattered my testimony, but how the service of members restored it. They let me live in their home free of room and board, helped me with job search strategies, and let me use a car — restoring my faith in the maxim “every worthy young man should serve a mission” and that anything is possible for someone who wants to serve the Lord. I did sort of disagree with my SP, but I did so in a way that it didn’t sound apostate, and I ended faithful.
Those were the two main takeaways, and the parts in the lesson where I had the whole room in the palm of my hands — rivetted. Everyone was listening intently.
Sounds like a success – even if you were nervous. Well done!
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: SD this is big. Well done. Anytime we step into something unnerving and do our best we are successful.
As faith transitioners we are always afraid someone will see our flaw or our wrestle with God and judge us poorly.
Mister you beat the naysayers. Well done.
:thumbup: +1 what mom3 said.Awesome, SD. Seriously good lesson.
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