Preparing a lesson from a General Conference talk involves a structured approach that focuses on spiritual learning, clear doctrine, and engaging methods to help individuals apply eternal truths.
How to Prepare a Lesson from a General Conference Talk
Successfully preparing a lesson from a General Conference talk involves a systematic process, from understanding core teaching principles to crafting a meaningful call to action.
1. Lay the Foundation with Core Teaching Principles
Before diving into a specific talk, familiarize yourself with established principles of effective teaching. This involves understanding how to foster an environment where individuals can learn by the Spirit, participate actively, and discover truth for themselves. Resources like the Teaching in the Savior's Way Handbook provide invaluable guidance on these foundational concepts, emphasizing inspiration, love, and encouraging application.
2. Identify the Central Doctrine or Principle
Every General Conference talk is centered around one or more fundamental doctrines or principles of faith. Your primary task is to prayerfully identify the core message the speaker intended to convey.
- Read Prayerfully: Read the talk multiple times, looking for recurring themes, emphasized statements, and the central doctrine being taught.
- Highlight Key Phrases: Mark sentences or paragraphs that seem to encapsulate the main point.
- Formulate a Question: Consider what question the talk answers or what problem it addresses.
3. Gather Stories and Examples
Stories and examples are powerful tools that help illustrate doctrines and make them relatable. Look for opportunities to bring the principles to life.
- From the Talk Itself: Speakers often include personal anecdotes, scriptural accounts, or historical examples within their talks.
- Personal Experiences: Consider how the principle applies to your own life or experiences you've witnessed.
- Scriptural Accounts: Connect the talk's doctrine to relevant stories or parables found in sacred texts (e.g.,
[Holy Scriptures Online](https://www.scripturelibrary.org)).
4. Collect Visual Aids and Activity Ideas
Engaging multiple senses and encouraging participation can significantly enhance the learning experience. Think about how to make the lesson interactive and memorable.
- Visuals:
- Pictures: Images that relate to the talk's themes or stories.
- Objects: Tangible items that can symbolize a principle.
- Videos: Short, relevant video clips (e.g., from an official
[Church Media Library](https://www.churchmedia.org)).
- Activities:
- Group Discussions: Pose thought-provoking questions to facilitate conversation.
- Role-Playing: Act out scenarios related to applying the principle.
- Journaling Prompts: Encourage personal reflection and commitment.
- Music: Use hymns or songs that reinforce the message.
5. Select Effective Teaching Methods
Varying your teaching methods keeps participants engaged and caters to different learning styles. Move beyond just lecturing to create a dynamic environment.
- Facilitate Discussion: Ask open-ended questions that invite sharing and personal insights.
- Small Group Work: Divide the class into smaller groups to discuss specific questions or scenarios.
- Question and Answer: Allow time for participants to ask questions and clarify understanding.
- Testimony Sharing: Provide opportunities for individuals to share their feelings about the doctrine.
6. Formulate a Challenge or Invitation
Conclude your lesson with a clear, actionable challenge or invitation that encourages individuals to apply what they have learned. This helps bridge the gap between understanding a principle and living it.
- Specific Action: Ask participants to do something concrete, like studying a scripture, praying about a specific topic, or applying a principle in their daily interactions.
- Personal Reflection: Invite them to ponder how the doctrine can change their lives.
- Expression of Faith: Encourage them to share their commitment or testimony.
Summary of Lesson Preparation Steps
The process of preparing a lesson from a General Conference talk can be summarized as follows:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Foundation | Study core teaching principles (e.g., from Teaching in the Savior's Way). |
| 2. Doctrine/Principle | Identify the central truth or message of the talk. |
| 3. Stories/Examples | Gather anecdotes, scriptural accounts, or personal experiences to illustrate the doctrine. |
| 4. Visuals/Activities | Collect pictures, objects, videos, and plan interactive elements to enhance understanding and engagement. |
| 5. Teaching Methods | Select varied approaches like discussion, small groups, or Q&A to facilitate learning. |
| 6. Challenge/Invitation | Conclude with a specific call to action or a personal application challenge. |
By following these steps, you can create a meaningful and impactful lesson that helps individuals connect with and apply the timeless truths taught in General Conference.
