If anything, Gospel Doctrine Instructor was the calling that took the least of my time. I simply replaced my scripture study time with lesson prep time since I relied heavily on the scriptures as my material.

So it can happen. Feel free to visit!

I also agree that often the primary problem with Sunday School participation is personal preparation. However, I contend that the structure, as it currently stands, does little to nothing to encourage personal preparation and this series is primarily about finding ways to change that.

Kim,
I know that the current manual says that and I believe that the leaders on the Sunday School board would like us to follow that advice. But so long as the “stick to the manual” idea is so powerful amongst the membership, I think those pages will mostly be ignored. Which is too, too bad.

Finally, I feel no sympathy for called teachers who would argue that they don’t have time to prepare a class well. If you don’t have time, please don’t accept the calling. There is no shame in that. I believe that Gospel Teaching is important and if we aren’t willing to magnify our callings in it, then everyone loses. I should also note that I am a big ol’ hypocrite on this front, but I am trying to become better. smb, you are in this, as in most things, an example to me of how to do better.

Our lessons need to focus on doctrine and principles. Those are the things that define our Church, and what strengthen the members. Although I’ve deeply studied it over the years, I would be the last to suggest a detailed discussion on the signs of the times. Why? Because doctrine only goes so far, and then the wild speculations come in.

But I would like to see a Nibley-esque form of teaching of doctrine. Ancient and modern ideas that enhance our understanding of doctrine and principles. As high priest group leader, I’m having to work closely with my instructor to ensure the Gospel Principles manual does not become “dumbed down” information. None of my high priests needs to have someone pull out 10 pennies and show them how much equals a tithe. But they do need to know and understand the spiritual dimensions of the commandment. It could be an interesting lesson IF we try to study its history (Abraham paying tithes to Melchizedek – just what did Melchizedek use the tithes for?).

In studying the Old Testament this year, we are not going through the entire book as in years past. Instead, only certain topics are being picked out of it, and the first few lessons aren’t even in the Bible! Unless the instructor has a lot of knowledge and teaching skills, or allows for much discussion (and the class has good depth), we may see many classrooms taught on a very shallow basis. Teaching a doctrine in-depth, when the materials given are very sparse, and the instructions forbid outside materials, means the instructors are walking a very tight rope. One risks a class between giving a dumbed down class and giving one that has members just sharing their testimonies. This will definitely require teachers to step up to the plate and not just spend a little time in the lesson manual, but a LOT of time on their knees.

To help my Sunday School class and other friends, I’m doing a weekly blog on the OT lessons for them to see some of my insights, which probably will not make it into the lessons themselves.

On a serious note, I find that it takes about 2-4 conscientious hours to write a decent lesson based on the manuals, and that’s for someone who has spent about 15 years doing religious history as a pretty active sideline and has a reasonable reference library in the home. People should realize that moving from chicken mcnuggets to stuffed pork loin with a French gratin takes a lot of time and energy. I believe it’s worth it.

Your mileage may vary, but I found this approach to be a lifesaver.