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Back to Sunday Meeting Changes Implementation Hub
PURPOSE
This special teacher council is intended to help ward leaders and teachers prepare for the upcoming changes to Sunday meetings and gospel instruction. This teacher council should be held in mid-August.
By the end of the Teacher Council, participants should:
- Understand the purpose of the new meeting format
- Feel confident facilitating shorter, discussion-based lessons focused on the Saviour
- Understand how the Teaching Demonstration Videos model the new approach
- Identify facilitators and responsibilities for the Fifth Sunday discussion
- Feel prepared to begin implementing the new format in September
Note: Some wards and branches may have already held one or more Teacher Councils to introduce and discuss the upcoming Sunday meeting changes. If so, there will still be value in holding an additional special Teacher Council once the Headquarters and Pacific Area implementation resources become available in early August.
Depending on local circumstances, this special Teacher Council may be held on a Sunday in mid-August or at another convenient time during the week to allow all teachers and leaders involved in gospel instruction to participate.
BEFORE THE TEACHER COUNCIL
The Sunday School President (or assigned facilitator) should:
- Review the Sunday Meeting Changes Implementation Hub
- Review the Teaching Demonstration Videos
- Review the Instructional Videos from Church Headquarters
- Ensure required technology is available
Invite the following to attend:
- Bishopric representative(s)
- Elders Quorum Presidency representative(s)
- Relief Society Presidency representative(s)
- Young Women Presidency representative(s)
- Aaronic Priesthood advisers
- Sunday School teachers
- Selected youth facilitators (where appropriate)
SUGGESTED AGENDA
1. Welcome and Purpose (5 Minutes)
- Opening prayer
- Explain the purpose of the council
- Briefly remind participants why these changes are being introduced
2. Understand the New Schedule (10 Minutes)
Rather than reviewing every detail of the new schedule, briefly discuss the key teaching principles. Possible questions may include:
- What changes have stood out to you?
- Why do you think these changes are being introduced?
- What opportunities do you see for our ward?
3. Watch and Discuss (25-30 Minutes)
Watch one or more Teaching Demonstration Videos and/or instructional videos from Church Headquarters. These videos and other resources can be accessed on the Sunday Meeting Changes Implementation Hub.
After each video, invite discussion. Possible observation questions may include:
- What did you notice about the opening of the lesson?
- How were the scriptures introduced?
- How did the facilitator encourage participation?
- How were quieter class members invited into the discussion?
- How did participants build on one another’s thoughts?
- How did the facilitator help keep the discussion centred on Jesus Christ?
- What ideas could we apply in our own classes?
Note: These videos are not intended to model the “perfect lesson.” Rather, they demonstrate one possible approach to facilitating meaningful, Christ-centred discussion using the new meeting format.
PREPARING FOR SUNDAY, 30 AUGUST (10-15 MINUTES)
Discuss how the ward will facilitate the Fifth Sunday training and assign responsibilities before concluding the council.
Suggested Discussion:
- Who will facilitate the adult discussion?
- Who will facilitate the youth discussion?
- Which demonstration/instructional videos will be shown?
- Which discussion questions will best meet the needs of our ward?
- Are there any local considerations we should prepare for?
Before concluding the teacher council, ensure that:
- Adult and youth facilitators have been identified
- Facilitators understand the purpose of the Fifth Sunday discussion
- Videos have been reviewed and selected to show during the Fifth Sunday
- Required technology and meeting logistics have been confirmed
- The council is closed with prayer
Language Versions of this Page (Available Early August)
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