Following the Savior's Pattern in Priesthood Instruction
Whether called as a full-time priesthood instructor, or asked to lead a priesthood, priesthood quorum teachers may benefit from applying the principles found in 'Teaching in the Savior's Way'. Key principles include improving disucssion, increasing testimony through personal discovery, and promoting personal change. Following the teaching patterns of the Savior will help priesthood instructors facilitate more effective discussion and learning. The intent of this course is to review basic conecpts that should be applied to all priesthood instruction in our stake.
Key Concepts and Principles
OVERVIEW
In recent years, church members have been asked to more fully embrace teaching principles and techniques that more closely resemble the way the Savior engaged in teaching. While there is a continual endeavor to help teachers in Primary and Sunday School adapt to these more effective teaching methods, our priesthood quorums are asked to embrace these ways during priesthood instruction. This tool is intended to offer key methods and principles found in the publication, "Teaching in the Savior's Way" and is meant as a starting point for Priesthood leaders and teachers to begin teaching after the manner of the Savior when He was upon the Earth. For a more full study of the great teaching principles and methods, please spend time reviewing this short manual in its entirety.
Exerpts from Teaching in the Savior's Way
DON'T TRY TO COVER EVERYTHING
There is much to discuss in each lesson, but it is not necessary to cover everything in one class period in order to touch someone’s heart—often one or two key points are enough. As you ponder learners’ needs, the Spirit will help you identify which principles, stories, or scriptures will be especially meaningful to them. He may also inspire you during class to alter your plans, leaving some points for a later time in order to discuss principles that are more important to class members at the time.
From Worldwide Leadership Training on Teacher Councils
Watch the Full Video 1:28 | Download Full Video
BE PREPARED
Underpreparing can make it more difficult for the Spirit to work in the hearts of quorum members. When a Priesthood instructor starts a class by informing members of his lack of preparation, quorum members are less likely to listen with spiritual readiness to learn. While the circumstances of life may disrupt an instructor's ability to prepare, quorum leaders can assist by always being prepared to participate and lead a discussion that is conducive to the spirit and promotes spiritual growth among quorum members.
Whenever possible, the technique of having quorum members take turns reading the lesson, or coming to class with only the intent of relying upon undirected, unfocused discussion should be avoided. While being spontaneous and following the direction of the spirit is encouraged, the most effective lessons occur when deep spiritual thought and preparation on the part of the instructor occurs. When an instructor dedicates time to pondering assigned topics and prayerfully seeks the best way to convey gospel principles, he is in a better position to receive inspiration, to ask thought-provoking questions, and lead inspired discussion.
CENTER TEACHINGS ON THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST
President Boyd K. Packer taught, “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior.” As a gospel teacher, you can trust that “the virtue of the word of God” has a “more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than … anything else” (Alma 31:5). If you focus on simply entertaining learners or keeping them occupied, you may miss out on teaching eternal truths that will help learners make meaningful changes in their lives.
The Lord has commanded us to “teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom” (D&C 88:77) and to use the scriptures to “teach the principles of [His] gospel” (D&C 42:12). The scriptures and words of latter-day prophets and apostles are the source of the truths we teach. At every opportunity, inspire those you teach to turn to the word of God for guidance, answers to questions, and support. If learners will “feast upon the words of Christ,” the doctrine they find there will “tell [them] all things what [they] should do” (2 Nephi 32:3).
TESTIFY OF TRUE DOCTRINE
The Savior taught “as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matthew 7:29). The Savior’s personal testimony gave authority to His words and helped those He taught recognize that He was teaching eternal truths. As you bear testimony of true doctrine, the Spirit will confirm the truth of the doctrine in the hearts of those you teach.
ASK INSPIRED QUESTIONS
The Savior asked questions that invited learners to think and feel deeply about the truths He taught. Our questions can similarly inspire learners to ponder gospel truths and find ways to apply them in their lives. An inspired question is an invitation to learners to discover gospel truths on their own and to evaluate their understanding of and commitment to those truths. Inspired questions can make learning the gospel a more engaging and personally meaningful experience.
Teaching The Savior's Way Instruction
OUR STAKE PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS
Elder's Quorum Presidents are encouraged to fold Teaching in the Savior's Way into thier quorum instruction. This site is hopefully a good starting point for quourm instructor's in our Stake. It can also be used as a resource for quorum members who are called to instruct from time to time and need a little refresher.
OVERVIEW
In recent years, church members have been asked to more fully embrace teaching principles and techniques that more closely resemble the way the Savior engaged in teaching. While there is a continual endeavor to help teachers in Primary and Sunday School adapt to these more effective teaching methods, our priesthood quorums are asked to embrace these ways during priesthood instruction. This tool is intended to offer key methods and principles found in the publication, "Teaching in the Savior's Way" and is meant as a starting point for Priesthood leaders and teachers to begin teaching after the manner of the Savior when He was upon the Earth. For a more full study of the great teaching principles and methods, please spend time reviewing this short manual in its entirety.
Exerpts from Teaching in the Savior's Way
DON'T TRY TO COVER EVERYTHING
There is much to discuss in each lesson, but it is not necessary to cover everything in one class period in order to touch someone’s heart—often one or two key points are enough. As you ponder learners’ needs, the Spirit will help you identify which principles, stories, or scriptures will be especially meaningful to them. He may also inspire you during class to alter your plans, leaving some points for a later time in order to discuss principles that are more important to class members at the time.
From Worldwide Leadership Training on Teacher Councils
Watch the Full Video 1:28 | Download Full Video
BE PREPARED
Underpreparing can make it more difficult for the Spirit to work in the hearts of quorum members. When a Priesthood instructor starts a class by informing members of his lack of preparation, quorum members are less likely to listen with spiritual readiness to learn. While the circumstances of life may disrupt an instructor's ability to prepare, quorum leaders can assist by always being prepared to participate and lead a discussion that is conducive to the spirit and promotes spiritual growth among quorum members.
Whenever possible, the technique of having quorum members take turns reading the lesson, or coming to class with only the intent of relying upon undirected, unfocused discussion should be avoided. While being spontaneous and following the direction of the spirit is encouraged, the most effective lessons occur when deep spiritual thought and preparation on the part of the instructor occurs. When an instructor dedicates time to pondering assigned topics and prayerfully seeks the best way to convey gospel principles, he is in a better position to receive inspiration, to ask thought-provoking questions, and lead inspired discussion.
CENTER TEACHINGS ON THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST
President Boyd K. Packer taught, “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior.” As a gospel teacher, you can trust that “the virtue of the word of God” has a “more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than … anything else” (Alma 31:5). If you focus on simply entertaining learners or keeping them occupied, you may miss out on teaching eternal truths that will help learners make meaningful changes in their lives.
The Lord has commanded us to “teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom” (D&C 88:77) and to use the scriptures to “teach the principles of [His] gospel” (D&C 42:12). The scriptures and words of latter-day prophets and apostles are the source of the truths we teach. At every opportunity, inspire those you teach to turn to the word of God for guidance, answers to questions, and support. If learners will “feast upon the words of Christ,” the doctrine they find there will “tell [them] all things what [they] should do” (2 Nephi 32:3).
TESTIFY OF TRUE DOCTRINE
The Savior taught “as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matthew 7:29). The Savior’s personal testimony gave authority to His words and helped those He taught recognize that He was teaching eternal truths. As you bear testimony of true doctrine, the Spirit will confirm the truth of the doctrine in the hearts of those you teach.
ASK INSPIRED QUESTIONS
The Savior asked questions that invited learners to think and feel deeply about the truths He taught. Our questions can similarly inspire learners to ponder gospel truths and find ways to apply them in their lives. An inspired question is an invitation to learners to discover gospel truths on their own and to evaluate their understanding of and commitment to those truths. Inspired questions can make learning the gospel a more engaging and personally meaningful experience.
Teaching The Savior's Way Instruction
OUR STAKE PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS
Elder's Quorum Presidents are encouraged to fold Teaching in the Savior's Way into thier quorum instruction. This site is hopefully a good starting point for quourm instructor's in our Stake. It can also be used as a resource for quorum members who are called to instruct from time to time and need a little refresher.
Key Topics in the Manual
Teaching in the Savior's Way
Teaching in the Savior's Way
"Our role as learners has changed as well. It's not just relying on the teacher to give us answers to the questions. As we think about what the teacher is trying to ask us, and we contemplate that, we will be acted upon the spirit and the spirit is going to let us know what we need to do, for ourselves specifically.". 
"Teaching in the Savior's Way helps us do exactly that. We all want to teach like Jesus taught. His instruction was simple and direct and powerful. He often told stories or parables that people could readily understand. Without exception, His lessons were spiritually motivating. He loved his audience." "You, my dear friends, are engaged in the work of salvation. And there can be no higher, holier work in this world than that. So be peaceful and enjoy one of the greatest privileges in this Church: to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. May you do so in the Savior's way"