In 1989, my journey in gospel study took a new turn when I was called as the teacher for the Gospel Doctrine class in the Federal Way 4th Ward (Federal Way Washington Stake). I found that my personal study changed as I prepared for the weekly class and I was rewarded with new insights. I continued to serve as a Gospel Doctrine teacher until 2005 (with a couple of small breaks). In September 2005 we moved from Auburn, Washington, to Centennial, Colorado. Shortly after arriving in Centennial I was called to teach the 16 to 18 year old youth. Once again, I am challenged with new ways of studying and presenting the teachings of the gospel.
One of the challenges of preparing for the weekly Sunday School class is attempting to compress the material into a 40 minute presentation. I found I could not do it. For a period of about two years (while teaching in the Federal Way 7th Ward), several class members gathered together for an informal discussion group one Sunday each month to further discuss principles touched upon during the class presentation. We had a wonderful time, but decided it was more important to be with our families on Sunday evening whenever possible.
The next opportunity for expanding on the Sunday School class came when I discovered the Internet. I was fascinated by the idea of building webpages and sharing ideas with a wider audience. In 1998, I began posting my Sunday School outlines on the web for the benefit of those in my weekly class. They thought it was a great idea and it became a catalyst for better preparation, both by myself and by class members.
Somehow word about the website leaked out and others started visiting. I began receiving e-mail thanking me for my efforts and encouraging me to continue the website. Thus, some eight years later I am still posting my outlines to the Gospel Doctrine Class on a weekly basis. In those eight years, people have written me from 49 of the 50 states, 7 Canadian provinces, and 44 countries. It has been a wonderful journey for myself as I have communicated with brothers and sisters from California to Chile, New York to Singapore, and Utah to Ghana.This blog is intended to provide a place for discussion of those things covered in the weekly Sunday School lessons, the gospel in general, the Church, and the great blessings that come from membership in the Lord's kingdom. Please feel free to join with me in sharing your thoughts and experiences.
8 comments:
I was ELATED this evening while waiting to be seated at a Chinese Restaurant in Bountiful, Utah when a fellow next to me noticed I was going over my Sunday School lesson with the man who took me to dinner. That was the stipulation of me going on the date - I had to finish my lesson so I'd be prepared. This man told me of your web site. I am thrilled to have another reference and wonderful resource and you have treasures of knowledge here. Our drive to the restaurant was 1 hour and we went over all the material and I wrote many ideas. This site will be SO helpful, as I have never studied the Old Testament and this new calling as Gospel Doctrine teacher has been huge. Thanks tons!
I also want to express my appreciation for your website. I just learned about it a few weeks ago and use your outlines to help me prepare. It is a great resource and I do appreciate all the study, research and devotion that goes into such an endeavor. Also, congrats on starting your new blog.
Three couples in our Ward who no longer have children at home decided we'd get together for FHE and study the lesson for next Sunday. Your material has added so much information and has really made a big impact on all of us. Ron is a new member and is soaking it up like a sponge. My husband is also a convert and I find I'm learning as much as he is. Thank you so much for all the time and effort you expend to share your knowledge and love of the scriptures with us. Sandie Dixon, Billings, MT
I have been the Gospel Doctrine teacher for our ward for 5 years and prior to that was substituting for the teacher who was out of town a lot. I am a former Bishop of the ward and love my calling. Prior to using Bro Beardall's web site, I spent up to 10 hours weekly on preparation. I now use the material he has organized as my base point and do additional research. I always use the teacher manual as a part of my preparation and feel that all of the lessons have been on track with it. We are asked to consider the need of our class members and teach in the way the Spirit guides us. I have found that Bro Beardall's lesson notes have allowed me to individualize my presentations and the class has grown from just a few participants to almost the same number as in sacrament. Also, they participate and are interested. In addition, I use handouts for them to follow along, often including the class notes handouts from the web site.
I only see this site as helpful for me to fulfill my calling, and to individually teach the members and help them study the scriptures.
Thank you, Bro. Beardall
"I have been the Gospel Doctrine teacher for our ward for 5 years and..."
Given just the facts presented, it reminds me of the scripture, "Seek ye out the best books...etc." I don't think our Father in Heaven is going to keep you out of the Celestial Kingdom for teaching Brother Beardall's information.
I am a public school teacher. I have students who like to tattle on each other. I think adults can be like this too. When a person feels bad about themself, there is a tendency to bring others down too.
My advice would be to retype Brother Beardall's ideas into questions and hand them out to the class for them to answer.
One thing that all of us have in common, whether bond or free, male or female...all of us, have the desire to learn.
Brother G
T. Salisbury said
For about eight years a group of friends who are empty nesters have been meeting every (almost) Monday night to study the next weeks Gospel Doctrine lesson. We use the G/D Manual and in addition we use Bill's data along with Meridian. I taught G/D for four years a few years ago and found that these extra "insights" helped bring a spirit to the class. Sometimes the Spirit is there, sometimes it wasn't. The Spirit will attend the class as the teacher bears testimony of the concepts taught. As teachers we must teach to each individual in the class. We must maintain eye contact with the members. We cannot read a lesson. They must know that you are attempting to teach each one individually. This calling is the best in the Church.
Bro. Bill's efforts go above and beyond. May God bless him and the others that give us insight into the scriptures.
I just want to thank Bro. Bill for the efforts and time he has put in behaf of many of us who don't have a lot of time to do the reasearch in preparing for G.D. classes. I have used his help in preparing for my seminary lessons in previous year. After many years I will no longer be teaching seminary but I will continue to enjoy his outlines for my personal gospel study. I love the how he uses color for easy ways of spotting quotes, scriptures, etc. I have used color in preparing my lessons for many years now so his website speaks to my heart on this.
Thanks again for futhering the progress of others!
I was formally an institute teacher. I was preparing lessons and then found your site. I couldn't believe it---we teach in the same style but I have been so much more enlightened by your work. The great thing being that the youth loved the lessons. They are not BORING (heaven forbid hehe). I now teach GD and you are still my best friend. Thanks for sharing the gospel. Sister B
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