Simplicity Is A Good Thing
For a beginner, simplicity is a great way to reduce the fear of public speaking, and the anxiety of preparing a lesson. It also helps prevent the lesson from going off the rails.
To the experienced teacher, simplicity can create an environment where the Spirit can guide the lesson. Elaborate lessons may not allow flexibility or can stifle the influence of the Holy Ghost.
Here are a few ways to keep it simple:
Simple Doctrine
At it’s most basic, the gospel is simple. Mankind, although created in the image of God, is fallen. We have a tendency to do things that are contrary to the nature and will of God, things that hurt others and ourselves. We also live in a physical world that tends to fall apart, our bodies included.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ overcomes these things. The hurt that we have caused, as well as the guilt and emotional suffering that accompanies it can be healed. Our physical bodies, in addition, will be made whole through resurrection. The way we access the Atonement is through faith, repentance, baptism, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. God has also given guidelines to help us interact with others, and protect us. As we learn and adopt these guidelines, or commandments, we learn to live the way that God lives. This is called Eternal Life.
That is the simple message of the gospel.
Simple Lesson Outlines
The basic lesson format is: an introduction, 3 main points, and a conclusion.
The introduction is designed to get the class’ attention, and introduce the topic. There are a few simple ways to do this. An object lesson can be used easily. Or a story. Or a thought provoking question
For each main point, there should be supporting scriptures and quotes. The lesson manual often includes scriptures, quotes, and good questions to initiate a discussion. Most teacher manuals already break the lesson up into main points, along with scriptures and quotes.
There are several good ways to conclude a lesson. Summarizing, emphasizing the main idea, testimony, or extending an invitation are just a few simple ways to close the lesson.
Simple Teaching
A simple pattern for teaching is to teach a principle from the scriptures, use a story from your own life or from church history, ask questions that will elicit thoughts and feelings from the class, and bear testimony to the truth of the principle. This pattern is effective at bringing in the spirit, and usually has a good balance of rational and emotional substance. It also lends itself to increased participation.
Maybe now is a good time to simplify, and get back to the basics. May the Lord bless you with an increased measure of the Spirit as you do so.