Lesson Outline / Train Discussion Leaders
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See Also: “How to Create Great Questions”

1. Pick 2-3 scripture references that stood out for you from the assigned reading.
2. For each scripture reference, repeat steps 3-6
3. Introduce the verse(s). For example: What is the topic about in general? Baptism, Holy Ghost, Prayer, etc.? Who is speaking in the verse? What is going on in the background?
4. Cite the scripture reference and ask everyone to follow along as we read the verse together. Assign someone else to read the verse(s) and quotes you use.
5. Share your thoughts about the verse. What stood out to you? What message did it have for you?
6. Ask 1-2 discussion-promoting questions. Ask who, what, why, how, and “can you relate” questions.

Thank you so much for teaching and leading a discussion!! For ideas, examples, and help with any of these steps, feel free to ask friends, parents, or YM/YW leaders.

Important note: Do your lesson any way you feel inspired—make sure you bring in the Spirit and get plenty of participation from others. The Brethren have counseled us to be discussion leaders, not lecturers. For example, let others read the verses/quotes and then promote a discussion with questions about the verses. You aim to deepen everyone’s understanding by getting them to participate with you.

Question Help
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See Also: “How to Create Great Questions”

Ask who, what, why, how and “can you relate” questions that get people thinking about the verses you just read.

Here are some sample questions from the 2024 Book of Mormon year:

• What stands out for you as we read this verse(s)?
• Are there any words in this verse that meant something to you? Which ones and why?
• What are some ways to help you feel more love? (accept all reasonable answers)
• What represents the great and spacious building to you – where do you notice evidence of it?
• What do you do to keep your testimony strong?
• Who can tell us the story happening in this verse?
• How can a positive attitude influence our actions and choices? How can we keep a positive attitude?
• How do we get better at receiving and recognizing answers from the Lord through prayer?
• Do problems and disappointments mean you are not favored or chosen by God?
• Does having unkind family members mean you are not chosen? Who else is highly favored of the Lord yet has seen much affliction and sorrow in their lives? (accept all reasonable answers – Nephi, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, Moses, Joseph of Egypt, etc.)
• If you describe Jesus Christ to a friend, what words would you use?
• What does it mean to have a broken heart and contrite spirit?
• Have you ever had a bad habit that seemed to take over your life?
• Who can name the four Josephs found in 2 Nephi 3? (son of Lehi, Joseph of Egypt, Joseph Smith Sr., and Joseph Smith Jr.)
• Have you ever found yourself enjoying the scriptures?
• How can we either grow our trust in God or grow God’s trust in us?
• How do we feel after we’ve been angry or upset at the actions and choices of others? Does it help you feel the Spirit or be closer to the Savior? (Share what happens to you)
• Is it possible to appear religious and not love the things of God?
• When you hear the term “God’s goodness,” what comes up for you?
• Who are the Gentiles spoken of in verse 8?
• How does it make you feel about Christ to know that He was God before He was born?
• What does the word meekness mean? (accept all reasonable answers – behaving with goodness and kindness, showing strength, serenity, healthy self-worth, and self-control.)
• Why is it important to treat others with civility and respect?

How to Create Great Questions
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Use with #3 DIY Lesson Plan

• Select 2-3 scripture references or quotes for every 10 minutes of class discussion time.

(YM and YW typically have about 20 minutes of lesson discussion time after all other quorum and class business/service items are handled.)

• Pick 3-5 keywords or phrases from the highlight that stand out for each highlighted scripture reference or quote.

Example: “Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;” (D&C 98:1)

Keywords: fear not, be comforted, rejoice, give thanks.

• Ponder Keywords: Reflect on the meaning of each keyword and how it relates to the highlight’s message.

You’ll probably start getting question ideas just from that.

Example: I might notice that all the keywords point to choices about our mindset and attitudes.

Sample questions: Why is it important to give thanks for our blessings? What does fear do to us?

• Research Definitions: To deepen understanding, look up definitions or synonyms for the keywords using tools like AI, a dictionary, or a thesaurus.

Note: I mostly used a thesaurus before AI, and it worked great; even a dictionary does a good job for this step. Below, I used Grok (AI). From that step alone, for one phrase, I can come up with great discussion-promoting questions.

“Fear not”: “Be not afraid,” encouraging courage in God’s presence. “Take courage,” urging steadfastness in trials. “Trust in the Lord,” emphasizing reliance on divine guidance. “Have faith,” calling for belief in God’s plan. “Be of good cheer,” promoting joy despite challenges. “Do not be dismayed,” reassured against despair. “Rest in the Lord,” inviting peace through divine care. “Be still,” suggesting calm trust in God’s will. “Rely on God,” highlighting dependence on His strength. “Fear nothing,” affirming confidence in divine protection.

Sample questions: How might you take courage during hard trials? What does the phrase “fear not” mean to you?

• Check Footnotes (if present): Review footnotes for additional insights or discussion ideas for scriptures.

Example: D&C 98:1 has a footnote about “fear not.” It points to D&C 68:6.

Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come. (D&C 68:6)

Sample question: How does it feel to know the Lord will stand by you?

• Also ask “knowledge” and definition questions, especially to start the discussion.

Sample questions: Who is speaking in this verse? Who do we give thanks to?

Summary

As you can see, developing 2-3 questions per scripture reference or quote is not hard. We only looked at “fear not” and came up with several questions on one phrase.

Additional Tips

Use “why,” “how,” “when,” “where,” “what,” or “who” (e.g., “Why is balance important?” or “How can we increase faith?”).

Include Relatable Questions: Add a “can you relate” question to connect the highlight to personal experiences (e.g., “Can you picture yourself being cheerful and thankful?”).

Prepare a Personal Story: Have a brief story or thought related to the highlight—ready to share if the group needs prompting.

Think about the questions you choose: To encourage lively discussion, select the 2-3 questions that feel most engaging and relevant to your group.

Lesson Sign-Up Printout
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Make lesson assignments easier and start the sign-ups in class about a 1-3 months ahead of schedule. Click anywhere to see the PDF.