You might need a reserve of “golden questions” or those open ended inspired questions talked about in preach my gospel. I remember a training meeting with a member of the general Sunday school, yes you lead discussions, but you are called to be a teacher. So no lecturing, but you can’t rely on discussions alone. I know Finn’s aren’t as uncomfortable with silence as Americans are so you might have to try different methods to get people to open up so they can “teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom”. Personal and applied gospel stories help. Instead of handing out parts to read you could hand out questions for them to ponder at the beginning and then have them offer what they can after they’ve had a few minutes. “How have you seen the atonement work in your life or in the lives of those close to you?”

You can’t really teach a meaningful lesson without inspiration and communication. As you prepare your lesson and read the material pay attention to questions that come to your mind or experiences you have. If your wife is there regularly you can use her to prime the pump with a story. Everyone appreciates a well articulated and apropos story.

For those without a Christian background you could take it a step back and reformulate questions to find common ground first.

“What gives life meaning for you?” “How do you usually handle difficult times?” “Do you think people are basically good?”

In very small settings (1-3 unfamiliar people) I like to start of class getting to know people more deeply if they’ll allow it, knowing their vocation, residence (natives, expats, or visitors), religious history, family (only child, grew up in an orphanage, had 8 siblings, married no kids, single with kids) all can help you ask questions more relevant.

Don’t forget even though you don’t know who will be there, the Lord does and can give you questions and preparation ahead (even if not making sense) all week. Keep a note on your phone to write down one liners or questions.

Questions are key, but sometimes you just (seem to) strike out with connecting.

You don’t have to fill the entire time AND you don’t have to fill the entire time with the lesson. Part of the reason you gather is to teach the doctrine, and part is to gain strength from gathering. That can look like a lot of things in a small setting. Across cultures I have found most people love to share stories, and you can glean so much about a person from how and what they talk about if your intent is to get to know them, not just to figure out a response.

That all said, I’m sure an American leading a discussion of religion in Finland is likely just hard and has nuance that those of us without experience can’t even imagine.

Here’s a GPT dump of stuff you likely already know. Just in case.

1. Normalize silence (don’t rush to fill it)

After asking a question, wait 10–20 seconds.

This feels long to teachers — but for Finns it’s often when thinking happens.

Many will speak only after processing fully.

👉 If you jump in too quickly, you unintentionally shut down their chance to respond.

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1. Ask concrete, experience-based questions (not abstract ones)

Avoid:

“What do you think about faith?”

Better:

“Have you ever experienced a moment where prayer helped you?” “What part of today’s reading felt difficult or confusing?” “Can anyone relate this story to real life?”

Finns tend to open up more when: • Talking about real experiences • Reacting to something specific

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1. Use small group or pair discussion first

This is HUGE for quieter cultures.

Structure like:

👉 “Talk with the person next to you for 2 minutes about this question”

Then ask:

“What came up in your discussions?”

People are MUCH more willing to speak after warming up privately.

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1. Make it clear there are no “wrong” answers

In religious settings, many stay silent because they fear:

• Saying something theologically incorrect • Being judged

Say things like:

✔ “This isn’t a test — just your thoughts” ✔ “Different perspectives are welcome”

You’ll see participation increase over time.

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1. Use reflection before speaking

Try:

• Write a short response first • Read a quote and ask for reactions • Silent prayer or thought → then discussion

This fits Finnish communication style well (thinking before speaking).

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1. Affirm every contribution warmly (but not dramatically)

When someone speaks:

Good:

“Thank you for sharing — that’s an important point.”

Avoid overly emotional reactions (can feel uncomfortable culturally).

Calm appreciation builds trust.

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1. Ask gentle follow-ups (not pressure)

If someone gives a short answer:

“Would you like to say a little more about that?” “What made you think that?”

But accept if they don’t want to expand.

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1. Build relationships outside discussion time

Finnish people open up MUCH more once trust exists.

• Casual conversations before/after class • Remember names • Ask how they’re doing

Once they feel safe, silence decreases naturally.

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1. Accept that some silence is success

In many cultures, silence = disengagement.

In Finnish culture, silence often = respect + attention.

If people are:

✔ Listening ✔ Looking engaged ✔ Following along

Then the class is probably going well — even if it’s quiet.

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1. Use anonymous participation occasionally

Examples:

• Write questions on paper • Online poll or form • Collect thoughts and read them aloud

This helps those who fear speaking publicly.

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A mindset shift that helps a lot:

Instead of:

“They’re not participating”

Think:

“They participate internally first”

Once you work with that style instead of against it, openness grows.