Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Salt Lake City, Utah
Send comments and corrections, including typographic errors, to CES Curriculum, 50 E. North Temple Street, Room 820, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-2720 USA. E-mail: ces-manuals@ldschurch.org
© 2005 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
All rights reserved
Printed in the United States of America
English approval: 8/03
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Chapter 5: We Learn to Teach “by Study and Also by Faith,” Part 1 |
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Chapter 6: We Learn to Teach “by Study and Also by Faith,” Part 2 |
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Chapter 9: The Restoration and the Coming Forth of New Scripture |
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Chapter 13: Preparing Investigators for Baptism and Confirmation |
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President Gordon B. Hinckley taught that “the mission of the Church is to save souls. It is to teach the gospel to those who are willing to listen wherever they may be. . . . There is no greater work. There is no more important work. There is no more compelling work than this which the God of heaven has given us responsibility for accomplishing” (“Missionary Service,” First Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 2003, 21).
You are preparing to accept a God-given responsibility. The work you will do as a missionary will be in fulfillment of the Savior’s commission to “teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Your purpose as a missionary is to “invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end” (Preach My Gospel [2004], 1).
Each chapter in this student manual is organized to assist you, the prospective missionary, in developing Christlike attributes and in teaching doctrines and principles of the restored gospel with power and authority of God (see Alma 17:3). Some chapters will also help familiarize you with personal and missionary conduct and basic mission organization. Chapters are organized using the following main headings:
Introduction. This section briefly introduces the topic of each chapter.
Doctrines and Principles to Understand. This bulleted list of doctrines and principles suggests what students should come to understand, accept, and apply in their lives.
Supporting Scriptures and Statements. This section provides specific teachings on each of the doctrines and principles listed under “Doctrines and Principles to Understand.” As you study these, you may want to mark your personal scriptures and make notes to help you remember what you learn. It is recommended that you begin a study journal in which you record gospel insights learned from your study. Many missions instruct missionaries to keep such a journal, so this will give you a start on this useful missionary tool. Your study journal is separate from the “Notes and Impressions” section, although you may want to record some of your notes from this section into your study journal.
Points to Ponder. Spend a few moments reflecting upon answers to the questions in this section. You may want to record your insights in your study journal.
Suggested Assignments. These assignments provide opportunities to apply what you have learned and thus strengthen your preparation with actual experience.
Recommended Additional Reading. These readings, mainly from True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference (2004), will enhance insight and reinforce principles covered or referred to in each chapter.
Notes and Impressions. Use this section, provided at the end of each chapter in the student manual, to write down information and impressions you receive during the class. Recording your thoughts and feelings will enhance your learning and retention of important principles and experiences. You may want to later record some of these notes and impressions in your study journal.
If you are enrolled in a missionary preparation course, take this student manual and your scriptures to each class. It is recommended that you have a copy of True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference (item 36863) for the recommended additional readings. Published by the Church and recommended by the First Presidency, this booklet contains gospel topics arranged alphabetically.
An additional resource is the guide to missionary service, Preach My Gospel (2004; item 36617), used by missionaries around the world. The Missionary Preparation Student Manual corresponds with Preach My Gospel in principle and philosophy. It has been carefully written to prepare you with an understanding of the doctrines and principles upon which the missionary program and Preach My Gospel are centered. Using this student manual and participating in a missionary preparation course will help prepare you for full-time missionary service, where Preach My Gospel is the core training resource.
Subjects covered in both this student manual and Preach My Gospel include understanding the call to serve a mission; learning to study and teach the gospel; teaching about the Apostasy, the Restoration, and the importance of latter-day scripture; understanding, recognizing, and teaching with the Holy Ghost; developing Christlike attributes; and using time wisely. Subjects in Preach My Gospel that are not covered in this student manual include learning another language, helping people make and keep covenants, preparing people for baptism, and working with members. Cooking and housekeeping skills, detailed mission organization, and budgeting are also not addressed in this student manual.
Your preparation will help you meet the challenge to become a spiritually strong missionary, as expressed by Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “What we need now is the greatest generation of missionaries in the history of the Church. We need worthy, qualified, spiritually energized missionaries who, like Helaman’s 2,000 stripling warriors, are ‘exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity’ and who are ‘true at all times in whatsoever thing they [are] entrusted’ (Alma 53:20)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2002, 50–51; or Ensign, Nov. 2002, 47).
One of the most exciting moments in a young adult’s life is when he or she opens a letter from the First Presidency and reads the words: “You are hereby called to serve . . .” Missionaries in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are called by inspiration to represent the Lord. To become a part of the great latter-day missionary force is an honor. It is thrilling to participate in the fulfillment of latter-day prophecy, such as the rolling forth of the restored gospel “unto the ends of the earth” (D&C 65:2) in preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Full-time missionaries are commissioned to act in the name of God and invite people to come unto Christ by accepting the principles and ordinances of His restored gospel and endure to the end in faithfulness. In addition, all members of the Church have the privilege and duty to help with missionary work throughout their lives (see D&C 88:81).
Members of the Church have the duty and privilege to share the restored gospel.
The Lord has said, “The field is white already to harvest” (D&C 4:4).
Missionaries assist in the gathering of Israel.
The focus of missionary work is to invite people to Christ.
A full-time mission call comes from the Lord through His authorized servants.
■ Shortly before His Ascension, the Lord gave His Apostles the divine command to “teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Since the early days of the Restoration, this sacred charge has been renewed through His latter-day prophets and apostles. In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord said, “And I give unto you a commandment that . . . ye shall teach them unto all men; for they shall be taught unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people” (D&C 42:58). He later said, “For verily, the sound must go forth from this place into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth—the gospel must be preached unto every creature, with signs following them that believe (D&C 58:64). The restored gospel that we are to share “is our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. The central doctrine of the gospel is the Atonement of Jesus Christ” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 76). From the early days of the Church, many members have sacrificed much to take the message of the restored gospel to the world. As the seed of Abraham, members of the Church have an opportunity and responsibility to share the restored gospel in fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant (see Abraham 2:9–11). It is a privilege to participate in this sacred charge.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “Let us reach out to the world in our missionary service, teaching all who will listen concerning the restoration of the gospel, speaking without fear but also without self-righteousness, of the First Vision, testifying of the Book of Mormon and of the restoration of the priesthood. Let us, my brothers and sisters, get on our knees and pray for the opportunity to bring others into the joy of the gospel” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2000, 110–11; or Ensign, May 2000, 87).
■ What is the gospel that we are to share with others? In True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference, the gospel is defined as “our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. The central doctrine of the gospel is the Atonement of Jesus Christ” ([2004], 76). The Bible Dictionary teaches: “The word gospel means good news. The good news is that Jesus Christ has made a perfect atonement for mankind that will redeem all mankind from the grave and reward each individual according to his/her works. This atonement was begun by his appointment in the premortal world but was worked out by Jesus during his mortal sojourn” (“Gospels,” 682).
In Preach My Gospel, a guide to missionary service, we learn: “The gospel of Jesus Christ defines both your message and your purpose; that is, it provides both the ‘what’ and the ‘why’ of missionary work. The Savior defined His gospel to include some very vital and basic doctrines. He came into the world to do His Father’s will, and His Father sent Him into the world to be lifted up on the cross. By His Atonement and Resurrection, all men will be lifted up to stand before Christ to be judged of their works, whether they be good or evil. Those who exercise faith in Christ, repent of their sins, and are baptized in Christ’s name can be sanctified by the Holy Ghost. If they endure to the end, they will stand spotless before Christ at the last day and will enter into the rest of the Lord. Christ will hold them guiltless before the Father. He will be their Mediator and Advocate” ([2004], 5).
■ As descendants of Abraham and of the house of Israel, Church members have a responsibility to share the gospel. Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:
“Are you of Israel? Absolutely. You are the ‘Hope of Israel, Zion’s army, Children of the promised day’ (Hymns, 1985, no. 259). . . .
“. . . Most of us are of the lineage of Joseph through Ephraim or Manasseh. That was the lineage selected to pioneer the gathering of Israel, the seed to lead throughout the world in blessing all the nations of the earth.
“Missionary work is only the beginning of that blessing” (“Thanks for the Covenant,” in Brigham Young University 1988–89 Devotional and Fireside Speeches [1989], 58–59).
■ Elder Nelson further emphasized missionary work as part of the Lord’s covenant with Abraham: “We have received, as did they of old, the holy priesthood and the everlasting gospel. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are our ancestors. We are of Israel. We have the right to receive the gospel, blessings of the priesthood, and eternal life. Nations of the earth will be blessed by our efforts and by the labors of our posterity. The literal seed of Abraham and those who are gathered into his family by adoption receive these promised blessings—predicated upon acceptance of the Lord and obedience to his commandments” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 42–43; or Ensign, May 1995, 33; italics added).
■ Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained that the Lord’s commission to “teach all nations” is still in force today: “Near the end of his earthly ministry, the resurrected Jesus instructed his disciples with these words: ‘Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you’ (Matthew 28:19–20). That instruction is in force today and is the mandate for General Authorities [and] missionaries . . . to travel to the four corners of the world teaching the gospel” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1988, 34; or Ensign, Nov. 1988, 28).
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| Fishers of Men, © Clark Kelley Price. Do not copy |
■ Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke of the charge each Church member has to share the restored gospel:
“Our ability to touch others with our warning voice matters to all who are covenant disciples of Jesus Christ. Here is the charge given to each of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: ‘Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor’ (D&C 88:81).
“That command and warning of danger was given to those called as missionaries at the start of the Restoration. But the duty to warn our neighbor falls on all of us who have accepted the covenant of baptism. We are to talk with nonmember friends and relatives about the gospel. Our purpose is to invite them to be taught by the full-time missionaries who are called and set apart to teach” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1998, 40–41; or Ensign, Nov. 1998, 32–33).
■ Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles expressed the value of his full-time mission: “I encourage you with every capacity that I have to pray about a full-time mission for the fulfillment it will bring to your life as you bless others to find the truth and receive the ordinances of salvation. Everything that I cherish in life today began to mature from my sacred experience as a full-time missionary” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 48; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 36).
■ The imagery in the phrase “the field is white already to harvest” is the white appearance of a ripe field of grain as it stands in the bright sunshine. The Lord has frequently used the phrase when He has declared that the earth is ready for the gathering of souls (see D&C 4:4; 6:3; 11:3; 12:3; 14:3; 33:3, 7). Many of Heavenly Father’s children are prepared to hear and accept the restored gospel. They are ready to be brought to the Lord’s Church as part of the latter-day harvesting.
In February 1829, when the Lord said that “the field is white already to harvest” (D&C 4:4), He began opening the doors for missionary work throughout the world. Although Church membership is presently a small percentage of the world population, the Church will eventually be established in all nations. Sometimes people come into the Church “one of a city, and two of a family” (Jeremiah 3:14). At other times people are brought into the Church in large numbers. For example, Wilford Woodruff baptized over 2,000 converts in less than a year in Great Britain. In the 14 years that the Prophet Joseph Smith led the Church—from April 6, 1830, to June 27, 1844—that membership grew from 6 to 26,000 members. From a small beginning the Church has grown to a worldwide organization, and that statement of the Lord given in 1829 is still being realized.
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| The Golden Harvest, © 1993 Marilee Campbell. Do not copy |
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave the following promise to prospective missionaries: “To you who will accept the call to go forth and serve, I can promise you that your good name will never be forgotten in this world or in the eternities to come. So again we issue the clarion call and pray that the Lord of the harvest will send forth laborers in increased numbers, for the field is white, all ready for a bounteous harvest (see D&C 4:4)” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1992, 33–34; or Ensign, May 1992, 25).
■ President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: “From the original six members has grown a vast family of worshipers. . . . No other church to come out of the soil of America has grown so fast or spread so widely. Within its vast embrace are members from many nations who speak many tongues. It is a phenomenon without precedent. As the tapestry of its past has unrolled, a beautiful pattern has come to view. It finds expression in the lives of a happy and wonderful people. It portends marvelous things yet to come” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2002, 3; or Ensign, May 2002, 4).
■ The work of bringing people into the gospel net through faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost is a part of the gathering of Israel. President Joseph Fielding Smith taught: “Every person who embraces the gospel becomes of the house of Israel. In other words, they become members of the chosen lineage, or Abraham’s children through Isaac and Jacob unto whom the promises were made” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 3:246).
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ President Spencer W. Kimball taught about the gathering of Israel: “The gathering of Israel consists of joining the true church and their coming to a knowledge of the true God. Any person, therefore, who has accepted the restored gospel, and who now seeks to worship the Lord in his own tongue and with the Saints in the nations where he lives, has complied with the law of the gathering of Israel and is heir to all of the blessings promised the Saints in these last days” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 439).
■ Elder Russell M. Nelson taught that “missionary work is only the beginning” of the gathering of Israel: “The fulfillment, the consummation, of those blessings comes as those who have entered the waters of baptism perfect their lives to the point that they may enter the holy temple. Receiving an endowment there seals members of the Church to the Abrahamic covenant” (Perfection Pending, and Other Favorite Discourses [1998], 207).
■ When the Lord’s Church was restored to the earth, people could once again receive baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and other principles and ordinances of the gospel as revealed by the Lord. Acceptance of the Lord’s doctrine and ordinances puts us on the path that leads to eternal life with Him and our Heavenly Father. The prophet Moroni taught: “Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God” (Moroni 10:32).
Missionaries and Church members may experience joy and peace as they share the restored gospel message that leads people to Christ.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles bore witness of Christ and His central role in the Church: “We love the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Messiah, our Savior and our Redeemer. His is the only name by which we can be saved (see Mosiah 3:17, 5:8; D&C 18:23). We seek to serve him. We belong to his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our missionaries and members testify of Jesus Christ in many nations of the world” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 78; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 65).
■ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke of his life as a witness of the truth:
“My greatest thrill and the most joyful of all realizations is that I have the opportunity, as Nephi phrased it, to ‘talk of Christ, . . . rejoice in Christ, . . . preach of Christ, [and] prophesy of Christ’ (2 Nephi 25:26) wherever I may be and with whomever I may find myself until the last breath of my life is gone. . . .
“But my greatest anxiety stems from that very same commission. A line of scripture reminds us with searing understatement that ‘they which preach the gospel should live . . . the gospel’ (1 Corinthians 9:14). Beyond my words and teachings and spoken witness, my life must be part of that testimony of Jesus. My very being should reflect the divinity of this work. I could not bear it if anything I might ever say or do would in any way diminish your faith in Christ” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 39–40; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 31).
■ Being a full-time missionary is a great opportunity. Through His authorized servants, the Lord calls missionaries to invite people to come unto Christ. This is the Lord’s work. Missionaries have the authority to teach the restored gospel and, through the priesthood, administer essential ordinances of salvation.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ President Gordon B. Hinckley challenged the young men of the Church to take their missionary opportunities seriously: “I throw out a challenge to every young man within this vast congregation tonight. Prepare yourself now to be worthy to serve the Lord as a full-time missionary. He has said, ‘If ye are prepared ye shall not fear’ (D&C 38:30). Prepare to consecrate two years of your lives to this sacred service. That will in effect constitute a tithe on the first twenty years of your lives” (in Conference Report, Sept.–Oct. 1995, 70; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 51–52).
■ Elder Monte J. Brough of the Seventy emphasized that a mission call comes from the Lord:
“On four different occasions, Sister Brough and I and our family have excitedly opened the envelope containing the mission call and assignment for one of our children. Each time, we have contemplated with excitement the various possibilities for their service. While preferences were expressed, the moment their eyes saw the words ‘You are hereby assigned to serve in the (blank) mission,’ without exception a wonderful feeling of good and right came over each family member. We each knew that a prophet had guided a divine selection process to which four of our children have gladly responded. Tens of thousands of returned missionaries can also testify of this process and the divine inspiration of their own missionary calling. . . .
“. . . Personal and prophetic revelation is the foundation upon which our Church service is firmly based” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 37–38; or Ensign, May 1997, 28).
■ Elder Richard G. Scott taught about a young man’s responsibility to serve a mission: “If you are a physically able, emotionally stable young man, pray about the opportunity and responsibility you have to the Lord to prepare yourself to be a full-time missionary. That includes understanding the scriptures, being obedient, keeping yourself clean, pure, and worthy to be endowed in the temple. When of age, accept a call by the President of the Church to serve for two years as an emissary of the Lord” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 48; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 36).
What does the declaration “the field is white already to harvest” mean to you?
In what ways is going on a mission a sacrifice? In what ways is it not a sacrifice?
In what ways will knowing that your mission call came from the Savior influence how you use your time each day during your mission?
Start a study journal. This is a journal in which you record gospel insights learned from your study. Many missions will instruct you to keep such a journal, so this will give you a start on a useful missionary tool.
Memorize Doctrine and Covenants 4, and prepare to recite it in a future class devotional (or you may recite it together as a class).
Memorize (or rememorize) the Articles of Faith.
Talk with a recently returned missionary about the value of serving a mission and whether or not his or her mission was a sacrifice.
Read Doctrine and Covenants 31:3–13, and analyze those charges and promises of the Lord to missionaries.
Bring scriptures and this student manual to class each week.
True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote about the first missionary of this dispensation, Samuel Smith, one of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s brothers. This early missionary serves as an important example to faithful missionaries who may feel like they see few fruits from their labors and about how to use the Book of Mormon in missionary work.
“His is a story of great faith and courage in the face of discouraging circumstances. He was not called as the first missionary by accident. After receiving a spiritual confirmation of the truthfulness of what his prophet-brother had been telling him, he became the third person baptized in this dispensation—following Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.
“He began his mission with a sure knowledge of the truthfulness of the sacred work being performed by Joseph Smith and also of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. As one of the Eight Witnesses, Samuel was privileged to be shown the plates by Joseph, and was able to hold the plates in his hands and examine the ancient writing thereon. He was also one of the six charter members of the Church when it was organized on 6 April 1830.
“Shortly before he received his formal missionary call, Samuel sold a copy of the Book of Mormon to Phineas Young, a traveling preacher. In this initial encounter he held a book in his hand and offered it to Phineas.
“‘There is a book, sir, I wish you to read.’
“Phineas hesitated. ‘Pray, sir, what book have you?’
“‘The Book of Mormon, or, as it is called by some, the Golden Bible.’
“‘Ah, sir, then it purports to be a revelation?’
“‘Yes. It is a revelation from God.’
“The young man showed Phineas the last two pages of the book and had him read the testimony of the witnesses. The young man continued, ‘If you will read this book with a prayerful heart and ask God to give you a witness you will know of the truth of this work.’
“His earnest demeanor and forthright manner impressed Phineas, who told the young man he would certainly read it. Phineas asked his name; he told him it was Samuel H. Smith.
“‘Ah, you are one of the witnesses.’
“‘Yes, I know the book to be a revelation from God, translated by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, and that my brother, Joseph Smith, Jun., is a Prophet, Seer and Revelator’ (quoted in S. Dilworth Young, Brigham Young—His Life (First Half), Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year [17 Mar. 1964], 3).
“When Samuel left on his first mission, shortly following the organization of the Church, he was armed with a testimony of the truth and little else. But he needed little else. He had a testimony, and he had copies of the Book of Mormon—the missionary tool for conversion. He carried a knapsack with him that he filled with as many copies of this book as he could carry. He probably even carried one in his hand.
“You have to remember that this had never been done before. He didn’t have a companion to show him how to use the Book of Mormon. There was no missionary training center for this young man.
“So Samuel left Palmyra to travel throughout the countryside, seeking converts and interested individuals who would purchase a copy of the Book of Mormon. He walked 25 miles that first day, and upon reaching an inn, he asked the innkeeper if he would buy one of the books. When the innkeeper learned more of his mission, Samuel was forced to leave and spent that first night under an apple tree.
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| © 2004 Robert Barrett. Do not copy |
“The next day Samuel met a Methodist preacher named John P. Greene. Mr. Greene was not personally interested in reading the book, but he said he would keep it to see if anyone else wanted to buy it. Samuel did not give up. He called again on the Greene family and found that Mr. Greene’s wife, Rhoda Young Greene—a sister of Phineas Young—had read the book. She later convinced her husband that he needed to read it as well. Samuel did not baptize one soul on that first mission, but those two copies of the Book of Mormon that were given to Phineas Young and John P. Greene eventually were the means of converting a whole neighborhood, including Brigham Young and his family and Heber C. Kimball and his family” (“The Book of Mormon: The Heart of Missionary Proselyting,” Ensign, Sept. 2002, 15–16).
Elder Heber C. Kimball, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was called as the first missionary to preach the restored gospel in England, in 1837. He left his family in Kirtland, Ohio, to serve across the Atlantic Ocean in the first overseas mission of the Church in the latter days. He described his calling, his departure from home, and his arrival in England:
“It never occurred to my mind that I should be one of the first commissioned to preach the everlasting gospel on the shores of Europe, and I can assure my friends, I was taken by surprise when I was informed by Brother Hyrum Smith, one of the Presidency of the Church, that I had been designed by the Spirit, and at a conference of the authorities of the Church which had been held, was appointed to take the charge of a mission to the kingdom of Great Britain.
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| Heber C. Kimball and Joseph Fielding in Chatburn, England, © Paul Mann. Do not copy |
“The idea of being appointed to such an important office and mission was almost more than I could bear up under. I felt my weakness and unworthiness, and was nearly ready to sink under the task which devolved upon me, and I could not help exclaiming: O Lord I am a man of ‘stammering tongue’ and altogether unfit for such a work. How can I go to preach in that land, which is so famed throughout Christendom for light, knowledge, and piety, and the nursery of religion; and to a people whose intelligence is proverbial?
“Again, the idea of leaving my family for so long a time, which a mission to that country must necessarily require—of being separated from my friends whom I loved, and with whom I had enjoyed many blessings and happy seasons—of leaving my native land to sojourn among strangers in a strange land, was almost overwhelming.
“However, all these considerations did not deter me from the path of duty. Neither did I confer with flesh and blood; but the moment I understood the will of my Heavenly Father, I felt a determination to go at all hazards, believing that He would support me by His almighty power, and endow me with every qualification I needed. And although my family were dear to me, and I should have to leave them almost destitute, yet I felt that the cause of truth, the gospel of Christ, outweighed every other consideration; and I felt willing to leave them, believing that their wants would be provided for by that God, who ‘taketh care of sparrows’ and who ‘feedeth the young ravens when they cry.’ . . .
“After spending a few days in arranging my affairs and settling my business, on the thirteenth day of June, A.D. 1837, I bade adieu to my family and friends, and the town of Kirtland, where the House of the Lord stood.”
Over a month later, on July 18, Elder Heber C. Kimball and his mission companions arrived in Liverpool, England. He wrote: “Immediately after we anchored, a small boat came along side, and several of the passengers, with Brothers Hyde, Richards, Goodson, and myself, got in and went on shore. When we were within six or seven feet from the pier, I leaped on shore, and for the first time in my life stood on British ground, among strangers whose manners and customs were different from my own. My feelings at that time were peculiar, particularly when I realized the object, importance, and extent of my mission and the work to which I had been appointed and in which I was shortly to be engaged” (Journal of Heber C. Kimball, comp. R. B. Thompson [1840], 9–11, 15; punctuation and capitalization modernized; paragraphing altered).
In the late summer of 1839, Elder Wilford Woodruff left his home and family under very difficult conditions to begin a mission in Great Britain. Both he and his wife were very ill and very poor. Elder Woodruff was faithful to his call, however, and the Lord blessed him with great success during his missionary labors. One significant account occurred following an impression he received to leave a town where he was having great success preaching and baptizing. He wrote:
“I went in secret before the Lord, and asked Him what His will was concerning me.
“The answer I got was, that I should go to the south, for the Lord had a great work for me to perform there, as many souls were waiting for the word of the Lord.”
After traveling nearly 50 miles by coach and foot to a region where no Latter-day Saint had ever been, Wilford met John and Jane Benbow. They were wealthy farmers and members of a congregation “who had broken off from the Wesleyan Methodists, and taken the name of United Brethren.” Wilford Woodruff wrote:
“This body of United Brethren were searching for light and truth, but had gone as far as they could, and were continually calling upon the Lord to open the way before them, and send them light and knowledge that they might know the true way to be saved.
“When I heard these things I could clearly see why the Lord had commanded me, while in the town of Hanley, to leave that place of labor and go to the south, for in Herefordshire there was a great harvest-field for gathering many Saints into the kingdom of God.”
While in this location he baptized over 600 people! One unique teaching experience from his journal worth noting helps illustrate how “white” this field of labor was:
“On Sunday, the 8th, I preached at Frome’s Hill in the morning, at Standley Hill in the afternoon, and at John Benbow’s Hill Farm, in the evening.
“The parish church that stood in the neighborhood of Brother Benbow’s, presided over by the rector of the parish, was attended during the day by only fifteen persons, while I had a large congregation, estimated to number a thousand, attend my meeting through the day and evening.
“When I arose in the evening to speak at Brother Benbow’s house, a man entered the door and informed me that he was a constable, and had been sent by the rector of the parish with a warrant to arrest me.
“I asked him ‘For what crime?’
“He said, ‘For preaching to the people.’
“I told him that I, as well as the rector, had a license for preaching the gospel to the people, and that if he would take a chair I would wait upon him after meeting.
“He took my chair and sat beside me. I preached the first principles of the everlasting gospel for an hour and a quarter. The power of God rested upon me, the Spirit filled the house, and the people were convinced.
“At the close of the meeting I opened a door for baptism, and seven offered themselves. Among the number were four preachers and the constable.
“The latter arose and said, ‘Mr. Woodruff, I would like to be baptized.’
“I told him I would like to baptize him. I went down to the pool and baptized the seven. We then met together and I confirmed thirteen, and broke bread unto the Saints and we all rejoiced together.
“The constable went to the rector and told him if he wanted Mr. Woodruff taken up for preaching the gospel, he must go himself and serve the writ, for he had heard him preach the only true gospel sermon he had ever listened to in his life.
“The rector did not know what to make of it, so he sent two clerks of the Church of England as spies, to attend our meeting, and find out what we did preach.
“But they were both pricked in their hearts and received the word of the Lord gladly, and were baptized and confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“The rector became alarmed and did not dare to send anybody else” (Leaves from My Journal [1881], 93–97).
Another of the Restoration’s great missionaries was a convert to the Church named Dan Jones. President Gordon B. Hinckley wrote about Dan Jones’s missions in his homeland of Wales:
“Dan Jones was born 4 August 1810 in Halkin, Flintshire, Wales. When he was seventeen, he went to sea. He learned of ships and sailors, the sting of salt spray whipped by a stiff wind, the pitching of a boat in a terrifying storm. In 1840 he came to America. Here he acquired and captained a small boat that plied the waters of the Mississippi. . . .
“While engaged in river traffic, Dan learned of the Mormons, who had been driven from Missouri and had found temporary refuge in Quincy, Illinois, and then had gone on to establish ‘Nauvoo the Beautiful’ on ground where the river makes a sweeping bend, creating the illusion of a peninsula reaching out into the water. Indications are that Dan Jones read some of the anti-Mormon castigations then prevalent. All of this piqued his curiosity. He wanted to learn more about these people. He met them, was taught, and accepted the truth. In January 1843, he was baptized in the cold waters of the Mississippi River. . . .
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| Dan Jones Awakens Wales, © Clark Kelley Price. Do not copy |
“Dan Jones was called to go [on a mission] to Wales. His wife, Jane, accompanied him. They traveled with Wilford Woodruff and others to the British Isles. Elder Jones was assigned to labor in north Wales. Though he had the great asset of speaking both Welsh and English, he accomplished relatively little in touching the hearts of the people of that area. On the other hand, William Henshaw, who did not speak the Welsh language, enjoyed considerable success in the south.
“When Brother Henshaw was released a year later, Elder Jones was called to preside over all the work in Wales. He made his headquarters in Merthyr Tydfil in southeastern Wales. Working with a handful of missionaries, he witnessed a remarkable harvest. From 1845 to 1848, approximately 3,600 were baptized. It is estimated that in terms of population, one out of every 278 people in Wales at that time was baptized into the LDS Church.
“Opponents had access to newspapers and other publications to attack the Mormon missionaries. But the press would not open its columns to Elder Jones. He therefore determined that he would answer with publications of his own. He enlisted the help of his brother, John Jones, a Protestant minister who owned a printing press. It is said that John printed Dan’s literature during the week and denounced him from the pulpit on Sunday.
“Dan Jones’s publication was the first Mormon periodical published in a language other than English. . . .
“. . . He feared no one. He moved with great boldness. Of his method it has been written: ‘He would often advertise in a town for several weeks that he was coming to “convert” the whole town. He would inform the mayor, the city council, the ministers, and the police force of his intentions. He would have the local members of the church distribute thousands of tracts to all the city. When he arrived at the railroad station he was often met by all of the officials of the city and many excited citizens’ [Rex LeRoy Christensen, “The Life and Contributions of Captain Dan Jones,” Master’s thesis, Utah State University, 1977, 39–40].
“Ministers of other churches lashed out against him. They used their pulpits and the public press. Of their antagonism against him, Dan Jones wrote, ‘Most of the stories that were told on poor Brother Joseph in America, are here fathered on Captain Jones, and I often hear those who don’t know that little man [himself], unhesitatingly denounce him as “a curse upon this nation”’ [Christensen, “Life and Contributions,” 27].
“Public opinions raged this way and that. But instead of shrinking, Dan Jones capitalized on controversies. He drew such public attention that people had to decide whether the gospel of the Mormons was true or false. An increasing number of converts came into the Church while a veritable storm arose against the Mormons in general and Elder Jones in particular. He was vilified in the press. He was shouted at in the streets. His life was threatened. . . .
“. . . [In 1852] he was called to serve a second mission in his native land. Again he responded without hesitation. . . .
“Once back in Wales, Elder Jones again put his whole energy into the work. During his second mission, some two thousand new converts came into the Church. It was remarkable. . . .
“Tens of thousands in the Church today are descended from those whom he and his associates taught and baptized. In terms of the number of converts, Dan Jones must certainly be included in the half dozen or so most productive missionaries in the history of the Church. He dedicated his life to the teaching of righteousness and the building of faith” (“The Thing of Most Worth,” Ensign, Sept. 1993, 2, 4, 6–7).
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| © Steve Tregeagle. Do not copy |
One of the crowning blessings of your life will be to go to the temple of the Lord and receive your temple endowment. This endowment gives you spiritual knowledge and power that will help you better serve the Lord and eventually qualify you to enter His kingdom. Because of the knowledge, power, and strength gained in the temple, prospective missionaries generally have the opportunity to go to the temple and receive their temple endowment prior to their missionary service. To do the Lord’s work as a missionary and to enter His holy house requires a high degree of personal worthiness.
Personal worthiness is necessary to accomplish missionary work.
Personal worthiness allows prospective missionaries to obtain temple blessings.
Repentance is a cleansing process that allows us to become worthy.
■ Missionaries must be pure in order to have the spirit necessary to represent the Lord. Personal purity includes clean thoughts, moral cleanliness, adhering to gospel principles, and keeping the commandments. The demands of missionary service require spiritual fortitude. Priesthood leaders help prospective missionaries prepare for this demanding work by helping them repent and become worthy to serve as full-time missionaries.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder
Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ Elder Charles Didier of the Presidency of the Seventy reflected on what prospective missionaries need to understand about worthiness to be prepared to serve the Lord: “I wish we could teach the youth how to avoid the need for major repentance. Prevention is better than redemption. We need to teach them to have a spirit of love for the Lord and His commandments. If they have that, we don’t need to establish barriers where we tell them, ‘If you go over that, you cannot serve’” (in “Teaching from the Heart,” Ensign, June 2004, 10).
■ When asked what potential missionaries should focus on being or becoming, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles answered: “Worthy—so that the Spirit can guide them.” He also said:
“They need to stay as far away from the boundaries of sin as they can. That gives them the greatest happiness as they’re preparing. It assures them the greatest capacity to be led by the Spirit and to be the examples they need to be in the mission field.
“Almost any young person can recite the ‘Rs’ of repentance or some other way of describing it. What they really need to do, though, is understand the gravity with which the Lord views some transgressions and not commit them” (in “Teaching from the Heart,” Ensign, June 2004, 9–10).
■ President Gordon B. Hinckley described a standard of worthiness that missionaries must attain:
“This work is rigorous. . . . It demands clean hands and a pure heart. . . .
“What a solemn and serious undertaking this work is. It demands that those who serve as missionaries be worthy in every respect. We simply cannot permit those who have not qualified themselves as to worthiness to go into the world to speak the glad tidings of the gospel.
“I am confident that raising the bar on eligibility will cause our young people, particularly our young men, to practice self-discipline, to live above the low standards of the world, to avoid transgression and take the high road in all their activities. We will not knowingly send young men to reform them. If their lives need reforming, that must happen well before they go. . . .
“. . . We need missionaries, but they must be capable of doing the work. They must be spiritually sensitive to do that which is expected of them, which is essentially a spiritual work. They must be morally worthy in every respect, having kept themselves clean from the evils of the world. If there have been offenses, there must have been adequate repentance. . . .
“We are not asking for perfection. The work of the Lord is done by ordinary people who work in an extraordinary way. The Lord magnifies those who put forth the effort. Nowhere is this more evident than in missionary service. . . . With small means the Lord accomplishes His marvelous work” (“Missionary Service,” First Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 2003, 17–18).
■ President Hinckley warned against pornography: “There is an ever-growing plague of pornography swirling about us. The producers and purveyors of smut are assiduously working a mine that yields them many millions in profit. Some of their products are artfully beguiling. They are designed to titillate and stimulate the baser instincts. Many a man who has partaken of forbidden fruit and then discovered that he has . . . lost his self-respect . . . has come to realize that the booby-trapped jungle trail he has followed began with the reading or viewing of pornographic material. Some who would not think of taking a sip of liquor or of smoking a cigarette, have rationalized indulgence in pornography. Such have warped values totally unbecoming one who has been ordained to the priesthood of God” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1983, 66; or Ensign, Nov. 1983, 45).
■ What standards of worthiness and testimony must prospective missionaries live?
Have faith in and a testimony of Heavenly Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.
Have a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and His role as the Savior.
Have a testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the gospel.
Sustain the Church authorities.
Keep the law of chastity. This includes avoiding pornography in any form.
Keep the covenants made at baptism and elsewhere.
Attend all their Church meetings.
Be honest in their dealings with others.
Pay a full tithing.
Keep the Word of Wisdom.
Repent and confess their sins. Confess serious sins to priesthood leaders.
■ President Howard W. Hunter taught the importance of the temple blessings in relation to the mission call: “Let us prepare every missionary to go to the temple worthily and to make that experience an even greater highlight than receiving the mission call” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 118; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 88).
Why is the temple experience so important to a missionary? Temple blessings bring power to worthy missionaries. The blessings obtained in the house of the Lord come to those who are worthy. The required standards of worthiness will increase spirituality and enhance each missionary’s ability to teach the restored gospel to others.
A missionary endowed in the temple is entitled to additional power. This power comes through the greater understanding of Heavenly Father’s plan, the covenants, and the blessings obtained only in the temple.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that temple work “can be an anchor in daily life, a source of guidance, protection, security, peace, and revelation” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1992, 123; or Ensign, May 1992, 88).
■ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained why missionaries need temple ordinances in order to successfully preach the restored gospel:
“It is so important for you to understand that going to the temple for your own endowment . . . [is] an integral part of your mission preparation. . . . [You should] understand the significance of those temple covenants [and] the inextricable link between your endowment and your missionary success. Indeed, the very word endowment conveys the essence of that vital link. An endowment is a gift.
“You cannot do this work alone. We have to have heaven’s help, we have to have the ‘gifts’ of God. . . . This work is so serious and the adversary’s opposition to it so great that we need every divine power to enhance our effort and move the Church steadily forward” (“Making and Keeping Covenants” [missionary satellite broadcast, Apr. 25, 1997]).
■ Elder Bruce R. McConkie, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, explained how temple blessings qualify one to go forth and preach the restored gospel: “The apostles—or any ministers or missionaries in any age—are not fully qualified to go forth, preach the gospel, and build up the kingdom, unless they have the gift of the Holy Ghost and also are endowed with power from on high, meaning [they] have received certain knowledge, powers, and special blessings, normally given only in the Lord’s Temple” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1966–73], 1:859).
■ President Joseph Fielding Smith explained why temple blessings are needed before entering the mission field: “Do you understand why our missionaries go to the temple before they are set apart for their mission fields? This is a requirement made of them . . . [where there is access to a temple] because the Lord has said it should be done. He called all the missionaries to Kirtland in the early day of the Church to receive endowments in the temple erected there. He said this was so that they could go out with greater power from on high and with greater protection” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 2:255).
■ Elder David B. Haight, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, described the blessings of receiving the temple endowment: “The environment in the temple is intended to provide the worthy member of the Church with the power of enlightenment, of testimony, and of understanding. The temple endowment gives knowledge that, when acted upon, provides strength and conviction of truth” (A Light unto the World [1997], 49).
■ While serving as a member of the Seventy, Elder Jack H. Goaslind Jr. spoke of the relationship of the endowment to missionary service: “By obeying the commandments and fulfilling these covenants, we are sanctified, purified, and born of the Spirit. We become vessels worthy of receiving the Holy Spirit and the accompanying gifts of the Spirit that must attend this work if we are to succeed” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1983, 47–48; or Ensign, Nov. 1983, 33).
■ Elder Richard G. Scott spoke of the purpose of the temple recommend interview: “Before entering the temple, you will be interviewed by your bishop and stake president for your temple recommend. Be honest and candid with them. That interview is not a test to be passed but an important step to confirm that you have the maturity and spirituality to receive the supernal ordinances and make and keep the edifying covenants offered in the house of the Lord. Personal worthiness is an essential requirement to enjoy the blessings of the temple. Anyone foolish enough to enter the temple unworthily will receive condemnation” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1999, 31; or Ensign, May 1999, 25).
■ Elder David B. Haight taught, “When we present our recommend to the attendant at the temple, we reaffirm our worthiness to enter the temple” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1992, 19; or Ensign, May 1992, 15).
■ There is a strong correlation between personal worthiness and success in the mission field. Prospective missionaries must properly repent of past sins before entering the mission field.
Repentance is a principle that will bless the lives of missionaries and investigators who exercise faith in Jesus Christ, repent of their sins, and accept the principles and ordinances of the gospel.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland wrote of the vital need to understand that true faith in Christ leads us to repent of our sins: “We learn above all else [from the experience of Alma the Younger] that Christ is the power behind all repentance. . . . Alma had been touched by the teaching of his father, but it is particularly important that the prophecy he remembered was one regarding ‘the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.’ (Alma 36:17.) That is the name and that is the message that every person must hear. . . . Whatever other prayers we offer, whatever other needs we have, all somehow depends on that plea: ‘O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me.’ He is prepared to provide that mercy. He paid with his very life in order to give it” (However Long and Hard the Road [1985], 85).
■ Elder Glenn L. Pace of the Seventy focused on the importance of clearing up unresolved transgressions prior to serving a mission:
“The strongest counsel I can give a prospective missionary is to stay worthy. The second strongest counsel is to get yourself worthy before you enter the MTC. Make certain you are honest with your local priesthood leaders. . . .
“There is a common feeling among the youth that the only real discomfort or penalty for serious transgression is the pain and embarrassment attendant with confessing the transgression to their bishop. This is only the beginning. One cannot immediately have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion by walking into the bishop’s office, confessing a sin, and walking out again. None of us believe in deathbed repentance. Why do so many of us accept ‘mission bed’ repentance. It matters little that a prospective missionary learns his or her [lessons] well . . . , gaining a person’s trust, and all the other techniques. They are hollow without the Spirit. . . . Without the Spirit, you shall not teach” (“Why?” [devotional address at Ricks College, Sept. 24, 1991], 2–4).
■ Elder Richard G. Scott counseled those who have fully repented but continue to feel weighed down because of those sins:
“If you have repented from serious transgression and mistakenly believe that you will always be a second-class citizen in the kingdom of God, learn that is not true. The Savior said:
“‘Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.
“‘By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them’ [D&C 58:42–43]” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2000, 33; or Ensign, Nov. 2000, 26).
■ President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, described the cleansing power of repentance: “The discouraging idea that a mistake (or even a series of them) makes it everlastingly too late, does not come from the Lord. He has said that if we will repent, not only will He forgive us our transgressions, but He will forget them and remember our sins no more (see Isaiah 43:25; Hebrews 8:12; 10:17; Alma 36:19; D&C 58:42). Repentance is like soap; it can wash sin away. Ground-in dirt may take the strong detergent of discipline to get the stains out, but out they will come” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 72; or Ensign, May 1989, 59).
■ President N. Eldon Tanner, who was a counselor in the First Presidency, explained why missionaries must be worthy and clean: “Prospective missionaries should realize that the Lord wants somebody in whom he can place every confidence, one who is clean and worthy in every way to represent him in the mission field. If you are not worthy, don’t accept a call, don’t lie to get there, but through repentance prepare yourself to go. It is so much better to wait a year or so than to go unworthily. Have the courage and manhood, stamina and determination to face the facts, to tell the truth, to prepare yourselves in every way to do what the Lord would want you to do” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1976, 67; or Ensign, May 1976, 44).
Why do you feel it is important to receive a temple endowment prior to serving a mission?
What is wrong with thinking it is okay to sin now and repent later?
Why do those who have sincere faith in Jesus Christ desire to repent of their sins?
Why do you feel it is important to confess serious sins to priesthood leaders as well as to the Lord?
Memorize Doctrine and Covenants 58:42–43 and 121:45–46.
Examine your personal worthiness for serving a mission. If there are problem areas, determine what needs to be done and then follow through.
Write in your study journal your understanding of why those who have sincere faith in Jesus Christ will repent of their sins, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Why would this relationship be important for missionaries to understand in their personal lives? Why must they be able to clearly teach this truth?
True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference
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| Do not copy |
Vital to successful missionary work is the willingness to seek and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Therefore, missionaries must be worthy to receive that divine guidance. They must be sensitive to the Spirit of God to teach with power and conviction. As they seek, receive, and follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost, they are prepared to teach others the doctrines of the Restoration in clarity, and the Spirit testifies of the truthfulness of their message (see D&C 11:21; 50:13–14).
The Light of Christ is a source of inspiration our Heavenly Father has given to all of His children. Understanding the functions of the Light of Christ and of the Holy Ghost helps you recognize God’s influence in your life. The influences of the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost upon the minds and hearts of all seekers of truth are essential in the conversion process.
The Light of Christ is a power for good in the lives of all people.
The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead.
There are many ways that the Holy Ghost influences our lives for good.
Sensitivity and obedience to the Spirit is one of a missionary’s greatest resources.
■ President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught that the Light of Christ “fosters everything that is good” (“The Light of Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 2005, 10). Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “The Light of Christ, which is sometimes called the Spirit of Christ or the Spirit of God, ‘giveth light to every man that cometh into the world’ (D&C 84:46). This is the light ‘which is in all things, which giveth life to all things’ (D&C 88:13). The prophet Mormon taught that ‘the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil’ (Moroni 7:16; see also v. 19; 2 Nephi 2:5; Helaman 14:31)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 79; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 60).
Since everyone you meet will have been given the Light of Christ, it is important that you understand the role of this great influence. Those who follow the Light of Christ will be led to Christ, develop faith in Christ, repent of their sins, and accept baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost as they become members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ “The Light of Christ should not be confused with the Holy Ghost. It is not a personage, as the Holy Ghost is. Its influence leads people to find the true gospel, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (see John 12:46; Alma 26:14–15)” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 96; see also Bible Dictionary, “Light of Christ,” 725; Guide to the Scriptures, “Light, Light of Christ,” 150).
■ President Boyd K. Packer taught that the Light of Christ is “another source of inspiration, which each of us possesses in common with all other members of the human family. If we know about the Light of Christ, we will understand that there is something inside all of us, and we can appeal to that in our desire to share truth. . . .
“Every man, woman, and child of every nation, creed, or color—everyone, no matter where they live or what they believe or what they do—has within them the imperishable Light of Christ. In this respect, all men are created equally. The Light of Christ in everyone is a testimony that God is no respecter of persons (see D&C 1:35). He treats everyone equally in that endowment with the Light of Christ” (Ensign, Apr. 2005, 8, 10).
■ Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained that the Light of Christ helps prepare people for the restored gospel message and its blessings: “Its influence is preliminary to and preparatory to one’s receiving the Holy Ghost. The Light of Christ will lead the honest soul to ‘[hearken] to the voice’ [D&C 84:46] to find the true gospel and the true Church and thereby receive the Holy Ghost” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2003, 26; or Ensign, May 2003, 26).
■ President Boyd K. Packer explained the importance of understanding that all of God’s children have been given the Light of Christ:
“The more we know about the Light of Christ, the more we will understand about life and the more we will have a deep love for mankind. We will be better teachers and missionaries and parents, and better men and women and children. We will have deeper regard for our brothers and sisters in the Church and for those who do not believe and have not yet had conferred upon them the gift of the Holy Ghost. . . .
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| © 2004 Robert Casey. Do not copy |
“It is important for a teacher or a missionary or a parent to know that the Holy Ghost can work through the Light of Christ. A teacher of gospel truths is not planting something foreign or even new into an adult or a child. Rather, the missionary or teacher is making contact with the Spirit of Christ already there. The gospel will have a familiar ‘ring’ to them” (Ensign, Apr. 2005, 8, 10).
■ The scriptures teach about the function of the Holy Ghost in the Godhead. As a member of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost performs duties that are important for missionaries to understand.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described some of the duties of the Holy Ghost: “The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, a personage of spirit. He is the Comforter, the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit of Promise. He testifies of Jesus Christ, His work, and the work of His servants upon the earth. He acts as a cleansing agent to purify and sanctify us from sin. He comforts us and brings peace to our souls. The right to His constant companionship is among the greatest gifts we can receive in mortality, for by the light of His promptings and His cleansing power we can be led back into the presence of God” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2002, 80; or Ensign, May 2002, 70).
■ Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught that manifestations of the Holy Ghost are “given to acquaint sincere seekers with the truth about the Lord and His gospel” and that “these manifestations are available to everyone [see 2 Nephi 26:13].” He then explained the difference between the Light of Christ, manifestations of the Holy Ghost, and the gift of the Holy Ghost:
“The Light of Christ is given to all men and women that they may know good from evil; manifestations of the Holy Ghost are given to lead sincere seekers to gospel truths that will persuade them to repentance and baptism.
“The gift of the Holy Ghost is more comprehensive. . . .
“The gift of the Holy Ghost includes the right to constant companionship, that we may ‘always have his Spirit to be with [us]’ (D&C 20:77). . . .
“For faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ, the companionship of the Holy Spirit should be so familiar that we must use care not to take it for granted. For example, that good feeling you have felt during the messages and music of this conference is a confirming witness of the Spirit, available to faithful members on a continuing basis. A member once asked me why he felt so good about the talks and music in a sacrament meeting, while a guest he had invited that day apparently experienced no such feeling. This is but one illustration of the contrast between one who has the gift of the Holy Ghost and is in tune with His promptings and one who has not, or is not” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 79–80; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 60).
■ Elder Bruce R. McConkie, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, illustrated the difference between the influence of the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost: “Before baptism [all people] may receive revelation from the Holy Ghost for the purpose of giving them a testimony of the truth and divinity of the Lord’s work on earth. After baptism they receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and it is then their right to have the constant companionship of that member of the Godhead if they keep the commandments. The testimony before baptism, speaking by way of analogy, comes as a flash of lightning blazing forth in a dark and stormy night; it comes to light the path on which earth’s pilgrims, far from their heavenly home and lost in the deserts and swamps of the world, must walk if they are to return to the Divine Presence. The companionship of the Holy Ghost after baptism is as the continuing blaze of the sun at noonday, shedding its rays on the path of life and on all that surrounds it” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [1985], 262).
■ Manifestations of the Spirit come in a variety of ways. The scriptures help us better understand the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Prospective missionaries should be able to recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost in their lives and have the faith and courage to follow those promptings. The Lord gave the following commission: “That which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart” (D&C 46:7).
Prospective missionaries should also be able to explain the nature and basic duties of the Holy Ghost to investigators.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ “No mortal teacher, no matter how expert or experienced, can bring the blessings of testimony and conversion to another person. That is the office of the Holy Ghost, or the Spirit. People come to know that the gospel is true by the power of the Holy Ghost” (Teaching, No Greater Call [1999], 41).
■ Following are some important principles to understand about the influence of the Holy Ghost:
1. We can receive spiritual impressions.
See Romans 15:13.
See Alma 32:28.
“Although we often describe communication from the Spirit as a voice, that voice is one that we feel more than we hear. And while we speak of ‘listening’ to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, we often describe a spiritual prompting by saying, ‘I had a feeling . . .’ The Lord’s counsel to Oliver Cowdery in section 9 of the Doctrine and Covenants . . . teaches this principle. However, this counsel is sometimes misunderstood. Upon reading that passage, some members of the Church become confused, fearing that they have never received a prompting from the Holy Ghost because they have never felt a burning in their bosom. Note the Lord’s final words in Doctrine and Covenants 9:8: ‘Therefore, you shall feel that it is right.’ The burning described in this scripture passage signifies a feeling of comfort and serenity, not necessarily a sensation of heat. As you continue to seek and follow the Lord’s will in your life, you will come to recognize how the Holy Ghost influences you personally” (True to the Faith, 144).
While serving as a member of the Seventy, Elder L. Lionel Kendrick described how the Spirit influences both the mind and the heart: “Personal revelations are received in both the mind and in the heart. These impressions come to the mind as thoughts and to the heart as feelings. Elder Boyd K. Packer explained, ‘This guidance comes as thoughts, as feelings, through impressions and promptings’ (“Revelation in a Changing World,” Ensign, November 1989, p. 14). At times the Spirit will impress both the mind and the heart at the same time. Usually when your head and your heart are receiving the same impression, you know that you are receiving a personal revelation. The Savior instructed Hyrum Smith, ‘I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy’ (D&C 11:13)” (“Personal Revelation,” Brigham Young University 1996–97 Speeches [1997], 256).
President Boyd K. Packer explained how our minds receive communication from divine sources: “The Holy Ghost communicates with the spirit through the mind more than through the physical senses. This guidance comes as thoughts, as feelings, through impressions and promptings. It is not always easy to describe inspiration. The scriptures teach us that we may ‘feel’ the words of spiritual communication more than hear them, and see with spiritual rather than with mortal eyes (see 1 Nephi 17:45)” (in Conference Report, Sept.–Oct. 1989, 16; or Ensign, Nov. 1989, 14).
2. We can receive a feeling of peace.
See Genesis 41:16.
“The Holy Ghost is often called the Comforter (see John 14:26; D&C 39:6). As He reveals the will of the Lord to you, He will ‘speak peace to your mind’ (D&C 6:23). The peace He gives cannot be counterfeited by worldly influences or false teachings. It is the peace the Savior promised when He assured His disciples that He would send the Comforter: ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid’ (John 14:27)” (True to the Faith, 144).
Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described feelings associated with the burning of the bosom: “What does a ‘burning in the bosom’ mean? Does it need to be a feeling of caloric heat, like the burning produced by combustion? If that is the meaning, I have never had a burning in the bosom. Surely, the word ‘burning’ in this scripture signifies a feeling of comfort and serenity. That is the witness many receive. That is the way revelation works” (“Teaching and Learning by the Spirit,” Ensign, Mar. 1997, 13).
Elder Robert K. Dellenbach of the Seventy taught how peace can bless our lives: “As we sincerely pray to the Lord and rely upon his divine whisperings, that still, small voice will come to us (see Helaman 5:30). We will receive a peace, knowing that God has answered our prayers. Remember the peace that Oliver received [see D&C 6:23]. These spiritual embers can grow into a flame of testimony (see Helaman 5:45)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1990, 28; or Ensign, Nov. 1990, 23).
3. We can receive the still, small voice.
See 1 Kings 19:9–12.
See Helaman 5:30.
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| © 2005 Robert Casey. Do not copy |
President Boyd K. Packer taught about the voice of the Spirit: “The voice of the Spirit is a still, small voice—a voice that is felt rather than heard. It is a spiritual voice that comes into the mind as a thought put into your heart” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2000, 8; or Ensign, May 2000, 8).
Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles indicated how a strong need to know what God wants brings answers: “I have had prayers answered. Those answers were most clear when what I wanted was silenced by an overpowering need to know what God wanted. It is then that the answer from a loving Heavenly Father can be spoken to the mind by the still, small voice and can be written on the heart” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2000, 111; or Ensign, Nov. 2000, 86).
President Ezra Taft Benson spoke about what the gift of the Holy Ghost will do for us: “The Holy Ghost helps you choose the right. The Holy Ghost will protect you from evil. He whispers to you in a still, small voice to do right. When you do good, you feel good, and that is the Holy Ghost speaking to you. The Holy Ghost is a wonderful companion. He is always there to help you” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 103; or Ensign, May 1989, 82).
4. We can receive new ideas.
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught how the spirit of revelation can bring new ideas: “A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas, so that by noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon; (i.e.) those things that were presented unto your minds by the Spirit of God, will come to pass; and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation, until you become perfect in Christ Jesus” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 151).
5. We should remember that spiritual manifestations are sacred.
See Alma 12:9.
President Boyd K. Packer gave caution regarding the sacred nature of spiritual manifestations:
“Dreams and visions and visitations are not uncommon in the Church and are a part of all that the Lord has revealed in this dispensation.
“It may be that you will be the recipient of a marvelous spiritual experience. I have come to know that these experiences are personal and are to be kept private. Ponder them in your heart and do not talk lightly about them [see Alma 12:9]” (“The Great Plan of Happiness and Personal Revelation” [CES fireside for young adults, Nov. 7, 1993], 7–8).
6. The Lord gives us revelation in His own time.
See Isaiah 55:8–9.
See Moroni 7:2.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught about the timing of inspiration from the Lord: “We should recognize that the Lord will speak to us through the Spirit in his own time and in his own way. Many people do not understand this principle. They believe that when they are ready and when it suits their convenience, they can call upon the Lord and he will immediately respond, even in the precise way they have prescribed. Revelation does not come that way” (Ensign, Mar. 1997, 10).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, emphasized the need to submit ourselves to the Lord’s timing while waiting for answers to our prayers and other righteous desires: “Since the Lord wants a people ‘tried in all things’ (D&C 136:31), how, specifically, will we be tried? He tells us, I will try the faith and the patience of my people (see Mosiah 23:21). Since faith in the timing of the Lord may be tried, let us learn to say not only, ‘Thy will be done,’ but patiently also, ‘Thy timing be done’” (in Conference Report, Mar.–Apr. 2001, 76; or Ensign, May 2001, 59).
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| © 1999 Bryant Livingston. Do not copy |
7. We should not expect revelation in all things.
See James 4:3.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks cautioned: “Revelations from God—the teachings and directions of the Spirit—are not constant. We believe in continuing revelation, not continuous revelation. We are often left to work out problems without the dictation or specific direction of the Spirit. That is part of the experience we must have in mortality. Fortunately, we are never out of our Savior’s sight, and if our judgment leads us to actions beyond the limits of what is permissible and if we are listening to the still, small voice, the Lord will restrain us by the promptings of his Spirit” (Ensign, Mar. 1997, 14).
Elder Oaks also warned about seeking revelation in every element of our lives: “The Spirit of the Lord is not likely to give us revelations on matters that are trivial. I once heard a young woman in testimony meeting praise the spirituality of her husband, indicating that he submitted every question to the Lord. She told how he accompanied her shopping and would not even choose between different brands of canned vegetables without making his selection a matter of prayer. That strikes me as improper. I believe the Lord expects us to use the intelligence and experience He has given us to make these kinds of choices” (“Revelation,” New Era, Sept. 1982, 46).
■ The missionary teaches restored gospel truths to the investigator, but the influence of the Spirit is the most powerful element in a person’s conversion to the restored gospel. It is critical that missionaries be sensitive to the Spirit and learn to follow the impressions they receive. Our understanding of the role of the Spirit will increase as we learn to obey its promptings.
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles discussed the power of the Spirit in conversion: “In the missionary training centers, we teach the missionaries that they must have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. They are taught that they need to develop genuinely warm, personal, caring relationships with those whom they meet. They must learn to listen with understanding and to show sincere sensitivity to the interests and concerns of those they teach. As missionaries teach the doctrines, they need to find out what their contacts think and feel so they can clarify misunderstandings, ease doubts, resolve concerns, and provide encouragement. The warm, sincere spirit of the missionaries is essential to help nonmembers feel and recognize the Spirit of the Lord, because the Spirit is the power that leads to conversion” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1988, 34; or Ensign, Nov. 1988, 28).
■ Elder Gene R. Cook of the Seventy taught how sharing our testimonies brings the Spirit: “Testify frequently while you are teaching. This may even be more important than the thing you are teaching. Testify in the name of the Lord that the things you are teaching are true. If you will do that, it will bring the Spirit of the Lord” (Raising Up a Family to the Lord [1993], 49).
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| © 1995 Merrett T. Smith. Do not copy |
■ President Boyd K. Packer described an important lesson he learned while serving in the mission field:
“I learned a sobering lesson as a mission president. I was also a General Authority. I had been prompted several times, for the good of the work, to release one of my counselors. Besides praying about it, I had reasoned that it was the right thing to do. But I did not do it. I feared that it would injure a man who had given long service to the Church.
“The Spirit withdrew from me. I could get no promptings on who should be called as a counselor should I release him. It lasted for several weeks. My prayers seemed to be contained within the room where I offered them. I tried a number of alternate ways to arrange the work, but to no avail. Finally I did as I was bidden to do by the Spirit. Immediately the gift returned. Oh, the exquisite sweetness to have that gift again! You know it, for you have it—the gift of the Holy Ghost. And the brother was not injured, indeed he was greatly blessed and immediately thereafter the work prospered” (“That All May Be Edified” [1982], 341).
■ President Marion G. Romney, who was a counselor in the First Presidency, emphasized the need to follow the Lord’s guidance after we receive it: “When a person learns what the Lord’s counsel is and follows it, he irresistibly draws close to the Spirit. From its very beginning, the history of God’s dealings with his children on the earth testifies to the fact that those who disregard his counsel fail and come to grief” (“Seek Not to Counsel the Lord,” Ensign, Aug. 1985, 2).
What are some of the ways the Spirit of the Lord has inspired you?
What can you do to increase the influence of the Spirit in your life? How does personal worthiness affect the influence of the Spirit in a person’s life?
In what ways can you develop greater sensitivity to the Spirit?
Determine what adjustments you can make in your life to become more sensitive to the Spirit.
Choose a time and a place where you can be alone. You may want to fast. Begin with prayer and ask your Heavenly Father what He would have you do as you prepare to be one of His missionaries. After praying, take some time to consider thoughts and feelings that come to you. Record these impressions in your journal. This may be a good start to your missionary journal.
Record impressions and insights regarding the scriptures you study in a scripture study journal.
Prayerfully review your patriarchal blessing, noting counsel and impressions that could be applied to your mission. (If you have not received your patriarchal blessing, consider doing so.)
Prepare a talk on the subject “Why being guided by the Spirit is important to every missionary.” Give your talk to your family or a trusted friend.
Read the scripture references in the left column of the chart below. In the right column, write a brief description of the way the Holy Ghost can influence us that is illustrated in the scripture. You may also want to “chain” these verses together in your scriptures by cross-referencing the first scripture on the list to the second, the second to the third, and so on to the end and then cross-referencing the last scripture to the first.
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Ways the Holy Ghost Can Influence Us |
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True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference
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| The Sermon on the Mount, by Harry Anderson |
Missionaries are called to teach the restored gospel with the power and authority of God. “Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question—unto what were ye ordained? To preach my gospel by the Spirit” (D&C 50:13–14; italics added). Speaking about the importance of effective gospel teaching, Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that “every member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is, or will be, a teacher” and that “we are His servants with the sacred responsibility of teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, the greatest message of all time. We need more teachers to match that message” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1999, 100, 104; or Ensign, Nov. 1999, 78, 80).
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in vain for anyone to minister without it” (History of the Church, 3:389). President Brigham Young also emphasized the necessity of the Spirit when teaching the gospel: “If all the talent, tact, wisdom, and refinement of the world had been sent to me with the Book of Mormon, and had declared, in the most exalted of earthly eloquence, the truth of it, undertaking to prove it by learning and worldly wisdom, they would have been to me like the smoke which arises only to vanish away. But when I saw a man without eloquence, or talents for public speaking, who could only say, ‘I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that the Book of Mormon is true, that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of the Lord,’ the Holy Ghost proceeding from that individual illuminated my understanding, and light, glory, and immortality were before me. I was encircled by them, filled with them, and I knew for myself that the testimony of the man was true” (in Journal of Discourses, 1:90).
As a servant of the Lord, you must learn to minister, which means to teach with the Spirit. This includes learning and using teaching skills and principles that allow you and your investigators to receive the influence of the Spirit. The Lord knows what each person needs to learn. When you teach correct doctrines and principles clearly and with the Spirit, the message will touch hearts with power. Inspired teaching will strike a chord in souls that can lead to conversion through acceptance of the first principles and ordinances of the restored gospel.
Personal preparation and worthiness are necessary to teach by the Spirit.
Missionaries can invite the Holy Ghost into their teaching.
Missionaries should practice methods of teaching that edify.
■ The Lord will bless prepared and worthy missionaries with His Spirit. President Joseph F. Smith taught: “Every missionary should strive to devote part of each day to study and prayerful thought on the principles of the gospel and the theology of the Church. He should read and reflect and pray. . . . His mind should be well stored with thoughts worth uttering, worth hearing, worth remembering; then the spirit of inspiration will bring forth the truths of which his [listeners] are in need, and give to his words the ring of authority” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 363).
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ “One purpose of the Spirit is to ‘manifest the truth . . . of all things’ (Moroni 10:4–5). Only through the influence of the Spirit can gospel teaching be edifying and inspiring.
“Your privilege as a gospel teacher is to be an instrument through whom the Holy Ghost can teach, testify, comfort, and inspire. . . .
“If you prepare spiritually, the Holy Ghost will help you know what to do and say in your teaching. You can prepare yourself by praying often, studying the scriptures, living the gospel, and being humble” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 169).
■ Elder David B. Haight, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught: “Our missionaries teach and testify by the Spirit. But they must be in tune with the Lord. Hoping for the Spirit is not enough. Praying is not enough. Missionaries must do what the Lord requires: live the commandments, be clean, be wholesome in deed and thoughts. ‘The Lord hath said he dwelleth not in unholy temples.’ (Al. 34:36.)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1977, 86; or Ensign, Nov. 1977, 57).
■ President James E. Faust, a counselor in the First Presidency, compared worthiness to receive the Spirit to receiving a signal on a cellular phone:
“Cellular phones are used for much of the communication in our time. Occasionally, however, we find dead spots where the signal coming to a cell phone fails. This can happen when the cell phone user is in a tunnel or a canyon or when there is other interference.
“So it is with divine communication. The still, small voice, though still and small, is very powerful. It ‘whispereth through and pierceth all things’ [D&C 85:6]. . . . Perhaps something in our lives prevents us from hearing the message because we are ‘past feeling’ [see 1 Nephi 17:45]. We often put ourselves in spiritual dead spots—places and situations that block out divine messages. Some of these dead spots include anger, pornography, transgression, selfishness, and other situations that offend the Spirit” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2004, 67–68; or Ensign, May 2004, 67).
■ Elder Dallin H. Oaks described what we can do to invite the Spirit:
“The best way to have the spirit of revelation is to listen to and study words spoken under the influence of the Holy Ghost. In other words, we obtain the Spirit by reading the scriptures or reading or listening to the talks of inspired leaders. . . .
“As we devote ourselves to the Lord’s work, we must be involved in the hard work we call preparation” (“Teaching and Learning by the Spirit,” Ensign, Mar. 1997, 9).
■ Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles emphasized prayer as a means to nurture the presence of the Holy Ghost: “Just as pondering the scriptures invites the Holy Ghost, so does daily pleading in prayer. If we do not ask in prayer, He will rarely come, and without our petition He is not likely to linger. ‘And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach’ (D&C 42:14). Heartfelt, constant pleading for the companionship of the Holy Ghost, with the pure intent to nourish our Father’s children, will surely bring blessings to us and to those we love and serve” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 115; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 84).
■ Elder Dallin H. Oaks addressed the question of what to do when we don’t sense the Spirit directing our words: “Careful preparation is required for those times when we are not given the specific words to speak. In my experience, we are often left to formulate our own words to express the gospel truths we have studied and the testimonies we have received. The Lord does not direct us in every act or word, so we must always be prepared to proceed on the basis of our own best judgment. As we do, we can grow in faith and spirituality on the one hand and in mortal experience on the other” (“Teaching by the Spirit” [address delivered at the Provo Missionary Training Center, June 21, 1988], 7).
■ Elder Gene R. Cook of the Seventy declared, “You, as the teacher, must do all in your power to prepare the hearts of men so the Spirit can teach” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1988, 48; or Ensign, Nov. 1988, 38). Missionaries must learn how to invite the Spirit into their teaching in a variety of ways, including using scriptures and bearing testimony. Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained: “When the Spirit touches the heart, hearts are changed. When individuals . . . feel the Spirit working with them, or when they see the evidence of the Lord’s love and mercy in their lives, they are edified and strengthened spiritually, and their faith in Him increases” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2000, 97; or Ensign, Nov. 2000, 75).
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ President Gordon B. Hinckley taught how to teach by the Spirit: “We must strengthen ourselves and our people to get our teachers to speak out of their hearts rather than out of their books, to communicate their love for the Lord and this precious work, and somehow it will catch fire in the hearts of those they teach” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 619–20).
■ Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained: “Missionaries are being taught to fill their minds and hearts with the basic doctrine, with supporting scriptures, and with relevant experiences from their own lives. Those become resource material upon which they can call as they identify through the Spirit the need of a particular investigator family or individual” (in “Teaching from the Heart,” Ensign, June 2004, 6).
■ Elder Henry B. Eyring emphasized the role of the Holy Ghost in teaching and preparing investigators to receive certain truths: “The Holy Ghost will teach each of us in individual ways. But I promise you that when [investigators and missionaries] ponder and pray about the messages in the Book of Mormon, the Holy Ghost will testify of the Savior, they will remember Him, and the Holy Ghost can in time become their companion. It will bring truth to their remembrance. It will reveal the hearts of people to [the missionaries]” (The Book of Mormon [address at seminar for new mission presidents, June 25, 2003], 6).
■ Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles named some prerequisites to being able to teach by the Spirit: “Our teaching will be effective if we approach it humbly through prayer and study. We will then be assisted by the Spirit in imparting the word, consistent and in harmony with what the Lord would have us teach” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1999, 7; or Ensign, May 1999, 8).
■ President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, reflected on a lesson he learned while serving as a mission president. He wrote that his mission wasn’t progressing as it should. He didn’t know what it was that needed changing. During a testimony meeting at a zone conference, he heard the testimony of a frightened, new elder. President Packer recalled:
“The testimonies we’d heard from all the other missionaries went something like this: ‘I’m grateful to be in the mission field. I’ve learned a lot from it. I have a fine companion. I’ve learned a lot from him. I’m grateful for my parents. We had an interesting experience last week. We were out knocking on doors and. . . .’ Then the missionary would relate an experience. His conclusion would be something like this: ‘I’m grateful to be in the mission field. I have a testimony of the gospel.’ And he would conclude ‘in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.’
“This young elder was different somehow. Anxious not to spend an extra second on his feet, he said simply, in hurried, frightened words, ‘I know that God lives. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that we have a prophet of God leading the Church. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.’
“This was a testimony. It was not just an experience nor an expression of gratitude. It was a declaration, a witness!
“Most of the elders had said ‘I have a testimony,’ but they had not declared it. This young elder had, in a very few words, delivered his testimony—direct, basic, and, as it turned out, powerful.
“I then knew what was wrong in the mission. We were telling stories, expressing gratitude, admitting that we had testimonies, but we were not bearing them” (Teach Ye Diligently [1975], 275).
■ “Your testimony will be most powerful when it is expressed as a brief, heartfelt conviction about the Savior, His teachings, and the Restoration. Pray for guidance, and the Spirit will help you know how to express the feelings in your heart” (True to the Faith, 180).
■ President Gordon B. Hinckley noted the importance of testimony in the conversion process: “Personal testimony is the factor which turns people around in their living as they come into this Church” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1998, 90; or Ensign, May 1998, 69).
■ President Hinckley described the power of a missionary’s testimony: “[Testimony] is something that cannot be refuted. Opponents may quote scripture and argue doctrine endlessly. They can be clever and persuasive. But when one says, ‘I know,’ there can be no further argument. There may not be acceptance, but who can refute or deny the quiet voice of the inner soul speaking with personal conviction?” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1998, 91; or Ensign, May 1998, 70).
■ Teaching by the Spirit requires that we understand important methods of teaching so that the Spirit can accompany our efforts. Teaching by the Spirit does not mean that we teach in a dull, unenthusiastic manner. Quite the opposite is true. We must teach in a way that edifies. To edify means to enlighten, to instruct, or to improve spiritually. We do this when we use clear and simple explanations, ask good questions, watch the reactions of our investigators, and share our message with enthusiasm.
Missionaries should help investigators recognize the role of the Spirit in the conversion process. Discussing with investigators their feelings about the restored gospel can help them identify the Spirit (see the supporting scriptures and statements for the principle “There are many ways that the Holy Ghost influences our lives for good,” in chapter 3 of this student manual, pp. 23–27).
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Scriptures to Study and Ponder Write impressions from these scriptures in your study journal. |
■ The Savior used a variety of edifying teaching methods. The following are some ways missionaries can emulate the Savior’s methods in their teaching:
Pray. The Savior prayed for those who would hear His words (see 3 Nephi 19:27–29). When you pray for those you teach, you exercise faith that God will soften their hearts. In your prayers, express your love for God and for those you are teaching.
Use the scriptures. Jesus Christ taught from the scriptures (see Luke 24:27). Using the scriptures invites the Holy Ghost into your teaching.
Bear testimony. Jesus testified of Heavenly Father and of His own divine role (see John 10:17–18, 27–30). A testimony is a simple, direct declaration of belief; it is a feeling or an assurance. As you share your testimony of the gospel principles you teach, the Spirit will witness of their truthfulness.
Use music. Jesus and His Apostles “sung an hymn” (Matthew 26:30). Through music, you and those you teach can invite the influence of the Holy Ghost and express feelings that may be hard to express in other ways.
Share stories and examples. Jesus taught gospel principles with stories, such as those about the good Samaritan (see Luke 10:25–37) and the prodigal son (see Luke 15:11–32). Use true stories to show how principles of the restored gospel apply in daily life.
Use objects and pictures. Jesus used common objects and comparisons to teach gospel principles, such as a mustard seed (see Matthew 17:20) and calling His Apostles to be “fishers of men” (see Matthew 4:18–22). Pictures can also help strengthen others’ understanding of scripture accounts and gospel principles.
Ask questions, and listen. Jesus asked questions, such as, “Whom say ye that I am?” (Matthew 16:15) and “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” (Luke 10:26), and listened to the responses. Thoughtful questions encourage discussion and the appropriate sharing of personal experiences from investigators. When you listen, you show love for your investigators and the Spirit can help direct your conversation.
Live the commandments. Jesus taught that if we wish to learn the truth of a commandment or principle, we must live it (see John 7:17). He taught His disciples about missionary work by sending them on missions (see Luke 9:1–6). Missionaries can help investigators learn to pray by inviting them to pray during the lesson. Investigators can know the truth of the Word of Wisdom when they begin to live it. They will experience the spirit of the Book of Mormon when they read and pray about it.
Expound. “Expound means to enlarge on and to explain clearly. Expounding the gospel means that you explain the meaning of doctrines and scriptural passages simply and clearly, relying on the Spirit to guide what you say” (Preach My Gospel [2004], 182). The Savior expounded His teachings from the scriptures as He taught the Book of Mormon people (see 3 Nephi 26:1–5).
Use events. Jesus often used events, such as the feast of the Passover, to teach gospel principles. For example, He used the feeding of the multitude and the Passover season to teach that He was the Bread of Life (see John 6:1–14, 22–65). You may use events in your investigators’ lives to teach gospel principles, such as using the birth of a baby to teach the need to be born again.
“When you consider using a specific teaching method, ask yourself the following questions: Will this method invite the influence of the Spirit? Does it match the sacredness of the principles I am teaching? Will it edify and strengthen those I teach?
“Remember that as a gospel teacher, you represent the Lord. Ensure that all you do and say is reverent and consistent with His will” (True to the Faith, 170).
■ President Boyd K. Packer described an important teaching method missionaries should learn to use: “The eyes of the alert teacher move constantly back and forth across the class, taking in each movement, recording each expression, responding quickly to disinterest or confusion. They read immediately a puzzled expression or sense at once when learning has taken place” (Teach Ye Diligently, 138–39).
■ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described the importance of listening to those we teach: “Perhaps even more important than speaking is listening. These people are not lifeless objects disguised as a baptismal statistic. They are children of God, our brothers and sisters, and they need what we have. Be genuine. Reach out sincerely. Ask these friends what matters most to them. What do they cherish, and what do they hold dear? And then listen. If the setting is right, you might ask what their fears are, what they yearn for, or what they feel is missing in their lives. I promise you that something in what they say will always highlight a truth of the gospel about which you can bear testimony and about which you can then offer more. . . . If we listen with love, we won’t need to wonder what to say. It will be given to us—by the Spirit and by our friends” (in Conference Report, Mar.–Apr. 2001, 16–17; or Ensign, May 2001, 15).
Read the following statement from President Harold B. Lee, and think about teaching methods that would be most helpful in teaching plainly: “You’re to teach . . . not so plain that they can just understand, but you must teach the doctrines of the Church so plainly that no one can misunderstand” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee [1996], 459).
What can a missionary do when his or her companion is speaking that will help the investigator feel the Spirit and understand the message more clearly?
Interview one or two of the most effective gospel teachers you know. Ask them to share what has helped them learn to teach by the Spirit. Invite them to share their thoughts on how to teach and on how to invite the Spirit into teaching. Take notes during your interviews.
True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference