Fellowship should be extended by all in the ward. The ward mission plan should outline how priesthood quorums, auxiliary organizations, and individual members can help befriend and strengthen investigators and new members during and after the teaching of the missionary lessons. Hinckley has taught that every new member needs a friend in the Church, an assignment or responsibility, and gospel nurturing (see Ensign, May 1999, 108). Teaching and developing friendships are most effective when investigators are taught in members’ homes.įor additional suggestions on teaching, see Preach My Gospel (29–88, 175–94).īefriending and Strengthening New Members Members can be particularly helpful by sharing experiences and feelings and by bearing testimony. Whenever possible, members should participate with full-time missionaries when they teach investigators (see Preach My Gospel, 179). Investigators are more likely to be baptized and confirmed and to remain active when they have close friendships with Church members. The bishop reviews the progress of investigators as they are taught, baptized, and confirmed. Under his direction, full-time missionaries have primary responsibility for teaching investigators. The full-time mission president holds the keys for convert baptisms. Teaching, Baptizing, and Confirming Investigators Suggestions for preparing people to be taught are found in Preach My Gospel (155–73, 220) and the “Stake and Member Missionary Work” section of the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2 (250–52). Emphasis should be placed on inviting families whose members will come into the gospel together. Every appropriate means should be used to invite people who are willing to listen to the message of the Restoration. The ward mission plan should include suggestions on how to encourage members to be personally involved in preparing people to be taught by the full-time missionaries. The Lord has commanded every member to share the gospel (see D&C 88:81).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |