This quote describes the ONLY way the Lord's work can be hastened in these latter days - through members AND missionaries. Together we must be united in our efforts so that more of God's children can receive the blessings of the restored gospel. President Riggs (our mission president) prayed for a vision of how we as missionaries can best assist members in recognizing and acting upon missionary opportunities. We have implemented the following:
1) Member Revelation Question
Early in 2013, we followed a short spiritual thought with the specific (yet still inspired) question: What revelation have you received as to how we as missionaries can help you, your family, your friends, or your neighbors? This allowed the Spirit to press upon members' minds the names and faces of those that may be in need of a gospel message, a friendly visit, or even a service project from the elders or sisters. This was asked with the hopes of being a blessing to our members and their friends.
2) Member Invite
Months later, we increased our boldness by extending invitations for members to ACT. Whether it was giving a Book of Mormon to a friend or praying for missionary experiences in general, we prayerfully considered what to invite each member to do based on who they were working with or what their family mission plan entailed. We would then follow up with how the members kept each commitment and what miracles they saw from it.
3) Member Lesson
Preach My Gospel (page 161) tells missionaries, "Strengthening [the members'] understanding of the doctrine of Christ will do more to increase their trust in you and to build their excitement to do missionary work than anything else you can do". With this prophetic advice, we began meeting with each household in our areas to share the "doctrine of Christ" by teaching them the SAME lessons we teach our investigators. Through this, members can have the basic gospel principles fresh on their minds, allowing them to feel more prepared for when those missionary opportunities do come. After each lesson, we encourage members to continue making commitments and schedule return appointments for future lessons to be taught to them.
There have been countless blessings and miracles seen from these different approaches to working with members. OUR work has helped them do THEIR work and vice versa...
But now is the time to bridge the gap!
With all of these opportunities to be in members' homes, to build their trust, and to teach them the missionary lessons, we have ultimately been preparing the members to have us teach our investigators in their homes. This is what we call an "Ideal Lesson" - having the doctrine taught in the most spiritually-inviting environment. When someone is developing a testimony in a Christ-centered home, they are immediately establishing a connection with the members; forming a friendship that will help that investigator have a more meaningful conversion process. President Hinckley stated, "You have people in your wards who can be friends to every [investigator]. They can listen to them, guide them, answer their questions, and be there to help in all circumstances and in all conditions." Who is the Lord preparing you to be friends with today?
We invite ALL members to talk with the missionaries in their ward and be willing to host Ideal Lessons. By doing so, they will be involved in the teaching process, gain an increased desire to do missionary work, and be a true friend in welcoming the investigator into our Heavenly Father's beautiful fold.
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