Our Savior has given each of us clear mandate to share His gospel. Whether or not you wear the official black name tag, the commandment is the same, "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: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:19-20)".
This has become a Prophetic priority. President Monson said, "Now is the time for members and missionaries to work together" (October 2013 General Conference). As the pace has quickened for declaring the gospel, Elder Bednar posed this question, "The Lord is hastening His work. Are we keeping up?"
Many of us members are having gospel conversations with our friends. And that is so awesome! It is now time for us to bridge the gap between us missionaries, you great members, and your should-be-but-aren't-members-
Our mission president, Matt Riggs, has taught us how to help bridge this gap. We hope this post will take you from good gospel conversations to having your friends meeting missionaries in your home and feeling the power of this great work.
Pretend for a moment that you're talking with a good friend or co-worker of yours and a topic of the restored gospel comes up. Now before you panic and think "What do I do now?" Take a breath and say these words:
"..That's so interesting that you bring up (insert random gospel topic here... ie: living Prophets, the Book of Mormon, birth control, not drinking coffee, family night, modesty, the priesthood, women's rights, etc), because missionaries from my Church are coming over in a week and a half TO TEACH MY FAMILY about why (blank) is important. IT WOULD REALLY MEAN A LOT TO ME IF you came and listened while they taught us. What are you doing in about a week and a half?"
When you're done talking with your friend: call the missionaries. Make the appointment official. Some of you may be thinking, "Is this dishonest?" It is not dishonest. The missionaries WILL be there, and we WILL teach your family. (Ideally with your friend there, too.)
Put these simple and loving words in your mind. Let the Spirit bring them to your remembrance while you talk with those in your life. These words are for you. They will guide you in inviting others to hear the beautiful truths of the gospel from the full-time missionaries who are set apart to be master teachers.
It's hard to say no to an invitation from a friend, especially if you make it clear that it will "really mean a lot" to you for them to be there. Pray for the Lord's enabling power to help you. He has promised to help us, and He always keeps His word.
This has become a Prophetic priority. President Monson said, "Now is the time for members and missionaries to work together" (October 2013 General Conference). As the pace has quickened for declaring the gospel, Elder Bednar posed this question, "The Lord is hastening His work. Are we keeping up?"
Many of us members are having gospel conversations with our friends. And that is so awesome! It is now time for us to bridge the gap between us missionaries, you great members, and your should-be-but-aren't-members-
Our mission president, Matt Riggs, has taught us how to help bridge this gap. We hope this post will take you from good gospel conversations to having your friends meeting missionaries in your home and feeling the power of this great work.
Pretend for a moment that you're talking with a good friend or co-worker of yours and a topic of the restored gospel comes up. Now before you panic and think "What do I do now?" Take a breath and say these words:
"..That's so interesting that you bring up (insert random gospel topic here... ie: living Prophets, the Book of Mormon, birth control, not drinking coffee, family night, modesty, the priesthood, women's rights, etc), because missionaries from my Church are coming over in a week and a half TO TEACH MY FAMILY about why (blank) is important. IT WOULD REALLY MEAN A LOT TO ME IF you came and listened while they taught us. What are you doing in about a week and a half?"
When you're done talking with your friend: call the missionaries. Make the appointment official. Some of you may be thinking, "Is this dishonest?" It is not dishonest. The missionaries WILL be there, and we WILL teach your family. (Ideally with your friend there, too.)
Put these simple and loving words in your mind. Let the Spirit bring them to your remembrance while you talk with those in your life. These words are for you. They will guide you in inviting others to hear the beautiful truths of the gospel from the full-time missionaries who are set apart to be master teachers.
It's hard to say no to an invitation from a friend, especially if you make it clear that it will "really mean a lot" to you for them to be there. Pray for the Lord's enabling power to help you. He has promised to help us, and He always keeps His word.
