As full-time missionaries we: “Help people qualify for baptism and confirmation by TEACHING them true doctrine and INVITING them to repent and change their lives through making and keeping commitments that build their faith in Jesus Christ” (PMG, 8).
In the most recent specialized training, we discussed how effective teaching and inviting are critical to fulfilling our missionary purpose. Please find below a summary of the “why’s, what’s, and how’s” of effective teaching and inviting:
Teaching Gospel Principles Effectively
Why must we teach effectively? “People are better able to believe the message of the Restoration of the gospel when they understand the message” (PMG, 182). We must teach effectively so people can understand the basic doctrines. When we do, the Spirit can testify of the truths that we teach (PMG, 3) and the person being taught will begin to grow in faith (belief).
UNDERSTANDING + SPIRITUAL WITNESS è BELIEF
UNDERSTANDING + SPIRITUAL WITNESS è BELIEF
What should we teach? We teach the basic “doctrines, principles, and commandments” contained in Lesson 3 of Preach My Gospel. The principles in Lesson 3 explain the foundational doctrines of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Teaching these principles effectively facilitates a witness of the truth from the Holy Ghost. As a result, we have been asked to “thoroughly learn the doctrines” (PMG, 30) and to “commit to memory the sequence of doctrinal principles” (PMG, 20) contained in the lessons.
How do we teach people effectively? Preach My Gospel provides many important principles for effective teaching. However, there are four elements that are fundamental to teaching any basic doctrine effectively. These elements include:
· Explain the principle clearly (PMG 182)
· Use a scripture (PMG 180-181)
· Testify of the principle (PMG 198-199)
· Ask a question for understanding (PMG 183-184, and 44, 58, 70 for examples of questions)
Effective teaching should always lead to a commitment invitation. After all, our purpose is not simply to teach, but to invite and help people to change.
Extending Commitment Invitations Effectively
Why must we extend invitations effectively? “People become converted as they live the principles they learn (see John 7:17) and feel the Spirit confirming that what they are doing is pleasing to their Father in Heaven” (PMG, 196). As we extend invitations effectively and help others to keep their commitments, they feel the Spirit and become converted to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
KEEPING A COMMITMENT + SPIRITUAL WITNESS è CONVERSION
KEEPING A COMMITMENT + SPIRITUAL WITNESS è CONVERSION
What are the key invitations that lead to conversion? “Invite people to do things that will strengthen their faith in Christ” (PMG, 196). Key invitations that lead to conversion include:
· To pray
· To read the Book of Mormon and pray to know it is true
· To attend church
· To keep basic commandments
· To be baptized and confirmed
Rarely will we teach without extending one of the above commitment invitations. Keeping these basic commitments lead a person to conversion and are at the core of what we do as missionaries. Our daily planning, studying, and teaching should revolve around helping others make and keep these commitments.
How do we invite people effectively? Preach My Gospel offers four basic elements that should be included in an effective invitation. These include:
· Ask direct questions (PMG, 197)
· Promise blessings (PMG, 197-198)
· Bear testimony (PMG, 198-199)
· Follow up (PMG, 200)
Please find an example of an effective invitation below:
“Will you read and pray to know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God? I promise that if you do so sincerely, you will receive a witness from the Holy Ghost that the book is true. I have read and prayed about the Book of Mormon and have received many spiritual witnesses that it is from God. May we follow up with you when we meet again on Thursday at 7:00 PM?”
As people keep their commitments, remember to compliment and encourage them. Express concern when people fail to keep their commitments (PMG, 8 and 200). We are here to help others make and keep commitments so that they qualify for eternal life.
Thank you for your daily efforts to improve your teaching and inviting skills. I promise that as we do, the Lord will help us to bring many more souls to Him through faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. Moreover, these skills will become invaluable tools as you raise your children and provide future leadership in the Church.
Love,
President Pingree