To the Missionaries of the Great Texas Houston Mission,
We have been so happy to have had so many opportunities to see so many of you this week. We love the faithfulness and obedience that has become the culture of this mission. We commend you for it.
The month of August has seen us find more new investigators than almost any prior month. The challenge we have been facing is getting those investigators to progress. That really comes down to our effectiveness in teaching. We should grade ourselves in terms of our effectiveness by what percentage of our first lessons result in actual second lessons. The higher the percentage, the more effective we are. If you are finding your percentage is low, ask for help. No one wants to work hard and not successfully progress those we teach.
There are many reasons people can decide they don't want to have us come over again. Some of these include:
1. We took too much of their time the first time they met with us.
2. They didn't feel inspired.
3. Too much time passes between first and second lessons.
4. They read or heard things about Mormons between our visits that they didn't like.
5. They simply aren't ready for the change that our message will require in their lives.
The unfortunate part of these reasons is that the first four are avoidable if we strive to become more effective. Here are some solutions we would like you to consider to assist you in gaining greater effectiveness in your teaching:
1. No lesson should go longer than 45 minutes from start to finish. That means the lesson itself should be taught in about 30 minutes. Time yourselves and practice. Cut the parts that aren't simple and relevant. One lesson doesn't have to be taught in one visit. Plan and be prepared to know how you will break it up and keep them engaged.
2. We need to teach after the manner of the Master. This means we need to qualify for the Spirit and do all we can to teach with greater power and passion so that people are moved. We were happy to see at our recent 8 week follow up that many missionaries are beginning to understand this principle. Please remember that when the lesson is over and the Spirit is most powerful we need to get out. DO NOT LINGER.
3. We must do better to avoid asking things like, "When can we come back?" and instead saying things like, "We'd love to come back on Tuesday or Wednesday because we have a wonderful message to share about...which day will be better for you?
4. In PMG p. 190 we read: At the conclusion of each teaching visit, provide the investigator with something to read and ponder in preparation for the next meeting. You might assign them chapters from the Book of Mormon. You might give them a brochure addressing what has been taught or what you are going to teach in your next visit, or it may be other literature or an audiovisual presentation. If they have access to the Internet, encourage them to go to www.mormon.org . They should always be given something to think about, to ponder, and to pray about. This can become an opening topic of discussion the next time you meet.
These skills need to be practiced. Please be diligent in practicing and taking full advantage of companionship study so we can bless the lives of those we teach. Begin with the end in mind. Review the commitments we need to make sure we extend. Create outlines to relfect our objectives. Practice them. PLEASE NOTICE THAT AN INVITATION TO CHURCH SHOULD BE A PART OF EACH LESSON.
We love and appreciate every good effort you make!
President and Sister Mortensen
Here are some pictures that Pres. Mortensen took at the 8 week follow-up training for the missionaries that arrived in July. They are great teachers already and we had a wonderful experience working together! Impressive!
