Missionary work is an important part of being a member of the church. It is a good idea to have a family home evening on missionary work at least once sometime during the year. You may want to adjust the lesson according to the age groups that you are teaching. Remember to keep the lesson upbeat and positive.
You can open the lesson by reading Doctrine and Covenants 4. This section talks about the importance of missionary work. You can then discuss why it is important to share the gospel with those around you. You may want to point out that since we have the restored gospel we have a greater understanding of the reasons we have come to earth, and what we need to do to return to live with Heavenly Father. You can talk about the peace that living the gospel has brought to your life, and how you would like to share that peace with others. After you have talked about how to share the gospel with others you may want to discuss the ways that you can share the gospel with others. You may want to invite a family over for a family home evening or discuss inviting friends to church. You may want to challenge your family members to share the gospel with someone over the next week or two. You can also discuss the ways that you can prepare for a mission. If you have a missionary in your family you may want to write your testimonies in Books of Mormon and send them to the missionary to distribute. You can close the lesson by reading Doctrine and Covenants 18:15-16.
If you have Primary aged children you may want to focus more on the ways that they can be missionaries now. You can learn about different missionaries in the scriptures by using this Sharing Time lesson. It also includes missionary finger puppets. You may want to share these stories of children sharing the gospel and this idea list on how to be a missionary now.
If you have teenagers your focus may be more on how to prepare for a mission. You may also talk about the importance of encouraging others to prepare for a mission as well. You should consider using the “Preach My Gospel” book as an additional resource. “Be One of the Greatest” is a great article about the steps you need to complete to prepare for a mission. You can share what the missionary experience is like by using “The MTC Experience.”
If you are teaching mainly adults you can supplement the lesson by reading “Becoming a Missionary” Elder David A Bednar and “The Power of Preach My Gospel” Richard G Scott. You may also want to have members of your group share their missionary and/or conversion stories. If you are teaching older adults you may want to encourage them to serve a mission.
You can use “I Hope They Call Me on a Mission” p 169 and “We’ll Bring the World His Truth” p 172 from “The Children’s Songbook.” “Called to Serve” p 249 and “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go” p 270 are great hymns to use as well. Don’t forget to have an activity and refreshments.
Related Articles:
Young Men: Preparing Your Son for His Mission
General Conference: “Now Is the Time to Serve a Mission!”
Serving a Mission as a Senior Couple
General Conference: “Your Mission Will Change Everything”
General Conference: “A Gospel Sharing Home”
Primary Time: The Gospel Is a Gift to Share