Although I’m filing this blog under ‘callings’, I hope that everyone will take a few minutes to read it. Though we might not be officially called to teach in the church, every member plays a teaching role to some degree, and I hope that my thoughts will help readers to recognize the importance of that role.
Because of the lay nature of our church, teaching is a distinct possibility for pretty much everyone who shows up. We may be called to the Primary, or to teach the youth. Perhaps the bishopric has asked us to teach long-standing members in Gospel Doctrine, or investigators and new members in Gospel Essentials. All of these are official callings that require our being set apart from the world with the purpose of edifying and uplifting other members of our branch or ward.
But these are not the only teaching roles demonstrated in the church. When we give a talk in Sacrament meeting, we are, in effect, teaching. This may be a once-a-year (or even longer, depending on the size of your ward and how good you are at dodging the Ward Secretary’s calls) opportunity, but it still requires you to stand before a group of people and teach. Nearly everyone in our church should be called to home or visit teach. If you take that calling seriously – and I firmly believe you have been called to teach specific people who need you – then you will visit these folks once a month and teaching a lesson. Whether you are responsible for presenting the spiritual message in its entirety, or simply contributing to the discussion led by your companion, you are teaching.
Finally, each and every member – even the single folks – ought to be attending Family Home Evening in some way, shape, or means. If you are parents, that means you have the opportunity to teach some of the most important people in your life. If you are a childless couple, then you have the opportunity to learn and grow – and teach – your spouse. And if you are single, then you are teaching your friends and fellow members, if not your family, most of whom are likely to play significant roles in your life.
Many years ago, while a member of the singles ward, the bishopric asked me to attend a teacher development class. Although I was not called to teach in that ward, I loved and treasured that manual (I told you I have a manual fetish). I learned many things that translated to my daily life, including an improved appreciation for scripture study and some help with giving talks in Sacrament. Now that I am a parent, I am grateful for the lessons I learned so many years ago.
This upcoming Sunday, our branch will begin presenting the Teacher Development class, giving me the opportunity to learn and relearn many new things. I am hoping that the things that I learn and share with you over the next few weeks – now from the newer manual that is much prettier than the brown 70s version I still keep and reread – will help you in your callings, in your home and visiting teaching, and in your daily lives.
As a side note, I will continue with the New Testament scripture study at the same pace as the lessons planned, but things may get a little fuddled, so please bear with me!
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Five Helps for Sunday School Teachers
Five Tips for Successful Visiting Teaching
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