DL District Council The Power of an Invitation

 District Council: 

The Power of an Invitation

Intro:

I want to start by sharing a video. Bud Zoll is a member of my home ward in Draper Utah. He is one of the greatest men I have had the pleasure meeting.

Show Video #1 

Bud Zoll bears his testimony often in my home ward and never ceases to say the words: “all because two missionaries INVITED me to church.”. 

If you don’t think the INVITATIONS we extend to those we meet can change lives- you’re wrong. 

We have all memorized our purpose as a missionary. The first word is INVITE! 

The most important thing we do as missionaries is INVITE others to come into Christ. 

ASK: What are some of the INVITATIONS we extend to our friends or the people we are teaching? 

• read the Book of Mormon
• Come to church
• Pray
• Be baptized
• Etc

As we extend an invitation, we set expectations.

Coming into Christ requires actions on their part. We can bring the horse to the river but you can't make him drink. Just like we know that the horse going to be better off after drinking, we know that our friends live’s will change for the better if they will accept our invitations. 

Each invitation we extend holds power. They aren’t just words we are saying.

Discussion:

I’ve invited each of you to share your thoughts about how we can be better at extending invitations. 

1. Why is it important to keep our invitations SIMPLE? How do we progress?

Make them clear and simple. After they have kept these is when we give more complex invites. 

1. Why is it important to BE SPECIFIC with our invitations? (Not just "will you read the book of mormon")

Mark specifically what to read, background, why it's important and how it applies to them.

1. Is it important to add something PERSONAL to our invitations? How do we do this? 

 Incorporating personal stories can make our invitations more impactful. It makes them feel more valued and unique.

Find a personal interest of their’s to relate to the invite. Try using terms like "we have given it a lot of thought and we think you'd enjoy _____ and know it will bless YOU and your life".

1. Is it important to PRAY to know what invitation to extend? How can we Recognize the role of the Holy Ghost as we extend our invitations.

Our invitations need to be timely and relevant to be effectively. Listen to the spirit.

1. How can we BE BOLD and clear with our invitations? 
   

A well-articulated and clear invitation is essential. 

WILL YOU BE BAPTIZED ON JANUARY 1st?  

Not: “if you’re available and have time would you try to read Moroni 10:4-5?”

1. is it important to FOLLOW UP about their commitment? Do we care if they follow through? 

If they feel like we don’t care then they won’t take our invitations serious and won’t keep the commitment. 

Conclusion: 

This week, I invite all of us to FOCUS on extending SIMPLE, SPECIFIC, PERSONAL, PRAYERFUL, and BOLD Invitations. 

I know as we follow up and help our friends accept our invitations we will witness miracles. 

The invitations we extended with love guided by the Holy Ghost have the power to change lives. 

I want to end with the rest of Bud Zoll’s story. 

District Council - Adjusting to Missionary Life

 Adjusting to Missionary Life

Last Sunday in Sunday school we studied Alma 36 where Alma is giving advice to his sons. He teaches about the JOY repentance can bring. 

We know from verses 12-14 that Alma was RACKED with guilt and couldn’t forget his past sins. 

He was racked with eternal torment.

He did remember all (his) sins and iniquities that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack (his) soul with inexpressible horror.

As Alma struggled with forgiveness- even wanting to be banish to a far away place, he then remembered the atonement of his savior. 

17 And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.

I think all of us can feel overwhelmed with our callings right now. Feelings of being inadequate or even unworthy can creep in. 

We are not perfect. We will always fall short and have things to repent of. 

There is NO place for shame in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

As Alma taught Repentance is the plan of happiness for every person.

18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.

19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.

20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!

21 Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.

In adjusting to missionary life we are encouraged to recognize the power of the atonement. 

It says: 

• “If you have repented and still feel guilt and shame, remember we all regret past sins and mistakes. Trust that Christ's Atonement is sufficient, even for you.” 

Testimony: 

I testify that this is true! 

District Council Training

 "Talk to Everyone"

Introduced Tobe. 

Describe him. Show him a picture. Talk about all of Tobe‘s good qualities. 

• he’s everybody’s biggest cheerleader
• He wants to hear about your day
• He worries when someone is sad or sick
• He is proud of you 
• He loves legos 
• Etc

Tobe has a disability/autism. 

• he gets hyper focused on things
• He always has a nemesis  
• He talks non-stop

Because of Tobe’s disability, he can’t come on a proselyting mission. But Tobe would make the greatest missionary. Do you know why? 

• He isn't afraid to talk.  He talks to EVERYONE! 

That is what I want you to discuss today. 

The importance of talking to EVERYONE. 

I. Instruments in His Hands

In Alma 17, The sons of Mosiah were called as missionaries. They faced many different obstacles and journeys as they labored to teach their brethren about Jesus Christ. They were given a promise from the Lord 

Alma 17:11

• And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.

We like the sons of mosiah have been called as missionaries. We also have the promise from the Lord that we can be instrument in the Lords hands. The work we are called to do is the Lords work. We get to be instruments in his hands by doing this great and marvelous work.

• How can we make this experience easier? 
• How can we make the Lord’s job easier? 

II. OPEN YOUR MOUTH

We can find the answer in section 33 of the Doctrine and Covenants. 

Read ONLY the first sentence of verses 8-10

D&C 33:8-10

• 8 Open your mouths and they shall be filled, ….
• 9 Yea, open your mouths and spare not, … I am with you.
• 10 Yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled, 

Answer: OPEN OUR MOUTHS!!

What does this mean? Don’t hesitate to talk to everyone you see. 

One of the promises the Lord gives us his missionaries is that when we go to preach the gospel, that he will help us to know what to say

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said: 

“Have faith. The Lord can magnify the words you speak and make them mighty. God doesn’t ask you to convert but rather to open your mouths."

I have a lot of Faith but I also know that I have to do my part as well. In Doctrine & Covenants section 11 we read about the revelation given to Hyrum where the Lord tells him something important about opening our mouths. 

Verse 21: 

• Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men” (D&C 11:21). 

The Lord will give us what to say, but it is also important to realize that we cannot teach what we do not know. Those who teach the gospel are most effective if they are living what they are teaching and willing to become lifelong learners.

III. REPENTANCE 

In a conference talk about missionary work, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf explained  

“The Lord has never required expert, flawless missionary efforts. Instead, “the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind”.  

We are not perfect missionaries. We fall short and find ourselves in need of repentance just as those we are teaching. We are all just Constantly trying to get it right. 

Elder Uchtdorf continued saying, 

“You will eventually become better, happier, and more authentic. Talking with others about your faith will become normal and natural. In fact, the gospel will be such an essential, precious part of your lives that it would feel unnatural not to talk about it with others.” 

Conclusion: 

Going back to D&C 33:10 and reading the entire scripture:

10. Yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled, saying Repent, repent, and prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand 

I want to go back to my cousin Tobe. I told you that Tobe would make a great missionary because he talks everybody but there’s another reason why Tobe would make a good missionary.

• tobe isn’t afraid to cry repentance.

• Josh - tattoos/not going to church
• Girls “showing their bellies” midriffs
• having a girl in my bedroom

Tobe encourages CHANGE - that is what repentance is- it means to change.

Whether as is a missionary that needs to make some changes or the friends we teach- our job is not to hesitate to encourage repentance and change. 

Bishop L Todd Budge said, 

“In order to be a successful missionary, we must first be committed to the process of coming unto Christ, through repentance, in order to help others make commitments that will bring them closer to Jesus Christ through repentance.”

I know if we repent often and take every opportunity we are given to open our mouths- we will become BETTER & HAPPIER. 

District Council Training

 Putting on the Armor of God throughout Scripture Study

Intro: Game

• Round 1

Ask for FOUR volunteers and Have each put on the XL T-shirt (so they don’t get their shirt and tie too wet) 

Tell TWO volunteers to stand in the boxes made with tape on the floor (one volunteer in each box). Give them each a water gun.

Explain that they will get 60 seconds to get the other person’s shirt as wet as possible! They can duck, block, or try to dodge, but they must keep within their boxes. If either contestant steps outside his or her box, the competition will be over immediately.

Tell the volunteers “Go!” and start the stopwatch.

When 60 seconds are up inspect the contestants to determine which one came out less wet. (you may want to give them a prize)

Then proceed to Round 2—but with one little modification.

• Round 2

Explain that they will do the exact same competition, with the same rules—except for one thing.

Pull out the trash bags and give one to ONE volunteer to put on over his or her shirt.

Then give the volunteers their water guns, say “Go!” and start the stopwatch. When 60 seconds are up, inspect the contestants to see who won. (Give a prize)

Ask the original two volunteers to stand next to the last two. Then ask the audience which two, of the four, ended up the wettest Ask the audience which two stayed the driest.

Point out  that the right kind of protection makes all the difference!

I. Armor of God

Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesians while he was in a roman prison. He could have been looking at a soldier as he wrote this letter. 

READ: Ephesians 6:10-19

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against  powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

As humans we are tempted and worked over pretty good in the world but as missionaries it seems we are fighting battles daily. We NEED the whole Armor of God! 

ASK: have you ever found yourself teaching a lesson and feeling caught flat footed?

ASK: have you ever left an appointment or meeting or lesson exhausted maybe even soaking wet like you just sat there and got pelted with a water gun?

Part of the armor Paul talks about that can help us so we aren't caught flat footed comes from STUDYING THE SCRIPTURES. 

II.  Scripture Study

After the great apostasy, the gospel was restored back to the earth because a fourteen-year-old kid read and pondered his scriptures. ONE scripture, James 1:5, led Joseph Smith to receive revelation. 

Think of the influence his scripture study has had on future generations? 

We have all heard the primary song “Scripture Power”.  Do we believe it? Do we realize the power and protection that comes from scripture study?

ASK: How serious do we take our scripture study? 

I’ll be honest, sometimes a nap sounds more fun than sitting in an uncomfortable chair to read. 

Sometimes, a quiet apartment is more appealing than a companionship scripture study session. 

But I know when I am sitting in someone’s home and am able to share something I recently studied or recall a scripture that applies to the life of someone I’m teaching, I am glad I “armored up” instead of taking that nap. 

ASK: has anyone experienced this? Anyone want to share a personal experiences when that has happened to them? 

Studying the scriptures and learning the gospel is much more than gaining information. 

The scriptures are a heavenly gift.  They will give us knowledge and conviction that will bless our life and enable us to bless others eternally.

III.  Scripture Study makes us Happy

I’m sure all of us have felt homesick or a little down while serving.  WE are away from friends and family.  We are uncomfortable EVERYDAY.  We are doing something that isn’t easy and can occasionally make us inadequate for the call. 

ASK: can scripture study help us feel happier? 

READ:  “His words will fill you —and those you teach —with light and truth. They will help you —and those you teach —live righteously and receive divine protection and strength. They will help you come to know Him and taste His love, which is sweet above all that is sweet. His words will fill your soul with joy”

READ: Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf said: “He created us to have joy!  So if we trust Him, He will help us to notice the good, bright, hopeful things of life.  And sure enough, the world will become brighter.”

I know, if we let it, one of the greatest blessings of our mission is having a scheduled time to study the scriptures every day. 

Conclusion

We only get 18 months-two years to focus on spreading the gospel, studying our scriptures, and inviting others come unto Christ through baptism. It is our ONLY job in life right now. This job isn’t easy and our time is short! 

So we have a choice- we can go out each day and come home “soaking wet” OR we can STUDY OUR SCRIPTURES,  put on the Armor of God and come home feeling a little brighter. It’s our choice. 

I know as we patiently persist in studying the word of God, (even when we would rather have a quiet apartment for a nap) our understanding will grow. We will come to treasure our time with the scriptures.

And in turn each day we will be able to:

• discern truth from error. 
• have the “gospel of peace.” 
• Enjoy protection
• have the ability to quench the fiery darts of the adversary. 
• teach truth with power and authority. 
• And be fortified against worldly influences

Because we will have studied and put on the “armour of God”. 

District Council Lesson

 Teaching with the Spirit

Don’t Think-Just Do

Intro:  Don’t Think - Just Do.

Introduce Movie clip: 

In 1986, the movie Top Gun was released. Pete Mitchell, aka Maverick, played by Tom Cruise, is a fighter pilot in training.  He flies with his best friend Goose. For those that don’t know what happens in this movie, Goose dies during a training exercise and Maverick feels responsible. Maverick goes on to graduate Top Gun. Movie over.

In the summer of 2022, nearly 40 years later, a sequel was released.   This time, Pete Mitchell, aka Maverick, is training new recruits - one of which is Goose’s son, Bradley Bradshaw, aka Rooster, played by Milles Teller. 

Maverick spends most of the movie training the young men, showing off a little, and of course trying to protect Goose’s son, Rooster. Near the end of the show, the two men are in a dog fight trying to out fly the bad guys.  

Show the video clip. 

("Don't think. Just do." - Top Gun: Maverick) stop at 2:02

        https://youtu.be/6YaH04MZRmg?si=QRWbzuDKwFNwdAyx

ASK: What does Rooster mean when he says; “Don’t Think. Just Do.”?

Rely on what you know.

Let your knowledge and instinct take over.

I have been asked to discuss how we can better teach with the spirit! Sometimes finding and teaching can feel like a spiritual dog fight. 

ASK:  Any thoughts on how this movie clip applies to teaching with the spirit?

Rely on what you know

Let the spirit do the rest. 

I want to break this down into three categories. 

1. Know your message
2. Know who you’re teaching 
3. Don’t Think-Just Do

1. Know Your Message

This first one is pretty obvious.  We have to know our message. 

In the movie, Maverick and Rooster have trained for this dog fight. They are familiar with the jet, its gauges, and how to make it work in the best way possible.  They know how to fly.  They’ve done their research. 

ASK: Have we as missionaries done our research?

As missionaries we did a lot of our training at home.  

Then we spent time in the MTC learning and perfecting the message. 

We continue to study and train in our apartments each morning with companionship and personal study.  

We are constantly praying and adding to our understanding and knowledge - line upon line. 

I know I rely on Elder Walker when I get stumped on scriptures.  I learn everyday from him and his knowledge.  

READ: Doctrine and Covenants 11:21 we learn the process the Lord has set for teaching with the spirit. 

21 Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, … and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men.

To “obtain” the Lord’s word means to study it and let it sink deep in your heart. As you make this effort, He promised, “Then shall your tongue be loosed; …” 

We as missionaries must know our message.  We must know that the principles we teach are true.  The Lord will help us teach with power and authority as we diligently seek Him and learn His word. 

Ask: Does anyone want to add to this?

2. Know Who You’re Teaching

a. BRT 

b. Listen

c. Converse

Seeking to teach as the Savior taught is a lifelong pursuit.  But to be able to TEACH like the Savior we first need to LOVE like the Savior.  

In Matthew 4(:23) we learn that during Christ earthly ministry, He taught in many settings such as synagogues, in homes, on the road, in large gatherings and in private conversations. We know some of His most powerful interactions were very brief or in unusual settings.

His message didn’t change but HOW he taught did. He taught using specific actions or words depending on WHO he was teaching. 

WRITE: BRT (Build a relationship of trust)

When talking about the people we are teaching, Elder Jeffrey R Holland says; These people are not lifeless objects disguised as a baptismal statistic. 

The people we meet are REAL PEOPLE with real lives and real problems.  Those who let us in their homes and into their lives are seeking something and are willing to listen. But they need to trust us. 

We have all heard the saying:

“People don’t CARE how much you KNOW

until they KNOW how much you CARE.”

ASK: How do we do this?

Learn about them.  

Ask about them. 

Compliment them. 

Learn what they like, what they don’t like.  

Know what is happening with their lives (family, school, work, etc.)

Find things in common.  Look around their homes for anything you can ask about (family photos, sports teams, pets, art work, musical instruments, etc.)

Build a relationship of trust.  Make them your friend first.  Then………. if the setting is right, ask deeper questions such as:

what their fears are 

what they yearn for

what they feel is missing in their lives. 

I promise you that something in what they say will always highlight a truth of the gospel about which you can bear testimony and about which you can then offer more.

WRITE: Listen

READ: Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught: 

“More important than speaking is listening. … Ask these  friends what matters most to them. What do they cherish, and  what do they hold dear? And then LISTEN. 

ASK: How do we better Listen to those we are teaching?

Listen with Genuine Caring  

Listen with INTENT. 

While others talk, make sure you are concentrating on what they are saying. 

Avoid the tendency to be planning what you will say next. 

WRITE: Have a CONVERSATION

My grandpa used to talk about learning the “Art of Conversation”. 

ASK: Anyone care to guess what that means?  

Don't think about what you're gonna say beforehand. 

Let it come to you

Just talk as you would with a friend from home. 

Just talk!! If God wanted ROBOTS to preach His gospel He would have created them.  But that isn’t how He works.  There is a reason He has an Elder Walker and a Sister Perkins.  We all have our own set of strengths and weaknesses.  We have our own experiences to share.  We all have our own unique personalities. 

If we go in with a memorized plan it can often come across “rehearsed” and insincere.  If we listen with love, we won’t need to wonder what to say. It will be given to us—by the Spirit and by our friends.

I know this can be scary and we sometimes doubt ourselves and think that we are not qualified. However, our Heavenly Father, who knows us perfectly, called us because of what we can offer as a committed follower of Jesus Christ. He will not forsake us.

Ask: Does anyone want to add to this?

3. Don’t Think - Just Do

Finally, we have been PROMISED that as we teach the restored gospel and rely on the Lord for help in doing such, He will be there.

READ: Doctrine and Covenants 84:88

“And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up”.

TRUST the process.  

If you KNOW YOUR MESSAGE and KNOW WHO YOU ARE TEACHING - If you have done your part and INVITED the spirit to be there - the only thing left is to TRUST that the Spirit will magnify your abilities and will teach the truth to those who are receptive. 

Don’t think - Just Do!

Conclusion:

The spirit is THE MOST IMPORTANT PART of our work.

Rely on the Spirit to help you know what to say. 

He will bring the doctrine you have studied to your remembrance. 

He will help you plan and adjust what you teach according to a person’s needs. 

When you teach by the Spirit, He will carry your message unto people’s hearts. And He will confirm your message when you bear your testimony.

I challenge us all to spend the week trying this.  Don't think - Just Do.  I know the spirit will give you the words and touch the hearts of those you teach.