Elder Quentin L. Cook (Apr. '21): "Bishops-- Shepherds of the Lord's Flock"

-

 As I approached this talk to create a lesson for it, I focused on what lessons the average church member might take from this talk that would apply directly to their life.  And I remembered the Pres. Eyring (I believe it was him) gave a talk a number of years ago in conference where he spoke about how we could each assist the bishop in carrying out his work.  Thus, this activity was born.

The Activity:

  1. After talking about all of the duties of the Bishop, ask class members why an apostle might have chosen this topic to speak on in general conference-- especially since most of us will never serve as a bishop.
  2. Discuss the possible answers.  Direct the discussion to the idea that we can be a help to the Bishop in bearing his burden.
  3. Read par. 27 "In order to . . . maintain strict confidentiality"
  4. Ask the class members to silently consider how members can fulfill the direction in this passage.  Their thoughts could be specific to a certain situation/person or more generic.
  5. After a couple of moments of pondering, have the class members to share with a partner the ideas that they had.
  6. After some time for discussion, come back together as a class and talk about the thoughts shared by the class members with their partners.
  7. At the end, challenge the class members to write down one thing they felt inspired to do and then to act on it this week.

Using the Activity:

Beyond simply applying this talk to themselves (something that might be seen as challenging), this activity relies on a couple of principles of learning and doing to be meaningful.  First, by providing time to silently think about a topic, we are opening the door to revelation.  We often undersell the power of pondering in our efforts to hear Father's voice.  So, this activity starts by asking the class members to ponder a specific passage in this talk.  Then, they get to share and talk about this idea.  Talking about the gospel in a focused way is another form of pondering and further opens the door to personal revelation.  Finally, by asking the class members to set and record a goal for action, this activity is designed to help them follow through on the inspiration they receive.  

Thank you for visiting my blog.  I hope that you have found this idea helpful.  God bless.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (Apr. '23): "Hosanna to the Most High God"

-
 Like Elder Stevenson's talk, a quick reading of this talk might appear as if the talk were really about a holiday (Palm Sunday in this case).  However, it is really about so much more.  This is a powerful talk on coming to Christ and being prepared for His coming. The Activity: Make sure that everyone has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Read par. 24-25 "We, like the . . . Father in Heaven." Discuss this passage briefly as a class. Point out that Elder Rasband mentions four ways to fill our lamps with oil. Divide the class into four groups and assign each group one of the doctrines that Elder Rasband discusses: Prophecy (par. 13-15:  "First, prophecy.  For . . . shall rise again.'") The Gift of the Holy Ghost (par. 16:  "Second, the companionship . . . of all things'") Discipleship (par. 17: "Third, discipleship.  True . . . cried, 'Crucify Him'") The Atonement (par. 18-19:  "Fourth, the Atone
Read more

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell (Oct. '23): "More Than a Hero"

-
 This talk is custom made for today.  All around us we can see people who choose worldly heroes to focus on and follow with little, if any, thought given to Christ and Father.  The results are perilous to us and to society.  This talk in some aspects reminds me of some of Pres. Kimball's teachings ( here , for example).   The Activity: Draw a line down the middle of the board. Read par. 23 "For us on . . . Savior and Redeemer." Ask the class members to consider what would characterize too much trust placed in "the politician, the musician, the athlete, or the vlogger" or anyone. Invite them to share their ideas.  As they do, list them on one side of the board. Invite the class members to look over the list they have created and consider how they can either safeguard against these things or walk back from perilous positions. Allow a moment to think and then discuss. Point out that if this is too much attention placed on people, in what ways could we do the same t
Read more

Elder David A. Bednar (Apr. '23): "Abide in Me, and I in You; Therefore, Walk with Me"

-
 I have mentioned in other places in this blog that I am a newly called Elders Quorum president.  As such, this talk really struck home.  I feel woefully inadequate in fulfilling my calling.  This talk gave me comfort and confidence in moving forward.   The Activity: Explain Enoch's reaction to his calling and share your own experience with receiving a calling that overwhelmed you at first and/or invite some class members to share their experiences like this. Invite the class members to read paragraph 5 ("And the Lord . . . give thee utterance'") silently and ask them to identify 1) what God asks of Enoch and 2) what God promises Enoch.   Allow class members a moment to read the passage. Come back and discuss as a class what they found. Ask them to think about how these same commands and promises could apply to various callings (including those they currently have and/or those talked about at the beginning). Invite the class members to share experiences/testimonies
Read more