Sis. Joy D. Jones (Apr. '21): "Essential Conversations"

 This talk really struck me as a father.  It is easy to get caught up in all of the things that we are supposed to be doing as parents, e.g. family home evening, family councils, interviews with our kids, etc.  For me the idea of having essential gospel conversations with my kids in intentional ways seems to address all of those things, and makes them more manageable-- I can talk to my kids.  And I don't even think it needs to be for long periods of time.  This talk gives me hope.

The Activity:

1. Divide the class members into three groups.
2. Point out that Sis. Jones points out an overarching goal for us as parents with our kids (Par. 11-12 "Accidental conversion is . . . be with them.'").
3. At the same time, she provides three smaller goals that will lead to conversion.  These are as follows:
1. Par. 23 "To do so, . . . Spirit to leave."
2. Par. 30 "As they act . . . of the wicked.'"
3. Par. 39 "May our simple . . . even immortal glory."
4. Assign each group one of those passages/goals to discuss.  Ask them to talk about things such as the following:
1. How such a conversation could be intentionally created?
2. What would be important things to remember during these types of talks?
3. What are some scriptures (scripture/personal stories) that could be helpful in these types of talks?
5. After a few minutes of small group discussion, call the class back together and have each group share what they talked about with the rest of the class.
6. As the groups share, encourage others to make connections between the groups' discussions and to extend the ideas shared.

Using the Activity:

This is another activity that makes use of smaller groups to get more class members to share and participate.  According to Elder Bednar, those are ways of participating and participating equals exercising faith.  When we exercise faith, we open ourselves up to the Spirit to a greater degree.  

Also, another pointer.  As the teacher, while the groups are talking, walk around and eavesdrop on the groups.  Listen for insightful comments that the whole class could benefit from hearing or for common themes that emerge between groups.  These are things that you can use to elicit greater discussion when you come back together.  Plus, with the advantage of hearing from all the groups, the Spirit can help you see what things need to be emphasized or brought up during the rest of the lesson.  You will receive this guidance as you exercise the faith to do listen and look in this way.  

I hope that this activity idea is helpful.  Please let me know how it goes.