Pres. Russell M. Nelson (Oct. 18): "The Correct Name of the Church"

I was struck by this talk not because of the message itself.  It happens every decade or so that someone in general conference speaks on this topic.  Still, I recall noone prior speaking so forcefully on this topic nor tying our use of the name of the Church so directly with our honoring the Savior.  I am sure that this talk will garner attention as we move through the year. 

The activity that I am sharing below is really just that, an activity-- really two activities that work together.  The two parts may be split up and used differently or only one may be used. 

The Activity:

1. Draw a T chart on the board.  Label one side "Consequences of Current Practice" and the other side "Consequences of Changing Practice."  
2. For the first side, read the following quotes one at a time:
1. Paragrah 10 "The most important thing . . . even His atonment."
2. Paragraph 16 "When we omit . . . of our lives."
3. After reading each quote, discuss what it means.  Ask the class members to imagine what those consequences will look like in real life.  
4. List these items under the appropriate heading
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for the other side of the table using these quotes:
1. Paragraph 18 "If we as a people . . . He decreed."
2. Paragraph 31 "I promis you . . . of the Lord."
6. If appropriate, you may want to spend some time comparing and contrasting the items on the two lists.
7. (Beginning of the second part of this activity-- it may proceed directly from above or there may be more discussion separating the two activities.  I do envision this part of the activity coming near the end of the lesson, though).  Read the following quotes:
1. Paragraph 22 "If we will be patient . . . cross the sea."
2. Paragraph 29-30  "If someone should ask . . . His restored Church."
8. Ask class members to practice how they would respond in a "courteous and patient" (Para. 23) to people who use a nickname for the Church.
9. You may want to ask these small groups to share some particularly good ways of answering these concerns or to have a class member or two come to the front of the class to practice.

Using the Activity:

This activity encourages a couple of important gospel learning principles.  First, it pushes class members to examine closely the exact words of the prophets and then to imagine how these words apply (or might apply) to their lives.  Second, by asking members to practice how they might respond this activity helps prepare the class members to apply this counsel in their lives.  It is the idea of deciding before the temptation how you will respond to it.  

Additionally, the use of a graphic organizer can be a valuable learning tool for many people as it helps them to visualize the ideas being talked about.  Plus, the practice of predicting the way to do something or the way something may turn out helps us to notice when these things happen and to identify when they come to pass.  

As always, I hope that these ideas help you in your responsibility as a teacher.  Furthermore, I hope that you-- as I have-- have felt strongly the power of the Spirit bearing testimony of Pres. Russell M. Nelson's prophetic calling.  He truly is God's chosen prophet for this time.  I thank God that He is moving this work forward through Pres. Nelson powerfully and boldly to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.  God bless.