Study Guide for "“Be With and Strengthen Them”"

In his General Conference talk, "Be With and Strengthen Them," Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addresses the recent adjustments in the Church's ministering efforts. He emphasizes the importance of heartfelt discipleship and the pure love of Christ in our interactions with one another. Elder Holland shares personal stories and scriptural insights to illustrate the profound impact of these changes and invites all members to rise to a higher level of care and concern for their fellow beings.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What recent adjustments in the Church's ministering efforts does Elder Holland discuss?
How does Elder Holland describe the importance of heartfelt discipleship?
What personal stories does Elder Holland share to illustrate the impact of these changes?
What scriptural insights does Elder Holland use to support his message?
How can we rise to a higher level of care and concern for our fellow beings?

Topics

Embrace the New Ministering Concept

Elder Holland introduces the new ministering concept, which replaces home teaching and visiting teaching with a more flexible and heartfelt approach. He emphasizes the importance of caring for one another in various settings and through different means of communication.

We will no longer use home teaching and visiting teaching language.

The primary purpose in this ministering idea will be... to "watch over their people, and ... nourish them with things pertaining to righteousness."

With these adjustments we want more care and concern, not less.

What are the key differences between the old home teaching/visiting teaching programs and the new ministering concept?
Why is flexibility important in the new ministering approach?
How can I adapt my ministering efforts to be more heartfelt and flexible?
What are some creative ways I can minister to those I am assigned to watch over?

Understand the Importance of Personal Relationships

Elder Holland shares a touching story about Brett and Kristin Hamblin to illustrate the importance of personal relationships in ministering. He emphasizes that genuine friendships and connections are crucial in times of need.

The amazing part of this story isn’t that Edwin came when I called... the amazing part of this story is that he was the one I thought of.

The Church provides us a structured way to live the second commandment better—to love, serve, and develop relationships with our brothers and sisters that help us move closer to God.

What role do personal relationships play in effective ministering?
How can genuine friendships enhance our ability to serve others?
Who in my life do I feel comfortable calling in times of need?
How can I strengthen my relationships with those I minister to?

Focus on the Pure Love of Christ

Elder Holland emphasizes that the new ministering approach should be motivated by the pure love of Christ. He calls for members to see this as an invitation to care for one another in a holier way.

Our prayer today is that every man and woman—and our older young men and young women—will leave this general conference more deeply committed to heartfelt care for one another, motivated only by the pure love of Christ to do so.

Why is the pure love of Christ essential in our ministering efforts?
How can we ensure that our ministering is motivated by genuine love?
How can I cultivate the pure love of Christ in my heart?
What actions can I take to show Christlike love to those I minister to?

Recognize the Role of Leaders in Ministering

Elder Holland explains the importance of leaders in the ministering process. He highlights that leaders" interviews with ministering companionships are crucial for understanding the spiritual and temporal needs of the members.

The only report that will be made is the number of interviews leaders had with the ministering companionships in the ward that quarter. Simple as that sounds, my friends, those interviews are absolutely crucial.

What is the role of leaders in the new ministering approach?
Why are interviews with ministering companionships important?
How can I support my leaders in their ministering efforts?
What can I do to make my ministering interviews more meaningful?

Live the Law of Love Universally

Elder Holland calls for members to lift their spiritual eyes toward living the law of love more universally. He urges members to care for one another in a bold, new, holier way, paying tribute to generations who have served faithfully.

As we lift our spiritual eyes toward living the law of love more universally, we pay tribute to the generations who have served that way for years.

What does it mean to live the law of love universally?
How can we honor the legacy of those who have served faithfully before us?
In what ways can I live the law of love more fully in my daily life?
How can I contribute to creating a culture of love and care in my community?