Study Guide for "Inspired Ministering"

In his General Conference talk, "Inspired Ministering," President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, shares insights into the new structure of priesthood quorums announced by President Russell M. Nelson. He emphasizes the importance of inspired ministering, rooted in Christlike love and guided by the Holy Ghost. Through personal stories and scriptural teachings, President Eyring illustrates how members of the Church can fulfill their priesthood responsibilities and provide loving care to others as the Savior would.

Before Reading

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

What significant changes to the structure of priesthood quorums were announced by President Russell M. Nelson?
How did the Prophet Joseph Smith organize the care of Saints in the early days of Nauvoo?
What are some of the key responsibilities of a teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood as mentioned by the 14-year-old speaker?
How did a Melchizedek Priesthood holder exemplify Christlike service to a less-active single sister and her son?
Why is charity essential for salvation according to Moroni?

Topics

Recognizing Inspired Leadership

President Eyring bears testimony of the divine calling of President Russell M. Nelson and the newly called Apostles, Elder Gerrit W. Gong and Elder Ulisses Soares. He shares his personal witness of their inspired leadership and the blessings they will bring to the Church.

I have felt a confirmation of the Spirit that President Nelson is called of God to lead the Lord’s true Church.

It is also my witness that the Lord has called Elder Gerrit W. Gong and Elder Ulisses Soares to serve as members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

What personal experiences did President Eyring share to confirm the divine calling of President Nelson?
How does President Eyring describe the impact of the newly called Apostles on the Church?
How can you seek and recognize the inspiration of Church leaders in your own life?
What steps can you take to sustain and support your local and general Church leaders?

Understanding the Evolution of Church Organization

President Eyring recounts the historical development of the Church's organizational structure, from the early days in Nauvoo to the present. He explains how these changes have been inspired to better care for the Saints and fulfill priesthood responsibilities.

The Lord’s plan for His Saints to provide loving care has taken many forms over the years.

Now He has blessed us with strengthened and unified quorums at the ward and stake levels—quorums that work in coordination with all ward organizations.

How did the early Saints in Nauvoo organize themselves to care for each other?
What is the significance of the newly announced structure for priesthood quorums?
How can you contribute to the effectiveness of your ward and stake organizations?
What can you learn from the historical examples of Church organization to apply in your ministering efforts?

Embracing the Responsibilities of Priesthood Service

Through the example of a 14-year-old teacher, President Eyring highlights the duties and responsibilities of priesthood holders. He emphasizes the importance of setting a good example, fulfilling priesthood duties, and serving others with Christlike love.

The Lord is telling us it’s our responsibility to not only care for the Church but to also care for the people within the Church the way that Christ would because this is His Church.

Being a good teacher doesn’t only mean being responsible when we are at church or at Church activities.

What are some of the key responsibilities of a teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood?
How did the young man describe the impact of fulfilling his priesthood duties?
How can you apply the principles of priesthood service in your daily life?
What specific actions can you take to be a good example of righteousness at all times and in all places?

Demonstrating Christlike Charity in Ministering

President Eyring shares the story of a Melchizedek Priesthood holder who exemplified Christlike charity in his ministering efforts. Despite initial challenges, his persistent and loving service made a significant impact on a less-active sister and her son.

He periodically texted her. Every month he sent a handwritten letter, supplemented with holiday cards for each child.

In time, he was ordained a deacon and began passing the sacrament regularly.

What challenges did the Melchizedek Priesthood holder face in his ministering efforts?
How did his persistent service impact the less-active sister and her son?
How can you show persistent and Christlike love in your ministering efforts?
What can you do to ensure that those you minister to know they can rely on you for support?

Receiving the Gift of Charity

President Eyring teaches about the essential role of charity in our salvation. He explains that charity is a gift from God, bestowed upon us as we serve others and seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

We know that charity is essential for us to be saved in the kingdom of God.

We must "pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that [we] may be filled with this love."

Why is charity essential for salvation according to Moroni?
How can we receive the gift of charity?
How can you focus more on serving others to receive the gift of charity?
In what ways can you pray with all the energy of heart to be filled with Christlike love?