Study Guide for "It Is All about People"

In his General Conference talk, "It Is All about People," Bishop Gérald Caussé, the Presiding Bishop of the Church, shares a profound experience that underscores the essence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through a narrative about the construction of the Paris France Temple, Bishop Caussé illustrates that the true strength and identity of the Church lie not in its buildings or programs, but in its members who strive to follow Jesus Christ. This talk emphasizes the importance of focusing on individuals, fostering spiritual growth, and ministering with love, much like the Savior did.

Before Reading

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

What experience did Bishop Caussé share about the construction of the Paris France Temple?
How did the city mayor and his team investigate the Church?
What key lesson did Bishop Caussé learn about the Church's true identity?
How did President Russell M. Nelson liken the Church to an automobile?
What does Bishop Caussé suggest is more important than Church programs and buildings?

Topics

Recognize the Church through its Members

Bishop Caussé shares the story of the Paris France Temple construction, emphasizing that the Church is best understood through the lives and actions of its members. The city mayor's investigation into the Church focused on the behavior and character of the members, leading to a deeper understanding of the Church's true nature.

We discovered that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the closest to Jesus Christ’s original Church than any other church we know of.

The key to understanding the Church is not to see it through the outward appearance of its buildings or even as a well-organized institution but through its millions of faithful members, who strive each day to follow the example of Jesus Christ.

What did the city mayor and his team focus on to understand the Church?
How did Bishop Caussé feel about the mayor's conclusion regarding the Church?
How can you help others understand the Church through your actions?
What can you do to better exemplify the teachings of Jesus Christ in your daily life?

Focus on People, Not Programs

Bishop Caussé emphasizes that the purpose of the Church's programs and buildings is to support the spiritual growth of individuals. He shares his personal experience as a stake president, where his initial goals shifted from structural achievements to focusing on individual members and their spiritual journeys.

Our sole aim is to invite each son and daughter of God to come unto Christ and to guide him or her along the covenant path.

What is most important in our Church responsibilities is not the statistics that are reported or the meetings that are held but whether or not individual people—ministered to one at a time just as the Savior did—have been lifted and encouraged and ultimately changed.

What shift in focus did Bishop Caussé experience during his service as a stake president?
What did President M. Russell Ballard teach about the importance of Church responsibilities?
How can you prioritize helping individuals over completing tasks or programs?
What specific actions can you take to minister to someone in your ward or community?

Follow the Savior's Example in Ministering

Bishop Caussé encourages members to follow Jesus Christ's example by focusing on individuals and their needs. He poses reflective questions about what the Savior would do if He visited a ward, emphasizing that Christ would seek to love, teach, and bless individuals.

The key is to follow the example of the Savior in all things. If we do that, we will naturally focus on saving individuals rather than performing tasks and implementing programs.

Have you ever asked yourself what it would be like if the Savior visited your ward or branch next Sunday? What would He do?

What would the Savior focus on if He visited your ward?
How can following the Savior's example change the way you minister to others?
What can you do to better emulate the Savior's love and compassion in your interactions?
How can you make your ministering efforts more personal and meaningful?

Take the Church with You Everywhere

Bishop Caussé explains that the Church is not confined to buildings but is present wherever its members go. He shares a conversation with a friend about the need for priesthood holders in every home, highlighting that the Church's influence extends beyond Sunday worship.

We take the Church with us wherever we go: to work, to school, on vacation, and especially in our homes.

Our homes in particular are "the primary sanctuaries of our faith."

How did Bishop Caussé"s friend react to the number of priesthood holders in a ward?
What does Bishop Caussé suggest is the role of priesthood holders in homes?
How can you bring the spirit of the Church into your daily life and home?
What practices can you implement to make your home a sanctuary of faith?

Create Sacred Spaces in Your Home

Bishop Caussé testifies that homes can be sacred places where the Spirit abides, sometimes even more so than formal places of worship. He emphasizes the importance of daily worship and spiritual activities within the home.

Our homes are sacred places where the Spirit can abound—as much as, and sometimes even more than, in our formal places of worship.

Ours is not just a Sunday church. Our worship continues each day of the week, wherever we are and in whatever we do.

What activities does Bishop Caussé suggest make our homes sacred?
How can daily worship in the home influence your spiritual growth?
What changes can you make to ensure your home is a place where the Spirit can dwell?
How can you incorporate more spiritual practices into your daily routine at home?