Study Guide for "Ministering"

In this pivotal address, President Russell M. Nelson introduces a transformative approach to how members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serve and care for one another. By retiring the traditional home teaching and visiting teaching programs, President Nelson unveils a new, holier method called "ministering." This inspired initiative aims to better align with the Savior's way of meeting both the spiritual and temporal needs of the Church's members. This talk sets the stage for a significant shift in how priesthood holders and sisters of the Relief Society and Young Women will function in their service roles, emphasizing the importance of love and protection against the adversary.

Before Reading

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

What are the two great commandments that President Nelson emphasizes in his talk?
What significant change does President Nelson announce regarding home teaching and visiting teaching?
How does President Nelson describe the new approach to ministering?
Who will explain the details of how the new ministering program will function?

Topics

Implementing a Holier Approach to Ministering

President Nelson announces the retirement of traditional home teaching and visiting teaching programs, introducing a new approach called "ministering." This method aims to better serve the spiritual and temporal needs of Church members in a manner more aligned with the Savior's teachings.

We have made the decision to retire home teaching and visiting teaching as we have known them. Instead, we will implement a newer, holier approach to caring for and ministering to others.

What does President Nelson mean by a "holier approach" to ministering?
How does this new approach differ from traditional home and visiting teaching?
How can you personally embrace this new approach to ministering in your own service?
What changes can you make in your ministering efforts to align more closely with the Savior's way?

Emphasizing the Two Great Commandments

President Nelson highlights the importance of the two great commandments: to love God and to love our neighbors. This new ministering program is designed to help members better keep these commandments through more personalized and inspired service.

Dear brothers and sisters, we constantly seek direction from the Lord on how we can help our members keep the commandments of God, especially those two great commandments to love God and our neighbors.

Why are the two great commandments central to the new ministering program?
How can focusing on these commandments enhance your ministering efforts?
In what ways can you show greater love for God and your neighbors through your ministering?
Reflect on a time when you felt the love of God or your neighbor through someone's ministering. How did it impact you?

Harnessing the Gifts of Sisters and the Power of the Priesthood

Effective ministering relies on the innate spiritual gifts of the sisters and the divine power of the priesthood. This combined effort provides essential protection against the adversary's deceptions and strengthens the Church community.

Effective ministering efforts are enabled by the innate gifts of the sisters and by the incomparable power of the priesthood.

How do the gifts of the sisters and the power of the priesthood complement each other in ministering?
What role do these gifts and powers play in protecting against the adversary?
How can you utilize your spiritual gifts in your ministering efforts?
In what ways can you support and collaborate with others in their ministering roles?

Uniting the First Presidency and the Twelve

President Nelson emphasizes the unity of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in endorsing the new ministering program. This collective support underscores the inspired nature of this initiative and its importance in the Church.

The First Presidency and the Twelve are united in endorsing their messages.

Why is the unity of the First Presidency and the Twelve significant in implementing the new ministering program?
How does this unity influence your confidence in the new program?
How can you show support for the new ministering program in your ward or branch?
Reflect on a time when you felt the strength of unity in the Church leadership. How did it affect your faith?

Opening a New Chapter in Church History

President Nelson declares that the introduction of the ministering program marks a new chapter in the history of the Church. This change is seen as a divinely guided step forward in better serving the needs of Church members worldwide.

Gratefully and prayerfully we open this new chapter in the history of the Church.

What does President Nelson mean by "opening a new chapter" in Church history?
How is this new ministering program a step forward for the Church?
What can you do to contribute to this new chapter in the Church's history?
How can you help others understand and embrace the changes brought by the new ministering program?