Study Guide for "Teaching in the Home—a Joyful and Sacred Responsibility"

In his General Conference address, "Teaching in the Home—a Joyful and Sacred Responsibility," Devin G. Durrant, First Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency, emphasizes the profound and eternal role of parents as primary gospel teachers in the home. Drawing from personal experiences and prophetic counsel, Brother Durrant outlines various opportunities and methods for parents to effectively teach their children about Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and gospel principles. His message is one of encouragement and inspiration, urging parents to embrace their sacred duty with joy and dedication.

Before Reading

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

What are some ways parents can teach their children about the gospel in everyday settings?
How can family home evening and family prayer strengthen family bonds and teach gospel principles?
What role does personal example play in teaching children?
Why is it important for parents to be "on-call" teachers?
How can consistent family scripture study impact children’s spiritual growth?

Topics

Prioritize Family Home Evening

Family home evening is a vital opportunity for parents to teach their children gospel principles in a structured yet enjoyable environment. Brother Durrant emphasizes consistency and making these evenings fun to keep children engaged.

President Gordon B. Hinckley counseled: "If you have any doubt about the virtue of family home evening, try it. Gather your children about you, teach them, bear testimony to them, read the scriptures together and have a good time together."

I invite you to find a way around the obstacles and make family home evening a priority—and make fun a key ingredient.

What are the benefits of holding regular family home evenings?
How can making family home evening fun improve its effectiveness?
How can you make family home evening more engaging for your children?
What obstacles currently prevent you from holding family home evening, and how can you overcome them?

Teach Through Family Prayer

Family prayer is a powerful tool for teaching children about repentance, forgiveness, and expressing love. Brother Durrant shares personal experiences and teachings from church leaders to highlight the importance of praying together as a family.

I’ve always been impressed with how Heavenly Father introduces Jesus Christ as His Beloved Son. I enjoy praying for my children by name as they listen to me express to Heavenly Father how beloved they are to me.

When families gather in humble prayer, powerful and lasting lessons are taught.

Why is family prayer a powerful teaching tool?
How can family prayer help children understand the concept of repentance and forgiveness?
How can you make family prayer a more meaningful experience for your children?
In what ways can you express your love for your children during family prayer?

Be an On-Call Teacher

Parents should always be ready to teach their children, as teaching moments often arise unexpectedly. Brother Durrant shares personal anecdotes and scriptural references to illustrate the importance of being prepared to teach at any moment.

Parental teaching is like being an on-call physician. We always need to be ready to teach our children because we never know when the opportunity will present itself.

Some of the best teaching moments start as a question or concern in the heart of a [family] member.

Why is it important for parents to be ready to teach at any moment?
How can parents prepare themselves to recognize and seize teaching opportunities?
Recall a recent spontaneous teaching moment with your child. How did you handle it, and what could you improve?
What steps can you take to be more spiritually prepared for on-call teaching moments?

Engage in Family Scripture Study

Family scripture study is essential for teaching doctrine and building a strong spiritual foundation. Brother Durrant shares examples of how consistent and creative scripture study can deeply influence children’s testimonies and spiritual growth.

President Russell M. Nelson said, "Not only are parents to cling to the word of the Lord, but they have a divine mandate to teach it to their children."

Brother Ashton loves the scriptures. They are written in his mind and on his heart. His father planted that seed when Brother Ashton was a teenager, and that seed has grown into a deep-rooted tree of truth.

What are the benefits of family scripture study?
How can parents make scripture study engaging for their children?
How can you incorporate more consistent family scripture study into your daily routine?
What creative methods can you use to make scripture study more engaging for your children?

Teach by Example

The most impactful teaching parents can offer is through their example. Brother Durrant shares stories and counsel from church leaders to emphasize that living gospel principles consistently is the most powerful way to teach children.

We are counseled to be "an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson counsels: "We have many avenues for teaching the … rising generation, and we should devote our best thinking and effort to taking full advantage of them. Above all, we must continue to encourage and help parents be better and more consistent teachers … especially by example."

Why is teaching by example more impactful than other forms of teaching?
How can parents ensure that their actions align with the gospel principles they teach?
Reflect on a time when your example taught your child an important lesson. What was the outcome?
What areas of your life could better reflect the gospel principles you wish to teach your children?