Study Guide for "Becoming a Shepherd"

In her inspiring General Conference talk, Bonnie H. Cordon, the Young Women General President, speaks about the profound importance of becoming shepherds to the Lord's sheep. Drawing from the Savior's dialogue with Peter, she emphasizes the need to develop a shepherd's heart through ministering, knowing and numbering His sheep, watching over them, and gathering them into the fold of God. With personal anecdotes and scriptural references, Cordon invites us to embrace the Savior’s call to care for one another with love, compassion, and dedication.

Before Reading

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

Why does the Savior ask Peter three times if he loves Him?
What does it mean to develop a shepherd's heart?
How can we ensure that the Lord's sheep are known and numbered?
What are some ways we can watch over and support those we minister to?
How can we help gather the Lord's sheep into the fold of God?

Topics

Show Love for the Savior by Feeding His Sheep

Bonnie H. Cordon recounts the Savior's conversation with Peter, emphasizing that true love for the Savior is demonstrated through caring for His sheep. By asking Peter to "feed my sheep," the Savior extends an invitation to all of us to minister to others as an expression of our love for Him.

The Savior asked Peter, "Lovest thou me?" Peter answered, "Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs."

Why does the Savior ask Peter if he loves Him three times?
How does feeding the Lord's sheep show our love for the Savior?
How can you show your love for the Savior in your daily interactions with others?
What specific actions can you take to "feed" the Lord's sheep in your community?

Know and Number the Lord's Sheep

Cordon stresses the importance of knowing and numbering the Lord's sheep, ensuring that each person feels the love of the Savior through our ministering efforts. By building friendships and understanding individual needs, we can help others recognize that they are known and loved by a Heavenly Father.

Numbering, however, is not really about numbers; it is about making certain each person feels the love of the Savior through someone who serves for Him.

What does it mean to number the Lord's sheep?
How can we ensure that everyone feels the love of the Savior through our ministering?
Who are the individuals and families you have been assigned to minister to?
What steps can you take to get to know them better and understand their needs?

Watch Over the Lord's Sheep with Love

Cordon explains that watching over the Lord's sheep involves more than just meeting physical needs; it requires seeing and addressing their emotional and spiritual needs with love and compassion. By being attentive and seeking inspiration, we can provide meaningful support and comfort to those we minister to.

Do our sheep know we are watching over them with love and we will take action to help?

The key word is saw. The righteous saw those in need because they were watching and noticing.

What does it mean to watch over the Lord's sheep?
How can we better see and address the needs of those we minister to?
What are some ways you can be more attentive to the needs of those you minister to?
How can you seek inspiration to know how to best support and comfort them?

Gather the Lord's Sheep into the Fold of God

Cordon highlights the importance of helping the Lord's sheep stay on the covenant path by walking with them on their journey of faith. By understanding their hearts and offering support, we can help them draw closer to the Savior and experience the blessings of the gospel.

We want our sheep to be gathered into the fold of God. To do so, we must consider where they are on the covenant path and be willing to walk with them on their journey of faith.

What does it mean to gather the Lord's sheep into the fold of God?
How can we help others stay on the covenant path?
Who in your life might need help staying on the covenant path?
What actions can you take to support them in their journey of faith?

Involve the Youth in Ministering

Cordon emphasizes the potential and strength of the youth in the Church, encouraging them to take an active role in ministering. By involving young people in the work of shepherding, we can harness their energy and dedication to bless the lives of others.

Our youth can be some of the strongest shepherds. They are, as President Russell M. Nelson said, "among the best the Lord has ever sent to this world."

Why are the youth considered some of the strongest shepherds?
How can involving the youth enhance our ministering efforts?
If you are a youth, how can you get involved in ministering?
What can you do to encourage the youth in your ward to take an active role in ministering?