Study Guide for "One in Christ"

In his General Conference talk, Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shares a powerful message about unity and love within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Using the metaphor of the Amazon River, Elder Soares illustrates how diverse members can come together, blending their unique backgrounds and strengths to form a mighty force for good. He emphasizes the importance of supporting and ministering to new converts, helping them feel welcome, and integrating them into the community of Saints. Elder Soares also outlines practical steps to ensure that new members feel loved, valued, and nourished by the gospel.

Before Reading

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

What metaphor does Elder Soares use to describe the unity of Church members?
How does Elder Soares suggest we support new converts in the Church?
What are the three specific needs of new friends in the Church according to Elder Soares?
How does ministering relate to the pure love of Christ as described by Elder Soares?

Topics

Unite as One in Christ

Elder Soares uses the metaphor of the Amazon River to describe how members of the Church, despite their diverse backgrounds, can unite as one in Christ. Just as the Solimões and Negro Rivers merge to form the powerful Amazon River, Church members can come together to form a strong, unified community that spreads the "fresh water" of the gospel to the world.

As followers of Jesus Christ, flowing as one in this river of goodness, we will be able to provide the "fresh water" of the gospel to a thirsty world.

Paul, the New Testament Apostle, taught that those who "have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ … : for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

What does Elder Soares compare the unity of Church members to?
How does the metaphor of the Amazon River illustrate the concept of unity in Christ?
How can you contribute to the unity of your ward or branch?
Reflect on a time when you felt a strong sense of unity with fellow Church members. What contributed to that feeling?

Minister with Pure Love

Elder Soares emphasizes the importance of ministering with the pure love of Christ, which is described as charity. He highlights how true ministering involves genuine care and concern for others, helping new members feel included and loved. This form of ministering mirrors the Savior's approach and helps new converts integrate into the Church community.

President Russell M. Nelson recently described a manifestation of this pure love of Christ as ministering, which is a more focused and holier approach to love and care for other individuals like the Savior did.

When we minister to them like the Savior did, they won’t feel like "strangers within our gates." They will feel like they can fit in and make new friends, and most importantly, they will feel the Savior’s love through our genuine care.

How does Elder Soares describe the pure love of Christ?
What are some ways we can minister to new members in the Church?
What specific actions can you take to minister to someone new in your ward?
How can you show the pure love of Christ in your daily interactions with others?

Support New Converts

Elder Soares outlines three essential needs for new converts: sincere friendships, opportunities to serve, and nourishment through the word of God. He encourages members to be proactive in welcoming new friends, helping them feel like they belong, and providing support through genuine relationships, service opportunities, and gospel teaching.

First, they need brothers and sisters in the Church who are sincerely interested in them, true and loyal friends to whom they can constantly turn, who will walk beside them, and who will answer their questions.

Third, new friends must be "nourished by the good word of God."

What are the three essential needs of new converts according to Elder Soares?
Why is it important for new converts to have opportunities to serve?
How can you help a new convert feel more welcome in your ward or branch?
What opportunities for service can you offer to new members?

Embrace Diversity in the Church

Elder Soares highlights the importance of embracing the diversity that new members bring to the Church. He explains that their unique perspectives, talents, and enthusiasm can enrich the entire Church community, making it stronger and more vibrant.

Our new friends bring God-given talents, excitement, and goodness within them. Their enthusiasm for the gospel can be contagious, thereby helping us revitalize our own testimonies.

They also bring fresh perspectives to our understanding of life and the gospel.

How does Elder Soares describe the contributions of new members to the Church?
Why is it important to embrace the diversity that new members bring?
What unique talents or perspectives do you bring to your Church community?
How can you better appreciate and utilize the diverse talents and perspectives of others in your ward or branch?

Overcome Challenges Together

Elder Soares acknowledges the challenges that new converts may face as they join the Church and emphasizes the importance of helping them overcome these challenges. He encourages members to share their own experiences and provide support, ensuring that new members do not feel alone in their journey.

Recognizing the adjustments and challenges our new friends make in becoming members of God’s family, as our brothers and sisters, we can share how we have overcome similar challenges in our lives.

This will help them know that they are not alone and that God will bless them as they exercise faith in His promises.

What challenges might new converts face when joining the Church?
How can sharing personal experiences help new converts?
Reflect on a challenge you faced when you first joined the Church. How did you overcome it?
How can you use your experiences to help someone who is currently facing similar challenges?