Study Guide for "The Quorum: A Place of Belonging"

In this talk, Elder Carl B. Cook emphasizes the importance of priesthood quorums as a place of belonging, growth, and mutual support. He uses a compelling example from the Mochudi Branch in Botswana, Africa, to illustrate how quorum members can strengthen each other and the larger Church community. Elder Cook also highlights the role of quorums in supporting home-centered gospel learning and reaching out to those who may feel like "long shots" or "underdogs."

Before Reading

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

What is the role of a priesthood quorum in the Church?
How can a quorum serve as a place of belonging and growth?
What principles can strengthen a priesthood quorum?
What can we learn from the example of the Mochudi Branch in Botswana?
How can quorums support home-centered gospel learning and outreach efforts?

Topics

Understanding the Importance of Quorums

Elder Cook emphasizes the importance of quorums as a place of belonging and growth for all members. He highlights the role of quorum presidency members in leading, inspiring, and developing love and brotherhood among all members, especially those who are new, less active, or have special needs.

Every priesthood holder, regardless of his situation, benefits from a strong quorum.

As the Lord gathers His children, they need a place to belong and grow.

A strong, united quorum makes all the difference in the life of a young man.

What is the role of a quorum in the Church?
How does a strong quorum benefit all priesthood holders?
What responsibilities do quorum presidency members have?
How can you contribute to making your quorum a place of belonging and growth?
What can you do to support new or less active members in your quorum?
How can you help foster a spirit of love and brotherhood in your quorum?

Supporting Home-Centered Gospel Learning

Elder Cook discusses the role of quorums in supporting home-centered gospel learning, especially for members who may not have an environment of gospel study at home. He emphasizes that no one should be left behind and that priesthood holders serve as the Lord's hands in providing support to individuals and families.

We, as priesthood holders, are the Lord’s hands. We are the Church support to home-centered efforts.

When there is limited support at home, priesthood quorums and other leaders and friends watch over and support each individual and family as needed.

How do quorums support home-centered gospel learning?
Why is it important that no one is left behind in the Church's efforts to promote gospel learning?
What can you do to support home-centered gospel learning within your quorum?
How can you help ensure that no one in your quorum feels left behind?

Reaching Out to the "Long Shots" and "Underdogs"

Elder Cook shares his personal experience as a "long shot" and "underdog" due to his family situation and how his quorum rallied around him. He emphasizes that everyone has a quorum where they can receive and provide strength.

There are long shots and underdogs all around us. Perhaps we all are in one way or another.

But each of us here has a quorum, a place where we can both receive strength and provide strength.

What does Elder Cook mean by "long shots" and "underdogs"?
How can a quorum provide support and strength to these individuals?
Have you ever felt like a "long shot" or "underdog"? How can your quorum support you?
How can you provide support and strength to others in your quorum who may feel like "long shots" or "underdogs"?

Activating and Sharing the Gospel through Quorums

Using the example of the Mochudi Branch, Elder Cook illustrates how quorums can grow through activation and sharing the gospel. He highlights the exponential growth that can occur when disciples reach out to their friends.

Wherever you are, your quorum can grow through activation and sharing the gospel.

When even one disciple reaches out to a friend, one can become two. Two can become four. Four can become eight. And eight can become twelve.

How can quorums contribute to the growth of the Church?
What role do individual members play in activating and sharing the gospel?
What can you do to contribute to the growth of your quorum?
How can you reach out to friends and invite them to "come and see"?

Experiencing the Power of Unity and Brotherhood

Elder Cook emphasizes the power of unity and brotherhood within quorums. He shares the story of the "Band of Brothers" from the Mochudi Branch who supported each other, served missions, and shared the gospel with their families and friends.

The quorum is "all for one and one for all." It is a place where we instruct each other, serve others, and build unity and brotherhood as we serve God.

It is my prayer that we will accept the Lord’s invitation to be united with Him in our priesthood quorums so that each quorum might be a place of belonging, a place of gathering, a place that grows.

Why is unity and brotherhood important within a quorum?
How did the "Band of Brothers" from the Mochudi Branch demonstrate unity and brotherhood?
How can you foster unity and brotherhood within your quorum?
What actions can you take to support and uplift others in your quorum?