Study Guide for "The Name of the Church Is Not Negotiable"

In this talk given by Elder Neil L. Andersen, he emphasizes the importance of using the correct name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He shares experiences and miracles that have occurred as the Church and its members have worked to correct the use of the Church's name. He also emphasizes the blessings and spiritual power that come from following the counsel of the Lord's prophet.

Before Reading

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

Why is it important to use the correct name of the Church?
What miracles have occurred as the Church has worked to correct the use of its name?
What blessings come from following the counsel of the Lord's prophet?

Topics

Understanding the Importance of the Church's Name

Elder Andersen stresses the importance of using the correct name of the Church, as revealed by the Lord and emphasized by President Russell M. Nelson. He explains that the Church's identity and destiny require it to be called by the Lord's name.

The Lord has impressed upon my mind the importance of the name He has revealed for His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The name of the Church is not negotiable.

Why has the Lord emphasized the importance of the Church's name?
What does it mean that the Church's name is "not negotiable"?
How can you better use the correct name of the Church in your conversations?
What can you do to help others understand the importance of the Church's name?

Witnessing the Growing Influence of the Church

Elder Andersen discusses the growing influence of the Church worldwide, and how the Church will be a "shining light on the hill" as disbelief in Jesus Christ darkens the world. He also shares experiences of members who have seen increased faith and greater spiritual power as they have used the correct name of the Church.

The influence of the restored Church of Jesus Christ will not only be upon those who are members of the Church.

Our rigorous attention to use the correct name of the Savior’s Church … [would bring us] increased faith and access to greater spiritual power.

How does the Church influence the world?
What are the results of using the correct name of the Church?
How have you seen the influence of the Church in your life or community?
How can you contribute to the growing influence of the Church?

Experiencing Miracles in the Name Correction Effort

Elder Andersen shares several miracles that have occurred as the Church has worked to correct the use of its name, including the sudden availability of desired internet domain names and the successful renaming of many Church-related products and organizations.

For years we had hoped to purchase the internet domain sites ChurchofJesusChrist.org and ChurchofJesusChrist.com. Neither was for sale. About the time of President Nelson’s announcement, both were suddenly available. It was a miracle.

What miracles have occurred as the Church has worked to correct the use of its name?
How have these miracles helped the Church to move forward?
How have you seen the hand of the Lord in the efforts to correct the use of the Church's name?
What can you do to support these ongoing efforts?

Appreciating the Help of Others in the Name Correction Effort

Elder Andersen expresses gratitude for those who have honored the Church's desire to be called by its correct name. He also encourages members to continue to politely request that others use the correct name of the Church.

We appreciate the many good and gracious people who have honored our desire to be called by our correct name.

With courtesy, we again ask the fair-minded of the media to honor our desire to be called by our name of nearly 200 years.

Why is it important to appreciate the efforts of others in using the correct name of the Church?
How can we continue to encourage others to use the correct name of the Church?
How can you show appreciation to those who use the correct name of the Church?
What can you do to help others understand and respect the Church's desire to be called by its correct name?

Demonstrating Courage in Proclaiming the Church's Name

Elder Andersen shares stories of members who have courageously proclaimed the name of the Church, demonstrating that as we do our part, others will follow. He also testifies of the blessings that come from following the counsel of the Lord's prophet.

There are thousands and thousands of Latter-day Saints who have courageously proclaimed the name of the Church.

When we willingly follow the counsel of the Lord as revealed through His living prophet, especially if it runs counter to our initial thinking, requiring humility and sacrifice, the Lord blesses us with additional spiritual power and sends His angels to support us and stand by us.

What blessings come from courageously proclaiming the name of the Church?
How does following the counsel of the Lord's prophet bless us?
How can you demonstrate courage in proclaiming the name of the Church?
What can you do to more fully follow the counsel of the Lord's prophet?