Ministering

Understanding the Importance of Ministering

Elder Gong emphasizes the importance of ministering as a way to serve others as Jesus Christ would. He shares stories of members whose lives have been changed through the ministering efforts of others, highlighting the transformative power of this service.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we seek to minister to others as He would because lives are waiting to change.

John said, "I changed as I drew closer to the Lord."

Everywhere I go, I gratefully learn from those who minister and care as our Savior would.

• What does it mean to minister to others as Jesus Christ would?
• How can ministering change lives according to Elder Gong?
• Why is ministering important in the Church?
• How can you improve your ministering efforts?
• What opportunities do you have to minister to others?
• How has ministering changed your life or the lives of those around you?

Practical Tips for Effective Ministering

Elder Gong provides practical advice for effective ministering. He suggests organizing companionships prayerfully, conducting regular ministering interviews, and focusing on building relationships rather than checking boxes. He also encourages giving young members opportunities to participate in ministering.

Higher and holier ministering comes when we pray for "the pure love of Christ" and follow the Spirit.

Please give our young men and young women needed opportunity to accompany and be mentored by experienced ministering brothers and sisters.

In many places, we can reach out, understand others where they are, and build relationships when we regularly visit members in their homes.

• What does Elder Gong suggest for organizing ministering companionships?
• Why does Elder Gong suggest conducting regular ministering interviews?
• How can young members participate in ministering?
• How can you implement Elder Gong's suggestions in your ministering efforts?
• What opportunities do you have to mentor young members in ministering?
• How can you build stronger relationships with those you minister to?

Ministering as a Reflection of Jesus Christ's Love

Elder Gong emphasizes that ministering is a way to reflect the love of Jesus Christ. He encourages members to minister to others as they would unto Christ, highlighting that this service brings us closer to the Savior.

We become more like Jesus Christ when we do "unto … the least of these" as we would unto Him, when we love our neighbor as ourselves, when we "love one another; as I have loved you," and when "whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister."

Jesus Christ ministers. Angels minister. Followers of Jesus Christ "minister one to another," "rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep," "watch over [and] … nourish [the people] with things pertaining to righteousness," "remember … the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted," let His name be known through our ministry.

• How does ministering reflect the love of Jesus Christ?
• How does ministering bring us closer to the Savior?
• How can you minister to others in a way that reflects the love of Jesus Christ?
• How has ministering brought you closer to the Savior?

The Blessings of Ministering

Elder Gong discusses the blessings that come from ministering, including strengthened relationships, enriched lives, and increased closeness to the Lord. He asserts that these blessings come not only to those who are ministered to, but also to those who minister.

As we minister as He would, we witness His miracles, His blessings. We obtain "a more excellent ministry."

We may tire physically. But in His service we do "not weary in well-doing."

God who "ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown." In other words, God enriches "every thing to all bountifulness." They "which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."

• What blessings does Elder Gong say come from ministering?
• How does ministering enrich our lives?
• What blessings have you received from ministering?
• How has ministering enriched your life?

Ministering and the Strength of the Church

Elder Gong discusses the role of ministering in strengthening the Church. He suggests that inspired ministering not only blesses individuals and families, but also strengthens wards and branches, contributing to the overall spiritual health of the Church.

Inspired ministering blesses families and individuals; it also strengthens wards and branches.

Think of your ward or branch as a spiritual ecosystem.

Together, they bless hearts and homes, wards and branches, through inspired, consistent ministering.

• How does ministering contribute to the strength of the Church?
• What role does ministering play in wards and branches?
• How has ministering strengthened your ward or branch?
• What role can you play in strengthening your ward or branch through ministering?