Lesson Prepration Guide for "In Support of the Rising Generation"

In this talk, Brother Michael T. Nelson discusses the importance of supporting the youth in the Church. He uses the story of Helaman and the stripling sons of the people of Ammon as an example of how leaders can build strong relationships with young people, guide them in righteousness, and help them fulfill their divine potential. He emphasizes the role of parents, bishops, and ward members in this process.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin with a discussion about the story of Helaman and the stripling sons of the Ammonites. Ask class members about their understanding of this story and how it relates to the youth in the Church today.
Start the lesson by asking the class members to share their experiences of being mentored or mentoring the youth in the Church. How did these experiences impact their lives or the lives of the youth?
Open the lesson by discussing the role of bishops in the Church. What responsibilities do they have towards the youth in their wards? How can they best fulfill these responsibilities?

Topics

Building Trust and Relationships with Youth

Helaman built strong relationships with the young Ammonites, earning their trust and helping them mature in righteousness. Bishops today are called to do the same with the youth in their wards, seeing them through Heavenly Father’s eyes and understanding their divine potential.

Helaman loved these young men like sons and saw their potential. Elder Dale G. Renlund taught that “to effectively serve others we must see them … through Heavenly Father’s eyes. Only then can we begin to comprehend the true worth of a soul. Only then can we sense the love that Heavenly Father has for all … His children.”

How can we build trust with the youth in our wards?
What does it mean to see someone through Heavenly Father’s eyes?
What are some ways we can help the youth understand their divine potential?
How can the experience of Helaman and the young Ammonites guide our interactions with the youth today?
What are some challenges that might arise in building relationships with the youth, and how can we overcome them?

Honoring Covenants and Trusting in God

Helaman and the young Ammonites honored their covenants and trusted in God, even in challenging situations. They chose to trust in God's strength rather than their own. This faith and trust in God is a powerful lesson for the youth today.

He trusted more in the strength that God would provide than in the strength these Ammonites could have provided with their swords and arrows.

How can we teach the youth about the importance of honoring covenants?
What are some ways we can demonstrate trust in God, especially in challenging situations?
How can the story of Helaman and the young Ammonites inspire the youth to trust in God?
What role do covenants play in our lives and in the lives of the youth?
How can we help the youth understand the power of God’s strength?

Supporting Youth in Their Spiritual Growth

The young Ammonites were supported in their spiritual growth by their parents and by Helaman. Similarly, parents and leaders today have the responsibility to teach and support the youth in their spiritual journeys, helping them to keep the commandments and walk uprightly before God.

These faithful parents knew they had the primary responsibility for teaching their children. They taught their children to keep the commandments and “walk uprightly” before God.

What responsibilities do parents and leaders have in supporting the spiritual growth of the youth?
How can we teach the youth to keep the commandments and walk uprightly before God?
What are some effective ways to support the youth in their spiritual journeys?
How can the example of the young Ammonites and their parents guide our efforts to support the youth?
What role does the Church play in supporting the spiritual growth of the youth?

Serving in the Lord’s Kingdom

Helaman served in the Lord’s kingdom and sought support and guidance from others. No one serving in the Lord’s kingdom serves alone. The Lord has blessed us with wards and stakes, providing resources, wisdom, and inspiration to meet any challenge.

No one serving in the Lord’s kingdom serves alone. The Lord has blessed us with wards and stakes. Through His restored organization, we have the resources, wisdom, and inspiration to meet any challenge.

What does it mean to serve in the Lord’s kingdom?
How can we seek and provide support in our service in the Church?
What resources, wisdom, and inspiration has the Lord provided to us through His Church?
How can we use these resources to support the youth in our wards and stakes?
What lessons can we learn from Helaman’s service in the Lord’s kingdom?

Fulfilling the Great Purpose of Youth

The youth today have a great purpose to fulfill, just like the young Ammonites. They were born in these days to gather Israel through their powerful witness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Parents and leaders have been prepared to support them in fulfilling this great purpose.

The youth today are among Heavenly Father’s most noble spirits. They were among the stalwart defenders of truth and agency in the premortal world. They were born in these days to gather Israel through their powerful witness of the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is the great purpose of the youth today?
How can we support the youth in fulfilling their great purpose?
What does it mean to gather Israel through a powerful witness of the Lord Jesus Christ?
How can the example of the young Ammonites inspire the youth to fulfill their great purpose?
What role do parents and leaders play in helping the youth fulfill their great purpose?

Additional Discussion Questions

How can we apply the lessons from the story of Helaman and the young Ammonites in our lives?
What can we do to better support the youth in our wards and stakes?
How can we help the youth understand their divine potential and great purpose?
What can we learn from the faith and trust in God demonstrated by Helaman and the young Ammonites?
How can we strengthen our relationships with the youth in our wards and stakes?
What are some ways we can honor our covenants and demonstrate trust in God?
How can we better serve in the Lord’s kingdom and seek support in our service?
What role do parents and leaders play in supporting the spiritual growth of the youth?
How can we teach the youth about the importance of honoring covenants and trusting in God?
What can we do to help the youth fulfill their great purpose in these latter days?