Remembering the Sheep
William K. Jackson, of the Seventy
Elder Jackson emphasizes the importance of remembering and ministering to individuals by name, following Christ's example as the Good Shepherd.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin the lesson by reading Luke 15:4-7, the parable of the lost sheep, and ask the class to reflect on how they have seen this parable in action in their own lives or in their ward.
- Share a personal story or invite a class member to share an experience where they felt remembered and valued in the Church community.
- Play a short video or audio clip of a shepherd tending to their flock, and discuss how this imagery relates to our responsibilities as members of the Church.
- Ask the class to write down the name of someone they feel may be "lost" or in need of ministering, and encourage them to think about ways they can reach out to this person.
- Begin with a silent reflection, inviting class members to consider the question, "Who is missing from our flock?" and then open the floor for sharing thoughts and impressions.
Topics
Embrace the Role of the Good Shepherd
Elder Jackson emphasized that Christ, the Good Shepherd, set an example by knowing, loving, and finding His sheep. As His undershepherds, we are expected to follow His pattern by remembering and ministering to those in our care.
Christ is the Good Shepherd. Each one of the flock is precious to Him.
- How can we better emulate the qualities of the Good Shepherd in our ministering efforts?
- In what ways have you felt the Savior's love as a Good Shepherd in your life?
- What does it mean to you to be an "undershepherd" in Christ's flock?
- How can we ensure that everyone in our ward feels known and loved?
- What are some practical ways we can find and help those who are lost?
Learn from Moroni's Ministry
Elder Jackson highlighted Moroni's ministry as an example of effective shepherding, where members were accounted for and their welfare was discussed in councils to ensure no one was forgotten.
For Moroni, it was all about people—names! He practiced the principle of counting and accounting so that all would be remembered.
- What can we learn from Moroni's approach to ministering?
- How can councils in our ward better focus on the welfare of individual members?
- Why is it important to remember and account for each member by name?
- What steps can we take to ensure that no one is forgotten in our ministering efforts?
- How can we improve our communication and collaboration within our councils?
Implement Counting and Accounting Tools
Elder Jackson discussed the importance of using Church-provided tools, such as the Quarterly Report and Action and Interview List, to keep track of members and ensure their needs are met.
The Church supplies us with reports and tools to do just that—to remember.
- How have you seen counting and accounting tools used effectively in your ward?
- What challenges do we face in using these tools, and how can we overcome them?
- How can these tools help us identify and meet the needs of our members?
- In what ways can we improve our use of these tools to better serve our ward?
- What role do these tools play in our overall ministering efforts?
Focus on Individual Names in Ministry
Elder Jackson shared stories of leaders who prioritized individual names in their ministry, demonstrating the power of personal focus in achieving spiritual growth and retention.
He went into the interview with programs, lessons, and activities. He walked out with names!
- Why is focusing on individual names so crucial in our ministering efforts?
- How can we shift our focus from programs to people in our councils?
- What experiences have you had where focusing on an individual made a significant impact?
- How can we ensure that each member feels personally valued and remembered?
- What are some ways we can better remember and follow up with individuals in our ministry?
Achieve Miracles Through Personal Ministry
Elder Jackson concluded by emphasizing that personal ministry, done in the Lord's way, leads to miracles in the lives of real people, aligning with God's work and glory.
To God, who created the universe and rules over all, this work—His work and glory—is very personal.
- What miracles have you witnessed as a result of personal ministry?
- How does personal ministry align with God's work and glory?
- In what ways can we make our ministry more personal and impactful?
- How can we better recognize and celebrate the miracles that occur through our ministering efforts?
- What changes can we make to ensure our ministry is aligned with the Lord's way?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How does the parable of the lost sheep apply to our current ministering efforts?
- What are some barriers to effectively remembering and ministering to individuals, and how can we overcome them?
- How can we create a culture of accountability and care within our wards?
- What role does prayer play in helping us remember and minister to others?
- How can we involve more members in the process of counting and accounting for others?
- How do we balance organizational goals with personal ministry?
- What are some creative ways to engage less-active members in the ward community?
- How can technology be used to enhance our ministering efforts?
- What lessons can we learn from first-generation members about ministering?
- How can we ensure that the principles taught in this talk are implemented in our ward councils?
