Remembering the Sheep

Emulate the Good Shepherd

Elder Jackson discusses how Christ, as the Good Shepherd, exemplifies the qualities of knowing, loving, and leading each member of His flock. He calls us to follow Christ's example in our ministering efforts.

Christ is the Good Shepherd. Each one of the flock is precious to Him.

He expects us to do the same as His undershepherds.

• Christ knows each of us by name and loves us individually.
• As His followers, we are called to minister in the same personal and caring manner.
• Ministering involves actively seeking out those who are lost or struggling.

• Reflect on a time when you felt personally ministered to by someone in your ward or branch.
• Share an experience where you have tried to emulate the Good Shepherd in your own ministering efforts.
• Consider how you can better know and love those you are assigned to minister to.

Learn from Moroni's Example

Elder Jackson highlights Moroni's method of keeping track of church members by taking names and ensuring they were remembered and nourished spiritually.

For Moroni, it was all about people—names! He practiced the principle of counting and accounting so that all would be remembered.

• Moroni ensured that all church members were remembered and nourished by the word of God.
• He facilitated discussions about the welfare of souls in council settings.
• Moroni's approach underscores the importance of personal connection and accountability in church leadership.

• Think of a time when you were able to help someone by remembering and reaching out to them.
• Share how you keep track of those you minister to and ensure they are spiritually nourished.
• Consider how you can implement Moroni's example in your current church responsibilities.

Counting and Accounting in Church Leadership

Elder Jackson explains the importance of using church tools and reports to keep track of each member, ensuring no one is forgotten.

The Church supplies us with reports and tools to do just that—to remember.

These counting and accounting tools focus us in on people.

• Church tools like the Quarterly Report and Action and Interview List help leaders remember and care for each member.
• These tools help identify who needs specific spiritual help or opportunities for growth.
• Effective use of these tools ensures that no one in the congregation is overlooked.

• Describe how you have used church tools to help minister to others.
• Reflect on how you can improve in using these resources to remember and care for your ward or branch members.
• Consider a time when a church report helped you notice someone who needed assistance.

The Impact of Personal Ministry

Elder Jackson shares stories demonstrating how personal ministry and attention to individuals can lead to spiritual growth and community strength.

Name by name, those lost sheep were welcomed back by their peers and fed spiritually and physically!

• Personal ministry often leads to individuals returning to activity and receiving spiritual nourishment.
• Focusing on individuals by name can create significant positive changes in their lives.
• Leaders who prioritize personal ministry often see miracles in their congregations.

• Share an experience where personal ministry made a difference in someone's life.
• Reflect on how you have felt the impact of personal ministry in your own life.
• Consider how you can make your ministering efforts more personal and impactful.

The Lord's Personal Work

Elder Jackson concludes by emphasizing that the Lord's work is deeply personal, and as His instruments, we should treat it as such.

To God, who created the universe and rules over all, this work—His work and glory—is very personal.

• The Lord's work of salvation and exaltation is personal and individual.
• As instruments in His hands, we should approach our ministering with the same personal care.
• Miracles happen when we focus on individuals and their needs.

• Reflect on how understanding the personal nature of the Lord's work has influenced your ministering.
• Share a story where focusing on an individual led to a meaningful outcome.
• Consider how you can better align your efforts with the personal nature of the Lord's work.