Lesson Prepration Guide for "The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ"

In his profound address, President Dallin H. Oaks emphasizes the centrality of the family within the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He explores the eternal significance of family relationships, the role of temples in the eternal plan, and the challenges faced by modern families. President Oaks also shares personal experiences and teachings that highlight the enduring power of family bonds and the divine purpose of marriage and childbearing.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin with a personal story about a family tradition that has strengthened your family bonds. Ask class members to think about similar traditions in their own families.
Show a short video about the importance of family in the gospel, followed by a brief discussion on how family-oriented teachings have impacted their lives.
Start with a scripture reading from the Family Proclamation and invite members to share their initial thoughts on the importance of family in God's plan.
Ask class members to write down the names of family members they are grateful for and why, then share some of these with the group.
Invite someone to share a brief testimony or experience about how temple ordinances have blessed their family.

Topics

Focus on Family in the Gospel

President Oaks emphasized that the doctrine of the Church centers on families, with temple ordinances enabling eternal family unity. He highlighted the Church's focus on building temples and the importance of family in God's plan.

The doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints centers on the family.

Why do you think the family is central to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
How have temple ordinances blessed your family?
What are some ways we can strengthen our family relationships?
How does the Church's focus on families affect your personal faith journey?
What role does the temple play in your understanding of eternal families?

Challenges to Family Values

President Oaks addressed the decline in marriage and birth rates, emphasizing that Latter-day Saints should uphold the values of marriage and children despite societal trends. He stressed the importance of understanding the purpose of marriage and family in the gospel.

It is vital that Latter-day Saints do not lose their understanding of the purpose of marriage and the value of children.

What challenges do you see in society that affect family values?
How can we maintain a focus on marriage and children in today's world?
What experiences have strengthened your testimony of the importance of family?
Why is it important to understand the purpose of marriage in the gospel?
How can we support each other in upholding family values?

Parental Responsibility in Teaching

Despite challenges, parents have a God-given responsibility to teach their children gospel principles. President Oaks shared personal experiences of being raised by a widowed mother and emphasized the role of parents and grandparents as master teachers.

Parents, single or married—and others, like grandparents, who fill that role for children—are the master teachers.

How can parents effectively teach gospel principles to their children?
What role do grandparents and extended family play in teaching children?
How did your parents or guardians teach you about the gospel?
What challenges do single parents face in teaching their children, and how can we support them?
Why is teaching by example so powerful?

Strengthening Family Bonds

President Oaks encouraged families to engage in meaningful activities together to strengthen bonds. He suggested activities like family gardens, sports, and reunions, emphasizing the importance of turning off technology to spend quality time together.

To find time to do what is truly worthwhile, many parents will find that they can turn their family on if they all turn their technologies off.

What activities have helped strengthen your family bonds?
How can we prioritize family time in our busy lives?
What are some ways to involve children in meaningful family activities?
How does turning off technology impact family relationships?
What traditions or activities have brought your family closer together?

Jesus Christ as Our Model

President Oaks reminded that Jesus Christ is our ultimate role model and that following His teachings and example can counteract selfishness and individualism. He encouraged serving one another and teaching practical skills alongside gospel principles.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is our ultimate role model.

How can we model our lives after Jesus Christ in our families?
What are some ways to serve one another within our families?
Why is it important to teach practical skills alongside gospel principles?
How does following Christ's example strengthen family relationships?
What experiences have you had in serving your family that brought you closer to Christ?

Additional Discussion Questions

How can we better integrate gospel teachings into our daily family life?
What are some ways to involve children in family gospel study?
How does the gospel help us navigate challenges within our families?
What is the role of faith in maintaining strong family relationships?
How can we support families who are struggling with challenges like divorce or loss?
What does it mean to have an eternal family, and how does that perspective influence our daily decisions?
How can we help children understand the importance of family in the gospel?
What are some ways to create a family culture that reflects gospel values?
How does participating in family history work strengthen family bonds?
What role do family traditions play in teaching gospel principles?