Relying on The Holy Ghost - 01-FEB-2016

One of the most important goals to strive for when teaching any church class is that the Holy Ghost be present to inspire you what to say and bear record of your words - every time you teach. Not only is teaching by the Spirit the most effective way to share gospel truth, but it is a commandment.

Doctrine and Covenants 42:13-14 says, “…and these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit. And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach.”

Consider these words by Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “If the Lord Jesus were here, what He would say in this situation would be perfect. But He is not here. Instead, He has sent me to represent Him. I should say what He would say if He were here; I should say what He wants said. The only way I can do this is to have Him tell me what to say. This revealed direction can come to me only by the power of His Spirit. Therefore I must be guided by the Spirit if I am to teach in my capacity as an agent of the Lord.”

For further ideas on teaching by the Spirit, please review the few paragraphs and two 1 minute videos on lds.org here.

Teach by the Spirit - Principles and Methods of Teaching

“A teacher of the gospel should humbly recognize that the Holy Ghost is the true teacher. You can become an instrument through whom the Holy Ghost can teach, testify, comfort, and inspire. The Holy Ghost will guide you in your teaching as you properly prepare yourself.

To teach by the Spirit, it is important that you have a testimony of what you are teaching. During the lesson, bear that testimony to those you are teaching, as guided by the Holy Ghost.

You can invite the Spirit to be with you during each lesson. Have class members offer prayers, use the scriptures during the lessons, share experiences with living gospel principles, sing hymns, and express their testimonies. Take advantage of every opportunity to help others recognize when they feel the Spirit.”

Also, please consider reviewing this recent LDS Church News article:

Think Sunday School Is Boring? Ask What You Can Do to Contribute - 04-DEC-2015

“How can we contribute as learners?

We can all contribute to the spirit of our Sunday classes by choosing to do some or all of the following:

Coming a little better prepared to class

Praying for the learners as well as the teacher to have the Spirit

Stepping outside our comfort zone and participating in class discussions

Recording spiritual impressions and sharing them with others

For the last few years I have tried to record doctrinal insights and spiritual impressions I receive at church. I can honestly say I have been richly rewarded. This approach has changed my perspective; it has accelerated my learning and increased my anticipation for church. When I started recording insights and impressions received at church, I was pleasantly surprised at how much better the speakers and teachers had become in such a short period of time.”

Please keep in mind two primary goals:

1. Teach in The Savior's Way
2. Focus on Testimony Building, Not Information Sharing