The Role of Priesthood Quorums in Conversion and Retention

From the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

President Gordon B. Hinckley has explained that member-missionary work involves (1) finding investigators, (2) teaching investigators, (3) baptizing worthy converts, and (4) fellowshipping and strengthening new members (see “Find the Lambs, Feed the Sheep,” Ensign, May 1999, 105).

Priesthood quorums and groups have exceptional opportunities to assist in this work. Quorum leaders should teach their members to do missionary work and share their experiences. Quorum leaders should also visit new converts and assign them dedicated home teachers. They can organize ways for converts to participate with strong members in service projects and other activities. They can provide quality instruction in quorum meetings and help prepare converts to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. They can assist those struggling to overcome difficulties and challenges. Leaders can also organize committees to help with missionary work.

Quorum members can prayerfully focus on finding investigators for the missionaries to teach. They can help nonmembers learn about their ancestors through the resources at Church Family History Centers™. They can accompany investigators to Church meetings and activities. President Hinckley has said: “In this process we need not be offensive. We need not be arrogant. The most effective tract we will carry will be the goodness of our own lives” (Ensign, May 1999, 107).

Quorums exist to serve others, to build unity and brotherhood, and to instruct members in gospel principles and duties. These purposes are achieved as quorum members provide new converts with friendship and opportunities to serve and grow spiritually.

Priesthood quorums should resolve “to arise to … a new sense of responsibility, a new shouldering of obligation to assist our Father in Heaven in His glorious work of bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of His sons and daughters throughout the earth” (Ensign, May 1999, 110).

Photo by Steve Bunderson