Just a few months after the Church was officially organized, the Savior instructed several new members to serve missions. Despite their recent acceptance and limited understanding of the restored gospel, the Lord called these men to proclaim His gospel with the “voice of a trump” (Doctrine and Covenants 30:9). This lesson can help students understand some of the Savior’s reasons for commanding us to preach His gospel.
Possible Learning Activities
This is the first of two lessons that address Doctrine and Covenants 30–36. Part 1 will focus on reasons the Lord wants us to share His gospel, and part 2 will focus on the help He provides us and how we can preach to others. If class time is limited and only one lesson on Doctrine and Covenants 30–36 can be taught, consider how the two lessons might be effectively combined.
Our duty to preach the gospel
Consider beginning class by displaying a recent mission call and reading it aloud. Invite students to share their feelings about what is exciting and perhaps concerning for them when they think of serving a mission.
President Russell M. Nelson shared the following counsel related to full-time missionary service:
Image
President Russell M. Nelson
Today I reaffirm strongly that the Lord has asked every worthy, able young man to prepare for and serve a mission. For Latter-day Saint young men, missionary service is a priesthood responsibility. …
For you young and able sisters, a mission is also a powerful, but optional, opportunity. We love sister missionaries and welcome them wholeheartedly. What you contribute to this work is magnificent! Pray to know if the Lord would have you serve a mission, and the Holy Ghost will respond to your heart and mind.
Dear young friends, you are each vital to the Lord. He has held you in reserve until now to help gather Israel. Your decision to serve a mission, whether a proselyting or a service mission, will bless you and many others. …
All missionaries teach and testify of the Savior. The spiritual darkness in the world makes the light of Jesus Christ needed more than ever. Everyone deserves the chance to know about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Every person deserves to know where they can find the hope and peace that “[pass] all understanding” [Philippians 4:7]. (Russell M. Nelson, “Preaching the Gospel of Peace,” Liahona, May 2022, 6–7)
What thoughts or feelings do you have about President Nelson’s statement?
What evidence do you see that the light of Jesus Christ is needed more than ever in the world?
Explain that preaching the Savior’s gospel is not only a duty of full-time missionaries but also a responsibility that is shared by all members of the Church. Tell students that today’s lesson will focus on the Lord’s teachings about why we should share His gospel. Consider sharing the following invitations to help students prepare to study this lesson.
Ponder what you already know about why the Lord expects His followers to preach the gospel, whether as a full-time missionary or in everyday interactions. You could write these reasons in your study journal. As you study today, look for teachings that help you better understand why the Lord is so desirous for His followers to share His gospel.
“Preach from this time forth”
Before class, display the following names on the board or on walls throughout the room: Peter Whitmer Jr., John Whitmer, Thomas B. Marsh, Parley P. Pratt, Ziba Peterson, Ezra Thayer, Northrop Sweet, Orson Pratt, Sidney Rigdon, and Edward Partridge. Ask students if they recognize any of the names. Explain that all of these men were called by the Lord to serve missions and preach the gospel shortly after the organization of the Church. Point out that some of them were baptized less than a month before their calls came.
The following study activity can help students understand some of the reasons why the Savior asks us to preach His gospel. Consider dividing students into groups and giving each student the accompanying handout. Each group could be assigned one of the scripture passages to study.
What are some truths from these verses that could help you understand why the Savior asks us to share His gospel?
Why do you think the Lord calls “unlearned” and inexperienced people to declare His gospel to “the nations” of the earth? (verse 13).
After the students have studied and discussed these verses, invite them to share what they learned. One way to do this could be to write the phrase Reasons the Savior wants us to share His gospel on the center of the board. Multiple students could then come to the board and write ideas they learned from their study. Encourage students to come up with as many reasons as they can. Here are a few examples of answers they might share:
We cannot obtain eternal life without exercising faith in Him, repenting, and receiving the ordinances of His gospel (see Doctrine and Covenants 33:10–12).
After students share the truths they learned, consider asking a few questions like the following:
How can knowing these truths inspire us to share the Savior’s gospel with others, whether as full-time missionaries or in our daily interactions?
What are some of the most important reasons for you to share the Savior’s gospel?
Testify of the truths you have discussed today. Encourage the students to act on promptings they have received. Consider inviting them to prayerfully consider how to respond to President Nelson’s counsel about full-time missionary service.