Lesson 11 Teacher Material

Enjoying the Blessings of the Lord’s Church

During His mortal ministry and again in the latter days, Jesus Christ called Apostles and organized His Church. In this lesson, students will have the opportunity to consider the blessings available to them through the Lord’s Church. They will also consider what they can do to improve their own and others’ experience in the Church.

Suggestions for Teaching

We can find purpose in the Lord’s Church.

Improving Our Teaching and Learning

Be respectful of other religions. As you discuss the unique blessings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ensure your discussion is respectful of other faiths. It may be important to emphasize the significant and positive contributions other religions have made throughout history and continue to make in our day.

You might begin class by sharing the following scenario:

Isabella has recently stopped attending church. She has come to believe that she can be spiritual without participating in church. After telling you about some spiritual moments she has had on her own, she asks you why you think participating in church is important.

• How common is this perspective among the young adults you know?

• How would you respond to Isabella’s question?

After students share, you might write the following heading on the board: Blessings of Participating in the Lord’s Church. Then invite students to list their ideas under this heading.

Students might list some of the following blessings: receiving and using priesthood authority and keys, receiving ordinances and making covenants, learning pure and clear doctrine, receiving help to repent, finding opportunities to gather Israel, helping the poor and meeting humanitarian needs, participating in temple work for the dead, having chances to serve and associate with others, and strengthening families.

• Which of these blessings do you think are unique to the Lord’s Church?

As you have this discussion, consider which of the following activities and questions would be helpful to highlight the unique blessings of the Church. (You may not have time to discuss all of these topics. You might also choose to deepen different parts of the discussion.)

Priesthood Authority and Keys

You might ask students to role-play the following scenario in pairs:

Your friend, who is showing interest in the Church, says, “I understand that your church is led by Apostles. How are they different than leaders in other churches?”

Students could read Ephesians 2:19–20; Matthew 10:1, 7–8; 16:19; Acts 1:21–22; and Doctrine and Covenants 107:23 together to begin this activity. (You may want to assess students’ understanding of priesthood keys and add to their understanding if needed. See President Russell M. Nelson’s talk “Keys of the Priesthood” [Ensign, Oct. 2005, 40–44], also referenced in the “Want More?” section of the preparation material.)

• What blessings can come only through the power and authority of the holy priesthood? (Consider reviewing the statements by President Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Robert D. Hales in section 1 of the preparation material.) When have you experienced these blessings?

Priesthood Ordinances and Covenants

• What are your feelings about receiving sacred ordinances and making sacred covenants with God? (You might invite students to ponder the blessings that await them as they continue to move forward on the covenant path.)

Clarity about the Lord’s Doctrine

• How are we protected from “every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14) as we participate in the Church? (Review Ephesians 4:11–14 together.) How has general conference helped you learn and understand Christ’s doctrine?

Temple Work

• How has temple and family history work blessed you personally?

Gathering Israel

• In what ways has the Lord’s Church helped you gather Israel on both sides of the veil? How have these actions blessed your life?

Ask students to choose one of the blessings listed on the board that they would like to enjoy more fully in their life. Give students time to make a plan, including listing steps they could take to receive the blessing they identified.

We can make our wards and branches welcoming places.

You might ask students what they would do if asked to serve with someone in their ward or branch who had very different opinions or who might be challenging to work with.

• How have you grown in your discipleship as you have served and worked with other Church members? (See Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s statements in section 2 of the preparation material.)

Consider reviewing Moroni 6:4–5 together and asking students if they have had experiences at church when they felt remembered, nourished, or strengthened by someone. They might also think about times they have felt alone at church.

• Why do you think some people might not feel they belong at church? What can we do to help others feel loved and included at church? (You may want to review the example Sister Carole M. Stephens shares found in section 3 of the preparation material. You could also watch together the video “Inviting Others to ‘Come and Stay’” [1:39].)

  Inviting Others to "Come and Stay"

Remind students that in preparation for class they were invited to think of someone who could be blessed by their fellowship. Provide students some time to ponder what they can do to help this person feel loved and welcomed at church.

For Next Time

To inspire students to prepare for the next class, consider sending the following message during the week: What would it have been like to sit at the feet of the Savior and hear Him teach? As you read the preparation material for lesson 12, consider the influence Christ’s teachings are having on your life.