Seminary
Introductory Materials

Introductory Materials

Overview

This year in seminary you will study the New Testament. The lessons this week will help you prepare to learn about Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Ghost as you study this year.

Prepare to Teach

The following information provides teachers with ideas of what may need to be prepared in advance for each lesson.

Introduction to the New Testament

Lesson purpose: Help students come unto Jesus Christ and follow Him as they study the New Testament.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to think about why it will be worthwhile to study the New Testament this year. It might be beneficial to invite them to ask a few of their family members why they think it will be worthwhile.

  • Materials for students: Be sure that each student has a scripture study journal and access to a copy of the New Testament in digital or print format (a Latter-day Saint edition with footnotes, index, and so on, if available in your language).

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider taking some time before beginning the lesson to introduce yourself to the students and help students get to know one another.

Studying the Scriptures

Lesson purpose: Help students come unto Christ and know Him better through their study of the word of God by developing scripture study skills and setting scripture study goals.

  • Student preparation: If possible, have students complete the scripture study evaluation a couple of days before class. Consider doing this in an electronic format or providing students with the evaluation handout to fill out anonymously and turn in before this lesson.

Learning by the Spirit

Lesson purpose: Help students understand how the Holy Ghost helps them learn truth and receive personal revelation.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to read John 14:26–27 and think about experiences when they have felt or learned something from the Holy Ghost in the ways the Savior described in these verses.

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider using the whiteboard function so students can list ways the Holy Ghost is described in the scriptures listed in the lesson.

Learning by Faith in Jesus Christ

Lesson purpose: Help students understand the importance of acting with faith in Jesus Christ as they learn in seminary.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to ponder this question: What have you done that helps you most in your gospel learning?

  • Videos: Prepare to show students “Staying Spiritually Fit” (3:30), “Ask of God (2017 Mutual Theme)” (3:21), or “Seminary Can Change Lives” (4:13). These videos are available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

  • Materials for students: For each student, bring a sheet of paper large enough to divide into three columns.

Introduction to Doctrinal Mastery

Lesson purpose: Introduce students to doctrinal mastery and how it can bless their lives and help them build their spiritual foundation on Jesus Christ.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to select one of the doctrinal mastery passages that they find interesting, could help with a personal need, or answer a question they have. A list of the passages is located in the Doctrinal Mastery app or near the end of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document.

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider using breakout rooms to help students discuss one or more questions in the lesson.

  • Handout: Prepare the handout “My Spiritual Foundation” for each student.

  • Content to display: Prepare to display the diagram that illustrates the elements of doctrinal mastery lessons.