Introduction to Preach My Gospel

The Lord instructs His servants “to preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth” (Doctrine and Covenants 50:14).

Preach My Gospel is designed to help you fulfill your purpose as a missionary. It focuses on the essentials of missionary work. It does not answer every question or provide direction for every situation you will encounter. However, it is a vital resource for you to grow in spiritual power and ability. Study and apply the doctrine and principles of the gospel found in the scriptures and in this book.

Preach My Gospel is organized to help you in the following ways:

• Understand your purpose as a missionary

  • Chapter 1: Fulfill Your Missionary Purpose

• Learn and teach the doctrine

  • Chapter 3: Study and Teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ

• Grow in your spiritual development and personal conversion

  • Chapter 2: Search the Scriptures and Put on the Armor of God

  • Chapter 4: Seek and Rely on the Spirit

  • Chapter 5: Use the Power of the Book of Mormon

  • Chapter 6: Seek Christlike Attributes

• Improve your ability to invite and help people to receive the restored gospel

  • Chapter 7: Learn Your Mission Language

  • Chapter 8: Accomplish the Work through Goals and Plans

  • Chapter 9: Find People to Teach

  • Chapter 10: Teach to Build Faith in Jesus Christ

  • Chapter 11: Help People Make and Keep Commitments

  • Chapter 12: Help People Prepare for Baptism and Confirmation

  • Chapter 13: Unite with Leaders and Members to Establish the Church

Study the chapters repeatedly throughout your mission. Evaluate your work. Set goals and make plans to accomplish them. Missionaries who prepare themselves daily and improve regularly will bless the lives of those they teach and serve. They will also receive blessings in their own lives.

Opportunities for Study and Learning

Effective study during your mission will help you strengthen your testimony of the gospel and become a more faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.

Studying the scriptures and Preach My Gospel will help you teach with spiritual power. It will also help you make your teaching relevant to the needs of individuals.

Important study and learning opportunities include:

• Personal study.

• Companion study.

• Companion exchanges.

• District council meetings.

• Zone conferences.

• Mission leadership council (for young missionary leaders).

Most days, your missionary schedule includes time for personal and companion study. See Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ, 2.4, for information about your daily schedule.

What you learn in personal study will help you in companion study and the other learning opportunities listed above. In these settings you “teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:77).

Ideas to Improve Your Study of Preach My Gospel

Preach My Gospel weaves the scriptures and the principles of the gospel together to help you come to know the Savior and His gospel. It is intended to help draw you into the scriptures and enrich your study of them. Study the scripture references in each chapter throughout your mission.

Each chapter in Preach My Gospel includes ideas and activities to help you study and apply what you are learning. Use these in your personal and companion study (see Missionary Standards, 2.4). You can also use them during district council meetings and zone conferences. Your study will be more effective when you find ways to apply what you learn.

It is helpful to have a plan for your personal study. You could create your own plan that gives priority to gospel principles that you would like to understand better. You could also structure your study around the chapters in Preach My Gospel. For example, you could use the lessons in chapter 3 to guide your study of the doctrine and principles you will teach. You need to know these lessons well so you can teach by the Spirit in your own words.

Take notes as you study. Use a paper or electronic study journal (such as Gospel Library) to help you understand, clarify, and remember what you are learning.

Begin your study by praying for the Holy Ghost to help you learn. He will bring knowledge, understanding, and conviction that will bless your life and allow you to bless others. Open your mind and heart to the impressions and insights you receive from Him. Include these insights in your notes.

Review your study journal regularly to recall spiritual experiences, see new insights, and recognize your growth.

Preach My Gospel Application

Use the Preach My Gospel app to help you apply the principles you are learning. This app is available on your mobile device. It has features to help you better fulfill your missionary purpose. These features include:

• Information about the needs and progress of the people you are teaching.

• A place to record your progress toward key indicator goals.

• A calendar to record your plans and schedule activities.

• A map of your area and other important information to help you accomplish your goals.

Preach My Gospel includes many ideas for using the app to help you to find, teach, and baptize people.

Use of Preach My Gospel by Church Members

Preach My Gospel is a valuable resource not just for missionaries but for all members of the Church. For example, studying it will help members:

• Learn and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ (study chapters 1, 2, 3, and 10).

• Answer questions about the gospel (study chapters 3 and 5).

• Understand more about seeking and relying on the Holy Ghost (study chapter 4).

• Understand the power of the Book of Mormon (study chapter 5).

• Seek Christlike attributes (study chapter 6).

• Fulfill their covenant responsibility to share the gospel by living the principles of love, share, and invite (study chapters 9 and 13).

• Build unity with the full-time missionaries (study chapter 13).

Studying Preach My Gospel—especially chapter 3—will be particularly helpful for both youth and seniors who are preparing for missionary service.