I Want To Be A Missionary

Currently, my ward calling is as a Ward Missionary. Troy is serving as the Ward Mission Leader, so this calling is fun, in that we get to work together. Somebody said, though, "Oh, so he's your boss?" No he is not my boss! I really enjoy the calling and enjoy working with him.

Here are some things that I have learned. You are successful as a member missionary when you invite people to learn about and accept the gospel. Some people feel they are successful only when their "friend" gets baptized, and since that doesn't happen very often, and people don't want to feel like failures, not much ward missionary work gets done. Your job as a member missionary is to invite all people you come in contact with to learn more about the gospel. If you are inviting, then you are successful.

You are not responsible for deciding who is prepared to hear to gospel. Quite often we say "I am working with so and so, but they are not ready yet". How did this become our judgment? Only the Lord knows who is ready and if he told us directly, He'd be taking away someones free agency. Our job is to share. Bring the church into all our conversations... "This weekend, I'm teaching Sunday School in my Church", "Our youth group is doing...", "I spent the afternoon preparing for my Primary class". This opens the door. Many, if not most people choose to walk in and will ask for a little more information. You do not need to teach a discussion. But you can always ask if they would like to learn more.

Finally, and this is from Clay Christensen, an area authority for the church: What we should say about the church if someone asks. Often we want to explain eternal families, the Book of Mormon, modern revelation, the Word of Wisdom, our belief in Christ. Extensive surveys of new converts show that it was not these doctrines that interested them, but rather wanting to feel closer to God, wanting happiness and a sense of peace and wanting a sense of purpose and direction in their lives, all things that they could see in LDS friends and acquaintances. And a very effective way to help others see these attributes exhibited in the lives of members is by inviting them to serve with us. Invite them to service projects, moving ward members, helping in scouting, YW and YM activities, teaching RS enrichment classes, giving fireside talks, baking meals for people who are in need. etc.

"Stand as a witness of God at all times and in all places..." (Mosiah 18:9) We have an obligation to do more than be a friend. This is too important to wait until the time is right. This is the gospel of Jesus Christ.