Palermo Specialized Training - August 2014

August 26, 2014


The Zone Leaders in the Palermo Zone chose the theme "Involving Members in Missionary Work" for their Specialized Training.  They had ten ward members at the meeting.  Three of them talked to the missionaries about how they could work together and what was effective.  For their adestramento the Zone Leaders talked about Working with Members and gave each missionary a copy of a handout that had been prepared by the previous zone leaders.

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Working with Members

“There is no substitute for a member-oriented proselyting program,.

I believe it is the key to success.”

--President Thomas S. Monson

(22 June 2014)

Feast of the Fat Things  

Doctrine and Covenants 58:8-12

And also that a feast of fat things might be prepared for the poor; yea, a feast of fat things, of wine on the lees well refined, that the earth may know that the mouths of the prophets shall not fail.

Yea, a supper of the house of the Lord, well prepared, unto which all nations shall be invited.

First the rich and the learned, the wise and the noble;

And after that cometh the day of my power; then shall the poor, the lame, and the blind, and the deaf, come in unto the marriage of the Lamb, and partake of the supper of the Lord, prepared for the great day to come.

What is the feast?  (Gospel of Jesus Christ)

Who are the rich?  (Members)

Who are the poor?  (Those in need of help, non-members, friends, etc.)

What is the meaning of this parable?

Table analogy

            Imagine a table with four legs.  On this table there is a piece of chocolate cake.  In this analogy, the Table represents the Ward, the legs represent the Members and the piece of Chocolate Cake represents a New Convert.

            What happens if the legs of the table break?  The table tilts and the Chocolate Cake falls on the ground.

            If we can strengthen the members of the ward, they will be able to support the weight of a new convert.

How do we strengthen members?

Preach My Gospel, pg. 161 – “There are many ways to help the members.  For example, help build their faith by teaching them the message of the Restoration and other doctrines of the lessons.  Help them feel the Spirit and power of our message.  Strengthening their understanding of the doctrine of Christ will do more to increase their trust in you and to build their excitement to do missionary work than anything else you can do.  Encourage members to “join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who [know] not God”.  (Alma 6:6)  In all you do with members, seek to lift and build their faith to help them do missionary work.

We need to teach members the simple doctrines of the gospel.  This will strengthen their testimonies and remind them of the spiritual experiences they had at the time of their conversion.  It will also excite them about sharing the message of the gospel with others they know.

F.L.O.C.S.  (Fearlessness, Love, Obedience, Creativity, Sacrifice)

Fearlessness – Take the initiative and start the conversation with the members every chance you get.  Be at church 30 minutes early to greet every member and make them feel important.  If you are shy or a newer missionary, you could ask for help with Italian to start the conversation.

Love – Be genuine with the members, become sincerely interested in them and their lives.  The famous saying of “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care” is true.

Obedience – In being as obedient as possible, the members will see our dedication to the mission of the Lord.  They will then trust us enough to introduce us to their friends and family members.

Creativity – Make thank you notes and give them to members for helpful things they do such as:  a testimony, greeting investigators, a talk they gave, etc.  Showing our appreciation for their help will increase their desire to do the same thing again.  Remember to call members on their birthday, who doesn’t love to hear the words “HAPPY BIRTHDAY”.

Sacrifice – Visiting member’s homes does not have to be only for a meal appointment.  We can visit members and teach them the doctrines just like we would an investigator.

Doctrine & Covenants 133: 9

And behold, and lo, this shall be their cry, and the voice of the Lord unto all people:  Go ye forth unto the land of Zion, that the borders of my people may be enlarged, and that her stakes may be strengthened, and that Zion may go forth unto the regions round about.

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Beginning Testimony

Beginning Testimony

Departing Testimony