| Information on �Reaching the One� from the Church Handbook of Instructions Please prayerfully consider the following council. For more information, look under the section, �Gospel Teaching and Leadership,� pp. 299-314. Ministering to New Members and Less-Active Members (pp. 307-308) New members and less-active members have primary responsibility for their own conversion and progress in the Church. However, Church leaders, home teachers, visiting teachers, stake missionaries, full-time missionaries, teachers of classes, and others should work in unity and faith to assist these members in the process of conversion, helping them remain steadfast in keeping the commandments and prepare to receive the ordinances of the temple. Individuals remain converted to the gospel when they acquire a testimony of new truths in a spiritual conversion and make the social transition to new friends and new patterns of life. New members are helped to enduring conversion when they are supported in love before and after baptism by the united effort of leaders, members, and missionaries. Efforts to minister to new members and less-active members should be guided by an understanding that each member needs three things: 1. Friendship. Genuine friendship helps members feel loved and welcome. 2. Church responsibilities. Fulfilling the responsibilities of Church callings and assignments helps members grow spiritually and strengthen their commitment to the Lord and His Church. 3. �Nourish[ing] by the good word of God� (Moroni 6:4). Personal study of the scriptures, as well as teaching in family and Church settings, helps members increase their understanding and strengthen their testimonies of the gospel. Ongoing Fellowshipping by Members (p. 310) The influence of Church members is one of the most powerful factors in helping new members and less-active members be active in the Church. A few suggestions are listed below: Show love and concern and establish friendships with them. Invite them to join in gospel learning experiences such as family home evenings, tours of visitors� centers, and firesides. Attend Church meetings, classes, and activities with them, providing transportation if needed. Bishopric Youth Committee Meeting (p. 318) 2. Determine how to encourage individual youth to participate in Church meetings and activities, including seminary. Plan and report of fellowshipping efforts for youth who are investigating the Church, youth who recently have been baptized, and youth who are less active. Purpose of the Young Women Organization (p. 211) The purpose of the Young Women organization is to help each young woman �come unto Christ� (Moroni 10:32). By following the Savior�s example and teachings, she can fulfill her mortal mission and return to live with her Heavenly Father. Follow the Savior�s Example As a Leader (pp. 306-307) Leaders should study the life of the Savior and strive to lead as He led. The following instructions can help leaders follow His example. Love and Obey God, Love Others, Prepare Spiritually and Serve Diligently, Build Unity, Delegate Responsibility and Ensure Accountability, and Communicate Effectively. (These are only the topic headings, please refer to the handbook for examples and scripture citations.) Approved Resources: Church Handbook of Instructions � direction Personal Progress manual � process Young Women teaching manuals, Resource Guide for Young Women, Teaching No Greater Call handbook � teaching The Activity Book � implementation Young Women Leadership video � instruction and example For the Strength of Youth pamphlet � standards Scriptures and Prayer � inspiration Please make sure that you have all of these resources available to you and to the other YW leaders and use them! |
�For what shepherd is there among you having many sheep doth not watch over them�?� Alma 5:59 |