In an address
given at a general priesthood meeting of the Church,
President Ezra Taft Benson taught:
"I feel impressed
to speak to you about a priesthood program that has been
inspired from its inception—a program that touches
hearts, that changes lives, and that saves souls; a program
that has the stamp of approval of our Father in Heaven; a
program so vital that, if faithfully followed, it will help
to spiritually renew the Church and exalt its individual
members and families.
"I am speaking
about priesthood home teaching. With all my heart, I pray
that you will understand, by the Spirit, exactly my feelings
about home teaching.
"Brethren, home
teaching is not just another program. It is the priesthood
way of watching over the Saints and accomplishing the
mission of the Church. Home teaching is not just an
assignment. It is a sacred calling.
"Home teaching is
not to be undertaken casually. A home teaching call is to be
accepted as if extended to you personally by the Lord Jesus
Christ.
"The Savior
Himself was a teacher. The only perfect man to walk the face
of the earth was a humble, dedicated, inspired teacher who
brought to His followers salvation and exaltation.
"Oh, that all the
brethren of the Church would catch that vision of home
teaching!
"Tonight I am not
teaching new doctrine, but I am reaffirming old doctrine.
Quoting from section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants,
revealed to the Prophet Joseph in April of 1830, the Lord
declared to the priesthood:
" 'Watch over the
church always, and be with and strengthen them;
" 'And see that
there is no iniquity in the church.
" 'And see that
the church meet together often, and also see that all the
members do their duty' (D&C
20:53–55).
" 'And visit the
house of each member, exhorting them to pray vocally and in
secret and attend to all family duties' (D&C 20:51).
"Brethren, that
is priesthood home teaching" ("To the Home Teachers of the
Church," Ensign, May 1987,
48–49).
See also
Priesthood
