"If we have the Spirit of the Lord to guide us, we can teach any person, no matter how well educated, any place in the world. The Lord knows more than any of us, and if we are his servants, acting under his Spirit, he can deliver his message of salvation to each and every soul" (Dallin H. Oaks, quoted in Teaching, No Greater Call, 40).

Some principles of gospel teaching:

1. The Importance of Gospel Teaching in the Lord’s Plan.

"For each of us to 'come unto Christ,' to keep His commandments and follow His example back to the Father is surely the highest and holiest purpose of human existence. To help others do that as well—to teach, persuade, and prayerfully lead them to walk that path of redemption also—surely that must be the second most significant task in our lives" (Jeffrey R. Holland, in Conference Report, Apr. 1998, 31; or Ensign, May 1998, 25).

See also 1 Corinthians 12:28–30.

2. An Understanding of "the Power of the Word" to Bless People’s Lives.

"Often we spend great effort in trying to increase the activity levels in our stakes. We work diligently to raise the percentages of those attending sacrament meetings. We labor to get a higher percentage of our young men on missions. We strive to improve the numbers of those marrying in the temple. All of these are commendable efforts and important to the growth of the kingdom. But when individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, these other areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow" (Ezra Taft Benson, "The Power of the Word," Ensign, May 1986, 81).

"I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves" (Joseph Smith, quoted in John Taylor, "The Organization of the Church," Millennial Star, Nov. 15, 1851, 339).

See also 1 Nephi 15:24; Jacob 2:8; Alma 31:5; Helaman 3:29–30.

3. The Necessity of Teaching by the Spirit.

"We must . . . get our teachers to speak out of their hearts rather than out of their books, to communicate their love for the Lord and this precious work, and somehow it will catch fire in the hearts of those they teach" (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 619–20).

See also 1 Kings 19:9–12; Luke 24:32; 3 Nephi 9:20; D&C 50:15–23; 84:85.

4. The Importance of Diligent Spiritual and Mental Preparation.

"When we speak about teaching by the Spirit it is not about a mystical process which removes responsibility from the missionary or teacher for prayerful and pondering preparation. Teaching by the Spirit is not the lazy equivalent of going on 'automatic pilot.' We still need a carefully worked out 'flight plan' " (Neal A. Maxwell, That Ye May Believe, 40).

See also Deuteronomy 11:18–21; Psalm 119:105; Jacob 1:17; Alma 17:2–3; D&C 9:7–8; 11:21; 84:85.

5. The Necessity of Keeping the Doctrine Pure.

"I have spoken before about the importance of keeping the doctrine of the Church pure, and seeing that it is taught in all of our meetings. I worry about this. Small aberrations in doctrinal teaching can lead to large and evil falsehoods" (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 620).

See also Colossians 2:8; Jacob 7:1–27; Mosiah 23:14; Alma 1:3–12; 30:1–60; D&C 19:29–30.

6. The Importance of Teaching from the Scriptures, the Words of the Prophets, and the Approved Curriculum.

"A superior teacher of the gospel will teach from the prescribed course material, with greatest emphasis on teaching the doctrine and principles and covenants of the gospel of Jesus Christ" (Dallin H. Oaks, in Conference Report, Oct. 1999, 102; or Ensign, Nov. 1999, 79).

See also 3 Nephi 11:31–40; D&C 18:35–36; 42:12–13; 52:9; 76:40–41.

7. The Advisability of Learner Preparation and Participation.

"And again, he that receiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other way? If it be some other way it is not of God. Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth?" (D&C 50:19–21).

See also Alma 32:6; 3 Nephi 17:1–3; D&C 88:122.

8. Avoiding Self-Promotion (Priestcraft).

See also Matthew 23:25–28; 2 Nephi 26:29; D&C 58:40–41; 112:10; 124:84.

9. Love of God and Those Whom You Teach.

"When we are called to teach, we should accept our calling and teach because of our love for God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. In addition, a gospel teacher should always teach with love for the students. We are taught that we should pray 'with all the energy of heart, [to] be filled with this love' (Moroni 7:48). Love of God and love of His children is the highest reason for service. Those who teach out of love will be magnified as instruments in the hands of Him whom they serve" (Dallin H. Oaks, in Conference Report, Oct. 1999, 101; or Ensign, Nov. 1999, 79).

See also 1 Corinthians 13:1–13; Moroni 7:46–48.

10. Gain Confidence through the Spirit.

"If any brother or sister feels unprepared—even incapable—of responding to a call to serve, to sacrifice, to bless the lives of others, remember this truth: 'Whom God calls, God qualifies.' He who notes the sparrow's fall will not abandon the servant's need" (Thomas S. Monson, "Tears, Trials, Trust, Testimony," Ensign, Sept. 1997, 5).

Resources for the Teacher

• Personal revelation, through study and prayer
  
• Ward Sunday School presidency
• The meetinghouse and ward librarians
• Class roll (printed by ward or membership clerk)
• Teaching, No Greater Call
• “Gospel Teaching and Leadership," section 16 of Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders [1998]
• Meetinghouse library (materials center)
• Teacher improvement efforts
• Teaching the Gospel course