Here are some ideas for preparing to teach others the gospel by strengthening your gospel knowledge and testimony.
1. Study the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, every day.
“The scriptures can form a foundation of support. They can provide an incredibly large resource of willing friends who can help us. A memorized scripture becomes an enduring friend that is not weakened with the passage of time.”
Elder Richard G. Scott, “The Power of Scripture,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2011, 6–8.
- Search the scriptures online.
- Share something you learned from your scripture study in family home evening, a class or quorum meeting, or seminary.
Additional Helps
- Preach My Gospel, chapter 5, “What Is the Role of the Book of Mormon?”
- The “Spiritual Strength” sections of Duty to God for deacons, teachers, or priests.
- The Knowledge value in Personal Progress.
2. Study Preach My Gospel and share what you have learned.
“Preach My Gospel is intended to help you be a better-prepared, more spiritually mature missionary and a more persuasive teacher. We urge you to use it daily in your personal … preparation. … Study the referenced scriptures and learn the doctrines and principles.”
First Presidency Message, Preach My Gospel, v.
- Study Preach My Gospel, chapter 1, “What Is My Purpose as a Missionary?”
- Study Preach My Gospel, chapter 3, “What Do I Study and Teach?”
- Study Preach My Gospel, chapter 4, “How Do I Recognize and Understand the Spirit?”
- Share the lessons from chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel with your family, quorum, class, or friends. Practice teaching.
- Invite friends and family members who are not members of the Church to learn more about the gospel.
Additional Helps
- Elder Richard G. Scott, “The Power of Preach My Gospel,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2005, 29–31.
- Elder David A. Bednar, “Becoming a Missionary,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2005, 44–47.
3. Attend church, ask questions in your class and quorum meetings, and try to answer other people’s questions.
“While learning from a good teacher is very important, it is more important for you to have meaningful learning experiences on your own. Getting good results from your study depends on having a strong desire to learn, studying with ‘real intent’ (Moroni 10:4), ‘hunger[ing] and thirst[ing] after righteousness’ (Matthew 5:6), and searching for answers to questions and concerns.”
Preach My Gospel (2004), 17.
- Study the new youth lessons, write down questions you have, and then ask them in class.
- When someone else in class asks a question, try to find an answer for it in the scriptures.
4. Realize the blessings of attending seminary.
“Seminary will help you to understand and rely on the teachings and Atonement of Jesus Christ. You will feel the Spirit of the Lord as you learn to love the scriptures. You will prepare yourselves for the temple and for missionary service.”
President Thomas S. Monson, “Participate in Seminary,” Aug. 12, 2011, seminary.lds.org.
- Review the scripture mastery scriptures, including the context of each scripture, and think of how you would give that context and explain the scripture to someone else in just a few words.
5. Serve others.
“The Savior taught His disciples, ‘For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.’
“I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives.”
President Thomas S. Monson, “What Have I Done for Someone Today?” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2009, 85.
- Consider planning at least one act of service for someone each day.
Additional Helps
- Begin to participate in family history work.
- Read For the Strength of Youth, “Service.”
