Use Social Media to Inspire Youth to “Come and See” Gospel Messages
Contributed By Carolyn Call, ChurchofJesusChrist.org Church News staff writer
"Come and see" what social media has to offer in helping youth learn more about the gospel and feel its influence in their daily lives.
“There are new ways to invite others to ‘come and see.’ Let’s make sharing our faith online more a part of our daily life.” —Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Related Links
The Church posts a wealth of engaging and dynamic audiovisual material created specifically for youth on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, youth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org, and other websites.
These posts and features not only tie into the monthly themes of the Come, Follow Me youth curriculum and the 2016 Mutual theme, “Press Forward,” but also invite youth to “come and see” gospel messages (see John 1:39) that are particularly helpful for their age group.
Each site has distinct features for inspiring youth to live the gospel. Parents and leaders are encouraged to use these resources as they teach and guide the young men and young women in their lives.
LDS Youth Facebook
The LDS Youth Facebook page is updated daily with relevant and timely gospel content. It features Mormon Messages, animated videos, and picture quotes. Leaders and youth can easily share and comment on the edifying media messages.
Screenshot of the LDS Youth Facebook page.
LDS Youth YouTube
The LDS Youth YouTube channel contains collections of Mormon Messages for Youth and video highlights from general conference addresses. The video highlights can add to lessons by teaching concepts in short, inspirational video clips. Full-length recordings of LDS Face to Face events are also available on this channel.
Screenshot of the LDS Youth YouTube channel.
LDS Youth Instagram
The LDS Youth Instagram account is full of vibrant photos and creative animations paired with uplifting experiences and quotes. These posts are great for daily reminders of gospel principles.
Screenshot of the LDS Youth Instagram account.
Youth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org
Along with video clips and inspiring picture quotes, youth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org provides articles on gospel topics and answers to common questions youth may encounter. The 2016 Mutual theme album, titled Press Forward, is available for download from this website. The 12-track album comes with sheet music and instrumental karaoke tracks for easy song performance.
Screenshot of the Youth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org website.
Seminary.ChurchofJesusChrist.org
Not only does the seminary website include basic information such as scripture mastery and online manuals, it also features videos highlighting the blessings of seminary attendance from youth worldwide.
Screenshot of the seminary.ChurchofJesusChrist.org website.
Seminary Facebook
One unique feature found only on the LDS Seminary Facebook page is a video collection showcasing international youth and how they elevate learning in seminary. This collection also contains vignettes of prophets and apostles bearing testimony and sharing experiences from their own lives.
Screenshot of the LDS Seminary Facebook page.
Come and See, Come and Share
During the April 2013 general conference, Elder Neil L. Andersen said, “For those using the Internet and mobile phones, there are new ways to invite others to ‘come and see.’ Let’s make sharing our faith online more a part of our daily life.“
Parents, leaders, and youth are encouraged to not only visit and follow these pages, but also to use these resources to enhance Sunday lessons, Mutual activities, family home evenings, Sabbath day activities, and individual study. Young women leaders may wish to present the audiovisual materials during special activities such as girls’ camp, New Beginnings, and Young Women in Excellence.
Most important, the featured media can help invite youth to “come and see” the blessings of the gospel. These resources can contribute to youths' conversion process by helping them feel the Spirit, maintain appropriate thoughts, and bear simple testimony of gospel truths. Youth may even be inspired to share these uplifting messages with friends on social media.
