July 20, 2017

Seminaries and Institutes of Religion Annual Training Broadcast in Review

Elder Kim B. Clark

On June 13, 2017, Seminaries and Institutes of Religion (S&I) teachers and administrators from around the world were privileged to take part in the live S&I Annual Training Broadcast for 2017. The speakers lifted the spirits of those in attendance and those around the world. Below are quick summaries of each talk.

“See the One,” by Lori C. Newbold

Lori C. Newbold, director of training services for S&I, introduced the newest priority for the 2017–18 school year: See the One. She taught that it is very important for us to see our students as the Savior sees them. Of the new See the One priority, she said, “The focus of this priority is for each one of us to develop the Christlike ability to see each student’s individual needs, strengths, and divine potential. Our hope is that each of us will develop or deepen the Christlike ability to see beyond labels and outward appearances and learn to see each student as a unique individual with divine potential and treat him or her accordingly” (“See the One,” June 13, 2017).

“Deep Learning and Joy in the Lord,” by Elder Kim B. Clark

Elder Kim B. Clark of the Seventy instructed us to find joy in the Lord so that we might help our students to find that same joy. He told us that the time in which we currently live is very trying, and it is especially hard for the young people of the Church to fight the battles that they must face every day. As we help our students focus on the joy that is found in the plan of salvation, they learn that that joy “protects them against evil, motivates them to be righteous, feeds their desire to always have the Holy Ghost with them, and draws them to the Lord” (“Deep Learning and Joy in the Lord,” June 17, 2017).

“Faith as a Principle of Action and Power,” by Chad H Webb

Brother Chad H Webb, administrator of S&I, taught that in order for the youth and young adults of the Church to gain a testimony of the Savior, they must do so through faith. He also taught that we need to replace fear and doubt with hope and faith. “We have and we are enough to accomplish the Lord’s work if we have enough faith to sincerely ask Him to change us and to mold us as instruments in His hands” (“Faith as a Principle of Action and Power,” June 13, 2017).

“Filled with Joy,” by Grant C. Anderson

Brother Grant C. Anderson, associate administrator of S&I, talked about the power of joy that we must possess as religious educators. He taught that as students learn about the plan of happiness, they need to be able to see that plan of happiness fulfilled in the lives of their teachers. Brother Anderson encouraged us to remember that our “happiness is not tied to having your wish come true. Happiness is a manner of traveling, not a destination. If you live your life thinking it is a destination, you may never be happy” (“Filled with Joy,” June 13, 2017).

“The Conversion of the Children of God,” by Elder Donald L. Hallstrom

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom of the Presidency of the Seventy encouraged us to keep teaching the true doctrine of Christ. He helped us to see that our professions and callings as religious educators are more than simply fulfilling obligations. He said, “Everything we do—for ourselves, our families, and in your current positions … is to teach like Aaron and his brothers Ammon, Omner, and Himni—to teach ‘according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God,’ so that as many who believe ‘in [your] preaching, and [become] converted unto the Lord, [will] never … fall away’ (Alma 23:6)” (“The Conversion of the Children of God,” June 13, 2017). Elder Hallstrom also encouraged us to continue in the work of salvation by increasing our temple, family, and personal worship.