1. The Church is coming forth out of obscurity.

D&C 1:30 Out of Obscurity

‘Even the world can see the emergence of a power beyond what might have been reasonably predicted. Yet few seem to recognize that the power stems not from organization or programs or wealth. Rather, it comes from individual hearts changed by faith to keep the commandments of the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Henry B Eyring, “Always,” Ensign, Oct. 1999, 9)’

D&C 65:1-6 The Kingdom of God

“The ancient prophets declared that in the last days the God of heaven should set up a kingdom which should never be destroyed, nor left to other people; and the very time that was calculated on, this people were struggling to bring it out. …

“I calculate to be one of the instruments of setting up the kingdom of Daniel by the word of the Lord, and I intend to lay a foundation that will revolutionize the whole world. … It will not be by sword or gun that this kingdom will roll on: the power of truth is such that all nations will be under the necessity of obeying the Gospel.” (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 6:364–65.)

D&C 109:72-74 Fill the Whole Earth

President Hinckley said: ‘It is a time to move forward without hesitation. … The little stone which was cut out of the mountain without hands as seen in Daniel’s vision is rolling forth to fill the whole earth.’

2. Latter-day prophets have challenged us to take the gospel to all the world.

“After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 330).

‘President Gordon B. Hinckley has given the clarion call for our time. In a worldwide satellite address to missionaries and local leaders, he asked for “an infusion of enthusiasm” for missionary work “at every level in the Church” (“Find the Lambs, Feed the Sheep,” Ensign, May 1999, 107). Though missionaries must continue their best efforts to find persons to teach, he declared that the “better way … is through the members of the Church” (105). He asked each of us to give our very best efforts to assisting missionaries in finding persons to teach. He also asked that each stake president and each bishop “accept full responsibility and accountability for the finding and friendshipping of investigators” within their units (107). President Hinckley also invoked the blessings of the Lord upon each of us “in meeting the tremendous challenge that is ours” (104).’ (Dallin H Oaks, General Conference, October 2001)

Watch: Ministry of Brigham Young – A Faithful Missionary Brigham Young dedicates years of his life to selfless missionary labours. (2:03)

Watch: Ministry of John Taylor – Bold and Faithful Missionary John Taylor is a successful, devoted missionary in the U.S., Canada, England, and France. (2:13)

Watch: Ministry of Lorenzo Snow – A Faithful Missionary in Europe While serving as a missionary on the borders of France and Italy, Elder Snow pronounces a blessing on a young boy. By the power of God, the boy is healed. (1:55)

Watch: Teachings of George Albert Smith – A Personal Creed: Be a Missionary George Albert Smith pens a personal creed to guide the actions of his life. One element of this creed reminds him to be a missionary of the Lord’s gospel. (1:42)

3. “Every member a missionary.”

Watch: Teachings of David O McKay – Every Member a Missionary President McKay reminds every member of his or her responsibility to live and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. (1:43)

 

Watch: Ministry of Spencer W Kimball – Expanded Missionary Force President Kimball invites all to “lengthen their stride” when it comes to missionary work. (1:19)

President Gordon B Hinckley said that ‘The process of bringing new people into the Church is not the responsibility alone of the missionaries. They succeed best when members become the source from which new investigators are found.’ (Preach My Gospel, pages 160-161).

‘If you’re not a full-time missionary with a missionary badge pinned on your coat, now is the time to paint one on your heart—painted, as Paul said, “not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God” (2 Corinthians 3:3). And returned missionaries, find your old missionary tag. Don’t wear it, but put it where you can see it. The Lord needs you now more than ever to be an instrument in His hands. All of us have a contribution to make to this miracle.’ (Neil L Andersen, General Conference, April 2013)

D&C 1:4-5 The Voice of Warning Shall be unto All People

‘The call of Elder Heber C. Kimball and his associates to cross the sea to Britain was a declaration by the Prophet Joseph of the great destiny of this restored work. As I have read of the condition of the Saints in Ohio and Missouri at that time, and of the smallness of their number, I have marveled at the breadth of their vision. From that time forth there has never been a dimming of that vision. Through the years that followed, regardless of drivings, persecution, poverty, oppression, and every other force the adversary could exercise against them, the work has grown and expanded until today we have 203 missions and are teaching the gospel in 75 sovereign nations and 18 territories, colonies, and possessions.’ (Gordon B Hinckley, “Taking the Gospel to Britain: A Declaration of Vision, Faith, Courage, and Truth,” Ensign, July 1987, 4-5)

Watch: Those Warned Must Warn Others President Eyring explains those warned must warn others (D&C 88:81-82). (1:14)

D&C 88:81 It Becometh Every Man Who Has Been Warned to Warn His Neighbour

‘While the duty to warn is felt especially keenly by prophets, it is a duty shared by others as well. In fact, “it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.”  ^{Doctrine and Covenants 88:81} We who have received a knowledge of the great plan of happiness—and its implementing commandments—should feel a desire to share that knowledge since it makes all the difference here and in eternity. And if we ask, “Who is my neighbor that I should warn?” surely the answer will be found in a parable that begins, “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves,”  ^{Luke 10:30} and so forth.’ (D Todd Christofferson, General Conference, April 2017)

4. Nurturing new converts is our continuing responsibility.

‘So, my brothers, it is your duty to reach out to anyone who appears at the doors of your Church buildings. Welcome them with gratitude and without prejudice. If people you do not know walk into one of your meetings, greet them warmly and invite them to sit with you. Please make the first move to help them feel welcome and loved, rather than waiting for them to come to you.

After your initial welcome, consider ways you can continue to minister to them. I once heard of a ward where, after the baptism of two deaf sisters, two marvelous Relief Society sisters decided to learn sign language so they could better communicate with these new converts. What a wonderful example of love for fellow brothers and sisters in the gospel!’ (Gerard Caussee, General Conference, October 2013)

Watch: No Man is an Island Richard H Winkel, General Conference, October 1999