I don’t think it is a coincidence that six months prior to the revelatory announcement of yesterday—“a new balance and connection between gospel instruction in the home and in the Church”—the revelatory announcement on ministering was given. 

What links do you see between ministering and the adjustments to church schedules and home-centred study?

In a recent discussion, President Henry B. Eyring commended the Saints in adjusting to these notable changes but also expressed his sincere hope that members recognize that ministering is more than “just being nice.” 

How do you think ministering goes beyond ‘just being nice’?

Why is it important that it should?

What lessons can we draw from Elder Stevenson’s example of his shepherd friend?

Possible answers:

• He described how tending a large flock of sheep was difficult, requiring early days and late nights—waking well before sunrise and finishing long after dark. 
• He could not possibly do it alone.
• Most of the missing sheep were not lost to sickness or natural death but to predators such as mountain lions or coyotes. These predators usually found the lambs that had strayed from the safety of the flock, withdrawing themselves from the protection of their shepherd. 
• The sooner they found lost sheep, before the sheep drifted too far from the flock, the less likely the sheep were to be harmed. 
• Recovering lost sheep required much patience and discipline.

The Lord Jesus Christ Himself said, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, … and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

What examples can you think of from the Saviour’s ministry that exemplify the principles of ministering?

‘I am confident there are within our sphere of influence those who are lonely, those who are ill, and those who feel discouraged. Ours is the opportunity to help them and to lift their spirits. The Savior brought hope to the hopeless and strength to the weak. He healed the sick; He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. Throughout His ministry He reached out in charity to any in need. As we emulate His example, we will bless lives, including our own.’ (Thomas S Monson, General Conference, October 2015)

1. We are to identify the lost sheep.

2. We search after them until they are found.

3. When they are found, we may have to lay them on our shoulders to bring them home.

4. We surround them with friends upon their return.

Are these things that we can do?

How can we do them?

Who can help us to do them?

He loves you with a love you cannot even begin to comprehend. Like the devoted sheepdog, the Lord will stay on the mountain to protect you through the wind, rainstorms, snow, and more.

How can we develop the same love for his sheep that the Saviour has?

“We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness. … We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us.” (Thomas S Monson, “What Have I Done for Someone Today?” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 86.

May we raise our sights to this prophetic vision so we can shepherd souls to the temple and ultimately to our Savior, Jesus Christ. He does not expect us to perform miracles. He asks only that we bring our brothers and sisters unto Him, for He has the power to redeem souls. As we do so, we can and will secure this promise: “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” Of this I testify—and of Jesus Christ as our Savior and our Redeemer—in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Why does Elder Stevenson specifically mention shepherding souls to the temple?

How, practically, might we facilitate this?

Note: Passages in italics are excerpts from Elder Stevenson’s address.