Brief summary

Bishop Sean Douglas gives a powerful invitation to the rising generation to make missionary service a priority and dedicate themselves to bringing others to Jesus Christ.

He teaches that missionaries have a divine commission to invite God’s children to come unto Christ through faith, repentance, baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost. Missionaries are not simply messengers of the gospel; they must also be living examples of the message they teach.

Key quotes and questions to ponder and discuss

‘As President Dallin H. Oaks teaches: “We invite all [of God’s children] to come unto Christ by repentance and baptism and confirmation in order to open the doors of the celestial kingdom to the sons and daughters of God. No one else can do this.”’ (Paragraph1)

What does President Oaks mean when he says ‘No one else can do this’?

‘Today more missionaries are serving in more missions and more of God’s children are choosing to enter the Lord’s Church through baptism than ever before in this dispensation.’ (Paragraph 2)

Why do you think there has been this growth in missionary numbers?

‘We love missionaries of all ages. You are an army of righteousness with the doctrine of Christ as your purpose. You are a force of faith, power, love, and joy. You are what you preach. You are not only the messengers but also living examples of the message. Make no mistake—you are doing the most important work you could be doing.’ (Paragraph 3)

Why does Bishop Douglas describe missionary work as the most important work we can do?

‘For a season, all else takes a back seat—education, dating, careers, family time, and even sleeping in on Saturday mornings. Yes, the Lord’s expectations are high for you! But, oh, is it worth it!’ (Paragraph 6)

Why is serving a mission worth the sacrifices that are made?

‘God held you in reserve for this time. You were taught and prepared, before you were born, to invite God’s children to come unto Christ.’ (Paragraph 7)

What does it mean to believe that God has reserved us for this particular time?

What can we learn from Merlin Sanchez’s decision to serve a mission despite the obstacles he faced? (Paragraphs 8-12)

‘To you wonderful young converts of the Church, a mission may not have been on your radar, but it ought to be now. To all the rising generation of the Church, I invite you to place serving a full-time mission high on your list. Don’t be distracted by alternatives of far less worth.’ (Paragraph 13)

What things can distract young people from considering missionary service?

‘There is still plenty of room and a special place reserved for each one of you! We need you! “Come join the ranks!”’ (Paragraph 15)

How can we help young people recognise the importance of preparing for a mission?

Invitations

• Place missionary service high on your list of priorities.
• Make the Saviour’s commission your personal responsibility.
• Join the ranks of those serving the Lord.

Application

Bishop Douglas’ message challenges us to consider whether we are giving the Lord the priority He deserves, whether we are prepared to respond to His invitations, and whether our lives reflect the gospel we profess to believe.

You can swatch Bishop Douglas’ talk here.

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