Vol. 3 No. 9 - September 1956

Teach the First Principles of the Gospel

In the many missionary meetings we have the opportunity to attend, we receive reports from the Elder that they have so many good investigators which they are sure that they will baptize within the next two months or so. And then the very next time around we question those same Elders if they were successful in getting their investigators into the water and we are surprised to learn that they became cold to the message, and that the missionary decided they were no good. The result—no baptism.

What is the reason for losing so many good potential converts?

To often in checking into the situation we find that the missionary is at the real root for the failure. Missionaries have advanced far beyond the investigators ability to comprehend precious parts of the Gospel, but since the investigator has asked an inquiring question about something that he is in no wise prepared to thoroughly understand, the ambitious missionary leads him into a discussion that brings about confusion, due to the lack of properly preparing this investigator for the stronger parts of the Gospel.

It is shocking at times to learn that missionaries will take a new contact into the doctrine of celestial marriage or baptism for the dead on the first or second visit. These are extremely hard for the unprepared mind to accept. We must stick to the first principles of the Gospel and prepare them first to accept the revelations from a true and just God before we give them this deeper doctrine.

We are now publishing books that will soon be available to the members of the Church and if passed out to investigators too quickly will only confuse them. Some years ago there was a sales contest promoted in this mission to sell large numbers of the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants. The result of that campaign has been to create even greater resentment and prejudice toward the Restored Church of Jesus Christ. Those people were not prepared to receive those books, nor was there any follow up to make sure that they understood the doctrines that were set down in them.

Now, don't suppose that because you are visiting with a highly educated investigator that you have to rush him away from the simple truths of the Gospel to give him something more suitable to his highly developed intellect that you will convert him. Look at the example of the Master Teacher—Christ. He continually taught both rich and poor on the plain and simple truths of the Gospel. If he, being the expert teacher, showed wisdom in teaching in that manner - then how much more should we follow his example and teach the first principles of the Gospel.

Did not the Savior repeat to his beloved apostle three times "Feed my sheep"? Your investigators are spiritually hungry for they have not been fed by their paid ministers—for this reason they have become an investigator of yours. They are seeking spiritual food. Now, in order to provide them with the spiritual food which they are in dire need of we must prepare ourselves so that we can give it to them. The obedient missionary will study the standard works of the Church first, he will read the articles of faith, Jesus the Christ, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, and he will memorize great numbers of scriptures, so that when it is necessary to enlarge on any one principle he will be well enough informed to “feed” that investigator exactly what he craves to receive.

Another thing that is a common failing with many of the missionaries is that they do not wait to get the commitment from them before going on to the next point. Would you constantly run through the red traffic lights taking the chance of escaping a serious accident, or would you use wisdom and wait for the light to turn green before proceeding to the next traffic light? The same thing is true in teaching. You must make sure that the investigator has understood what you have said and can believe it before going on to the next point. If he cannot accept the point don’t be foolish enough to think well, if he can accept 2/3 of the points of this lesson that he will be satisfied that you have the Truth. For in his mind he will be saying – “true he has some truths my church doesn’t have, but my church has some truths that his doesn’t have.” When you are talking about certain trees in the forest and he keeps responding that it is bushes—you have not made your point. Don’t leave the Godhead lesson until both you and he are in complete accord, nor any other lesson. Then when you reach the seventh lesson there will be no question about his being ready for baptism. He will have repented, he will have started to pray, he will have received a conviction of the truthfulness of your message, he will be attending Church regularly, and will be willing to keep all of the commandments of God. And you will have fulfilled your responsibility of having taught him the first principles of the Gospel and prepared him to enter into the Kingdom of God through the waters of baptism.

BAPTISMAL SERVICES…

One of the most sacred ordinances as missionaries that we are permitted to participate in is that of Baptism.

This is the gateway that leads into the Kingdom of God!

Surely this should be a moment of calm, of thankfulness and gratitude to see one more of our Father’s children repentant, humbled and with a contrite heart entering into the waters of baptism that opens unto him the door that leads in to the Kingdom of God. There should never be any loud talking, whispering, laughing or camera shutters clicking during this sacred ceremony.

If a picture is to be taken it should be done BEFORE the baptismal service begins. And then only a group picture or single picture with the Elders that are officiating in the ordinance. Once the Baptismal service begins with the opening prayer there should no longer be any cameras out to take pictures so that when the closing prayer is offered, the candidates can go directly to the edge of the font or stream and there await quietly their turn to be immersed in the waters of Baptism.

Brethren, let’s be serious in our calling! Let’s be true ministers of our Father in heaven that we might bring forth greater blessings from heaven upon our heads. We must set the Example as everyone looks to us as their leaders.

ATS