Discovery JAK

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Ministering and The Good Shepherd

(From an email I wrote 2/21/23.)

The Lost Lamb, by Del Parson, © Del Parson

On my way to church Sunday morning I was listening to Elder Schmidt’s talk, “That They Might Know Thee,” from the last General Conference. He mentioned “…five names and titles [of Jesus Christ] that have application to each of us.”

The first of these, in particular, caught my attention: “Jesus is the Good Shepherd.” He went on to explain that “Similarly, Jesus wants us to be good shepherds, particularly in our families and as ministering brothers and sisters…For those sheep who may be wandering, good shepherds go into the wilderness to find the lost sheep and then stay with them until they return to safety. As good shepherds and as local conditions permit, we should seek to spend more time ministering to people in their homes. In our ministering, texting and technology should be used to enhance, not replace, personal contact.” (Emphasis added.)

Brethren I would also invite you to go out and find those that you minister to in their wildernesses. Let the Holy Ghost be your guide as to how and when. Heavenly Father loves each of his children and sends us to minister to each one by one because the worth of souls are great in his sight (Elder Bednar, One By One).

Have you ever had the following questions about ministering?

What is Ministering?
What can I do?
What should I know?
How do I start?

Answers to these questions can be found at the following webpage:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ministering/what-is-ministering?lang=eng

Brethren, thank you for all you do. I love you and, even more importantly, the Savior loves you. He lives and this is His work. In His name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Fast Sundays and Ministering

Christ and the Rich Young Ruler, by Heinrich Hofmann

I recently have come to really appreciate Fast Sundays. Through fasting my body feels invigorated, my mind and thoughts sharpened, and I am in more tune with the Holy Ghost.

Much of this growing appreciation relates to the preparation I try to make before I go to Church on Fast Sundays. I think about what I would say if I shared my testimony of Jesus Christ. Even if I do not end up sharing my testimony during the Fast and Testimony meeting I still learn from what the Holy Ghost teaches me while pondering in my heart.

Lately, I have been pondering a lot about ministering.

During a conversation with my wife yesterday I said a few things that came into my heart. The thought was related to why members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who receive ministering assignments are not called, sustained, and set apart as ministers. This is because as part of each member's baptismal covenant, they covenant to minister to others.

At first, I thought the Holy Ghost was teaching me but when I was writing this I realized He was testifying to me that what I had previously read in the Church Handbook of Instruction was true. He was bringing it to my remembrance. The Church Handbook of Instructions (see section 21.2.1) states:

Ministering brothers and sisters are not called, sustained, or set apart. Their service is part of the covenant they made at baptism (see Mosiah 18:8–11).

One thing I read from The Church Handbook of Instructions that I hadn't noticed before (or remembered) was that "Ministering sisters and brothers represent the Lord." This was a great reminder that we are not representing the Bishop, Relief Society President, Elders Quorum President, or any other person or leader. Only the Lord.

What are some ways you take advantage of monthly Fast Sundays? What are some things you can do to more fully participate in fasting and ministering?

As you ponder these questions and the Holy Ghost speaks to your heart I invite you to act. As you do so you will see small miracles. You will see and feel Heavenly Father's and Jesus Christ's love more in your life. They both live and love you. I say all of this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.