Using Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church

Using Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church

Using Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church (Link to Come Follow Me 2024, Introductory Lesson)

This resource if for any seeker of truth, who would like to have meaningful experiences in the growth of their testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through reading and studying The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

Ideally we should learn, teach, and practice the gospel of Jesus Christ in our homes. There are teachers at church, in Sunday school classes, and even in Seminary that can aid in our study and enrich some of our understanding; but, ultimately the best teaching we will receive is from the Holy Ghost as we seek to learn about the Savior and His gospel and as we practice living it.

In order to survive spiritually, I need to seek daily nourishment in the “Good Word of God” (see Moroni 6:4).

Look at what President Nelson has to say concerning the importance of gospel learning in the home (Opening Remarks):

“As Latter-day Saints, we have become accustomed to thinking of “church” as something that happens in our meetinghouses, supported by what happens at home. We need an adjustment to this pattern. It is time for a home-centered Church, supported by what takes place inside our branch, ward, and stake buildings.

“…And scriptures make it clear that parents have the primary responsibility to teach the doctrine to their children.”

Much more was said in this address, but that’s what feels important to me now in relation to this study guide. Also, as a grandparent, I need to find meaningful and respectful ways that I can continue to teach both my children and my grandchildren.

Use this resource in ways that are helpful to you. Follow the Spirit’s guidance as you contemplate truths that are meaningful to you.

Those called or assigned to teach in classes in Church must prepare by using the learning suggestions in the weekly outline of Come, Follow Me. These suggestions have been designed to aid learning in the home and at Church. They are inspired. You don’t have to seek outside sources that only confuse and distract from the purpose of learning.

It is important, first and foremost, for the teacher to seek his or her own personal experiences with the scriptures. “Your most important preparation will occur as you search the scriptures and seek the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Look for eternal truths that help you become more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Come, Follow Me can help you identify some of these truths and understand the context of the scriptures.” It is helpful to rewrite the principles found in the lessons in your own words, and to think in terms of questions that will help the class vocalize their own experiences in learning, so as to facilitate an enriching discussion for everyone. It is also important to follow the Spirit in pinpointing one, or just a few, principles to focus on in the classroom setting. This is NOT the time to read the whole lesson, or try to cover everything that is available for individual study.

Since learning the gospel is best when it is home-centered, the teacher’s main responsibility is to support his or her fellow students to learn and live the gospel at home. “Give them opportunities to share their experiences, thoughts, and questions about the scripture passages. Invite them to share the eternal truths they have found. This is more important than covering a certain amount of material.”

When the teacher allows for members to express, relate, and share their own experiences, other class members will find ideas for themselves and their families, and will return home feeling edified. They will also feel validated when they are allowed to share those ideas that are important to them in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. Every class member is important.

Further guidance for teachers in Church classes can be found in the following link: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-home-and-church-book-of-mormon-2024/002-using?lang=eng

Here you will find information that will be pertinent to the class you are teaching, whether it be Primary, Youth and Adult Sunday School Classes, or Aaronic Priesthood Quorums and Young Women Classes.

In summary, if things that are learned during the week are reemphasized in class, that’s okay. Repetition is good for all of us. Remember to follow the Spirit in your presentation and in the way that you facilitate discussion and participation.

One of the purposes that we meet together for Sunday school is to support, encourage, and edify one another as we strive to learn about and follow Jesus Christ. A teacher can help facilitate class discussion by allowing members to share their own ideas, experiences, and growth. One question that could be asked at the beginning of class is, “What has the Holy Ghost taught you this week as you studied the Book of Mormon with Come, Follow Me?” Allowing class members time to answer this question could lead to the meaningful discussions that the Come, Follow Me program is meant to facilitate, “discussions that build faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel.”

Remember that as we learn about Jesus and His gospel, we should also be gaining a desire to follow Him and make and keep covenants with Him. Our calls to action should include faith building experiences that will serve us and others well, as we strive to live the First Two Great Commandments, to love the Lord with all our hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Sunday school discussions should lead members in a desire to develop greater faith in Jesus Christ and support them in their effort to “live the gospel, minister to people in need, share the gospel, or participate in temple and family history work.”