Week 3- BSTIPFU

Scriptures:

• Alma 31:5 

• 3 Ne 7:18

• Why can the word of God be more effective than the sword?

• What kind of person do you need to be to make it impossible for someone to disbelieve your testimony?

• What can you do to increase your faith and your ability to preach the word of God?

General Conference Address:  

 “Following Up” Elder Ballard April 2014

Thought:

• You cannot teach anyone into conversion.  Conversion is a result of consistent, righteous living, not just motivating messages or touching testimonies

• Our only chance to help people change is to follow the example of the Savior.  It’s a bit crass, but here is an acronym that helps me remember how to do it:

• BS:  Bring the spirit (opening your mouth, adequate preparation, faith, obedience, etc.)

• T: Teach (give them some GOSPEL truth)

• I: Invite (Don’t let an interaction end without an invitation- it’s how they’ll change)

• P: Promise (leave them with a promised blessing that will come as a result of experimenting upon the word)

• FU:  Follow up (an invitation is likely to be forgotten if no follow-up is planned.  Always make the next appointment) 

Misc: 

I was at a Stake Conference once where Elder Bennett taught us about following up and how extending invitations helps people change their lives.  He had us pull out our phones and then send a thought to someone who came to our minds that might need a message from us.  I sent one to Chase at work.  He asked the audience who came to mind, and a former member of our Stake Presidency raised his hand, was asked to come up front, and share his thoughts.  He told about a co-worker whom he thinks he needs to invite over to his house for dinner and see what happens.  Elder Bennett said, “That’s great! When will you do that?”  President Bangerter looked out as his wife and said, “Soon”.  Elder Bennett pressed, looking at Sister Bangerter. “When can this happen?”  Sister Bangerter indicated that this week was a good time, and Elder Bennett invited President Bangerter to make the invitation and then gave President Bangerter his card and asked, “ Will you contact me once you’ve made that invitation?  I’d love to hear how it goes.”  

Following up requires faith, love, and commitment.  The more you do it out of love, the more powerful it will be.  The more you’re motivated by fear or duty, the less effective you’ll be. He used a similar format to help another brother who had already been fellowshipped back into the fold, trying to contact the person he felt was influential in helping him return to the church.  

Is it possible that following up is as or more important than extending invitations?  In D&C 70:4, the Lord clearly teaches that “...an account of this stewardship will I require of them in the day of judgment.” 

Invitation: 

Don’t let a teaching moment end without some invitation and without scheduling a next event