For those of you who don’t know, I have been called to serve in the Manchester England Mission. I will enter the home MTC tomorrow and will be going to the Provo MTC on the 21st. Now that you know where I am going, let’s get into my talk.
I was given the topic “What does the gospel mean to me?” At first I didn’t know what I wanted to talk about, since the gospel can mean a multitude of different things. After a while I came to settle upon three things, Love, Share, and Invite. I want to talk about these three things because as I have gone to mission prep, seminary, and church activities, there always seems to be a question or topic about “How do I invite others to the church?”
First off, the gospel to me means love and no this doesn’t mean romantic love. The word love, in this context, is about being a friend and making people feel included, wanted, and thought of. So, how can we be friends with everyone? Sometimes, it’s hard to be a friend. You don’t know if you are doing anything right, and some friends might get mad when you thought you were doing something good. Yes, these things happen but don’t let this deter you from being kind to that person or group. People do things that aren’t right, but know this, we are all learning and God sent us here to learn and grow. Being this person’s friend doesn’t mean you have to hang out everyday or even at all. Being a friend means that you say hi when you see them, do service for them, or even just letting them know that you are there. In April of 2018, President Dallin H. Oaks said,” We are taught many small and simple things in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to be reminded that in total and over a significant period of time, these seemingly small things bring to pass great things.” As President Dallin H. Oaks goes on, he talks about how a tree gradually broke a sidewalk. Like this tree breaking a sidewalk, doing small and simple things for someone, helps them to know that we are their friend and that we will be there as a ward family for each other.
With this ward family and belonging, raises the question of am I helping this person or pushing them away? To answer this question for yourself, you need to reflect on what you have done and what was the reaction. This not only helps you understand the person’s boundaries, but it also lets you know where you need to make amends. People may just feel like they are left out. A story that Elder Gary E. Stevenson said in October of 2018,” In a recent conversation with a friend of mine, he told me that when he was a young, newly baptized member of the Church, he suddenly felt like somehow he did not fit in anymore in his ward. The missionaries who taught him had been transferred away, and he felt like he was on the periphery. Without friends in the ward, he found his old friends and with them engaged in activities that took him away from participating at church.” To be honest, this story of not feeling welcomed in the ward is not uncommon. Many newly baptized members fall away after a year because they don’t have friends in the ward. You can be that friend. As you become these new or old member’s friends just remember that they are people. People don’t like being criticized, pushed, or the focus of being a project. All in all, love is the first way of inviting and sharing the gospel.
Second, how can I share the gospel with others? Sharing the gospel is done differently by all. There isn’t one right or wrong way to share the gospel. Two ways of sharing the gospel include living the gospel and discussing the gospel. Now what do I mean when I say living the gospel? Well everyone will have a different view on what living the gospel means to them. For some it might be acting like a member missionary, for others it is trying to be like Christ, but no matter what it is, be an example. You are an influence for how others will view the gospel. What you do or say can change how someone feels about the gospel. In October of 2015, President Thomas S. Monson said,” We become examples of the believers by living the gospel of Jesus Christ in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. As we do so, our lights will shine for others to see.” As you try to be an example to others, don’t let the thought of “Not being good enough” or the feeling of failure drag you down. God only expects you to try, not to be flawless.
As others are shown by examples, questions about what, how, or why we are this way may arise. Do not be hesitant in sharing or discussing these questions. Some may be simple questions, others will be harder, but don’t let the unknown of this halt you in speaking truth. In the talk, “Sharing What Is In Your Heart”, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf states,” Some members of the Church seem to have a gift for this… others of us are more hesitant. When missionary work is discussed in Church meetings, heads are slowly lowered until submerged behind the pew… Why is this? Maybe we feel guilty for not doing more to share the gospel… But remember, the Lord has never required expert, flawless missionary efforts. Instead,’the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind’.” When we share the gospel of Christ, we need not be scared or timid. We may not be perfect member missionaries and will frequently not know the answer. As we share we will not only become better teachers but also learn more about the gospel ourselves.
Lastly, when we invite others to Christ, there are two ways that I think of doing this, Friendly invites and Gospel invites. Don’t get these two different invites mixed up. Although these two invites are good, knowing when to use one or the other is the real key. First, let’s talk about friendly invites. Friendly invites are simple and inclusive. Some of these invites include, invitations to youth activities, school activities, or simply a hang out. These invites are a key foundation when becoming someone's friend or before you are going to invite someone to discover the gospel. In April of 2019, Elder Carl B. Cook said,” Disciples of Jesus Christ are often gathered this way--a few at a time, as invited by their friends.” As we strive to grow the church, we need to remember that friendship is what starts people on the path to Christ.
With this friendship then comes the invitation of the gospel or in other words inviting the person to learn about the gospel. When we invite people to learn about the gospel, many might not accept it. Don’t be discouraged from this response and at all costs do not think of this person as a lost cause or someone who will not accept the gospel. Be patient with gospel invitations. In Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk, “Your Great Adventure”, he says,” May I remind you that God does not need you to ‘sell’ the restored gospel or the Church of Jesus Christ. He simply expects you not to hide it under a bushel. and if people decide the Church is not for them, that is their decision. It does not mean you have failed. You continue to treat them kindly. Nor does it exclude you from inviting them again.” As we invite, do not give up. Continue to be their friend. Don’t force them to receive the gospel. God knows when that person needs the gospel. All in all, remember the difference between Friendly invitations and Gospel invitations.
Before I conclude my talk, I want everyone to at least take away this. Inviting others into the gospel is great. It can help people find more joy or get back into a better life. But remember this, even if someone doesn’t accept the gospel, do not think of them any less and especially do not think that they will never join the church. They are not numbers or projects. Keep loving them and never stop being their friend. All in all, love, share, and invite is what the gospel means to me. And I can’t wait to love, share, and invite the people of Manchester England to come unto Christ. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.