Taking the discussions as a member

Soul_Searcher · #1 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 11:44 AM

Would I be allowed to do this?

I've been thinking about this for a while. My Dad mentioned to me the other day that the sisters gave the first discussion to them after dinner at their house, for no particular reason.

I have realised that I am quite ignorant in my knowledge of the church, its very superficial, and perhaps always has been even though I thought I knew it all. This could be why I'm having problems now.

I had thought about it but wasn't sure if I was allowed. I could just ask the Elders of course. One of them is really cool and I'm sure he'd agree, he's fairly open and laid back. The other is a greenie in his 3rd week so it would be good practice for him

Has anyone heard of this being done? I think it might help me look at the church in a more ordered way. I feel like Im wading through mounds of information and just have no idea where to start in trying to regain my testimony.

Loudmouth_Mormon · #2 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 11:56 AM

Congrats on wanting to know more - you remind me of me when I was around 25 and realized I didn't know much about the church I had been raised in.

The Gospel Principles class was especially designed for new members, investigators, and people who need or want a brush up in the basics. I'd suggest going to that, instead of taking the discussions.

Other ways to do what you want:
* Go on splits with missionaries
* Teach the Gospel Principles class
* Read the book without going to class at all.

pam · #3 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 11:59 AM

I agree with LM. Though I'm sure the full time missionaries would love to help, my opinion is we need to let them do what they are out there to do. That's to teach investigators about the Gospel.

Dravin · #4 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pam

I agree with LM. Though I'm sure the full time missionaries would love to help, my opinion is we need to let them do what they are out there to do. That's to teach investigators about the Gospel.

It never hurts to ask (brace yourself) on my mission we were encouraged to teach the discussions to the members and would have jumped at the opportunity to teach somebody who was struggling and would have done so with the approval of the local and mission leadership.

Things are probably a little different in Utah with the missionaries spread out the way they are but Soul_Searcher isn't in Utah and the statistics I hear from actually teaching in the UK was pretty low, so the missionaries can probably give up a little finding time and teach a member in need (and ask for referals, thus its both teaching and finding time), if nothing else its effective practice, if you can't practice your teaching you start to suck at it. Also Ward missionaries can teach the discussions if the missionaries are simply to busy, for much the same reasons, its good practice and it'll help somebody who needs it.

As far as Gospel Principles I'd recommend that in conjunction with the lessons. Also, get your hands on a copy of Preach My Gospel, it's a useful book even if missionaries (full time or ward) come by or not.

lestertheemt · #5 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 12:36 PM

If all else fails you can always go w/ them when they teach the discussions.

john doe · #6 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 01:25 PM

I would guess that if you have good ward missionaries they would be happy to come by and teach you. If not, then the local missionaries probably could as well. You should contact your ward mission leader and they will be able to help determine what the best course of action would be.

Soul_Searcher · #7 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 02:04 PM

Dravin is right, we are not exactly a baptizing conveyor belt right now.

Thanks for all the suggestions, I hadn't considered some so thats great thanks x

btw I cant go on splits as we have Elders.

Palerider · #8 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 03:26 PM

Sounds to me like a nice topic for Ward Council.....how and who will teach Sr Soul_Searcher....

Elgama · #9 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 03:34 PM

I took the discussion lessons for the first time 14 years after I was baptised lol it was worth doing.it highlighted areas where my testimony was lacking.

-Charley

Soul_Searcher · #10 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palerider

Sounds to me like a nice topic for Ward Council.....how and who will teach Sr Soul_Searcher....

No doubt they discuss me anyway. We are a small ward and my problems are common knowledge. The ward is desperate for me to be the Mormon they want so I can be involved in callings and what not.