Do's and Don'ts of Teaching in Church

Since the time I've graduated high school, every calling I've had has dealt with teaching in some way.

First, I was a Primary teacher for the summer in my home ward. I taught the 8-turning-9-year-old's, and I really enjoyed it. I team-taught with my old Young Men's leader. It was a new experience for me, trying to adjust teaching to younger kids. I miss my class, and love it when I still see them now. They'll be Deacons and Beehives this year!

Next, I was called to be an instructor in Elders Quorum in my Young Single Adult ward. I was pretty scared at first, but over time I came to enjoy it as well. I learned a lot and really established my "base line"for how I teach.

The next year, I was a Gospel Doctrine teacher. I still remember the day when I met with my Bishop and he extended the call. That calling, especially teaching the Old Testament, was "the one calling I never wanted." When he first said it, it took all I had to not laugh in his face. I never wanted to teach Gospel Doctrine, and I told him that. But I accepted. Honestly, once I started teaching, I didn't know what I was afraid of. Over time, I started looking forward to teaching.

This year, I'm a ward missionary, and with that comes teaching Gospel Principles every so often. Just can't get away from teaching, I guess. It's a good thing I love teaching, now.

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Over time, I learned quite a bit of what you should and shouldn't do as a teacher. After church today, I felt inspired to share what I know after listening to a talk (which was a good one, for the most part) that had a few of the "Don'ts" listed below. I'm not sharing these lists because I want to brag about all my cool teaching moments- that's not my intention. I share this because I want what I've learned to help you.

Don't...

Tell the story of how you got your topic. We all have been called by a member of the Bishopric, we assume that you got a phone call as well.

Give excuses about your lack of prep. "I only had a day to prepare this" is not a good way to start your lesson or talk. It's an invitation for those hearing your talk to pull out their phones, take a quick nap, or do anything but pay attention to you. If you're not as prepared as you'd like to be, they don't have to know. Be confident- fake it 'til ya make it.

Keep mentioning the time/stuff you won't have time for. "I only have ten minutes, so..." or "I have four more topics I want to cover, but I won't be able to." Once again, you don't need to let them know your entire outline.

Be afraid to go off the outline. If the lesson goes one way, go with it. Most of the time, it's the Spirit guiding your lesson in the direction it should go. You could be an answer to someone's prayer. So listen!

Ask no-brainer questions. Make sure questions are deep enough. Simple yes/no questions aren't the best if you're trying to get interaction.

Be afraid of awkward silences. Embrace it. Someone will speak up eventually! One time after I taught a lesson, a member of the Bishopric came up to me and said, "That was a great lesson! But you need to give more time for your class to answer. Don't be afraid to just let it be silent."

Look away from someone while they're talking. If you're using the time people are talking to prepare for the portion or something like that, you're doing it wrong. People like to know their comments are appreciated. So, make sure you are listening to the comment being made.

Do...

Testify. One of the most important moments in my time as a teacher in the Church have been those moments when I can testify of eternal truths. One time, my uncle and cousin came to my Gospel Doctrine class because they were in town. At the end of the lesson, they said they were impressed that I "was able to testify at important times during the lesson, and thus making an easy transition for other members in the class to comment and testify." Testifying more than once should be your goal for the lesson.

Take your calling seriously. In Teaching, No Greater Call (which everyone should look at, by the way), a resource for teachers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it says: "As you think of the role of gospel teaching in the salvation and exaltation of God's children, can you imagine a duty more noble or sacred?" Not to scare you, but teaching is a pretty big responsibility. So take it seriously.

Make it a discussion rather than a lecture. Unless you're speaking in Sacrament Meeting. Otherwise, leading a discussion helps the class to interact, give to the lesson, and make the lesson better than anything just the teacher could contribute. My favorite lessons have been ones when people comment and contribute immensely- not because I don't want to talk as much (because I can talk forever), but because I love hearing examples that one person has that others might not have.

If you teach Elders Quorum or Relief Society, check out the teaching helps at the end of each lesson in the Teachings of the Presidents books. They're really cool. And I've used them.

Pray for the Spirit. I would be sorely mistaken if I thought that I could get through an entire lesson without the Spirit- at least a lesson where hearts are touched. The Spirit knows exactly which way the conversation should go, so pray hard that He can be there when you teach. Your lesson can go so much better.

Invite the Spirit. This relates to the last point. Sometimes in Sunday School we didn't sing an opening song, but I loved having one, because it really set the spiritual mood. Invite your class to be open to the Spirit, because what they get out of the lesson/talk is entirely up to them.

Enjoy your calling. If teaching is scary, find a way around that. Gospel Doctrine Teacher was "that one calling I never want." I laughed a little when my Bishop extended the call to me, but honestly, it turned into one of my favorite callings, ever. Just like everything else in life, if you aren't enjoying it, change something.

Keep running.

Let's [Not] Compare

I'm going to make myself vulnerable for a minute.

Over my lifetime, I've discovered that I'm really bad at comparing myself with others. I wish I didn't have this weakness, but I do.

I don't want to give you any specific instances, but I will tell you that I've been jealous of friends/roommates/etc that I see going on dates, having a girlfriend, meeting tons of new people. I see guys at what I feel like is the same point as me, but they have so much more going for them (from my point of view). I feel like I should be "as far along" as people around me.

Facebook and Instagram are another problem for me--- And this quote sums up how I feel perfectly: 

"The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare
our behind-the-scenes with everyone else's highlight reel."

Social media is a false window into people's lives. Honestly, how willing am I to post about the bad moments? Only the good, fun, exciting ones, right? It's fun to see updates, and I love seeing what people are up to, but I walk away sadder when I spend a lot of time on social media.

I think it's "human" to feel like that, but to key is not to dwell on it. Here's the thing: I'm not like anyone else, and therefore, I don't have the same story as everyone else. No one else has served a mission exactly like mine, had ten neck surgeries, two rounds of chemo and radiation, and the many other good and bad things I've faced in my life. I'm not saying this to try and say I'm better than anyone else, but to tell you- we're all different.

Because I'm different than the people around me, why in the world should I compare myself to people who have a different life story than me? Erik's journey is my own and I'm happy to tell you my story, but I don't want to compare drafts.

I've come to realize over the last few years just how personal the gospel of Jesus Christ is. His Atonement is infinite and eternal, and available to everyone, and helps me and you in the personal battles we have. My witness of the Book of Mormon is personal. My patriarchal blessing is personal guidance just for me. When I pray to my Heavenly Father, it's personal. Why? Because my journey is not yours, just like your journey is not mine.

My biggest weapon against the fight of worldly comparison is perspective. I try to keep the perspective that I am unique, that the Lord is highly invested in our lives, and that our goal here on this earth is to learn and grow. Perspective in the scriptures, rather than on social media.


Comparing myself to others is what's holding me back, but today is a chance to make a change.

Keep running.

The Cafeteria

What I learned from

... working in the Cafeteria

This is another part of a fun installment I decided to do. Because I worked for a year in the St George Utah Temple, I got to experience a lot. Some of the experiences I had are sacred, and I keep those experiences to myself. I've also had really fun, enjoyable experiences in the temple. I would serve every day for the rest of my life if I could- and if I lived closer to a temple. The history of Temple Cafeterias is kind of interesting. At least for St George, it used to cover a much larger area than it does now. Sometimes people would have to travel long distances to attend temples. As they did so, the temple provided a cafeteria so that patrons wouldn't have to go hungry or go without food. In that sense, it's really kind of humbling, isn't it? Today, the goal of the temple cafeteria is to make enough so that it can sustain itself. We aren't looking for profit. We're just trying to serve and provide a home-y meal. Because of the larger economy and that there are so many restaurants out there now, the newer temples don't have a need for cafeterias, because frankly- they're fine without it. And that's okay. If you're in Utah, the Monticello, Vernal, Brigham City, Oquirrh Mountain, Draper, and Payson Temples do not have a cafeteria for you to eat at.

I'll say it right off: THE FOOD THERE IS SO GOOD! 99% of the food there is homemade. Most of the workers there are volunteers. If you haven't gone there to eat, you seriously need to go try it now.

All of the soda is Caffeine-Free. I found that funny when I first started.

We have daily devotionals. Also known as prayer meeting. Such a good start to "work".

We bless the food. In prayer meeting, one of the things we make sure to pray for is a blessing on the food. Seriously, where else have you eaten that the workers all meet together and pray for the food?

The head chef, Joe, lives in Cedar. Need I say more? ;) [Go Cedar.]

Everyone there wants to be there. As I said above, most workers in the cafeteria are volunteers. They don't get paid. And everyone who is there truly wants to be there. There isn't the stigma of "I'm just working here so I can get paid- but I hate my job." And it's beautiful.

Sometimes you get free food. Technically, we're allowed to have a bowl of soup and a piece of bread free-of-charge. But sometimes you get a little sample of foods. DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHY I'M TELLING YOU TO EAT THERE, IT'S SOOOO GOOD.

Sometimes a lady you work with brings stuff to make cool desserts. Ckaz is so cool. She brought stuff to make Lava Cake once, and then stuff to make Trifle on my last day in the cafeteria. Request the Wednesday 8am-12pm shift. ;)

They give good portions. The server will make sure and give you a good amount. No skimpy plates here.

The food is moderately priced. Yeah, you've got your entrees that are usually $7-$8, but those come with sides as well. You can also get just a side, a bowl of soup, a sandwich, dessert, bread, salad bar, etc. And you can grab it yourself. The only thing you'll be served is the entree if you choose that.

Don't get a carton of milk. The batch we've had lately tastes a little sour before the expiration date. I'm not telling you to not get something, but maybe re-examine this issue in a few months.

Look at the napkin holders. Out in the seating area, all the napkin holders have a quote or scripture on one side, and a picture of a temple on the other. Different temples on each one.

If you're working there: Don't forget that you're serving in the temple. You may not be completing temple ordinances, but you are still in the House of the Lord. Your service helps those who come to the Cafeteria to eat. It is such a GREAT place to serve.

You should work in the temple. I recommend to everyone (that can) to work in the temple sometime in their life. You might work as a greeter, staff at the Family File Desk, recommend desk, Baptistry worker, Cafeteria worker, Grounds Worker, Ordinance Worker.

If you don't work at the temple... then be a patron. That's a GREAT way to serve! Doing the temple work itself. You are blessing others, and providing a reason to receive blessings for yourself by serving in the temple!

Keep running.

The Baptistry

What I learned from

... working in the Baptistry

We love when people come. It's the whole reason we're there. Come to the temple! There are so so many blessings that come from serving in the temple. You're helping your ancestors, helping others, and doing what our Savior would want you to do.

We love it when you bring in family names. Family names that either you or someone else found! Family history work is amazing. It's actually kind of fun. I always thought it was boring, but that is not the case. You willl be blessed for seeking out the names of your ancestors.

You don't have to bring in family names. The temple has so many names that can still be baptized and confirmed for. Do not stay away just because you don't have family names to bring in.

Most of the time, you get to call the shots. You must be an endowed brother in order to confirm or baptize. We have enough workers to baptize and confirm you, but if you would like to be the one to baptize, tell us. We are more than happy to accommodate.

We are not perfect... Yes, we are human. Working in the temple, I've noticed that we do get a little divine aid, but just remember that sometimes we make mistakes, or don't get you through as fast as you'd like to.

...But the work IS perfect. Temple work is performing the ordinances of Jesus Christ's gospel. These ordinances are the way back to Christ, and the means by which we can be in his presence again. This work is amazing. This work is divine. This work is sacred.

You will be blessed. There are so many blessings that come from temple work, attendance, and service. One, the ordinances themselves. Two, you are doing the work Christ wants you to do. In fact, it's what He would be doing. Three, you are serving others by doing their temple work. You are a "Savior on Mount Zion." (Read this) Four, you are sacrificing your time for a greater cause. Don't forget that.

GO TO THE TEMPLE OFTEN! :D Seriously. The temple is one of THE GREATEST blessings in my life.

Keep running.

Last Week in the Mission

The time is upon us. I've got FIVE days left as a missionary.

I'll be released on Saturday, July 18th, after my day at the temple. Interesting fact, July 18th, 2014 is the day I met with President Arnold to start my mission.

On Sunday, July 19th, I'll be giving my mission report in my home ward. Right now, all I can feel is...

Taken from "David After Dentist"... Look it up!

Is this real life? Is time really going by this fast?? Like I've heard my friends who have served full-time missions say, "The days are long, but the weeks are short." I couldn't agree more.

I am so so so so SO grateful for my mission. It has been tailor-made by the Lord to teach me things that I need. The biggest blessing from my mission is that I've learned to better recognize promptings, feelings of the Spirit, and the Lord's hand in my life. I have never regretted choosing to serve the Lord.

It's been an interesting year. I served in the temple for not even half of my mission period, but that's okay. I thought in the beginning, that I must have some really important things if the Lord is allowing us to pause my mission and my time in the temple. I fought cancer (again), and I ultimately feel stronger. My aunt said something interesting last December, "Maybe the reason you are a missionary right now is because people pray in the temple all the time for missionaries." I have made goals and habits that I hope to continue, such as a better scripture study, prayer habit, and not watching inappropriate shows. The best thing about my mission is what someone talked with me about one day. Missionaries always talk about how they want to continue their habits they learned from their mission, but it's a little harder because they perfect those habits in a different place, so when they come home, it's kind of easier to revert to our pre-mission self (which doesn't mean that missionaries don't come back better and with better habits, because they sure do). For me, it's a little easier to stick to my mission habits because I'm already living at home and nothing will really change.

In honor of my last week as a service missionary, I thought I'd put a little something together about what I've learned from working in the temple, which will be continued more next week, so stay tuned.

What I've learned from....

... driving to St George every day

The left lane is for passing. You can stay in the left lane if no one is behind you, and if there are no cars coming faster than you. Otherwise, stick to the right lane.

Use your blinker. PLEASE. It doesn't really affect you, but it does other people. It's being a courteous driver. I understand not using it if no one is around you, but if you are around other people, use it. Especially if you are merging in front of another car.

Don't be a psycho driver. Slow down. You're not in that much of a hurry.

I will sing while I drive. Don't judge. Thanks for being humored by it, though.

Cruise control is awesome. I laugh at people that I keep passing. They go fast, then slow down. Then fast, then slow down. I've been going the same speed the whole time, bro.

Best way to get to the temple: Take the St George Blvd exit. Drive down all the way to 200 East and turn left. It will take you right to it with the least amount of turning. :)

You are in a car. A car is a very powerful and scary thing. Be wise.

Also in honor of my last week as a missionary, here's the last year in pictures.

Look for the little things in your life. It will bless you!!!

Keep running.

Go, But Stop

As some of you may know, I teach Gospel Doctrine in my ward. I taught a lesson last week where we talked about our Savior Jesus Christ giving signs of the destruction of Jerusalem in years to come,and then signs of the Second Coming. The scripture references we talked about were from the book of Joseph Smith-Matthew (which is a inspired translation from God through Joseph Smith of Matthew chapter 24- more information about what it is here). In JS-Matt 1:12-15 it reads:

12 When you, therefore, shall see the abomination ofdesolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, then you shall stand in theholy place; whoso readeth let him understand.

13 Then let them who are in Judea flee into themountains;

14 Let him who is on the housetop flee, and not return to take anything out of his house;

15 Neither let him who is in the field return back to take his clothes; 

Christ gave counsel to flee from the destruction into the mountains. We talked about this concept and about fleeing from danger. Along with getting away from the danger and destruction, it's important that we don't look back.

Jeffrey R. Holland gave an excellent talk on this concept, entitled Faith is for the Future: Remember Lot's Wife. [Who is Lot, and his wife? Quick recap: Lot and his family were commanded to flee from Sodom and Gomorrah because of the cities' wickedness (which would soon be destroyed). As Elder Holland said in his talk: "Surely, surely with the Lord's counsel 'look not behind thee' ringing clearly in her ears, Lot's wife, the record says, 'looked back,' and she was turned into a pillar of salt." Wow.] Lot's wife looked back and longed for the life she had left behind. If she was part of the group that left, I assume that she wasn't committing sins that caused for the cities' destruction, but she longed to be back in her comfort zone, where she was before.

How many times have you or I looked back? Sometimes longing to be as days of old, sometimes looking back with shame or regret?

I feel like for every few days, there is always at least one not-so-good day, or not-so-good moment. Most often, those moments have come as I lay in bed and think about my day. Memories of past actions sink in, and make me feel like I'm still that bad person. It changes, very briefly, how I think and feel. I've made mistakes that I really regret, that make me feel like a pretty horrible person, and make me feel that my Father in Heaven and my Savior are really disappointed in me and that I can never be clean again.

BUT guess what? I'm not that person anymore. I've changed, repented, turn my life toward the right path. Mistakes do not define me, they refine me. As I turn my heart to the gospel, to the Savior, to those who I know love me despite what I've done in the past, I'm changed. The change is not easy, but worth it. It's never been easy to go and talk to a priesthood leader and change things, but I testify to you that God's plan is manifest all around us, repentance is REAL, and you can be whole again.

[Sometimes it's necessary to look back, as you learn from your mistakes, repent, and realign yourself with God, especially as you partake of the sacrament every week.] I need to give this advice to myself at times too, but stop looking back with sadness. Yes, the past happened; there is nothing you can do to change it. What you can do is move forward with faith and a determination to be better.

If you need to take action to be able to move forward, like talking with a priesthood leader and fixing those past mistakes, do it now!

Go forward, but stop looking back. Stop lingering from the past, stop sulking over your past mistakes. Let it go, and move on. "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (In 2015 language: Don't look back once you've started moving forward.)

I have a bright future, and I'm not going to let myself sulk about my past to change that! Keep running.