Z for . . . Ze end!

 

The A-Z of Ministering by Duncan Horne

Ministering describes the collective and organised effort in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where members keep in regular contact with one another to offer spiritual support and welfare assistance

"Z" Post

We ave arrived at ze end (said in a French accent!)

Zechariah . . . Zephaniah . . . Zebedee . . . none of the obvious quite fit for an A-Z of Ministering post. This is the end, but it's only really the start of a new day, a new opportunity to minister in a higher and holier way.

I do hope you have found this series inspiring and beneficial. Perhaps these posts triggered some other feeling in your mind that has helped or will help you to better serve those you minister to.

I hope the Holy Spirit will always guide you in your desire to do your part in Jesus Christ's Ministering program, wherever in the world you may be.

As the current Elders Quorum President of my local church group, I bear the responsibility for organising the ministering effort, monitoring it, and encouraging all to embrace it and do their duties.

This A-Z of Ministering represents a whole collection of revealed thoughts, and personal and others' experiences in ministering, and interviewing fellow Saints.

There is always work to do, and souls to strengthen and save, as we gather all things in one before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Y for Ye are the salt of the earth

 

The A-Z of Ministering by Duncan Horne

Ministering describes the collective and organised effort in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where members keep in regular contact with one another to offer spiritual support and welfare assistance

"Y" Post

In Jesus' Sermon on the Mount lecture, he said:

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." 

(Matthew 5:13)

Salt was used to season sacrifices in Old Testament times. It completed the animal sacrifice and was a token of the covenant. Today salt is used to enhance the flavour of many foods.

Likewise it is our job to make covenants with the Lord and be the 'salt of the earth' as we keep those covenants. As we deliver the gospel of Jesus Christ through ministering to others, we enhance the flavour of the gospel on the earth.

It is a duty outlined by Jesus himself and endorsed by living prophets and apostles.

In all of your ministering work, seek to enhance, uplift and brighten others with simple gospel messages.

O for Organised ministering

 

The A-Z of Ministering by Duncan Horne

Ministering describes the collective and organised effort in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where members keep in regular contact with one another to offer spiritual support and welfare assistance

"O" post

The ministering program in a ward or branch is an organised effort to care for members so that each and every member is cared for and no-one is forgotten.

"...and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way..." (Moroni 6:4)

As such, it is vital that each ministering brother and ministering sister do their part in looking after the individuals and families assigned to them. 

Ministering efforts in this organised structure can be very flexible. From visiting in homes, at church, in the community, to service, a phone call, email or text, we cater to each individual in a personalised way by asking for the Holy Spirit's guidance and then acting immediately on promptings we receive. We invite people to draw near to Christ and walk his covenant path.

Elders Quorum and Relief Society Presidents prayerfully organise ministering lists and follow-up with ministers monthly.

Quarterly interviews are also held by leaders as part of this organised structure.

See yourself as an important part of walking side by side with Jesus the Master Minister as you care for the people of your ward or branch.

L for Love

 

The A-Z of Ministering by Duncan Horne

Ministering describes the collective and organised effort in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where members keep in regular contact with one another to offer spiritual support and welfare assistance

"L" post

"As I have loved you, love one another,

By this shall men know ye are my disciples,

If ye have love one to another."

Jesus Christ set the reason for everything we do in the church: love.

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

Elder M. Russell Ballard taught: "It is only when we love God and Christ with all of our hearts, souls, and minds that we are able to share this love with our neighbours through acts of kindness and service." He explained that a "place where we have ample opportunity to serve is in the church. Our wards and branches should be places where the Golden Rule always guides our words and actions toward each other. By treating each other kindly, speaking words of support and encouragement, and being sensitive to each other's needs, we can create loving unity among members."

This is a perfect description of what our motivation should be as we minister to members of our ward or branch. Take a few moments to assess the 'why' of your ministering and align it if necessary with the Saviour's example of love.

J for Jesus Christ

 

The A-Z of Ministering by Duncan Horne

Ministering describes the collective and organised effort in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where members keep in regular contact with one another to offer spiritual support and welfare assistance

"J" post

Would you more eagerly minister if Jesus Christ visited you and personally asked you to do it? Would you then see it as a priority in your discipleship? Would you devotedly connect with and minister to the people in your church, particularly those few you have been asked to watch over?

Jesus Christ has personally endorsed the Ministering program of the church!

He stands at the head of his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and reveals his will to his anointed servants, the prophets and apostles.

The Elders Quorum President and Relief Society President are responsible to oversee ministering in their branch or ward. They will work with you and encourage you in this great work.

Ministering is now our duty for these times we live in. This is the way we can show our love for God and our love for others. This is one of the ways we can help to gather Israel.

I for In the Saviour's Way

 

The A-Z of Ministering by Duncan Horne

Ministering describes the collective and organised effort in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where members keep in regular contact with one another to offer spiritual support and welfare assistance

"I" post

The Saviour Jesus Christ perfectly understands the worth of a soul. When we catch the vision of how important each and every person is to him, we will minister out of pure love.

We will try to emulate the Saviour and his way of teaching. He taught in parables which were relatable and easy to be understood by the people; we can also share things that are relatable to the individuals and families we minister to. They will be personalised messages of love. 

Jesus was also quick to forgive, eager to serve, preached the doctrine of repentance and faith in him, and healed the sick at every opportunity they sought after him. He dedicated his life to doing his Father's will.

The Saviour's way is the perfect example for us to follow.

G for Gathering of Israel

 

The A-Z of Ministering by Duncan Horne

Ministering describes the collective and organised effort in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where members keep in regular contact with one another to offer spiritual support and welfare assistance

"G" post

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are busy gathering the lost tribes of Israel. There are many who may be direct descendants of this ancient Jewish family. Those who are not, are nevertheless 'adopted' into the house of Israel as they are baptised into the church and receive the ordinances of the gospel.

The Church's missionary work for both the living and the dead around the world is a sign of the prophesied latter-day gathering of Israel taking place.

Missionaries represent The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to preach the restored gospel and help gather the house of Israel

Vicarious baptisms are performed in temples in fonts being carried by twelve oxen, representing being gathered into the house of Israel

Members of the church engaged in ministering are also contributing to this gathering. Many people we minister to are not active in the church and haven't attended for a long time, particularly since covid forced us all to stay at home for a long period. 

In our efforts to reach out and gently invite people back to church, we participate in Jesus Christ's work of gathering his people - a people who make and keep covenants with him through sacred priesthood ordinances.

F for Feeling gassed out?

 

The A-Z of Ministering by Duncan Horne

Ministering describes the collective and organised effort in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where members keep in regular contact with one another to offer spiritual support and welfare assistance

"F" post

Life can be complicated. Life can be busy. School, work, children, studies, church callings, social engagements can all make us feel gassed out. 

Ministering is not a calling, but a voluntary effort. As such, it can oftentimes be at the bottom of long lists and sticky schedules. The last thing we may want to do after a super busy day is to think of spiritually uplifting messages to share with people we may not know very well, or in the knowledge that there may well not be a response to your outreach.

I invite you to take this matter to the Lord. Ministering is not a daily task that we must perform. We don't have to 'constantly' be checking up on people. Rather, we should 'consistently' be in contact with them.

'Consistently' may be once a week, or twice a month, or any time you receive an impression to share something with those you minister to.

Ministering is Jesus Christ's work which he invites us to participate in, to help our Father look after and gather His precious children to Him. 

Pray about the people you are asked to watch over. Pray about how to minister to them, and what to share. Pray that the Spirit may lead you and present opportunities for you to do this work.

Take some time to refill your gas, and then help fill one another's gas tanks!

B for Bold, but not overbearing

 

The A-Z of Ministering by Duncan Horne

Ministering describes the collective and organised effort in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where members keep in regular contact with one another to offer spiritual support and welfare assistance

'B' post

Members of your local church come in all kinds - children, youth, singles, married couples, the elderly, widows/widowers, men, women, those who are strong in faith, those who are lost, those who are barely hanging on by a thread, those who are leaders, those who are followers, those in good health, those who struggle with all sorts of health issues.

The point is, we can boldly preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and never diminish the standards and commandments, but at the same time, we can be sensitive and gentle to each individual or family's weaknesses or struggles in their life and their spirituality.

Elder Clark G. Gilbert

Elder Clark G. Gilbert commented on this balancing act he encountered while serving with a group of youth: "It was tempting to confuse my empathy and concern for their situation with a desire to lower God's standards. I eventually realised that the most powerful way to show my love was to never lower my expectations." He went on to note that their growth in the gospel was gradual but steady.

Try teaching the truth boldly, but coupled with a love for those you minister to. Instead of thinking "why don't they live the gospel like I do?" you could try thinking "how can I help them find the blessings of living the gospel?"

Boldly declaring the simple gospel of Jesus Christ in love can draw lost souls back and reignite fading faith.

NO-ONE is out of reach of repentance and forgiveness

While studying the book of 3Nephi, it suddenly became alarmingly apparent that NO-ONE is out of reach of repentance and forgiveness.

While most attention in 3Nephi is often placed on the appearance and administration of the resurrected Jesus Christ (which is the highlight of the entire account, and which is usually a first reference that our missionaries turn to when introducing the Book of Mormon), it is the first nine chapters that have stoked my intrigue on this occasion.

The book of 3Nephi opens with the remarkable fulfillment of earlier prophecy concerning the birth of Jesus Christ. An ancient American prophet named Samuel had predicted a new star arising at the time of Jesus' birth, along with three straight days of light. This miraculous phenomenon occurred just as unbelievers were about to put to death those who clung to the words of this prophecy.

"for behold, at the going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came.

And there were many, who had not believed the words of the prophets, who fell to the earth and became as if they were dead, for they knew that the great plan of destruction which they had laid for those who believed in the words of the prophets had been frustrated; for the sign which had been given was already at hand.

And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth...

And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given...

And it came to pass that a new star did appear, according to the word."

(3Nephi 1:15-17, 19, 21)

Following this astonishing event, things took a turn for the worse as unbelief spread. A band who were known as the Gadianton Robbers (kind of like a present-day ISIS) began terrorising and murdering, killing the governors of the land and conspiring to overthrow the government. Wars between the Robbers and the Nephites took place, the government was broken up and the people divided themselves into tribes, each with their own laws.

Emissaries of God preached repentance to the people. Here it became apparent to me that even amongst such terror and carnage and murderous intentions and behaviour, the message of repentance was still being offered. 

The reality that even the hardest of hearts can change and be softened is one of the overwhelming messages of the Book of Mormon. 

NO-ONE is out of reach of repentance and forgiveness.

The Nephites were so quick to forget Deity, so quick to fall into sins and wickedness. In a number of instances, they deteriorate from God-loving, humble people into prideful, persecuting people, committing all kinds of degrading behaviour. 

I marvel at just how fast they gave up the standard of truth and holiness. Yet prophets constantly offered repentance and a way back. 

NO-ONE is out of reach of repentance and forgiveness.

The Book of Mormon exposes the sins of evil-designing people and the consequences of such sustained behaviour accompanied by rejection of repentance. In 3Nephi chapter 8 we read from the record that a chain of natural disasters occurred over a 3-hour time period, resulting in the death of the more reprobate population and causing what is described in the record as a "vapor of darkness" which was so thick and consuming that candles, torches and fire couldn't be lit, and the sun, moon and stars couldn't penetrate the darkness. This horrifying condition lasted for three days. The people were aware that this phenomena coincided with the death of Jesus Christ in Israel.

And so I arrived in my reading at 3Nephi chapter 9. After being gripped by the political intrigue, terrorism, murderings and wickedness, as well as the silent minority who believed in Jesus and practised holiness, and reading of the natural disasters which re-shaped the whole land, I approached the message of salvation:

The voice of Jesus Christ was heard throughout the whole land.

After detailing the destruction of the wicked and the lands in which they resided, I couldn't help but well up with tears when I read from verse 13 the calm, gentle and re-assuring voice of Jesus Christ to all who survived, and which felt like a face-to-face with me:

"O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?"

NO-ONE is out of reach of repentance and forgiveness.

I don't know if there is a more beautiful sentence in the Book of Mormon. As I read it, it filled me with hope, with love, with a longing to find this Jesus who can be so merciful to his people who are repeatedly going astray and forsaking him and his gospel.

He continues in verses 14-15 and 22:

"...if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me. Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God...Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved."

It is clear that no matter how far we have fallen, how deep we have waded into sin, how thoughtlessly we have abandoned Him, His love and mercy is constantly offered through repentance and pious behaviour. These words were spoken to the people of the ancient Americas almost 2,000 years ago, but are extended to me and you today.

Regardless of who we are, where we are, or how our life is being lived, we are invited by the Son of God Himself to repent and turn to Jesus and be partakers of his salvation.

What a stress-busting, peace-inspiring, hope-filled, anxiety-easing, burden-lifting, re-invigorating and life-changing message that is!!!

The clear and crisp message I'm getting from the Book of Mormon is:

NO-ONE is out of reach of repentance and forgiveness!

Vancouver British Columbia Temple

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints builds temples all around the world where faithful members go to learn more of Jesus Christ and his plan, receive ordinances for themselves, and perform vicarious work for their deceased ancestors. These temples are beautifully constructed both inside and out. They are designed to direct our thoughts heavenward and seal families together for eternity. The redemptive work that is performed here is not to be found anywhere else on the earth. All people are invited to experience for themselves the grandeur and blessings of temple work by qualifying themselves to enter the House of the Lord.  In the meantime, I'll be taking you through the A to Z of our temples.

VANCOUVER BRITISH COLUMBIA TEMPLE

The Vancouver British Columbia Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Vancouver British Columbia Temple at night

Entrance to the Celestial Room in the Vancouver British Columbia Temple

The Celestial Room in the Vancouver British Columbia Temple

You will notice that all areas of the temple are designed in light colours and have ample lighting, whether it be natural light through windows or artificial light. A temple is the house of the Lord, so light is symbolic of Him who announced himself as the "light of the world." Everything becomes clear and visible in the light, so when we focus our minds and attention on Jesus Christ, his teachings, and his ordinances in the temple, things become clear and the real purpose of life becomes visible in our minds. The temple is full of symbolism, just as Jesus himself taught in parables and with symbols. Depending on spiritual maturity, these symbols can be grasped in differing levels of understanding, which is one reason why Latter-day Saints are encouraged to keep going back to the temple as often as possible.

Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Seal of Melchizedek

While searching through pictures of the church's magnificent temples, I inevitably came across the San Diego California temple. At the same time, I was searching on Google for "LDS temple symbols" as I had read the words of a church authority that the temple is our symbol.

This opened up an intriguing presentation of the Seal of Melchizedek.

Two squares, with one at a 45 degree rotation over the other one, makes up the Seal of Melchizedek.

I learned that the San Diego California Temple displays the Seal of Melchizedek over 10,000 times in and around the temple and its grounds. I found that quite astonishing. What is this symbol and what does it mean?

The San Diego California Temple is awash with the symbol of the Seal of Melchizedek

Apparently, the gentlemen in charge of designing the temple, one of them a Brother William "Bill" S. Lewis Jr. (a church member), spent months to come up with the symbol of two squares superimposed on each other at a 45 degree rotation. To the architects it was simply a nice architectural design and seemed to work increasingly well the more they adopted it throughout the structure.

Coincidence or not, famous LDS scholar and historian, Hugh Nibley, immediately identified this symbol as the ancient Seal of Melchizedek when quizzed about it after a gentleman who was photo-documenting the construction of the temple developed a fascination with it.

The Seal of Melchizedek, as it has been termed, goes back to iconography in basilicas of Ravenna, Italy, featuring, prominently, the high priest Melchizedek.

One such mosaic displaying the Seal of Melchizedek, or 8-pointed star, on an altar cloth, together with Abel offering his sacrificial lamb, and Abraham offering his son Isaac as sacrifice. Melchizedek also offers sacrifice on the altar

In this mosaic, both Abel and Abraham are clearly depicted offering their sacrifices of a lamb and Isaac respectively, along with Melchizedek offering sacrifice on the altar. The hand of God can be seen protruding from behind the veil to show the sacrifices have been accepted.

As with all sacrifices in the Old Testament, they functioned to point towards the great and last sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.

In fact, everything about the Seal of Melchizedek points to Jesus Christ. Seeing as this symbol appeared on the altar (in the mosaic above), this would be representative of the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Not much is written about the Priest Melchizedek. His very name in Hebrew is "Malki Tzedik" which means 'My King is Righteousness' - another reference to Jesus Christ.

The Seal of Melchizedek looks very much like an 8-pointed star, which is representative of the biggest star (The Sun) in our solar system. Jesus Christ's brightness and glory is compared to that of the Sun. 

The number 8 is also religiously significant as representing new beginnings. For example, the 6 days of creation were followed by a 7th day, the Sabbath Day, making the 8th day a new beginning, the start of another cycle. Also, the 7,000 years of recorded history of this earth, 5,000 years leading up to the birth of Christ and the 2,000 years since that event. We are now beginning the 8,000th year, another new beginning as we await the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Seal of Melchizedek has close connections with Jesus Christ. In the Doctrine and Covenants we read:

"There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood. Why the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest. Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God. But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood...The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the right of presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church in all ages of the world, to administer in spiritual things." (D&C 107: 1-4;8)

The Seal of Melchizedek is seemingly a representation of Jesus Christ, one that perhaps has not gathered much pace or attention to the Christian world at large, but is making more waves with Latter-day Saints in these times.

"What, if anything, could the Mormon Church do right now to make it more favourable in your sight, or in the sight of others who view it unfavourably?" - A Survey

*The 'Mormon Church', 'the church' and 'organisation' are used in this article in reference to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

With a lot of issues that have sprung up in recent times regarding the Church's policy or stance on topics such as the church essays, seer stones, sexual orientation, females and the priesthood etc. I have compiled a set of responses to the question outlined in the title of this post.

The question was open to interpretation regarding whether one thinks the church has a necessary obligation to make certain changes to accommodate others, whether it would even be possible for the church to do just that, or whether it is people who need to change and align themselves with the church. As such, the question was answered in a number of different ways.

We cannot simply ignore the way this organisation has made people linked to it, feel. It is my urge that we have to seek for every opportunity to build bridges between active, less-active and ex-members. That the qualities of compassion, empathy and love manifested by Jesus Christ be the standard on both sides.

Building bridges may include listening to others instead of responding with a retort, demonstrating sincere empathy. Showing the Saviour's love for each and every soul may take precedence over attempting to prove that you are right in a doctrinal/historical/policy back and forth.

And now to the survey itself.

I do not personally agree with every comment made in this report. The comments of other individuals do not necessarily reflect my position on issues. However, I feel it absolutely necessary to publish everyone's comments exactly as they were given, with zero alterations. The comments contained herein were given from real people whom I contacted privately and separately through facebook messenger.

This survey is neither an attempt to slander the church or renounce my faith in it, nor an effort to narcissistically extol myself or the church. I am merely genuinely interested and intrigued by the people who have contributed their opinions, their method of thinking, and their vivid ideas and feelings.

The following messages contain candid and honest opinions both in favour of, and in opposition to the church. Please decide for yourself whether you wish to proceed in reading this survey after this point.

"WHAT, IF ANYTHING, COULD THE MORMON CHURCH DO RIGHT NOW TO MAKE IT MORE FAVOURABLE IN YOUR SIGHT, OR IN THE SIGHT OF OTHERS WHO VIEW IT UNFAVOURABLY?"

(This question was originally worded as "What, if anything, could the Mormon church do right now to appease you and make it more favourable in your sight?")

I will kick things off with Greg Rattey, who I became acquainted with in a conversation on facebook:

I met Henry Lions in the same facebook thread, and these are his comments:

Next up are some comments from a Graham:

Jolyon Folkett shared his views as such:

Gareth Horne offered up his response to the question as follows:

Sarah Fuller indulged me with her comments:

Hilary Presbury shared her comments here:

These are Eric Spaans' comments:

Next are Mitch Hilburn's comments:

Joanna Horne shared her thoughts about this question:

Finally, we turn to the remarks of Nephi Hatcher:

While the entries here in this survey are raw and candid, I have found that we don't have to share the same opinions in order to be agreeable. We don't have to agree on common beliefs to be respectful. And we don't have to see eye-to-eye regarding our concept of truth in order to attempt an empathetic response. It is these such traits or qualities - agreeable, respectful, empathetic - which provide a foundation to build bridges. Their exact opposites create chasms.

We cannot attempt to demonstrate these attributes without first listening to and understanding the different viewpoints and feelings of both members and ex-members. Whichever side we are on, we have all been affected by the church in one way or another.

Of course, I always welcome sincere comments but I really hope that such comments don't isolate individuals who contributed, castigate them, ridicule their opinions, or cast them in a negative light. We are all humans and we all have strong feelings. Let us treat each other with kindness as we all try to be civil and respect each other's right to worship how we may and our right to an opinion and a voice.