"Sunday Sermon" After serving my mission in Britain, I returned to college. My first class was “World Religions.” This was an upper division course in the Philosophy Department. I probably should have taken the similar class in the “less hostile environment” of the Religious Studies Department. On the first day, the professor walked into the full … Continue reading “Are There Any Mormons in this Class?”
The best students of the gospel become the best teachers of the gospel I am sometimes asked, "Brother London, how long did it take you to prepare your talk?" I answer, "About 50 years." Powerful speaking and teaching requires lifelong ongoing study. We are commanded to engage in an ongoing lifelong study of the gospel … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #13: Lifelong Study and Preparation
The key to gospel teaching has been, is, and will always be the same: “Teach the doctrine from the scriptures by the Spirit.” 1 Cor 2:4-5 “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing word of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit of power; “That your faith should not stand in … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #10: Teach “By the Spirit”
"Teach the doctrine, from the scriptures, by the Spirit" The key to gospel teaching has been, is, and will always be the same: “Teach the doctrine from the scriptures by the Spirit.” I remember classes where the teacher so focused on secondary sources about history and culture, that we never mentioned the scriptures. When we … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #9: Teach “From the Scriptures”
"Teach the doctrine, from the scriptures, by the Spirit" The key to gospel teaching has been, is, and will always be the same: “Teach the doctrine from the scriptures by the Spirit.” Gospel teachers must focus on first principles, fundamental doctrines, and the weightier matters. We must target our teaching. We must focus first, on … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #8: “Teach the Doctrine”
The best gospel lessons include class discussions. Edifying uplifting discussions are an integral part of a good lesson. We all learn best when we are actively involved. We can all learn from others. No teacher has a monopoly on gospel knowledge and insights. Only God is omniscient. Every student has something to contribute. Pure lectures … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #7: Lead Meaningful Class Discussions
“It is admitted that statements of personal experience, spoken or written, carry more force and make a more lasting impression upon the minds of the hearers and readers than can be made any other way.” (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, p. 265) There is power is sharing personal experiences during talks and lessons. Using … Continue reading Tip on Talks and Lessons #5B: Personal Experience Caveats
There is power in personal experiences. Sharing such experiences can be: InterestingEntertainingImpactfulHeartwarmingMovingTouchingSpiritualEnlighteningPersuasiveMemorable “It is admitted that statements of personal experience, spoken or written, carry more force and make a more lasting impression upon the minds of the hearers and readers than can be made any other way.” (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, p. 265) … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #5A: The Power of Personal Experiences
Everybody loves stories. The best teachers and speakers are also storytellers. In winter, when the Vikings, Eskimos, and Native Americans, were hunkered down and isolated, the most popular person in the village was the story teller. Stories have always been a great source of entertainment and learning. Stories, both fiction and non-fiction, are a powerful … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #4: Share Stories
You cannot teach anything unless you capture and maintain the listeners' attention. This is the first rule of communication. Maintain Interest: Overcome the Propensity for Boredom Humans have a great capacity for boredom. For example, in high school I was fed the same dinner three times a week at a private restaurant where I worked. … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #3: Overcome Boredom with Variety
The London Edition 