I was released as the High Priests Group Secretary and called as a Gospel Doctrine Instructor (there are two, so we split the duties teaching every other Sunday). This should be interesting since Cathleen and I mostly hide out in the back and keep to ourselves in Gospel Doctrine. Inevitably the whole experience will be much more beneficial to me than it will be for the class, that's the beauty about teaching.
Brother Nielson (Counselor in our Bishopric) said they weren't looking for an intellect to teach this class. Many people might be offended by that comment, but for me he was saying, "I know who you are Brother Baker and you're what we want". If I could be more intellectual I probably would be, since it's something that I've always wanted to be. But alas I don't have to worry about that. I was also comforted by some things that I learned in a course that the Bishopric asked me to attend earlier in the year, "Teaching, No Greater Calling". In this course they emphasized the following:- Question: “He that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?” (D&C 50:17).
- Before hearing the revealed answer, let us note that the Lord is here talking about teaching the gospel, the word of truth, the principles of salvation. He is not talking about the doctrines of the world and the commandments of men, the adherence to which is vain and does not lead to salvation.
- The question is, when we preach the gospel, when we teach the word of truth, when we set forth the true doctrines of salvation, do we do so by the power of the Holy Ghost or in some other way? Obviously the “other way” to teach the truth is by the power of the intellect.
- Now the revealed answer: “If it be by some other way it is not of God” (D&C 50:18).
- Let us make this clear. Even though what we teach is true, it is not of God unless it is taught by the power of the Spirit. There is no conversion, no spiritual experience, unless the Spirit of the Lord is involved.
- Question: “And again, he that receiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?” (D&C 50:19).
- Answer: “If it be [by] some other way it is not of God” (D&C 50:20).
Shortly after completing that course I was asked to teach the Temple Preparation course. I enjoyed that, trying to apply some of the principles that I had learned in the "Teaching" course. The difference however, there were only 3-4 participants and I had been to the temple many times whereas they all had never been. I will now find myself out of my comfort zone standing in front of 30-50 people, where many may have a lot deeper knowledge and understanding of the Gospel than I do.
Cathleen also received a new calling today. She was released as the Humanitarian Aid Specialist and called as the Laurel Advisor in the Young Woman's program. She has served in the Young Woman's program before as Beehive Advisor, about 8 years ago. She has also been Miamaid Advisor and has served as Counselor and Secretary in the YW presidency, but all this many years ago and therefore she too feels a little out of her comfort zone.I'm certain that she'll do a great job. The Laurels are the oldest class (Tory's age group) and Cathleen provides a great example of the choices that a young woman should make. They'll all mutually benefit from this experience, I have no doubt.
