The First Presidency has just launched a Church-wide effort to "revitalize and improve teaching in the Church," Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve declared Sunday afternoon.
He quoted from a recent First Presidency letter, " 'This renewed emphasis is intended to improve gospel teaching in homes and in Church meetings and help nourish members with the good word of God.' "
Elder Oaks related that a 10-page booklet, Improving Gospel Teaching, A Leader's Guide, is being distributed to unit leaders and to quorum and auxiliary officers throughout the Church. This effort to improve gospel teaching — in the home as well as in Church meetings — includes three elements.
"At the outset," he said, "it emphasizes leaders' vital responsibilities to work to improve gospel teaching in their organizations. Next, the effort initiates quarterly teacher improvement meetings for teachers of children, youth and adults, to 'instruct and edify each other' on principles, methods and skills that will improve gospel teaching and learning. Finally, a 12-lesson course on 'Teaching the Gospel' will be taught at least once each year."
Elder Oaks added that course material will be drawn from an improved edition of Teaching, No Greater Call, A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, which is being distributed to wards and branches. He then commented on six fundamental principles of gospel teaching:
The first is love. A gospel teacher, he explained, teaches because of love for God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and also for the love of the students.
Second, "a gospel teacher, like the Master we serve, will concentrate entirely on those being taught." Elder Oaks explained, "A gospel teacher will never obscure [the students'] view of the Master by standing in the way or by shadowing the lesson with self-promotion or self-interest."
Third, a superior teacher teaches from the prescribed course material. Emphasis, Elder Oaks said, is placed on teaching the doctrine and principles and covenants of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Fourth, a gospel teacher will prepare diligently and strive to use the most effective means of presenting the prescribed lessons.
The fifth fundamental principle of gospel teaching is teaching by the Spirit. The objective is to "have love of God and commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ 'catch fire' in the hearts of those we teach."
The sixth principle concerns the results of teaching and the impact on the lives of the learners. "A gospel teacher will never be satisfied with just delivering a message or preaching a sermon. A superior gospel teacher wants to assist in the Lord's work to bring eternal life to His children."
