A remarkable feat of engineering is the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, U.S.A. The bridge was part of an initiative to alleviate ferry traffic and make the flow of people and materials easier to get around the San Francisco area. It was first opened in 1937, and at the time was the largest suspension bridge in the world, measuring 2.7 kilometers.. It was painted a beautiful vermillion orange to enhance its visibility in the fog as well as protect it from the high salt content in the air. Festivals commemorating the opening lasted for 7 days with speeches from city leaders, music, dancing, and parades.

For the next 30 years this architectural achievement, which became a symbol of the city, stood virtually untouched. By 1968 it was clear that the bridge was suffering from massive amounts of corrosion. A program was put into effect to completely repaint the structure. Since that time a permanent crew of 17 iron workers and 38 painters work continuously to stop the corrosion and maintain the integrity of the bridge. Without this constant maintenance, it is most certain that this structure would succumb to the corrosive salt, powerful winds, and the constant pull of gravity.

In many ways the Golden Gate Bridge is analogous to our testimonies. It takes a great deal of time, effort, and patience to build a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and if one is not careful in protecting it from corrosive elements, it will fall.

Building our Testimonies

It was not a simple task to create the Golden Gate Bridge. Likewise our testimonies are often built in pieces. Elder Richard G. Scott, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, “Testimony is the very essence of character woven from threads born of countless correct decisions. Those choices are made with trusting faith in things that are believed and, at least initially, are not seen.”

It is an interesting thing that we obey because we have a testimony, but to gain a testimony we must obey. It is for this reason that Mormon missionaries are directed to give require commitments of those who investigate The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is the most effective method of conversion, because it brings people out of the world. They themselves must make the choice to believe, to follow the promptings of the holy spirit and the direction of the missionaries. They must choose to enter into the cycle of obeying and building a testimony — building a testimony and obeying the commandments of God.

In my life this has very much been the case. I cannot think of a time I gained elements of my testimony without first obeying. I can remember the specific time of day, and who was there when I received a strong witness that keeping the Sabbath day holy was a true commandment. I was thirteen and sitting in the back seat of our family car as we were driving to visit my older brother and his family. As we were driving, I looked out the window and saw all the people shopping, working, and going about their daily lives. I mentioned to my mother up front that I was glad we as a family and church set aside Sunday as a special day of worship. My mother turned to me and said, “that is because you have a testimony of that gospel principle”. I remember having a unique feeling of peace in that car as the Holy Ghost witnessed to me that it was true, that the law of the Sabbath is a commandment from God. If I didn’t have a testimony before, I most certainly did after that car ride. Since that day, I have come to obey the law of the Sabbath, not because it was a family tradition, but because I had felt that confirmation from God through the Holy Ghost, that I should obey.

Elder John K. Carmack, of the First Quorum of the Seventy of the Mormon Church, explained the principle of obeying and receiving this way in a talk given in 1988: “When I declare that I know this gospel is true, that Christ lives, and that Ezra Taft Benson is God’s prophet, I am saying, in effect, that doing and serving have brought me the conviction that this work is true.”

I love it. I love that gaining a testimony is that simple. We simply obey and receive. Anyone can do that!

Growing up I always felt that the Church was true. I felt like I had a fairly normal upbringing. I went to LDS seminary and church meetings. I read the Book of Mormon and felt excited to serve a mission. When I got into the Missionary Training Center, however, I felt overwhelmed. As I was learning about the doctrines that I would be teaching the next two years (the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and commandments of God) I began to worry. I was worried that my testimony would not be strong enough to bring the spirit to those I would be teaching. I began to pray and fast that I would be blessed with a strong testimony to teach from. As I prayed one evening, I received the feeling that I had been given enough and needed to just press forward. That was not the answer I wanted or expected. However, I continued to work hard in my studies at the MTC and pray with faith. Toward the end of my stay, I was in the celestial room of the Provo Utah Temple. As I was praying, I looked up and saw the painting of the Savior. At that moment I felt an overwhelming love for the Savior and his Atonement. At that moment it felt so real to me! I felt that I was not just one of billions of God’s children but that I was an individual whom God loved and cared for deeply. I often would reflect on that powerful spiritual experience as I would testify to those whom I was teaching. God did answer my prayer.

Maintaining a Testimony

Just like the Golden Gate Bridge, if a person leaves his or her testimony untouched, it will rust, deteriorate, and become useless in the moment the person needs it the most.

Instead of focusing on how to maintain a testimony, let’s look at it from the other side, that is, how to destroy a testimony. Elder Charles Didier of the Quorum of the Seventy gives an easy-to-follow 6 step program:

“Do not pray: the door to revelation will be closed. Do not be humble but listen to your own superior voice. Do not participate in the ordinances of the gospel, but follow the practices of the world. Do not follow Church leaders but be critical of them. Do not listen to the prophets and follow their counsel but interpret their declarations according to your own desires. Do not obey the commandments but live according to your own appetites and desires.”

It is not coincidence that the process of gaining a testimony is the same process of maintaining one. So perhaps my analogy of a testimony being like the Golden Gate Bridge is not perfect, since we are never done building our testimony and thus maintaining our testimonies. Elder Carmack of the Seventy explains in his conference address “I have a whole box of unanswered questions, none of them threatening to my testimony. New questions enter that box regularly. Others come out of the box, yielding to both study and experience.”

If a General Authority has unanswered questions that he works on through study and experience, then I for sure have unanswered questions that I need to work on! The Lord promises that someday those who keep His commandments will know all things:

For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end. Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory. And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom. Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know, and things to come will I show them, even the things of many generations (Doctrine and Covenants 76:5 – 8).

It is my hope that I will continually be building and maintaining a strong testimony that will become the anchor of my life. Something that will help me and those around me come closer to God, and be the sustaining force of a successful life.  This is my wish for every member of the Church, especially new converts.

This article has been used on the following website:  http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org/833/growing-and-maintaining-a-testimony

Conversion is the process of being born of God. “Born of God” or “born again” refers to the personal spiritual experience through which we receive a forgiveness of sins and a witness from God that if we continue to live the commandments and endure to the end, we will inherit eternal life. The scriptures teach that just as each of us is “born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit,” so must we be “born again” of water and the Spirit and be cleansed by the blood of Christ (John 3:5; Moses 6:59). To be born of God implies a sanctifying process by which the old or natural man is supplanted by the new spiritual man who enjoys the companionship of the Holy Ghost and hence is no longer disposed to commit sin (Colossians 3:9-10; Mosiah 3:19; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 51). When we are born again we are spiritually begotten sons and daughters of God and more specifically of Jesus Christ (Mosiah 5:7; 27:25). The Book of Mormon prophet Alma 1 calls this inner transformation a “mighty change in your hearts” (Alma 5:14).”

(Adapted from the article by Ed J. Pinegar in Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 1-4 vols., edited by Daniel H. Ludlow [New York: Macmillan, 1992], 218.)

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US

• Moses 6:59— “That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory; . . .”

We must be born again through the grace of God in order to receive the blessings of eternal life. This means that each of us must repent and bring forth fruit worthy of all acceptation of the Lord, thus proving ourselves worthy of returning to His presence.

• Mosiah 5:7— “And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.”

We become the sons and daughters of Jesus Christ because we have made the mighty change and, through baptism, have taken upon us His name. This carries with it a covenant and promise to remember Him and keep the commandments.

• Mosiah 5:2— “And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.”

When we are truly converted by the Spirit, we will experience the “mighty change” and we will feel and act differently. We will have the desire to do good just like Enos, Alma, and the Sons of Mosiah.

• Moroni 8:25-26— “And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins;  And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God.”

We will recognize a true change within our soul. We will start to feel the Spirit and enjoy the fruits of it in our lives. We will be more humble and loving in all things.

MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK

“Conversion must mean more than just being a “card carrying” member of the Church with a tithing receipt, a membership card, a temple recommend, etc. It means to overcome the tendencies to criticize and to strive continually to improve inward weaknesses and not merely the outward appearances” (Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye in Holy Places [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974], 355).

“But all that has happened in the past has not, and all that occurs in the future will not change the truth that conversion to Jesus Christ and his gospel is the one and only way; for still it must be said that “there is none other way given under heaven by which men must be saved” (Elder Marion G. Romney, Conference Report, October 1963, Afternoon Meeting 26).  (See Acts 4:12.)

IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING

Here are some things to remember and do in the process of conversion:

1.   Seek to align your being with the qualities of a truly converted person.

• Be mindful of your baptismal covenants
• Seek to be blameless before the Lord
• Be spiritually born of God
• Be obedient and endure to the end
• Be charitable

2.  Follow daily strategies to retain the spirit of conversion and remain strong in the Church.

• Remember to pray
• Search the scriptures
• Gain understanding
• Remain valiant
• Cultivate the spirit and practice of service
• Build up the Kingdom of God

“The Conversion of Parley P. Pratt” is a wonderful story and a great example of what it means to be converted.  Parley P. Pratt was a leader in the early restored church.

It was early in the morning, just at the dawn of day, I walked ten miles into the country, and stopped to breakfast with a Mr. Wells. I proposed to preach in the evening. Mr. Wells readily accompanied me through the neighborhood to visit the people, and circulate the appointment.

We visited an old Baptist deacon by the name of Hamlin. After hearing of our appointment for evening, he began to tell of a book, a strange book, a VERY STRANGE BOOK! in his possession, which had been just published. This book, he said, purported to have been originally written on plates either of gold or brass, by a branch of the tribes of Israel; and to have been discovered and translated by a young man near Palmyra, in the State of New York, by the aid of visions, or the ministry of angels. I inquired of him how or where the book was to be obtained. He promised me the perusal of it, at his house the next day, if I would call. I felt a strange interest in the book. . . . Next morning I called at his house, where, for the first time, my eyes beheld the “BOOK OF MORMON”—that book of books—that record which reveals the antiquities of the “New World” back to the remotest ages, and which unfolds the destiny of its people and the world for all time to come; that Book which contains the fulness of the gospel of a crucified and risen Redeemer;—that Book which reveals a lost remnant of Joseph, and which was the principal means, in the hands of God, of directing the entire course of my future life.

I opened it with eagerness, and read its title page. I then read the testimony of several witnesses in relation to the manner of its being found and translated. After this I commenced its contents by course. I read all day; eating was a burden, I had no desire for food; sleep was a burden when the night came, for I preferred reading to sleep.

As I read, the spirit of the Lord was upon me, and I knew and comprehended that the book was true, as plainly and manifestly as a man comprehends and knows that he exists. My joy was now full, as it were, and I rejoiced sufficiently to more than pay me for all the sorrows, sacrifices and toils of my life. I soon determined to see the young man who had been the instrument of its discovery and translation.

I accordingly visited the village of Palmyra, and inquired for the residence of Mr. Joseph Smith. I found it some two or three miles from the village. As I approached the house at the close of the day I overtook a man who was driving some cows, and inquired of him for Mr. Joseph Smith, the translator of the “Book of Mormon.” He informed me that he now resided in Pennsylvania; some one hundred miles distant. I inquired for his father, or for any of the family. He told me that his father had gone [on] a journey; but that his residence was a small house just before me; and, said he, I am his brother. It was Mr. Hyrum Smith. I informed him of the interest I felt in the Book, and of my desire to learn more about it. He welcomed me to his house, and we spent the night together; for neither of us felt disposed to sleep. We conversed most of the night, during which I unfolded to him much of my experience in my search after truth, and my success so far; together with that which I felt was lacking, viz: a commissioned priesthood, or apostleship to minister in the ordinances of God.

He also unfolded to me the particulars of the discovery of the Book; its translation; the rise of the Church of Latter-day Saints, and the commission of his brother Joseph, and others, by revelation and the ministering of angels, by which the apostleship and authority had been again restored to the earth. After duly weighing the whole matter in my mind I saw clearly that these things were true; and that myself and the whole world were without baptism, and without the ministry and ordinances of God; and that the whole world had been in this condition since the days that inspiration and revelation had ceased—in short, that this was a new dispensation or commission, in fulfillment of prophecy, and for the restoration of Israel, and to prepare the way before the second coming of the Lord.

In the morning I was compelled to take leave of this worthy man and his family—as I had to hasten back a distance of thirty miles, on foot, to fulfil an appointment in the evening. As we parted he kindly presented me with a copy of the Book of Mormon. I had not yet completed its perusal, and was glad indeed to possess a copy of my own. I travelled on a few miles, and, stopping to rest, I commenced again to read the book. To my great joy I found that Jesus Christ, in his glorified resurrected body, had appeared to the remnant of Joseph on the continent of America, soon after his resurrection and ascension into heaven; and that he also administered, in person, to the ten lost tribes; and that through his personal ministry in these countries his gospel was revealed and written in countries and among nations entirely unknown to the Jewish apostles.

Thus revealed, written, handed down and preserved, till revealed in this age by the angels of God, it had, of course, escaped the corruptions of the great and abominable church; and been preserved in purity.

This discovery greatly enlarged my heart, and filled my soul with joy and gladness. I esteemed the Book, or the information contained in it, more than all the riches of the world. Yes; I verily believe that I would not at that time have exchanged the knowledge I then possessed, for a legal title to all the beautiful farms, houses, villages and property which passed in review before me, on my journey through one of the most flourishing settlements of western New York.

(Parley P. Pratt, Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, edited by Parley P. Pratt Jr., Classics in Mormon Literature ed. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1985], pp. 20-22.)

This article was adapted from What We Need to Know and Do, by Ed Pinegar and Richard J. Allen.

When I was eight years old, my parents moved to Southern California.  My father was a rocket scientist and had left his teaching position at Johns Hopkins University to work at Jet Propulsion Labs.  When we arrived in Los Angeles, we were suddenly no longer Jewish, and faith was never mentioned again in the household.  My mother did say once in awhile, that she’d had a Catholic governess, who had baptized her, but my mother never once went to a Church that I recall.

At the beginning of each school year, all the students filled out emergency cards—whom to contact if our parents weren’t home, any medical problems or allergies, etc.  There was always a space on the card to list your religious affiliation, and I always left mine blank.  I simply had nothing to write there.  As I approached my mid-teens, I began to feel bereft.  Not only that I should be able to fill in that space, but that there was a huge hole in my life and in my understanding that was meant to be filled.  I began to attend various churches with my neighbors, and I enjoyed them all.

One Sunday when I was 15, I telephoned a girlfriend to see whether she’d like to attend a movie with me.  She very politely and thoroughly explained why she kept the Sabbath day holy, and how movie-going was not considered a Sabbath activity.  When I hung up, I felt embarrassed.  I felt that I should somehow know about the Sabbath and what you do or don’t do on that special day.  Shortly after, she invited me to a “Youth Conference” presentation at her church.  I had enjoyed every church function I had attended with my neighbors, so I readily said yes.  That empty place within me was growing more bothersome.  I desperately felt the need to fill it.

Indeed, I had been to many churches.  But when I entered this one, I experienced something profoundly new—a sudden and overwhelming feeling of absolute joy, which also seemed to have affected everyone in attendance.  I knew I was in the right place, and that my life was about to change.  Two sister missionaries began teaching me in the evenings at “cottage meetings,” which a number of the youth of the ward attended with me.  Watching the conversion process was as enlightening for them as being converted was for me.  Everything I was taught settled in like I had already known it all before.

I remember how frightened these sisters were to teach me the lesson on Joseph Smith and his “First Vision.”  I suppose many people had gone along just fine with their lessons until they got to that point, and then stalled when taught that a modern man had seen God the Father and Jesus Christ.  But for me, it was perfectly logical.  If prophets of old had seen visions, why not now?  It was more illogical to consider that visions had altogether ceased.  Why should they?  I remember the Sisters’ question, “Do you think you can believe that Joseph Smith really had a vision?”  My reply of “of course” was a great relief to them.

My parents fought me, but thinking that my conversion would only be temporary (I was dating a boy in the ward by then; they thought—new boy, new religion), they relented.  I was baptized a few months after I turned 16.  I joined the Church in 1962, and its teachings and spiritual power protected me from many of the upheavals of the 1960’s. 

I’ve been a member of the Church for 47 years.  I married in the temple to a wonderful returned missionary, and we’ve been married for 42 years.  We have 6 children and 11 grandchildren—all active in the Church.  We’ve lived in 4 countries and traveled in many others, have exciting careers, great friends, and a lot of fun.  Of course there have been challenges, but the gospel and the True Church have the power to guide, heal, and strengthen.  I’ve learned personally that God loves me and has specific things He wants me to accomplish.  We live by the Spirit and follow its promptings.  Joining the Church was the best decision I ever made.

Members of the Mormon Church believe that Jesus Christ has commanded them to take the Gospel to every creature, to every nation, tongue and people.

To do this, the Mormon Church has the largest missionary force of any church.  Nearly 55,000 at given moment are preaching the message of the Gospel as restored through living prophets like Joseph Smith.

Many people have misunderstandings or misconceptions about Mormon missionaries and what they teach. This site discusses what Mormon missionaries do as they seek to teach others about their beliefs and what those beliefs are.

What will they do when they visit me?

Some people find it scary or strange to have two young men or women come into their home and begin talking about religion with their family.  For many people, religion is a very personal matter and talking about it with strangers is a new experience.  Most Mormon Missionaries know this and will try to make you feel comfortable.  You should feel free to express your feelings and beliefs with the missionaries.  Mormons believe that it is important to openly and honestly share thoughts and questions about religious beliefs, so that we can understand one another and learn better. (Read more)

What will they teach?

When the Mormon Missionaries come into your home, they will want to teach you about their beliefs and invite you to learn more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They will eventually invite you attend Mormon Church services with them and be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We invite you to listen to the missionaries as they teach their lessons about God, Jesus Christ, prophets, and the plan of salvation. (Read more)

Answering Your Concerns about Mormonism

Since Joseph Smith first began telling others about his Vision of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, persecution and misinformation have followed Mormons.  You may have heard things from friends and family, or from ministers vilifying the Prophet Joseph Smith or claiming that the Book of Mormon is false or unnecessary.  Members of the Mormon Church know that they must live surrounded by such false information all their lives, but they have learned the truth about these matters.  Below are several questions that converts to the Mormon Church and others often have.  This list does not include everything, but does include links to other excellent websites that can give you fuller answers.

Scriptures:

• Isn’t the Bible the only word of God?
• Why do we need the Book of Mormon?
• Doesn’t the Book of Mormon contradict the Bible?
• Didn’t the Three Witnesses deny their testimonies about the Book of Mormon?
• Doesn’t the Book of Abraham prove that Joseph Smith was a false prophet?
• Did the Mormon Church change the Book of Mormon?

The Gospel:

• Don’t Mormons worship a different Jesus?
• I’m saved, why do I need prophets and the Book of Mormon?
• Why do I need to be baptized if I have already accepted Jesus as my Savior?
• Should I really rely on “feelings” rather than evidence to know if the Book of Mormon is true?
• I heard Mormons believe you have to work to be saved, but doesn’t the Bible say we are saved by grace?

Prophets:

• Didn’t prophets end with the Old Testament/Bible?
• Was the Prophet Joseph Smith a lazy, immoral person?
• Don’t Mormons worship Joseph Smith?
• Didn’t Joseph Smith make a false prophecy about the Second Coming?

Church Practices:

• Don’t Mormons practice polygamy?
• What about the Mountain Meadows Massacre?
• Did Mormons forbid African Americans from joining their Church?
• Do Mormons really pay 10 percent of their income to the Church?
• What’s this about no sex before marriage?

Temples:

• Why all the secrecy?  Didn’t Jesus tell His disciples to preach all his teachings openly?
• Didn’t Jesus’ Crucifixion end the need for temples?
• Do Mormons wear funny underwear?

General:

• Anti-Mormonism and ExMormons, why all the fuss?
• How can I find the truth in this maze of words and emotions?

Good Links

• Jeff Lindsay: Excellent site by a Mormon living in Wisconsin who has many articles and responses to common questions and concerns.
• FAIRLDS: A resource for friendly scholarly research on Mormonism.  Very extensive and thorough, covering virtually every conceivable topic relating to Mormonism.
• SHIELDS: A site for scholarly and historical information about Mormonism.
• Mormon Converts:  Learn about the experiences of other converts to the Mormon Church
• Light Planet: A resource for everything Mormon
• FARMS: The Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies.  A very scholarly site devoted to studying Mormonism and Mormon scripture.
• Mormon Central: A list of the best LDS site on the internet.
• LDSsearch: A search engine that return good information about the Mormon Church

Becoming active in the Mormon Church

One of the purposes of this site is to help you become acclimatized to your new life as a Mormon.  After you are baptized and become of member of the Church, it is important that you continue to take an active part in the Church’s services and activities.

New members of the Church face a number of challenges.  This can be a difficult transition for many, since it may mean changing old habits (such as smoking) as well as learning new beliefs, traditions and customs unique to Mormonism. Activity in the Mormon Church brings us great blessings.  Attending church meetings and activities enables us to  socialize with those who hold our same values.  This can be especially important for young people and children.  Your example will help your children live gospel principles. By bringing them to church, you can help them make friends with other children of high standards.    

Many people find going to a Mormon church with the missionaries for the first time a little bit scary.  Learn what to expect and how to prepare: What can I expect when I go to Church with the Mormons? Accepting and preparing for baptism can mean many difficult changes in your life.  Learn how to prepare for baptism: Your Baptism Changing Hearts and Habits Mormons have a lay  ministry and that means everyone helps run the Church from vacuuming the halls of the meetinghouses to giving the sermons.  Learn how you can make the transition to being an active member of the Mormon Church The Mission of the Mormon Church The Mormon Church and you Activity in the Church Your first calling in the Church Mormonspeak, a dictionary of Mormonism

]]> http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org/64/becoming_mormon/feed 4 http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org/58/church_with_mormons http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org/58/church_with_mormons#comments Sun, 05 Apr 2009 05:57:36 +0000 admin http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org/?p=58 What Can I Expect When I Go to Church With the Mormons?

Going someplace new for the first time can be a scary experience, especially when you don’t know what to expect.  The purpose of this page is to help you know what to expect when you go to Sunday worship services with the Mormon missionaries.  You may have a lot of questions about what Mormons do at their worship services or what is expected of you.  The following will give you a tour of a typical Sunday service at a Mormon Church.  To get directions to the Mormon chapel nearest you, see the chapel locator on the LDS Church’s website.  This will also give the time that the local congregation meets.

Preparing for Church

Because church is a special time set apart from the rest of the week to worship God and learn more about His Gospel, Mormons believe that it is important to dress appropriately for church services.  This is typically referred to as Sunday dress and includes a suit or slacks and dress shirt for men and a dress, skirt, or suit for women.  You should be aware that most members will be dressed nicely and you would probably feel more comfortable if you dress similarly.  However, no matter what you wear, know that you are welcome.  Note that congregations near tourist sites are very tolerant of a variety of tourist attire and receive many visitors to their meetings.  However, modesty is always appropriate for Mormon church meetings.

Arriving at church

Mormons typically come as families all dressed in their Sunday best to prepare for church.  Try to arrive early so you can find a good seat and get comfortable with your surroundings.  Many people like to chat quietly in the foyer and catch up on what is happening in their lives.  This is a great opportunity to meet the local members and learn your way around the church building.  To take a virtual tour of a typical Mormon meeting house, see “What to expect at Sunday meetings” and click on “Virtual chapel tour.”  You should keep in mind that Mormon congregations frequently share buildings and so many people will be there, some of whom may not be in your congregation.  Don’t be scared if the parking lot is already full, it could just be members the previous congregation who may not have left yet.

Mormon Sacrament Meeting

Typically, the first meeting on Sunday is Sacrament Meeting.  Sacrament meetings usually last one hour and 15 minutes.  Members and visitors are encouraged to arrive early and be reverent in the chapel.  The chapel is a sacred place that should be respected, and that means that children should not run, and voices should be kept quiet.  Take time to pray or study the scriptures quietly before services begin.

When it is time to begin, the bishop or one of his counselors will stand up and invite everyone to sing a hymn together.  Hymn books are available in every pew or bench.  After the hymn, a member of the congregation will say a prayer.  The congregation should remain quiet and say “Amen” together at the end of the prayer.  After the prayer, whoever is presiding, or leading, the meeting will announce the program.  Since Mormons don’t have professional clergy, members of the congregation give the sermons, called talks.  There are typically two or three speakers who speak for ten minutes apiece.  The bishop has previously asked them to speak on a specific gospel topic. 

Before the talks begin, the most important part of the Sacrament Meeting is held, this is called administering the sacrament.  “The sacrament” is how Mormons refer to the Eucharist and it is blessed and passed by members of the priesthood, often teenage boys ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood.  The Sacrament Service begins with a hymn that helps us reflect on the mission and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

After the hymn, during which the priests break the bread into small pieces, the sacrament is blessed by a person holding the priesthood.  This is done at a table at the front of the chapel, typically off to one side of the rostrum.  First he blesses the bread, which symbolizes the body of Jesus Christ.  This prayer must be said precisely, so if the person makes a mistake, he will start over.  Mormons believe that what they eat and drink for the sacrament is not as important as the spirit in which they do it.  The Lord Jesus Christ gave a revelation to Joseph Smith in which he said:

For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory—remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins (Doctrine and Covenants 27:2).

Today Mormons typically use bread and water.  No matter what is used, the important thing is what the bread and water symbolize, not what they are.  After the blessing has been said, members of the priesthood pass the sacrament to members of the congregation.  For Mormons, the sacrament symbolizes a renewal of their commitment to follow Jesus Christ and of the covenants they made with Him at baptism.  Because of this, if you have not been baptized into the Mormon Church, you should not partake, although young children who have not been baptized are allowed to partake.  After the bread is passed, the water is blessed and passed to the congregation.

After the administration of the sacrament, the services continue with talks on gospel themes and often hymns.  Some weeks there are special services.  The choir may sing or there may be a guest speaker from somewhere else.  Typically on the first Sunday of every month, unless there is a special conference, Mormons hold a fast and testimony meeting.  On this Sunday, all the members fast together and during the services there are no set speakers.  Instead, members of the congregation go up to the front as inspired by the Holy Spirit and share their testimonies about God, Jesus Christ, and the restored gospel.  Everyone is encouraged to participate, even children.  Even non-Mormons who feel impressed by the Spirit may speak. At the end of the meeting, the congregation sings a closing hymn and someone says a prayer.

Mormon Sunday School

After Sacrament Meeting, the members divide into different groups for Sunday School.  Little children under four can go to nursery, children from 4 to 11 have Primary classes, which are Sunday school classes for children; teenagers have classes of their own based on age groups, and adults often have a variety of classes to choose from.  Since you are new to the Mormon Church, you will most likely go to the Gospel Principles class, which is also known as Gospel Essentials.  Ask the missionaries or a member where it is located.  In Sunday School, members study the gospel together.  One person is appointed to be a teacher and to lead the discussion, but everyone is encouraged to participate by asking questions and voicing their opinions.  Don’t be shy about speaking up, because if you don’t ask questions, you’ll never get the answers you’re looking for.

Sunday School begins with a prayer and sometimes a hymn if the teacher decides to do so.  Lessons vary from week to week, but focus on gospel themes like resurrection, repentance, tithing, and so on.  Class ends with a prayer.  Sunday School lessons are correlated throughout the Church.  This means that all over the world Latter-day Saints will be studying the same material at approximately the same time.

Priesthood/Relief Society Meetings

The last meetings of the day for adults (teenagers and children have their own classes, see Primary and Young Men and Young Women) are the Priesthood and Relief Society meetings.  At this time, men and women split up and receive their own instruction.  Men go to Priesthood and women go to Relief Society.  Since the men’s group is split into two, the Elders and the High Priests, ask your missionaries which one you should attend.  All women go to Relief Society.  These meetings generally include lessons geared for either men or women specifically, though typically drawn from the same manual, as well as discussions about activities and service projects and the needs of the congregation.  These meetings are an important time to strengthen bonds among brothers and sisters in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  After this meeting, which concludes with a prayer, Sunday services are over.  Members often linger to chat in the halls and foyer, or outside if the weather is good.  Families are encouraged to spend Sundays together and discuss what they learned at Church.  Sundays should, where possible, be a day of rest from chores, sports, and work and be devoted to learning about God and serving others.

they visit me and my family?

Some people find it scary or strange to have two young men or women come into their home and begin talking about religion with their family.  For many people, religion is a very personal matter and talking about it with strangers is a new experience.  Most Mormon Missionaries know this and will try to make you feel comfortable.  You should feel free to express your feelings and beliefs with the missionaries.  Mormons believe that it is important to openly and honestly share thoughts and questions about religious beliefs, so that we can understand one another and learn.

Most likely your missionaries will want to get to know you better in order to understand what you believe about God and Jesus Christ now.  You should share your beliefs openly, but without confrontation, just as the missionaries will share their beliefs.  They will also want to know about your family and about you since it becomes easier to talk with someone when you find that you share common ground.  Since the Mormon Church does not have professional clergy, its leaders and missionaries know what it is like to have a family and to work for a living.

The missionaries will want to meet with your whole family, if possible, since Mormons believe that strong families are important and that a message as important as the Gospel of Jesus Christ should be shared with everyone.  Every time they meet with you, the missionaries will want to pray so as to invite the Spirit of God to the meeting.  They will share with you the beliefs and teachings of the Mormon Church and invite you to share your thoughts and feelings about them. (See “What will the Mormon Missionaries teach me?”).

Finally, the missionaries will invite you to study these teachings on your own by reading the Book of Mormon and other literature. Mormons believe that everyone should find out for themselves if the message is true, and you can only do this by reading the Book of Mormon and pondering on the message you have heard for yourselves.  No doubt the missionaries will share with you a famous passage in the Book of Mormon that says:

Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.  And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.  And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. (Moroni 10:3-5, pg 529)

This invites everyone to ponder, reflect on God’s glory, and only after studying the doctrines and teachings in your mind and heart, ask God through prayer whether or not it is true.  Only God can tell you that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and He will do this by the power of the Holy Ghost, sometimes called the Holy Spirit.

How will I know when God answers me through the Spirit?

Jesus taught us that the Spirit will teach us the truth:

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26).

But how are we to know when the Holy Ghost is teaching us?  Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon teach that one thing the Holy Ghost will always do is testify of Jesus Christ.  Jesus said:

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you (John 16:13-14).

One way to know that something is true is to see if it testifies of Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit will confirm to you in your heart that the testimony is true as you read it and pray about it.  The Apostle Paul taught us how to recognize the Spirit in our lives:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).

When we feel love, joy, and peace enter into our hearts, we can know that the Holy Spirit is tell us that what we are reading and pondering is true for “[e]very good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).  When we feel the Spirit of God bring peace and joy into our lives we should bow down and thank God in prayer and then act on that testimony.

The missionaries will then invite you to read more from the Book of Mormon or attend church worship services at the local congregation with them.  When you feel the Holy Spirit telling you that what they are teaching is true, you should go ahead and do the things the missionaries invite you to do.  Going to a new church can be scary, but the missionaries and the members will help you, and when you attend church and fellowship with others, you will begin to feel more peace and love enter into your life from the Holy Spirit.

Online Teachings of Mormonism

The importance of beginning with the basics

Chances are if you have heard about Mormons, you have heard false reports that Mormons practice polygamy, or Mormons have strange, secret temple rituals, or wear funny underwear.  Maybe your only impression of Mormons is seeing the clean-shaven, well dressed Mormon missionaries, or perhaps when you think about Mormons you envision some impossibly perfect family where no one ever drinks, smokes, or swears.  Misconceptions or misunderstandings about what Mormons believe and practice distorts the deep significance of their beliefs and practices.

For Mormons, the most important doctrines and practices are the simple everyday ones that affect most of their daily life, while outsiders are only interested in those beliefs they consider to be strange or weird.  Reading about temples, and eternal marriage, and so on, without understanding Mormon beliefs about Jesus Christ and His atonement or the purpose of life is like building a house starting with the top.  This impossible structure would just crumble every time you tried to place something on it until the whole thing was simply a scattered pile of debris.  This is what critics of Mormonism try to do.  They begin with the top of the building and try to force Mormon beliefs to fit into their own understanding of religion.  Of course, when they do this, the result looks absurd like a crumbling building crammed onto the wrong foundation.

Whether building a house or studying the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a person must lay a foundation in order to make sense of the rest.  This is what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote to the Corinthians:

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.  I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able (1 Corinthians 3:1-2).

Babies start off with milk, because they cannot digest meat yet.  A person studying the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ must begin with the basics in order to understand the more advance topics like temples and eternal progression.

The purpose of the self-guided lessons

The following lessons are designed to give you a guided tour of Mormon beliefs beginning with the most basic and fundamental doctrines of the Restored Gospel.  It is important to start with these basics, even if you feel you already understand them, or if you find them too simple. 

If you begin these lessons you are under absolutely no obligation to meet with missionaries or members of the Mormon Church. However, we encourage you to consider ultimately meeting with the missionaries or attending Mormon worship services, since no interactive lesson could replace talking to real people about their beliefs or asking them questions.  We also encourage you to follow them one lesson at a time and to not proceed until you feel you have understood what has been taught.  Links are provided to external sites for extra help understanding a particular topic.  This service is absolutely free.

This material has not been written, reviewed, or endorsed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and we assume all responsibility for its content; however it is being written by faithful members of the Mormon Church who have been missionaries in the past, and it is a good representation of Church’s teaching.

Lessons

Introduction to Self-Guided Lessons

Lesson 1: There is a God

Lesson 2: The Plan of Salvation

Lesson 4- The Gospel of Jesus Christ: What does Jesus expect of us?

When the Mormon Missionaries come into your home, they will want to teach you about their beliefs and invite you to learn more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They will eventually invite you attend Mormon Church services with them and be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We invite you to listen to the missionaries as they teach their lessons about God, Jesus Christ, prophets, and the plan of salvation.  This website is a resource to help you find answers to questions, review topics the missionaries have addressed, or simply to learn more about what Mormons believe.  There are a lot people who have distorted or misrepresented the true teachings of the Mormon Church.  We hope to present here the basics truths and beliefs of what Mormons believe.  We encourage you, however, to use this as a resource and supplement to your studies and to ask questions of the missionaries. Ask as much as you can, since they know you and can understand your needs better.

1. The Godhead, God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost
2. The Plan of Salvation
3. Prophets, ancient and modern
4. The Scriptures, the word of God for men
5. Faith
6. Repentance
7. Prayer and Fasting
8. Health and Morality
9. Families (forever)
10. Temples and Temple Work
11. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Mormon Church sends it missionaries out to teach and proselyte to all people.  Their aim is to teach people about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and baptize them members of the Church.  They also want to help make your transition to Mormonism as smooth as possible.  To do this they will accompany you as you go to church for the first time and help you prepare for baptism.  You can learn more about transitioning to Mormonism at Becoming a Mormon

If you have questions or concerns, ask the missionaries or an active, faithful member of the Mormon Church for more information.  You can also see the Mormon Church’s website or see Answering your concerns, which talks about some of the misunderstandings commonly held about Mormons.