Here is an article that speaks very loudly against our traditional approach to missionary work. This is an eye opening, articulate report on the state of mormonism in the eyes of our friends. This approach is not main stream and can be difficult because our leaders have been touting the traditional approach for 180 years.
We have convert baptisms because of what we do, not because of how we do it.
Approaching our missionary work in the stake from the Perspective of logic, reason and sound business principles and letting the Lord take care of the heavy lifting could have a dramatic impact upon our success.
Here is an article that speaks very loudly against our traditional approach to missionary work. This is an eye opening, articulate report on the state of mormonism in the eyes of our friends. This approach is not main stream and can be difficult because our leaders have been touting the traditional approach for 180 years.
We have convert baptisms because of what we do, not because of how we do it.
Approaching our missionary work in the stake from the Perspective of logic, reason and sound business principles and letting the Lord take care of the heavy lifting could have a dramatic impact upon our success.
Click here to get the article.
This is my second time reading this article. I am glad to have the information, but I still have not felt the sense of alarm and dismay it’s author attempts to instill. The facts sited here are neutral, and the editorialized story paints them to be negative. Might they be considered positively, though?
This survey found that one in every eight American Joe Schmoes know UNAIDED that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints claim to follow Christ’s RESTORED teachings. Might that be a GOOD thing? I work with seventy people. If my coworkers were typical of this pollster’s findings, I would be working with eight or nine people who understood that I believe Christ reestablished His church in recent history.
67% of Americans are not sure if “Mormons” believe the Bible. 77% are not sure if “Mormons” believe in Christ. 75% are not sure if “Mormons” are polygamists.
Could these facts also have been written:
33% of Americans have made up their minds whether “Mormons” believe the Bible or not. 23% have decided whether “Mormons” believe in Christ or not. 25% are convinced whether “Mormons” are polygamists or not.
Maybe I have been telling myself a negative story, but I would have guessed that 60% of Americans were sure that “Mormons” are sacrilegious polygamist bigots. I received this article’s facts as reassuring.
Although the article seems to attempt to spread feelings of doom and gloom, I do like the simple actions encouraged toward the end by Gary Lawrence. I also agree with his assertion that, “We are being represented by our least-prepared members.”
Very good points. Thank you for the thoughts.
Another way to view the authors thoughts are a call to action by those who are better prepared to approach the message of the restored gospel differently. In other words, don’t try harder, try different. More of a ‘seek to understand’ what they believe in, what’s important to them before we turn the discussion to us and our beliefs. Let the discussion come to us versus forcing it upon anyone. If we are ready, the Lord is willing to place plenty of opportunities in front of us.
Learning how to dialogue about religion and life before we persuade and try to convince others that we are right is a different process. Having a healthy relationship based upon mutual trust and respect first, will probably harvest more favorable responses towards the church and a greater number of converts.
In other words, instead of teaching ‘what’ to do, let’s work on ‘how’ to do it. Missionary work should be enjoyable and fun. I have polled about 30 members over the past 2 months and 28 of the 30 polled held a negative view of missionary work, especially when discussed in church. (This isn’t proof of anything, but it’s certainly worthy of thought.)
Thanks for pointing out that the author’s goal is a call to action to try “different.” I’ve looked over this article a third time, and I see what you mean. When I’m looking for it, the tone is a lot more upbeat. The six “different” approaches Laurence suggests are both clear and non-threatening. Also, his six-step model of conversion is enlightening as it specifies progress that non-members will need to make before they may even develop INTEREST in what we have. Very good advice. Thanks for helping me see the gems, here.
BTW, You can count me as the 31st polled.
I hold a somewhat negative view of both the way in which missionary work is typically conducted, and also my own duties and failings where missionary work is concerned. I don’t wish to retain this negative view, so I’ll let you poll me again later. 🙂