Sacrament Meeting Speaking Assignment
CHRUCH HANDBOOK 29.2.1.4
... Speakers bear testimony of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel using the scriptures (see Doctrine and
Covenants 42:12; 52:9). Messages should build
faith and be
consistent with the sacred nature of the sacrament.
WHAT’S MY SPEAKING TOPIC?
We would like you to spend the next few days assessing what doctrines of the gospel have most impacted
you as an individual. Consider past life
experiences that had a
deep effect on your life. Then send us a topic you would feel confident speaking about. We will discuss
and approve the topic if it is appropriate.
If you have further concerns about speaking in sacrament meeting, please call a member of the bishopric
to discuss this further.
FURTHER INFORMATION TO CONSIDER
We are instructed that the purpose of Sacrament Meeting is to partake of the sacrament, to worship, to
provide gospel instruction, to strengthen and
to build faith and
testimony. There are many ways your talk can achieve the purpose of this sacred meeting. As you prepare
your talk it is our hope that your preparation and
presentation
will:
- Teach the doctrine of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
- Teach by using the scriptures and modern revelation
- Relate faith-promoting experiences from your personal life
- Teach with love & with the Spirit
- Bear witness of divinely revealed truths, especially of the Atonement of Jesus Christ
- As you present your talk please consider the following:
- Avoid mentioning how the bishopric asked you to speak
- Avoid asking the congregation to turn to the chapter and verse of the scriptures you will be
sharing.
- Avoid addressing issues that are political, speculative or not in harmony with Church doctrine.
- Avoid the use of visual aids and audiovisual materials is not encouraged and please avoid the
use of casual or inappropriate language that may detract from
the
Spirit.
Following these principles will invite the presence of the Spirit and contribute to an atmosphere of
reverent worship throughout the meeting.
Please be sensitive to the time frame of your talk. Many speakers don’t realize how
much time their prepared remarks will fill and often go over time
or
end too early. We encourage you to practice your remarks beforehand and adjust accordingly.
It is a special opportunity to speak before the congregation. We know that as you pray about your topic
and prepare in advance the Spirit will guide you. You will
be
blessed for accepting the invitation to speak.
Please let us know if you read and understand this guideline.
Sincerely,
Bishop Yong Seo
1st Counselor Craig Stark
2nd Counselor Garrett Breinholt