Our sacrament meetings took a huge leap forward. We went so far as to split the weekly topic and assigned 3 separate sub topics, one to each speaker to avoid any chance the speakers would prepare similar remarks as often happens with one worded topics like faith, prayer, etc. We actually referred to the chapters and accompanying scriptures as organized in Talmage's 'Jesus the Christ'. To help us focus, we decided to assign topics from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. We decided to insure that in our sacrament meetings we would “talk of Christ…rejoice in Christ…preach of Christ (and) prophesy of Christ…that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins” ( 2 Nephi 25:23, 26). So a change was in order, a new purpose and emphasis. So yes, but could it have been better? Was Jesus Christ quoted in any of the talks? Was He even mentioned? Did the hymns and musical numbers refer to our belief in Christ?įrankly, thinking this way gave me reason to wonder. ![]() While serving as bishop some years ago during a media storm of such criticism, I thought to myself, if one of our critics had attended our sacrament meeting last week, would they have seen enough to change their minds? I took solace in the fact that every single week the focus of our meeting is the partaking of the sacrament which is drenched in Christ. ![]() in favor of scripture based topics that the members need right now.įor example, as we all know, our critics get a lot of “air time” questioning our Christianity. The most effective way to increase the quality of the sacrament meeting is to forget the rotating topic list of service, scripture study, fellowship, etc. Topics should be chosen subject to the immediate needs of the ward. The bishop has his finger on the pulse of the ward. When we realize the power of the meeting, we make both the speakers and the topics a matter of discussion in bishopric meetings rather than a delegated task to the executive secretary. Topics- The bishopric should prayerfully consider both topics and speakers for sacrament meeting. With the importance of sacrament meeting evident, allow me to share a list of suggestions that may assist those bishoprics who are determined to make this the most effective 70 minutes of their ministry.ġ. Are we providing a quality worship service every single week? ![]() If all our neighbors knew about the church was what they see attending one sacrament meeting, would they know the church as Christ intended? We cannot afford an “off week”. That begs the question, how often do we think of this and plan accordingly? I have always taught youth the importance of example by asking, “ If everything your friends ever knew about the church was what they see in you, would they know the church as Christ intended?" The same question is appropriate here. Sacrament meetings can be one of our greatest missionary tools. And more often than not, the personality of a meeting is determined by the brother conducting it.Ĥ. Each meeting develops a personality of its own. The attendance, whether it starts and ends on time, the reverence, where people choose to sit, the wording of prayers, the participation of hymn singing, the manner the sacrament is administered, the preparation and decorum of the brother conducting, the size of the choir, the number of speakers and topics assigned let alone what is actually spoken over the pulpit can all reveal volumes about a ward.ģ. The health and personality of a ward is evident in the quality of its sacrament meetings. ![]() Where else can a bishopric more efficiently strengthen the spiritual welfare of his ward members than having a captive congregation of 200 + members for 70 minutes every single week? This opportunity is huge but so is the responsibility.Ģ. What follows are only suggestions compiled through the years by previous bishops to help improve the mechanics involved in providing a quality worship service.ġ. The following post is not meant to compete with the guidelines to bishoprics found in the Handbook of Instructions. Oaks said, “… Sacrament meeting is the most sacred and important meeting in the Church.” Not all bishoprics truly appreciate how important providing an appropriate sacrament meeting is to a ward family.
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