Welcome — Attendees Tonight
Cahill Ward
Brian Malin Pres
Honeysuckle Ward
B.J. Sollars Pres
Jack Mangum 1st
Braden Thompson 2nd
Hunter Ward
Mark Donaldson Pres
Liam Lungren 1st
James Hyland Sec
Morgan Ward
Cory Smith Pres
Kendal Hunsaker 2nd
Saddlebrook Ward
Gavin McClellan Pres
Jace Robison 1st
Jessie Green 2nd
Shadow Ridge Ward
Rich Rosenlof Pres
Philip De la Vega 1st
Thomas Walsh 2nd
Spring Meadow Ward
Anthony Provenza Pres
Mark Grotefend 1st
Jason Ostler 2nd
Pres President
1st First Counselor
2nd Second Counselor
Sec Secretary
Tonight's Agenda
5–10 min
1. Opening
Hymn · Prayer · Welcome · Gratitude
10 min
2. Roles & Responsibilities
General Handbook §13
12 min
3. Teaching in the Savior's Way
Principles of Christlike teaching
10 min
4. Ministering to the One
The lost sheep — practical outreach
10 min
5. Miracles of Our Day
President Nelson's witness
5–10 min
6. Closing + Refreshments
Commitments · Hymn · Prayer · Fellowship
2
Your Sacred Calling
Roles & Responsibilities — General Handbook, §13
"The Sunday School helps accomplish God's work of salvation and exaltation."
The Purpose of Sunday School — §13
Help accomplish God's work of salvation and exaltation by helping members learn and live the gospel of Jesus Christ
Strengthen faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by teaching "the doctrine of the kingdom" (D&C 88:77)
Support home-centered, Church-supported gospel learning and teaching
Help members teach in the Savior's way
"The aim of all gospel learning and teaching is to deepen our conversion and help us become more like Jesus Christ."
— Come, Follow Me Introductory Materials
a. Elevating Teaching Quality in the Ward
- Observe classes periodically — sit in, take notes, be present
- Offer specific, kind, private feedback after class
- Ensure every teacher knows and uses Teaching in the Savior's Way
- Connect Sunday learning to daily living and Come, Follow Me
- Ask teachers: "What will your students feel moved to do this week?"
"Invite learners to feel the Spirit, not just hear information."
— Teaching in the Savior's Way
Close Every Lesson With
"What will you do this week because of what we discussed today?"
Discussion
What is one specific thing you could do in the next 30 days to elevate teaching in your ward?
b. Teacher Council Meetings — Coordinating with Ward Council
1
10 minutes
Share & Counsel Together
Discuss experiences, questions, and insights from recent teaching
2
25 minutes
Learn & Practice Together
Study a principle from Teaching in the Savior's Way and practice applying it
3
10 minutes
Plan & Invite
Commit to one specific change; invite teachers to apply what was learned
Key Logistics
Held quarterly during the 50-minute class time · Ward council schedules it · SS president leads it · Also hold for parents to equip home gospel teachers
c. Introducing New Teachers to Teaching in the Savior's Way
Holy Scriptures & Preach My Gospel
Come, Follow Me — For Home and Church
Teaching in the Savior's Way
General Handbook §13
- Meet 1-on-1 within 2 weeks of their calling — walk through the resources together
- Invite them to observe an experienced teacher before their first lesson
- Follow up after lesson 1 — celebrate, encourage, and give specific feedback
Thought-Provoking
Think of a new teacher in your ward right now. When did you last meet with them one-on-one?
d. Helping Parents Understand Teaching in the Savior's Way
"The aim of all gospel learning and teaching is to deepen our conversion and help us become more like Jesus Christ. Parents, brothers and sisters, and friends can be some of the most powerful teachers because of their love for those they teach and their ongoing relationship with them."
— Come, Follow Me Introductory Materials
- The home is the primary classroom — Sunday School supports it, not the reverse
- Organize a Teacher Council Meeting for Parents — quarterly, same format
- Share family learning wins in ward council
Discussion
If you could send one message to every parent in your ward about gospel teaching at home — what would it be?
The Four Principles of Christlike Teaching
Love Those You Teach
See each learner the way Christ sees them — with infinite worth and infinite potential
Focus on Jesus Christ
He is the center of every lesson. Every discussion, every question, every story — points back to Him
Teach the Doctrine
Clearly, simply, powerfully — avoiding complexity that distracts from conversion
Invite Diligent Learning
Create space for the Spirit to teach. Ask inspired questions. Issue meaningful invitations to act
Every principle converges at one point — Deepened conversion to Jesus Christ — through Teach by the Spirit
He Is the Model
"Come, follow me."
— Luke 18:22
- He knew those He taught — their names, struggles, potential
- He asked questions that invited reflection and revelation
- He used simple stories that anyone could remember
- He always invited action — "go and do," "arise," "follow me"
Search Questions
A purposefully crafted, open-ended question that initiates an investigation, prompts deeper thinking, and guides students to discover information rather than just recalling it.
How to Use
- Ask before reading the scripture passage
- Keep it open-ended — no single "right" answer
- Let students sit with it as they read
- Invite discovery, not recitation
Examples
- "As you read, look for what this teaches about God's character."
- "What does Nephi do that surprises you — and why?"
- "What question would you want to ask the author of this verse?"
Practice Together
As you listen to Elder Bednar's words, allow the Spirit to inspire your mind with search questions you could ponder or ask your own children and class members.
The Power of Ministering to the One
Elder Peter M. Johnson · General Conference, October 2025
"As we live the doctrine of Christ and minister to the one in ways that lead to the house of the Lord, we will find answers and experience spiritual renewal."
— Elder Peter M. Johnson
Minister Without Judgment
Christ treated the Samaritan woman with dignity — she then brought others to believe in Him
Lift, Don't Just Give
Peter and John lifted the lame beggar into the temple — he left "walking, leaping, praising God"
Simply Love
Sometimes the most powerful ministry is repeating: "I love you" — until they can feel the Spirit again
President Nelson: His Mightiest Works
"The Lord will do some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again."
— President Russell M. Nelson
- We are not spectators — we are participants in these mightiest works
- Every converted soul, every faithful teacher, every person reached — is part of that work
- The Sunday School presidency is a front-line instrument in the Lord's hands
President Nelson: The Majesty of This Moment
"Do you see what is happening right before our eyes? I pray that we will not miss the majesty of this moment! The Lord is indeed hastening His work."
— President Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, October 2024
- We live in the most extraordinary era in the history of the world
- The gathering of Israel is accelerating — we are part of it
- The question is not are miracles happening? — it is are we noticing?
Reflection
Where have you personally seen the Lord hasten His work — in your ward, family, or calling?
Personal Commitments
The Lord has prepared you for this calling. What will you do with what you know?
Elevate Teaching
Which teacher will you observe and encourage this month?
Teacher Council
Will you schedule a Teacher Council Meeting this quarter?
New Teachers
Is there a new teacher who needs a 1-on-1 visit from you?
Equip Parents
How will you help parents teach in the Savior's way at home?
Minister to the One
Who is your "one"? Will you reach out this week?
Don't Miss the Moment
How will you help your ward see what the Lord is doing?
Israel Canyon Saratoga Springs Stake · March 22, 2026
Thank you. Please stay for refreshments and fellowship. · Scott Soward 801-664-6319
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