5 TEACHING IDEAS FOR COME FOLLOW ME LESSONS

See the complete list of CFM Lessons

Doctrine and Covenants 137 – 138

This week’s lesson plan includes: the Celestial Kingdom, how well the Lord knows our hearts, you were prepared in the world of spirits, missionaries are forever, and the importance of temple work.

Tips for delivering a successful lesson are located at the end of the article.

Note: All blue quotes are from the Doctrine and Covenants (unless otherwise noted).

Quote #1 (celestial city)

Possible Intro: Joseph Smith saw the Celestial Kingdom and shared a few details with us.

Note: Please divide between two or more readers.

1 The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell.

2 I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire;

3 Also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son.

4 I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold. (D&C 137:1-4)

Possible discussion questions: What are some of the things that Joseph Smith described in his vision of the Celestial Kingdom? How would you feel if you found out you were passing through that fiery gate and living there? Why do you have faith it exists without having seen it?

Quote #2 (hearts)

Possible Intro: Joseph Smith saw his brother Alvin, who had died before the gospel was restored, and Joseph was quite surprised to see him attain celestial glory. The Lord explains why Alvin was able to receive a celestial assignment.

7 Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;

8 Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;

9 For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts. (D&C 137:7-9)

Possible discussion questions: How can revelations like this bring great comfort to those who may have friends and family who have passed on without the gospel? How does it feel knowing that Heavenly Father and the Lord will judge us perfectly, knowing our hearts? Why is it important to get baptized and receive temple ordinances if we have the opportunity to accept them? (Accept all reasonable answers – because if we don’t, then we show we would not have received them with all our hearts.)

Quote #3 (prepared)

Possible Intro: You have been prepared to do important things to help the Kingdom of God during your stay on earth.

56 Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men. (D&C 137:56)

Possible discussion questions: What does it mean to “come forth in the due time of the Lord”? (Accept all reasonable answers – it refers to those who will be present when the Lord comes.) What does the metaphor “labor in his vineyard mean? (missionary work) How does it feel to know you may have been taught and prepared to help teach and gather souls during the last dispensation? Why do we need to strengthen and care for the faith and testimony of others?

Quote #4 (missionaries are forever)

Possible Intro: Missionary work continues beyond the veil.

57 I beheld that the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead. (D&C 138:57)

Possible discussion question: Is there anyone you know who you easily imagine could be serving as a missionary on the other side of the veil? How would you feel if you were asked to be a missionary, once you were on the other side of the veil?

Quote #5 (save the dead)

One of the most beautiful doctrines of our times. God loves everyone!

58 The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God,

59 And after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are washed clean, shall receive a reward according to their works, for they are heirs of salvation. (D&C 137:58-59)

Possible discussion questions: After listening to these verses, why is it important to do baptisms for the dead? Are they really dead? How do you feel when you go and do baptisms for the dead at the temple?

Summary

Summarize class discussion highlights and/or share your testimony and feelings about the lesson. Thank your class for their excellent contributions and insights.

Final Comment

As you study and teach, you can help others find more truths in the scriptures. Thank you for sharing powerful Doctrine and Covenants teachings with others.

If you would like some tips on how to feel more confident while teaching, try “9 Tips for More Class Participation.” Please arrange the quotes in any order that makes sense to you.

(You can find the Church’s Come, Follow Me lesson here.)

How to Teach Successfully and Give a Better Lesson

You have great content; now let’s ensure the lesson goes smoothly.

Unless you opt to spend a lot of time on a particular quote, try to pick around 2 questions per quote. Choose the questions that resonate the most with you and would make a meaningful discussion for your group of personalities.

Lesson Prep

• If you want the discussion to be more robust and meaningful, hand out reading assignments ahead of time and ask the reader to answer one question about them (i.e. pick one of the questions from each quote and give it to them, along with the assigned quote). The sooner you do this, the better, but if possible, at least show it to them before the Sacrament meeting. You can also send it via text or email.
• Ask various people to read and participate, especially those who are not often asked to do so.
• Don’t ever worry about covering all the quotes and verses…rushed lessons are less effective.

Lesson Delivery

You can arrange the quotes in any order that makes sense to you. I suggest starting with the most important ones and working your way down. Don’t worry about covering all the quotes during class. If you want more discussion and engagement, here are some tips:

• Ensure every class member has a set of scriptures in front of them or on their phone. Always invite the class to read along—hearing and seeing the words together increases comprehension and engagement.
• Avoid videos – they shut down discussion. Save them for personal study.
• If the discussion becomes too non-spiritual, pull it back by moving on to the next quote or question.
• Make sure you assign others to read the quotes. You’re talking enough already, and letting others read allows more people to participate.
• Encourage discussion by accepting all reasonable answers. Validate people for participating, and be thankful they spoke up. Engage with the answer in a conversational way whenever it feels natural. Never say, “That’s not the right answer,” or “We haven’t got to that part of the lesson yet.”
• Remember, spiritual discussion is golden. We want people to talk about the gospel together.
• If the discussion takes a different turn than you had planned, roll with it. The Spirit intends for you to be successful.