5 TEACHING IDEAS FOR COME FOLLOW ME LESSONS

See the complete list of CFM Lessons

Doctrine and Covenants 60-63

This week’s topics are: speaking up, cheer and attitude, prayer, authority, and getting the Spirit.

You can find the full Come, Follow Me lesson here. 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 make a meaningful discussion for your group of personalities.

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

Lesson Prep

• If you want the discussion to be more meaningful, hand out reading assignments ahead of time and ask the reader to answer one question about them (pick one of the questions below 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 text or email it.
• Ask various people to read and participate—especially those who aren’t asked as much.

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.

• 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 gets too non-spiritual, pull it back by going 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 your planned lesson, roll with it. The Spirit intends for you to be successful.

Quote #1 (say it)

Possible Intro: Our testimonies come in many shapes and sizes. They can be casual remarks or formal testimonies, brief or detailed. All of them matter. The most essential part of a testimony is opening our mouths and speaking!

Note: Can be divided between multiple readers.

2 But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them.

3 And it shall come to pass, if they are not more faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that which they have. (D&C 60:4)

—AND—

3 Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you. (D&C 62:3)

—AND—

“Talk about the Savior in your daily interactions. Share what He means to you when you’re with others—at work, at school, or in your community. Your testimony doesn’t need to be long or formal; it can be a simple expression of belief that invites the Spirit.” (Elder Uchtdorf, The Light of Belief – Oct 2022)

—AND—

As you share your testimony of Jesus Christ, your light shines brighter. You don’t need to wait for a special moment. Speak of Him in your conversations with friends, neighbors, and family. Your sincere words about the Savior will touch hearts.” (Elder Andersen, Sharing Your Light – Oct 2014)

Possible discussion questions: What is one of your favorite gospel truths? What gospel teaching helps you in everyday life? How do you feel about the Savior Jesus Christ? Why is speaking up about the church, the Savior, and the gospel important?

A Word About formal “IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, AMEN” closures.

Testimonies are meant to be shared. To bear testimony does NOT automatically mean you must formally add an AMEN closure. How you feel and what you love about the gospel and Jesus Christ are meant to be woven into everyday conversations. Bearing witness can be a simple, natural part of a conversation, like, “Going to church helps the rest of my week.”

We need not say “in the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN” whenever we share gospel truths or express to others our love and devotion to the Savior, especially in casual conversations or when we explain gospel principles. The Spirit bears witness wherever sincere truth is spoken.

For example, missionaries teach gospel lessons and will talk of many truths and wait to testify at the end; they do not repetitively say “in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” That’s awkward. Likewise, when someone gets up to bear their testimony, they say and share many truths, but wait until the end to say “in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” Save the AMEN closure for the formal bearing of testimonies and the formalities of teaching a lesson, or if the Spirit moves you to do so.

If ending a share about some gospel truth in the Savior’s name-amen feels awkward or abrupt in the middle of a friendly conversation, it most likely is. Be natural, learn to speak about the gospel in unassuming ways, and let the gospel be a part of your everyday conversation with warmth and conviction.

Quote #2 (cheer)

Possible engagement tool: “Be of good cheer” is essential to true spirituality.

Note: Can be divided among multiple readers.

36 And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you;

37 And inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours. (Doctrine and Covenants 61:36-37)

—AND—

“He has given us an abundance of reasons to rejoice. We just need to find and to recognize them.” (Elder Uchtdorf, Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear – April 2017)

—AND—

My dear brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives. (Russell M. Nelson, Joy and Spiritual Survival – Oct 2016)

Possible discussion questions: What helps you have good cheer and a positive outlook? Why is it essential to be positive and notice blessings to be grateful for? What happens to us if we are immersed in negativity and criticism?

Quote #3 (pray)

Possible Intro: This statement about prayer is simple yet pivotal to our gospel life.

39 Pray always that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in life or in death. Even so. Amen. (Doctrine and Convenants 61:39)

—AND—

“Prayer is the passport to spiritual power. Through prayer, we can find peace in the midst of turmoil and strength to overcome challenges.” (President Thomas S. Monson, Oct. 2011, “The Divine Gift of Gratitude”)

Possible discussion questions: What helps us to avoid temptation? What do we bring into our lives when we pray? How often should we pray? (Accept all reasonable answers – 3 times, morning, noon and night on our knees and at all times in our hearts.) Can prayer be a powerful experience?

Deepen the Understanding

The following quotes are also found in Quote #5. You can decide where they best fit.

Note: choose any one or all of these quotes.

Prayers are usually NOT answered while on our knees. Questions and seeking help START with prayer while on our knees—that’s the doorway.

“Often, the answer to our prayer does not come while we’re on our knees but while we’re on our feet serving the Lord and serving those around us. Selfless acts of service and consecration refine our spirits, remove the scales from our spiritual eyes, and open the windows of heaven. By becoming the answer to someone’s prayer, we often find the answer to our own.” (Russell M. Nelson – “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives” – April 2018)

“President Spencer W. Kimball taught this concept when he said: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.” (New Era, March 1981

“Often, the answer to our prayer does not come while we’re on our knees but while we’re on our feet serving the Lord and serving those around us.” (Elder Uchtdorf, Waiting on the Road to Damascus – April 2011)

Quote #4 (authority)

The Lord Said (no…no He probably didn’t say that.)

Let me share my wisdom and decades of observation here. Some people claim to have revelations from the Lord all the time, sometimes several times a day. Their sentences start with phrases like “the Lord said,” or “the Lord told me.” Such people claim the Lord “told them” something and lend themselves false authority or credibility for their actions and decisions. And they make sure you know the Lord told them to do this or that…sometimes frequently.

Of such patterns be wary.

Joseph Smith, who wrote 14,000 new verses of revelation, and who had more visions and heavenly visitors than anyone this entire dispensation (130+ recorded) —would go weeks without a communication from the Lord and often had to struggle to be worthy of hearing from Him again…and if that was Joseph Smith’s experience…be a little suspect of someone frequently claiming their opinions and actions were directly from communication with the “LORD.”

Possible engagement tool: This quote and these verses aren’t just about swearing and taking the Lord’s name in vain; they’re also about claiming the Lord said something or inspired something that He didn’t. This is an essential understanding in church life.

Note: Can be divided between two or more readers.

“We should reverence the name of the Lord and use it only in the context of worship and witness. To do otherwise is to violate the commandment, ‘Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.’ When we use His name casually or without proper authority, we diminish its sacredness and risk spiritual consequences.” (President Oaks, Reverence for the Lord’s Name – April 1986)

—AND—

59 Behold, I am from above, and my power lieth beneath. I am over all, and in all, and through all, and search all things, and the day cometh that all things shall be subject unto me.

60 Behold, I am Alpha and Omega, even Jesus Christ.

61 Wherefore, let all men beware how they take my name in their lips—

62 For behold, verily I say, that many there be who are under this condemnation, who use the name of the Lord, and use it in vain, having not authority. (D&C 63:62)

Possible discussion question: What is the Lord’s warning to us about His name? How often should we bear testimony of Jesus Christ? (Often) What does it mean to use the name of the Lord “in vain” or “without authority”? How can we help people better honor the sacredness of the Lord’s name in today’s world?

Quote #5 (spirit)

Whenever I write a lesson post, I begin with prayer: “Help me to see which verses or quotes you would like me to highlight. What is your agenda? What will best serve your purposes?” Sometimes, I shorten that to simply, “Help me to see the right ones.”

I could probably pull out just about any verse or quote and come up with discussion questions, but that is not enough. The questions need to be the ones the Spirit wants so that the Spirit will testify. We don’t wish to simply gain knowledge; we want transformative experiences.

Pray before you teach!

Possible intro: Joseph Smith had more heavenly visitors and revelations than anyone in our dispensation, yet he is told to seek answers through prayer.

64 Remember that that which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by constraint of the Spirit; and in this there is no condemnation, and ye receive the Spirit through prayer; wherefore, without this there remaineth condemnation.

65 Let my servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, seek them a home, as they are taught through prayer by the Spirit. (Doctrine and Covenants 63:64-65)

Possible discussion questions: According to verse 64, how do we get the Spirit? (through prayer) Why do we begin Church meetings with prayer? (to bring in the Spirit) Even though verse 65 talks to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon about finding a home, how might the same advice apply to you? What is the relationship between prayer and having the Spirit? How does the Spirit teach us? (Accept all reasonable answers – the Spirit comes to us with answers when we open our quest with prayer – we need to ask!)

Deepen the Understanding

The following quotes are also found in Quote #3. You can decide where they best fit.

Note: choose any one or all of these quotes.

Prayers are usually NOT answered while on our knees. Questions and seeking help START with prayer while on our knees—that’s the doorway.

“Often, the answer to our prayer does not come while we’re on our knees but while we’re on our feet serving the Lord and serving those around us. Selfless acts of service and consecration refine our spirits, remove the scales from our spiritual eyes, and open the windows of heaven. By becoming the answer to someone’s prayer, we often find the answer to our own.” (Russell M. Nelson – “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives” – April 2018)

“President Spencer W. Kimball taught this concept when he said: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.” (New Era, March 1981

“Often, the answer to our prayer does not come while we’re on our knees but while we’re on our feet serving the Lord and serving those around us.” (Elder Uchtdorf, Waiting on the Road to Damascus – April 2011)

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 bringing powerful Doctrine and Covenant teachings into other people’s lives.

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.