--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Charles B. Felt collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 18 number: 5 published: 1915-03 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Charles B. Felt, "Teaching in the Home," *Improvement Era* 18, no. 5 (March 1915): 434–444.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera1805unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera1805unse start_page: 434 end_page: 444 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1915-03) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera1805unse publication_year: 1915 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1915, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Teaching in the Home Teaching in the Home BY CHARLES B. FELT. The Lord has decreed that his people shall be brought to a unity of the faith, has restored the priesthood and given many instructions as to the exercise of that priesthood among others ; * that those holding it "shall preach, teach, expound, exhort,* * * and visit the house of each member, and exhort the people to pray vocally and in secret, and attend to all family duties; and strengthen them, and see that there is no iniquity in the Church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbit- ing, nor evil speaking; and see that the Church meet together often, and also see that all members do their duty." — Doc. and Cov., 20. The Word of the Lord. Again the Lord says "And I give: unto you a commandment, that you teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, ; that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand." Doc. and Cov. 88 :77 78. , Who are Liable to Service. We have been told by those in high authority in the Church that "The work of teaching the prin- ciples of the gospel within the boundaries of Zion devolves upon all. who bear the priesthood." That means, then, that members of high councils, bishoprics, and high priests, seventies, elders, priests, and teachers, whether they be in presiding positions or not, or whether acting as officers, teachers, or class leaders in auxiliary organizations, are subject to this duty, one of the most important in the Church. A Test of Love. Is it not reasonable for us to suppose that the test of our love for the Lord will be the same as it was with Peter, as disclosed in the conversation found in John 21:15-17: "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith unto him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord thou ; *One of a number of papers read at a three-day convention of the Stake Presidency, High Council, Bishops and Counselors, and Ward Clerks of the Granite stake of Zion. TEACHING IN THE HOME 435 .knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord thou knowest all things thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus said unto him, Feed ; my sheep." To properly perform the great duties of ward teacher requires the authority of the priesthood a knowledge of the : ; gospel a love for the work, and a determination to do one's duty. ; Some Things Necessary. Among those duties, as I view the matter, are: Attendance at the monthly meetings of acting teachers to as- certain what is wanted by the bishopric under whom this work is done, and to make such report as shall be called for. To get inbued with the message to the ward, the topic for the month, and study the scriptures, to be able to properly carry and teach it. To pray in secret, and with the companion appointed to labor with you. To get acquainted with those assigned to your watchcare. To visit each family, at least once a month, carrying the bishop's message, and giving such further advice, exhortation, counsel, and comfort as the spirit shall give you utterance. Be where most needed in case of sickness, trouble or death among your little flock. If assistance of a temporal nature is required, make requisi- tion for it, and then, not resting content with the making of the requisition, see that it reaches them. Make full and prompt written report of your activities and failures. ORGANIZATION FOR THE WORK To accomplish this big work, plan, organization and co-oper- tion are absolutely necessary. A Census Needed. A correct census of the ward, showing name, age, priesthood and address is necessary, that a proper dis- tricting of the ward may be made so that specific assignments to each pair of teachers can be given. This data being in the hands of the teachers will enable them to know where to look for the record of attendance at required meetings, or the performance of assigned duties on the part of the members of their little flock, information which they should have, and that without having to ask the individual for it. ' . Listing Material for Teachers. A listing of the material , in the ward available for "Ward Teaching," to include the strong- est menthe most efficient teachers, the most faithful workers in the ward, as well as the less experienced men, including priests and 436 IMPROVEMENT ERA teachers, so that the ward may be divided into districts in which there shall be no more than six families to each. With districts of that size, which could be visited in two evenings, the work would be so light as to permit the use of nearly every capable man in the ward, even though he be a quorum president, superintendent of the Sunday school, president of the young men's mutual im- — provement association, teacher or class leader and it is just such men as are most needed. While I recognize that the duties of the teachers in these auxiliary organizations are heavy, if properly performed, I feel also that they ought not to rest satisfied with the performance of labor that could, if necessary, be done by persons not clothed with the priesthood— as evidenced in the fact that in all departments are found sisters doing efficient work. Pairing Teachers. Assigning two teachers to each district, having due consideration as to strength and weakness, giving to the inexperienced, a companion who has had experience; to one whose faith or knowledge is weak, one whose faith is strong, whose knowledge is extensive. Ward Divisions. In small wards it would appear desirable to make three divisions of the ward, with the responsibility of seeing that the work of teaching is properly done resting upon a member of the bishopric, each member being assigned one division. In very large wards, it may be necessary to have more than three divisions, and therefore to appoint division presidents, charged with the same responsibilities, who in turn would be re- sponsible to the bishop for the full performance of that duty Visits by Bishopric. I feel that while it might not be wise to assign members of the bishopric to certain districts, that they should nevertheless lead out in this work of ward teaching, savino- to all of the teachers, "Come," rather than, "Go"—but that their visits should be based upon special needs coming under their observation, and especially as shown by the reports rendered bv the teachers. J Teachers Report Book and Monthly Reports _ Th- senior teacher should be provided with a "Ward Teachers Monthly Report Book properly filled in, and be strongly impressed with the necessity of making regular and complete monthly reports without which it is quite impossible for the bishop to make accurate report to stake president or presiding bishop; but I would suggest e * tab lshed that thi * report shall be in the hands n W? hi bishop ,u ofi the l the Sunday previous to the monthly report meeting, so that the bishop can determine • Getting 100 Per Cent. Whether or not each family has been visited and have opportunity of taking further steps to have those not then visited, visited before the time for the closing the month s work either by laboring with the delinquent teachers appointing special visitors, or making the visits himself, for on TEACHING IN THE HOME 437 thus does it seem possible to reach one hundred per cent, which should be sought for in every ward. Time for Visiting. A visiting- night should be decided upon it would appear that Thursday night is the one more widely ; used than others, but not restricting the teachers to that night in the event that another day or time of day would suit their con- venience better. THE WORK OF THE TEACHER The Teacher's First Steps. Having been called by the bishop to this important work, given a companion, assigned a dis- trict, and supplied with the names, addresses etc., of the little flock, the teacher should carefully consider how best he may "Feed — my Sheep." Ascertain from proper sources and that is not — neighborhood gossip' to what extent they are taking advantage of the opportunities given them under the gospel, and wherein they are shortsighted, neglecting opportunities for spiritual growth and development, negligent of duty, or weak in any point within his power to remedy. Shepherd of a Flock. He should realize that having been made, as it were, shepherd of this little flock, charged with caring for their welfare, spiritual and, tosome extent, temporal, it car- ries with a very solemn responsibility, and that the Lord re- it quires that demonstration of love for him demanded of Peter of old, the feeding of his sheep. Getting in Love with the Work. The teacher should strive earnestly, through prayer and humility, to get in love with his work, ask the Lord to give him the spirit of discernment that he might be able to discern the needs of his flock and know how to meet them, and then, following in the steps of the Master who went about doing good, take up this labor of love. Planning the Work Jointly. He should meet with his companion, consider when they can best make their visits, giving his companion the assurance that when decided upon, that that time will be held sacred for that purpose, and asking of him that same assurance. That may be upon the Thursday evening, or part then and part at some other time, possibly on a Sunday afternoon when such a visit will not interfere with attendance at meetings. Determine that the work shall be done early in the month, and not left until necessity forces it upon them. Give joint consideration as to the needs and environments, etc., of each member of the flock, and how best to meet the needs and better the environment. Talk over the subject or topic for the month to insure having the same conception of it, coming to a unity of the faith thereon. Fix the time and place of meeting for the making of visits. The Power of Prayer. Preparatory to commencing the evening's visit, in view of the fact that he is to teach things of the 438 IMPROVEMENT ERA kingdom, the teacher should go before the Lord and ask him for aid and inspiration. Nor would this wholly satisfy me, for I would want to join my companion and offer a joint petition, when I feel sure there would be more perfect unity of purpose, of faith,, of understanding, hence greater power for good when we shall enter the homes of the people. Nor need this take but a few minutes of time, but would require the meeting place to be in doors rather than upon a street corner. How to Enter the Homes. Go into the homes as a brother and a friend, a counselor and guide, with love in the heart, love for God and love for his children, and with an earnest desire and prayer to do good. Not as a critic, a useless faultfinder. Go with the desire to find good, to sound the people to the depths of their hearts through the power of discernment which you have sought and can get, and build up the good found there until the evil, if there be evil, shall be rooted out. Let the people feel that you have come to extend good, to give encouragement, to build up and strengthen. Be careful to treat their confidence as sacred, that they may know they can trust you fully because they feel your love for them. Object of Visit. Remember that you are there to teach the gospel, not to indulge in idle conversation, or still worse, unworthy gossip. In a kindly way to let them understand you desire to meet the whole family, if possibly convenient, and get right into the work before you. Take up the message from the bishop if it is— upon a point upon which they are weak, they may receive it better when they know it is a message to every family in the ward, and not aimed especially at them. If they are strong and incorporat- ing that principle in their lives, they will the more readily join in a consideration of it, rejoice in it, and be strengthened and encour- aged through their knowledge of living it. Missionary for Ward Organizations. At the proper time, act as a missionary for the Sunday school, for the Mutual Im- provement Association, for the Religion Class, for the Primary Association, the Relief Society, and encourage those holding the priesthood to identify themselves with the proper quorum and attend its meetings, being careful to use tact mixed liberally with love. Prayer in Family Circle. If the spirit indicates, great good can be accomplished by having the family join you in prayer, brief, spirited, and fitting the occasion. I favor that at the begin- ning rather than at the close of the visit, provided, of course, that conditions are ripe for it, for I am sure there would be greater unity in evidence after such a prayer was offered, and all hearts would be softened and ready to receive instruction. ^ Beginning Subject to the Spirit. It should go without saying, that the taking up of the topic for the month, is not TEACHING IN THE HOME • 439 mandatory as against the promptings of the Spirit but it should ; be taken up unless the teacher feels strong promptings otherwise. Nor should he permit the consideration of the topic to prevent the consideration of other matters of immediate need to the family visited. Settling Difficulties. If there is a difficulty to be set- tled,bear in mind that the bishop is carrying a very heavy load, and settle it with the help of your companion if possible. Subject to Call. Let the people understand that you are subject to their call in case of sickness, of death, or need of other kindness within your power to supply, nor wait for the call if you know of the need. When Not to Stay. Upon entering a home, be observant of conditions, and if you find that your visit will seriously incon- venience the household, promptly withdraw, telling them you wilt call again, fixing a definite time for such call if possible. If some member of the family, not expecting your call, appears to have, or it becomes known to you has, an? appointment elsewhere, tactfully excuse them, so will your later visits be the more welcome. Time Limit. Except for some unusual reason, let the limit of time for your visit be thirty minutes remember that you will ; visit them again within a month. Non-member. Should the husband be a non-member and make plain either in word or in act, that your visits are not desired, respect his wish and cease visiting, but make special report of that condition to the bishop, for such action as he may determine upon. Notifying Bishop of People Coming Into Ward. Get into the habit of advising the bishop of people coming into the ward, even before their transfers of certificates of membership shall have come to hand, thus giving him an opportunity of visiting them in their new home, should he desire to do so, and don't wait indefinitely for information to reach you as to the faith or mem- bership of a family moving into your district, but visit that house promptly, ascertainwhether or not the family are members of the Church, where they come from, and bid them a hearty welcome, with an invitation to take active part in the great ward family. No harm will be done if the bishop, either before or after, goes over the same ground. At the Sacrament Meeting. Inasmuch as it will be your duty to advise and encourage the members of your flock to at- tend the Sacrament meeting regularly, be consistent enough to be regular in attendance yourself. When there, look for your flock, remembering that most people like to be missed and will be grati- fied when you tell them, and at the same time tend to lead them to be present the next time. Should your flock be added to by new comers, look for them particularly, meet them at the door 440 IMPROVEMENT ERA of the meeting house, greet them, introduce them to the bishop, if possible, and as many others in the meeting house as you con- veniently can. REMEMBER One Hundred Per Cent Due the Ward. That your failure to make a hundred per cent, record is an injustice to the ward as a whole, to the bishopric, and to those other teachers wno are striving for and have attained a hundred per cent in their work and, more serious still, that members of your flock whom you should have visited may suffer because of your failure to convey the food entrusted to you for them Necessity of Reporting. That you should invariably send in your monthly report on or before the time set therefor, recog- nizing that the bishop needs it that he may perform his duty, that he may be able to make full returns to the monthly meeting, must have it for the making of his report to the presiding bishop. Obligation to Attend Monthly Meeting. That you should attend the monthly ~ ~eting with the bishopric, that you may know what is being aone in the teachers' department of ward work, learn what the topic for the next month is, and how it is intended it shall be presented to the people, get familiar with the value of it, add your mite perhaps in the consideration of it, and show your respect for the bishop who has called the meet- ing and your self-respect in the performance of duty. Weight of Unperformed Duty. That the load of the knowledge of unperformed duties is generally heavier than the performing of those duties, so determine to start your work early each month and push it to completion. Value of the Lost Sheep. That it is the straying or lost sheep that most needs the shepherd, the sick that needs the physician, and don't let apparent coolness toward the gospel or gospel duties permit you to slacken your efforts with that per- son, but rather increase them. Getting the Lord in Your Debt. That you cannot do any- thing for the uplift of your fellows, for their increase in faith and good works, for their sustenance and blessing, but the prom- ise is unto you, "Inasmuch as ye have done unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me,'" and ihe worid has never produced and never will produce so splendid a debtor as the Lord. THE MONTHLY MEETING Time Fixed for and Why. This should be held several days after the d- f - fixed for the turning in of the written reports of the teachers, with surricienc tit-e intervening to permit the bishop to TEACHING IN THE HOME 441 cause to "be accomplished whatever work those reports show un- done, and also to have abstracted tne month's work, and espe- cially all items of general importance, so that such abstract and special items can be laid before the meeting. This would, and in my opinion should, obviate the calling for reports from senior teachers. Such reports cannot but become monotonous and uninteresting, and have been in the past the cause (and shall I say a just cause?) of complaint from teachers who have felt that their time was worth more to them than to sit and listen thereto. This would permit a more comprehensive consideration of the topic for the month, the transaction of any proper business, the separation into divisions, if necessary, and yet the adjourn- ment within an hour and a quarter. The following program for such a meeting appeals to me — Opening hymn spirited and not too long. Prayer. Roll Call (aloud until the corps become acquainted with one another). Reading of minutes. Order of Business. Reading of summary or recapitulation of the month's work, giving special mention of those districts showing one hundred per cent activity. Presentation of topic for the month, giving opportunity for brief expressions of views thereon. Instructions from bishop and miscellaneous business. » Separation into divisions for special divisional assignments or business. Adjournment from divisions (by benediction) at con- venience of each. THE MESSAGE OF THE BISHOP How Submitted. not enough that the subject should It is detail for those be named, but it should be explained in sufficient present to grasp the point to be made in its delivery, and get some idea of how best to deliver it. . io writing, showing In some stakes the subject is reduced special object, outline and suggestion, mimeographed title text, each teacher to be supplied or printed in number sufficient for that in some stakes this is printed in number with one I believe ; sufficient to supply each family in the ward, and is distributed the statement that un- by the teachers a month in advance with less something more important arises, that will be the special subject for consideration upon their next visit. impress upon Message Worth While. The bishop should he is sending by them to every teacher present that the message the homes of the people, is really worth while, and calculated to benefit and bless those who receive it. 442 IMPROVEMENT ERA Salvation Rather than Statistics. While impressing upon the teachers the desirability of securing one hundred per cent activity, let be understood that it is not alone for statistics, it for statistics aresecondary to salvation of souls, but that their efforts should be actuated by interest in the peoples' welfare and directed for their salvation. The Leader. The bishop has been chosen because he is a leader, and there is great opportunity for him to demonstrate that in creating enthusiasm in the teachers and a love for the work of teaching, and driving home to their conviction that, if it is looked upon as drudgery, it will not call out the teachers' best efforts. Magnify Our Calling. He can and should say: "Come, brethren, us magnify our calling as teachers, let us teach let one another the doctrine of the kingdom, let us feed the Lord's sheep, and prove our love for him and them. Let us go into the homes of the people." results that should follow A greater interest in the gospel on the part of the members of the ward, and increased activity in Church work, such as More praying in the homes. Increased attendance at the sacrament meetings of the ward. Larger enrollment in the quorums of the priesthood, and in the auxiliary associations, with more regular and greater attend- ance. A better observance of the Word of Wisdom. More unity between the members of families and of the ward. A stricter observance of tithe-paying, with the consequent reduction in the list of non-tithepayers. Less privation among the poor because of the increased fast offerings of the people. Better physical conditions in and around the ward build- ings owing to increased contributions to the ward maintenance fund. — More marriages in the Temple fewer strictly civil marriages and members marrying non-members. More scripture reading in the homes. summary The Lord has decreed that his people shall come to a unity of the faith. He has restored the priesthood that the gospel principles may be taught, gospel ordinances be performed. He requires the teaching of the people in their homes, which duty rests upon all those holding the priesthood. TEACHING IN THE HOME 443 The bishop must secure a complete and correct census of his ward. If possible, from the priesthood, giving preference to the most able, but including ordained teachers and priests, he should secure enough teachers to permit the districting of the ward so that each pair of teachers shall have about six families to visit. In such case it is reasonable to expect that those called upon to be teachers will willingly respond as they will recognize that the duty imposed will not interfere with other duties resting upon them, nor become burdensome. „ The bishopric, while not being given a district, shall never- theless lead out in the work of visiting and teaching the people in their homes. Each member of the bishopric to be responsible for seeing that teaching is done in his particular division of the ward — or where the ward is so large that it would require more than three divisions, that division presidents be appointed, charged with such responsibility. Each pair of teachers to be provided with a "monthly report book" and charged with filing with the bishop promptly, on or before the Sunday preceding the monthly meeting night, a full re- port of his activities and failures. The bishop shall take such steps as may be necessary to have clone, before the monthly meeting night, what those reports show has not been done, so that one hundred per cent of visits shall be made each month. The bishop shall cause to be abstracted the reports, including items of special interest to the whole corps. He should designate some certain night as the official visit- ing night upon which the people have a right to expect the teach- ers. Every teacher should prepare himself for his labor by prayer and study. . Each pair of teachers should know the members of their /^—ascertaining as to their attendance at quorum or other or- char- ganization meetings, from the rolls thereof, studying their actersand characteristics, noting their environments, their line the Spirit, and of work, sounding their souls by the power of striving unceasingly to demonstrate to them that they are inter- anxious to benefit and bless them, and will- ested in their welfare, confidence and love. ing to serve them, thus winning their ' Enter their homes as teachers in very deed, teachers of the gospel, and with a special message from the bishop, in addition to observed. meeting the individual needs they have Praying with the family whenever opportunity offers. visit thirty min- As arule making the maximum time for a Being on hand to assist in time of trouble and distress. 444 IMPROVEMENT ERA Settling difficulties without recourse upon the bishop if pos- sible. Striving to make visits suit the convenience of the people. Note the coming into the ward of new people and advising the bishop of such, whether they are in your district or not. Calling upon new comers in your own district at the earliest practicable date. Attend sacrament meetings and look out for your flock. Make special efforts to meet and introduce to the bishop and others, new members. Be prompt in making out and sending in monthly reports. Be regular in attending the monthly meetings, and taking active part therein. REMEMBER That duty's burden becomes heavier and heavier as time rolls on with it unperformed, so let your motto be "Do it Now." That love for one's work makes a splendid career. That it is the sick that needs the physician, the straying or lost sheep that most needs the shepherd. That the Lord is the best paymaster in all creation, and that we do nothing for one of his children that he does not accept as done for him. A monthly meeting should be held upon a fixed day. An order of business be followed, obviating the necessity of having individual reports from teachers, except upon special and important matters. The "message for the month" should have been prepared be- forehand and be here presented to the teachers in a forceful and inspiring manner. Opportunity be given division presidents to transact any neces- sary business with their respective teachers. Adjournment be taken from individual divisions. That the measure of success be the improvement in the lives of the individual members of the ward, in increased ward activities, and not by the per centage shown in the dead letter. COTTAGE MEETINGS I have not gone into this important phase of ward teaching as my paper has already gone into such great length.