The Law of The Harvest: Practical Principles of Effective Missionary Work

by David G. Stewart

At a time of unprecedented opportunity, Latter-day Saint missionary and member-missionary efforts are operating far below their potential. Recent missionary program changes have led to modest improvements, yet annual LDS growth rates remain below 3%, and most converts are lost to the Church. Few active members participate in member-missionary efforts at all, and vast numbers of individuals throughout the world remain unreached by the gospel message. In The Law of the Harvest, Dr. Stewart shares proven principles validated over fifteen years of research into effective missionary programs around the world. The Law of the Harvest will help your missionary efforts to reach their divine potential. You'll learn how to: . Engage all active members in sharing the gospel . Set empowering goals while avoiding unhelpful ones . Manage time efficiently . Retain 80-100% of new converts anywhere in the world . Optimize your finding program for local circumstances . Teach for true conversion . Implement principles of effective leadership Individuals, congregations, and missions that have implemented these principles have consistently seen productivity multiply.

Genres: Religion

464 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 2007

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm actually not done with the book yet, and if I need to make any changes, I'll just add comments. I first came across this at Cumorah.com, but I ended up buying the book since I prefer reading on paper. This is an eye-opening book on LDS (Mormon) missionary work; it would be nice to make it required reading for Mormons (or at least mission and area presidencies), though many probably aren't ready for it or won't accept it. I think I appreciate it since it reflects many of the strengths and weaknesses I noticed in my own missionary experience. Most of the conclusions made in the book match my own conclusions.

It is somewhat dated though, because of the introduction of the Preach My Gospel (PMG) manual in 2004. Some of the terms in the book reflect pre-PMG missionary work. Also, the quotation from the missionary handbook on pp. 159-60 is from the pre-PMG missionary handbook. Neither the current handbook nor PMG explicitly rank finding methods, as far as I am aware. Rather, they follow the spirit of "different things work in different places at different times, so be wise; figure out, and pray about which one(s) to focus on." These old sources occasionally lead to wrong/no longer true conclusions.

The only statement I completely disagree with (so far) is on p. 119, viz, "There is a greater difference between the missionary who is 100 percent obedient and a 95 percent missionary than between a 95 percent missionary and a 50 percent missionary." I disagree because I can guarantee that the "95 percent missionary" is trying, whereas the "50 percent missionary" isn't, and that makes a HUGE difference.

Despite these qualms, I think this book is more than worth the read.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best book on this subject I have ever read. Also one of the best books I have read. I feel substantially more motivated to share the gospel with my friends etc. It was full practical insight. The first 100 pages are emotionally difficult. I would give this to a young/old person preparing to serve a mission.

[Ralph Gallini · Rating 5 out of 5]

David's book is directed primarily to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Latter Day Saints have been admonished to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that every member is a missionary. David does a wonderful job by being straight forward and brutally honest about some of the techniques we LDS members use to try and help others come to Christ. He advocates a very down to earth approach and stresses the need to use common sense. It is the person who counts. Not the statistics. He also shows all Christians not to be ashamed of their witness of Jesus Christ. To be bold, but not overbearing. I have three (3) grandsons currently serving missions for the LDS Church. I gave each one of them this book to help them in their labors.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

For an LDS member interested in missionary work, this book will challenge virtually every assumption you have ever made about how to be most successful in sharing the gospel.

I wish I would have read this book many years ago. It provides helpful recommendations and dispels many ideas that have proliferated for decades - all backed up with scriptures and research.

In my opinion this should be required reading for all mission and area presidencies - and for every person embarking on missionary service. It has already transformed the way I think and if improving the work in our area.

Thanks to Brother Stewart for such an incredible labor (from which he earns no money).

[Drjackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book in that it dispels common myths about missionary work (like rapid-baptizing programs are good) and encourages a focus towards better missionary work. You can get read this book online for free at Dr. Stewart's website: Cumorah.com. Unless you're really into statistics, you might want to skip the first section.

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the overall message of this missionary book. However, the author makes it seem as though these principles and strategies would work all around the world. However, I feel with the recent age change, this is not plausible, and different strategies need to be mixed in. However, it was a very interesting and thought provoking read.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very scholarly, but informative. Totally his findings, his opinions, which he clearly states, but he's able to look at his subject from a "this is what has worked for me, and it's worked well" standpoint, which I appreciated. A lot of good food for thought.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be an amazing missionary book. It really made me ponder about some of the practices I took part in as a missionary and some of the things I should be doing today. Maybe I should be a little less critical of those missionaries that are serving today.