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Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching
Excerpt from Biblical Teachings Concerning the Sabbath and the Sunday
It is befitting to inquire in the light of the foregoing principles, whether the Sabbath Law is a primary law in moral government, or only a temporary enactment made with reference to a primary law.
It is befitting to inquire in the light of the foregoing principles, whether the Sabbath Law is a primary law in moral government, or only a temporary enactment made with reference to a primary law.
172 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 19, 2011
This. is. the. best. manual. the. Church. has ever made.
Seriously.
Ask yourself:
Have you ever come away from a gospel lesson uninspired?
Have you ever come away from a Priesthood or Relief Society thinking it could have gone better, but not quite able to put your finger on why?
Have you ever come away from a Sunday School class... wanting to VOLUNTARILY POKE YOUR EYES OUT, POUR ACID IN YOUR EARS, AND BANG YOUR HEAD AGAINST THE WALL BECAUSE EVERYONE AROUND YOU SEEM TO BE COMPLETELY BLIND TO THEIR DEEP INEFFECTIVENESS IN EITHER LEADING OR PARTICIPATING IN A DISCUSSION?
...
...
There's a book for that. A book whose principles, if applied, would instantly transform entire congregations into explorers and agents of applied truths.
Just a small, small sampling of the power of this book:
“No greater responsibility can rest upon any man [or woman], than to be a teacher of God's children”
(David O. McKay, Ensign, May 1998, 25)
(As quoted in Teaching: No Greater Call, 3)
“The responsibility to teach the gospel is not limited to those who have formal callings as teachers. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you have the responsibility to teach the gospel. As a parent, son, daughter, husband, wife, brother, sister, Church leader, classroom teacher, home teacher, visiting teacher, coworker, neighbor, or friend, you have opportunities to teach. Sometimes you can teach openly and directly by the things you say and the testimony you bear. And you always teach by example”
(Teaching: No Greater Call, 3-4)
“I cannot save you; you cannot save me; we cannot save each other, only so far as we can persuade each other to receive the truth, by teaching it. When a man receives the truth he will be saved by it. He will be saved not merely because someone taught it to him, but because he received and ***acted upon it.***”
(Joseph F. Smith, As quoted in Teaching No Greater Call, 49)
“Consider using some or all of the following ideas to enhance your study:
'As you read, ask yourself, 'What gospel principle is taught in this passage? How can I apply this in my life?”
'Have a notebook or journal available so you can record your thoughts and feelings. Commit yourself in writing to apply what you learn. Frequently review the thoughts you have recorded.
'Before read a chapter of scripture, review the chapter heading. This will give you some things to look for in the chapter.
'Mark and annotate your scriptures. In the margins write scripture references that clarify the passages you are studying
'Memorize verses that are particularly meaningful to you.
'Substitute your name in a verse of scripture to personalize it.
'After studying, offer a prayer to express thanks for what you have learned.
'Share what you learn. As you do this, your thoughts will become clearer and your power of retention will increase.”
(Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 17)
“Many topics are interesting, important, and even relevant to life and yet not nourishing to the soul. It is not our commission to teach such topics. Instead, we are to **edify others** and teach them **principles that pertain to the kingdom of God and the salvation** of mankind.
“Teaching that stimulates the intellect without speaking to the spirit cannot nourish.”
(Teaching: No Greater Call, 5)
“When we are truly converted, all our thoughts and motivations are guided by gospel principles.”
(Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 18)
“The disciplined teacher will be sure of his sources and will also make every effort to determine whether a statement properly represents the doctrine of the Church or is merely the opinion of the author” (Instructor, Sept. 1969, 334–35).
“We should not attribute statements to Church leaders without confirming the source of the statements. When we quote scriptures, we should ensure that our use of them is consistent with their context” (see Teaching, No Greater Call pages 54–55).
(“11: Keeping the Doctrine Pure,” Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 52 )
“Let us come to the conclusion of this whole matter, a conclusion that will have an important bearing on our eternal salvation. It is that each person must learn the doctrines of the gospel for himself. No one else can do it for him. Each person stands alone where gospel scholarship is concerned; each has access to the same scriptures and is entitled to the guidance of the same Holy Ghost; each must pay the price set by a divine Providence if he is to gain the pearl of great price.
“The same principle governs both learning truth and living in harmony with its standards. No one can repent for and on behalf of another; no one can keep the commandments in the place and stead of another: no one can be saved in someone else's name. And no one can gain a testimony or press forward in light and truth to eternal glory for anyone but himself. Both the knowledge of the truth and the blessings that come to those who conform to true principles are personal matters. And as a just God offers the same salvation to every soul who lives the same laws, so he offers the same understanding of his eternal truths to all who will pay the truth seeker's price.”
(Bruce R. McConkie, “Finding Answers to Gospel Questions,” Open Letter, about 1980, Historical Department Archives)
(As quoted in Teaching Seminary: Preservice Readings BYU Manual, Religion 370, 471, 475, p.45)
(Also in Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 61)
“Look for the good in others. As you discover the good qualities in others, you will grow in your understanding of them as children of God. The Spirit will confirm the truth of your discoveries about them, and you will appreciate and love them more.”
(Teaching: No Greater Call, 12)
“Nurture your own enthusiasm for studying the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets. Your enthusiasm may inspire those you teach to follow your example.”
(“13: Helping Individuals Take Responsibility for Learning the Gospel,” Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 61)
“Let us not treat lightly the great things we have received from the hand of the Lord! His word is one of the most valuable gifts He has given us. I urge you to recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily so you will have the power of the Spirit to attend in your callings. Read them in your families and teach your children to love and treasure them.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “The Power of the Word,” Ensign, May 1986, 82)
(As quoted in Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 13)
“If we want to influence learners for good, we should not merely love to teach; we should love each person we teach. We should measure our success by the progress of those we teach, not by the excellence of our performance.”
(“1: Love Softens Hearts,” Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 31)
“Heavenly Father does not require us to be perfect before He grants to us His Spirit. He will bless us for our righteous desires and faithful efforts to do the best we can.”
(Teaching: No Greater Call, 13)
“The Holy Ghost causes our feelings to be more tender. We feel more charitable and compassionate with each other. We are more calm in our relationships. We have a greater capacity to love each other. People want to be around us because our very countenances radiate the influence of the Spirit. We are more godly in our character. As a result, we become increasingly more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and thus able to comprehend spiritual things more clearly.”
(Teaching: No Greater Call, 13)
“Perhaps the greatest temptation of the teacher struggling to maintain the attention of [a] class is the use of the sensational story. There are a number of these, of very questionable origin, continually being circulated throughout the Church. … These are not teaching tools: stability and testimony are not built on sensational stories. Direction for us from the Prophet is dispensed through proper priesthood channels. Careful attention should be paid to the messages of the General Authorities in stake and general conferences, and Church publications should be read regularly. Meaningful attention will be accorded the teacher who establishes the reputation of being orthodox and sound in doctrine” (Instructor, Sept. 1969, 334–35).”
(“11: Keeping the Doctrine Pure,” Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 52 )
“Part of your work as a gospel teacher is to help learners understand and feel Heavenly Father’s love for them. This cannot be done with words alone. It requires reaching out to individuals—those you see often, those you see occasionally, and those you would not see without making special effort. It requires reaching out to them whether they are cooperative, disinterested, or defiant. The Lord has exhorted us to remember that “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (D&C 18:10).”
(“3: Reaching Out to the One,” Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 35)
“Gospel hobbies—the special or exclusive emphasis of one principle of the gospel—should also be avoided by teachers” (Instructor, Sept. 1969, 334–35).
President Joseph F. Smith said: “Hobbies give to those who encourage them a false aspect of the gospel of the Redeemer; they distort and place out of harmony its principles and teachings. The point of view is unnatural. Every principle and practice revealed from God is essential to man’s salvation, and to place any one of them unduly in front, hiding and dimming all others, is unwise and dangerous; it jeopardizes our salvation, for it darkens our minds and beclouds our understandings” (Gospel Doctrine, 116–17).
(“11: Keeping the Doctrine Pure,” Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 52 )
"[a testimony] is not an exhortation, a call to repentance, a travelogue, a sermon, or an instruction. It is a simple, direct declaration of belief—a feeling, an assurance, a conviction. It is usually stated in the first person, I, followed by a strong verb expressing belief, such as “I know that … ,” “I testify that … ,” “I bear testimony that … ,” or “I have a strong assurance that …” You probably have heard special witnesses of Jesus Christ use the words “I give you my witness that …” or “I witness that …” Testimonies are often most powerful when they are short, concise, and direct. ”
(“7: Teaching with Testimony,” Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 43)
Note: I apologize for the intro, I was... mostly... joking ;0
But really, this manual is amazing. It is my belief that you don't *really* know something unless you can *teach* it, and this book takes the holistic approach. A must read, a must re-read, a must apply.
Seriously.
Ask yourself:
Have you ever come away from a gospel lesson uninspired?
Have you ever come away from a Priesthood or Relief Society thinking it could have gone better, but not quite able to put your finger on why?
Have you ever come away from a Sunday School class... wanting to VOLUNTARILY POKE YOUR EYES OUT, POUR ACID IN YOUR EARS, AND BANG YOUR HEAD AGAINST THE WALL BECAUSE EVERYONE AROUND YOU SEEM TO BE COMPLETELY BLIND TO THEIR DEEP INEFFECTIVENESS IN EITHER LEADING OR PARTICIPATING IN A DISCUSSION?
...
...
There's a book for that. A book whose principles, if applied, would instantly transform entire congregations into explorers and agents of applied truths.
Just a small, small sampling of the power of this book:
“No greater responsibility can rest upon any man [or woman], than to be a teacher of God's children”
(David O. McKay, Ensign, May 1998, 25)
(As quoted in Teaching: No Greater Call, 3)
“The responsibility to teach the gospel is not limited to those who have formal callings as teachers. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you have the responsibility to teach the gospel. As a parent, son, daughter, husband, wife, brother, sister, Church leader, classroom teacher, home teacher, visiting teacher, coworker, neighbor, or friend, you have opportunities to teach. Sometimes you can teach openly and directly by the things you say and the testimony you bear. And you always teach by example”
(Teaching: No Greater Call, 3-4)
“I cannot save you; you cannot save me; we cannot save each other, only so far as we can persuade each other to receive the truth, by teaching it. When a man receives the truth he will be saved by it. He will be saved not merely because someone taught it to him, but because he received and ***acted upon it.***”
(Joseph F. Smith, As quoted in Teaching No Greater Call, 49)
“Consider using some or all of the following ideas to enhance your study:
'As you read, ask yourself, 'What gospel principle is taught in this passage? How can I apply this in my life?”
'Have a notebook or journal available so you can record your thoughts and feelings. Commit yourself in writing to apply what you learn. Frequently review the thoughts you have recorded.
'Before read a chapter of scripture, review the chapter heading. This will give you some things to look for in the chapter.
'Mark and annotate your scriptures. In the margins write scripture references that clarify the passages you are studying
'Memorize verses that are particularly meaningful to you.
'Substitute your name in a verse of scripture to personalize it.
'After studying, offer a prayer to express thanks for what you have learned.
'Share what you learn. As you do this, your thoughts will become clearer and your power of retention will increase.”
(Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 17)
“Many topics are interesting, important, and even relevant to life and yet not nourishing to the soul. It is not our commission to teach such topics. Instead, we are to **edify others** and teach them **principles that pertain to the kingdom of God and the salvation** of mankind.
“Teaching that stimulates the intellect without speaking to the spirit cannot nourish.”
(Teaching: No Greater Call, 5)
“When we are truly converted, all our thoughts and motivations are guided by gospel principles.”
(Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 18)
“The disciplined teacher will be sure of his sources and will also make every effort to determine whether a statement properly represents the doctrine of the Church or is merely the opinion of the author” (Instructor, Sept. 1969, 334–35).
“We should not attribute statements to Church leaders without confirming the source of the statements. When we quote scriptures, we should ensure that our use of them is consistent with their context” (see Teaching, No Greater Call pages 54–55).
(“11: Keeping the Doctrine Pure,” Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 52 )
“Let us come to the conclusion of this whole matter, a conclusion that will have an important bearing on our eternal salvation. It is that each person must learn the doctrines of the gospel for himself. No one else can do it for him. Each person stands alone where gospel scholarship is concerned; each has access to the same scriptures and is entitled to the guidance of the same Holy Ghost; each must pay the price set by a divine Providence if he is to gain the pearl of great price.
“The same principle governs both learning truth and living in harmony with its standards. No one can repent for and on behalf of another; no one can keep the commandments in the place and stead of another: no one can be saved in someone else's name. And no one can gain a testimony or press forward in light and truth to eternal glory for anyone but himself. Both the knowledge of the truth and the blessings that come to those who conform to true principles are personal matters. And as a just God offers the same salvation to every soul who lives the same laws, so he offers the same understanding of his eternal truths to all who will pay the truth seeker's price.”
(Bruce R. McConkie, “Finding Answers to Gospel Questions,” Open Letter, about 1980, Historical Department Archives)
(As quoted in Teaching Seminary: Preservice Readings BYU Manual, Religion 370, 471, 475, p.45)
(Also in Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 61)
“Look for the good in others. As you discover the good qualities in others, you will grow in your understanding of them as children of God. The Spirit will confirm the truth of your discoveries about them, and you will appreciate and love them more.”
(Teaching: No Greater Call, 12)
“Nurture your own enthusiasm for studying the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets. Your enthusiasm may inspire those you teach to follow your example.”
(“13: Helping Individuals Take Responsibility for Learning the Gospel,” Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 61)
“Let us not treat lightly the great things we have received from the hand of the Lord! His word is one of the most valuable gifts He has given us. I urge you to recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily so you will have the power of the Spirit to attend in your callings. Read them in your families and teach your children to love and treasure them.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “The Power of the Word,” Ensign, May 1986, 82)
(As quoted in Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 13)
“If we want to influence learners for good, we should not merely love to teach; we should love each person we teach. We should measure our success by the progress of those we teach, not by the excellence of our performance.”
(“1: Love Softens Hearts,” Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 31)
“Heavenly Father does not require us to be perfect before He grants to us His Spirit. He will bless us for our righteous desires and faithful efforts to do the best we can.”
(Teaching: No Greater Call, 13)
“The Holy Ghost causes our feelings to be more tender. We feel more charitable and compassionate with each other. We are more calm in our relationships. We have a greater capacity to love each other. People want to be around us because our very countenances radiate the influence of the Spirit. We are more godly in our character. As a result, we become increasingly more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and thus able to comprehend spiritual things more clearly.”
(Teaching: No Greater Call, 13)
“Perhaps the greatest temptation of the teacher struggling to maintain the attention of [a] class is the use of the sensational story. There are a number of these, of very questionable origin, continually being circulated throughout the Church. … These are not teaching tools: stability and testimony are not built on sensational stories. Direction for us from the Prophet is dispensed through proper priesthood channels. Careful attention should be paid to the messages of the General Authorities in stake and general conferences, and Church publications should be read regularly. Meaningful attention will be accorded the teacher who establishes the reputation of being orthodox and sound in doctrine” (Instructor, Sept. 1969, 334–35).”
(“11: Keeping the Doctrine Pure,” Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 52 )
“Part of your work as a gospel teacher is to help learners understand and feel Heavenly Father’s love for them. This cannot be done with words alone. It requires reaching out to individuals—those you see often, those you see occasionally, and those you would not see without making special effort. It requires reaching out to them whether they are cooperative, disinterested, or defiant. The Lord has exhorted us to remember that “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (D&C 18:10).”
(“3: Reaching Out to the One,” Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 35)
“Gospel hobbies—the special or exclusive emphasis of one principle of the gospel—should also be avoided by teachers” (Instructor, Sept. 1969, 334–35).
President Joseph F. Smith said: “Hobbies give to those who encourage them a false aspect of the gospel of the Redeemer; they distort and place out of harmony its principles and teachings. The point of view is unnatural. Every principle and practice revealed from God is essential to man’s salvation, and to place any one of them unduly in front, hiding and dimming all others, is unwise and dangerous; it jeopardizes our salvation, for it darkens our minds and beclouds our understandings” (Gospel Doctrine, 116–17).
(“11: Keeping the Doctrine Pure,” Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 52 )
"[a testimony] is not an exhortation, a call to repentance, a travelogue, a sermon, or an instruction. It is a simple, direct declaration of belief—a feeling, an assurance, a conviction. It is usually stated in the first person, I, followed by a strong verb expressing belief, such as “I know that … ,” “I testify that … ,” “I bear testimony that … ,” or “I have a strong assurance that …” You probably have heard special witnesses of Jesus Christ use the words “I give you my witness that …” or “I witness that …” Testimonies are often most powerful when they are short, concise, and direct. ”
(“7: Teaching with Testimony,” Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 43)
Note: I apologize for the intro, I was... mostly... joking ;0
But really, this manual is amazing. It is my belief that you don't *really* know something unless you can *teach* it, and this book takes the holistic approach. A must read, a must re-read, a must apply.
January 13, 2019
For several years I was the teacher training instructor in our congregation. This was the text we were required to use. I had some wonderful experiences in teaching that for multiple times. One of my favorite memories. It no longer is used in classroom training, but it still is a really good resource.
October 8, 2008
This resource manual crosses over boundaries to all kinds of teaching moments. When I first started my teaching methods classes at Cal State Northridge, I was struggling with how to complete my very first assignment. Not knowing where to turn, I called my friend, Julie, an elementary school teacher, and asked for her help. She wisely told me that I had all the answers to my questions in one of the best resource books ever written - Teaching: No Greater Call. I immediately pulled out my copy, read it cover to cover, completed my assignment, and was the only one of my peers in that particular class to receive an "A". The most recent 1999 edition is even better than the first. I don't prepare a lesson without it!!
January 8, 2015
My husband is a public school teacher. He says this is the best manual on teaching he has read. Although it focuses on gospel teaching, there are principles that apply to all teaching. Highly recommended.
January 7, 2019
Excellent teaching manual!
September 30, 2020
Awesome resource-read it many times!
Read
June 26, 2023Official publication.
December 10, 2023
My first year as a teacher, I used this guide to help me understand how to approach different age groups and how to diversify my methods of presenting the lessons to them. Amazing book!
September 6, 2013
A member of our Stake Presidency challenged us to read this at a leadership meeting. I am not currently teaching a specific class right now, but I know this will help me to teach my children. Someone made the comment, "Family Home Evening gives you an opportunity share your beliefs with your own little investigators (your children)" I want to make sure i am taking advantage of this opportunity.
This is a very good resource book to help you with teaching.
This is a very good resource book to help you with teaching.
May 16, 2009
I know this is a funny book to review, but I recently finished reading it cover to cover the newest version (2006?) of this Teaching Resource book and was amazed at the great helps it offers to teachers in all walks of life. (Great resource for parenting as well.)
August 3, 2010
Awesome resource!!! Why didn't I read this years ago? It's a wonderful guide that everyone should read because if you're a member of the church then you will be a teacher at some point in your life, guaranteed. I love the helpful hints for parents. I will definitely be referring to this book often.
August 31, 2011
Very good resource, but slightly outdated. Also, much of the focus is on how to teach and manage younger students, rather than adults, which is the focus that I read for at first. Lots of good ideas, though, and really made me think about the way that I present gospel lessons.
October 5, 2012
I've had this book on my shelf for a decade and I finally took advantage of the opportunity to read it. It's absolutely brilliant! I wish that I had read it sooner. It is a phenomenal resource for everyone that serves in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
April 28, 2008
As Jared's teaching the 12-13 year olds and I do singing time in Primary, we've found ways to incorporate this into our callings. So helpful.
April 14, 2016
Excellent ideas and reminders. Never gets old.
July 13, 2009
I'm reading this one morning a week. It's beautifully simple. It is full of excellent reminders. I need them.
Currently reading
August 3, 2009I have the newer published version of course.
September 15, 2010
Very helpful book.
January 4, 2011
I read this book in connection with a Teacher Trainer program I was called to participate in. It is a great guide to assist in improving one's ability to teach effectively
August 27, 2011
Read most of it. Taking the class soon so then I'll get to go over it again. Such a great book.
July 12, 2011
Such a great resource!
January 22, 2013
I had read this book a number of times in the past, and even taught the course. Yet, rereading it was like reading a new book. I had forgotten so much that is so valuable!
March 12, 2013
Some wonderful lessons to help improve your teaching. Taught from this book for 2years during Sunday School. Taught seniors in high school to help them prepare to be teachers after they graduated.
September 18, 2013
This is such a good resource for teaching, especially at home or in a church setting. Or even a good resource just for working with other people. It has helped me a lot!
April 6, 2014
Seriously, I really love this book.
May 22, 2014
This gives good basic tips of development and ideal teaching. A crash course for anyone given a church calling, community calling, or even a professional teacher
March 16, 2015
A general guideline for helping lay-teachers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints become more effective teachers.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews