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Teaching With Power: Drawing Your Family and Others to Christ
Jesus Christ is the Master Teacher, and we have been commanded to follow His example, acquiring not only His attributes but also His teaching skills. As we do so, we invite the Spirit into our lives in the fullest measure possible. In Teaching with Power , beloved author Tad R. Callister and his wife, Kathy, explain that the goal of every gospel teacher is much more than giving a masterful lesson or an entertaining, never-to-be-forgotten presentation; it is to make our students better―to inspire them to become more like Christ. When we understand this purpose, then the questions we ask, the discussions we lead, and the invitations we extend will all be designed to further this objective. This book will help you more effectively meet the true goal of helping those we teach become converted disciples of Jesus Christ.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published December 25, 2021
28 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 11, 2025
Great overview of quality teaching for both religious and secular settings. They take important concepts and summarize them into short, easy chapters with useful examples. Several of those examples are about conservative politicians, but besides that obvious bias, I think this book will be beneficial to anyone.
March 17, 2022
Another great book! Loved this one from the Callisters!
January 15, 2022
Another impactful book by the Callister's.
September 30, 2024
Part of being a human being is being a teacher. Either through planned lessons or simply through our example, we are teaching others. This wonderful book talks about many aspects of both teaching and learning in home and church settings and beyond. Well-written and meaningful.
Quotes to remember:
“Effective teaching is the very essence of leadership in the Church. Eternal life will come only as men and women are taught with such effectiveness that they can change and discipline their lives. They cannot be coerced into righteousness or into heaven. They must be led, and that means teaching.” - Gordon B. Hinckley
“The Lord has a great work for each of us to do. You may wonder how this can be. You may feel that there is nothing special or superior about your ability. . . . The Lord can do remarkable miracles with a person of ordinary ability who is humble, faithful, and diligent in serving the Lord and seeks to improve himself. This is because God is the ultimate source of power.” - James E. Faust
“God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, he will increase our capability!” - Neal A. Maxwell
Perhaps the first question we should ask as teachers is not “What should I teach?” Or “How should I teach?” but rather “What can I do to become more like the Savior?” Then the rest will naturally follow.
The Savior is the Master Teacher because He is the Master Exemplar—His life was in perfect accord with His words. There was no gap between the two; His life matched His message. … In essence, the best way to teach more like the Savior is to live more like the Savior.
Perhaps one way “to obtain [His] word” is to read the assigned scripture block before reading the lesson material or other resources and to write down any impressions we have, including doctrinal insights, questions we might ask, and invitations we might extend. By exercising such spiritual self-reliance, we maximize our ability to receive guidance from the Spirit. In essence, we eliminate or mitigate the possibility of developing preconceived notions from the lesson materials that may hamper our ability to receive revelation.
We have found that when we have a question about the scripture passages we are reading, there is often the temptation to immediately go to commentaries for the answer. But if we refrain from doing so initially and instead wrestle with the issue, usually some personal inspiration will come.
Furthermore, revelation comes at such times as the Lord desires, some of which are inconvenient and some of which are not on Saturday afternoon. Therefore, we need to be pondering our lesson well in advance so we can be prepared to receive revelation when the Lord desires to so bless us.
As we contemplate our lesson, we ought to record the spiritual impressions that do come—however small they may be and however inconvenient the time. We do this for at least four reasons: (1) it allows us to preserve the knowledge exactly as given; (2) it allows us to preserve the spiritual feelings of the moment; (3) like small acorns, those thoughts may grow into spiritual oak tress as we nurture and ponder them; and (4) if we show the Lord we truly treasure and savor His word, we are likely to receive many more revelations.
The simple truths of the gospel have a powerful effect for good. That is the genius of the missionary lessons. They are not complicated or tricky or sophisticated; yet those simple truths carry a potent, persuasive power to inspire people to be more like Christ. Doctrine has an innate rationality that appeals to both mind and heart.
The doctrine is both sword and shield. It both attacks and defends against the false philosophies of the evil one. The Lord gave this promise to those who feast upon His doctrine: “And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived” (JSM 1:37)
To a large extent, our success as teachers will be measured by the degree to which our children and students come to know, love and appreciate this sublime doctrine. Of all we teach—this is what matters most, the doctrine of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
The scriptures are the focus and foundation of any doctrinal discussion. They define the parameters of what we may legitimately explore and the depths to which we may plumb. The scriptures are the principal reservoir from which we should drink and teach.
A man who hired Tad to lecture on legal matters said: “Tad, if you can’ teach it to a ten-year-old, you don’t know it well enough to teach it.” D& C 133:57 Reason in plainness and simplicity.
Teaching the doctrine is both a privilege and a responsibility that deserves and requires our most rapt attention, our most profound efforts, and our deepest spirituality. If we are humble and teachable, God can take us and mold us and shape us so we can teach His doctrine with a precision and power that no one can honestly refute.
Why is it usually more effective to teach principles than rules? First, rules often apply to only one or a few specific situations, while principles generally have much broader application. … Second, principles create an environment where agency can be maximized and thus flourish, while rules tend to minimize agency by restricting, sometimes even dictating, our choices. And third, principles often contain the reasoning for a desired action, and with this increased understanding comes an increased desire to change our nature.
Impactful to respond to questions in this way:
The teacher, instead of having a meltdown, did something extremely wise. He said to the man: “That is a very good question. No doubt you have given it some considerable thought. Would you please share any insights you have gained on the matter?” The man seemed pleased to respond and did so. The teacher then invited others to share their thoughts. It was obvious the teacher wanted to benefit from the collective wisdom of those present. As a result the teacher neither panicked nor dominated the response. The question was not completely answered, but as the teacher focused on doctrinal principles shared by class members, insights developed that helped lay the foundation for a more complete answer in the future.
The historical concerns, the alleged scientific inconsistencies—these are the slideshow. The center stage is the teachings, doctrine, priesthood power, and other fruits of the Church. … we cannot live without the doctrinal truths and ordinances restored by Joseph Smith; we cannot live without knowing we are sealed to each other and our children for eternity. That is the choice we face—a few unanswered questions on one hand versus a host of doctrinal certainties and the power of God on the other.
Our testimony is essential to our teaching because it invites, perhaps more than any other tool or technique we can use, the power of the Holy Ghost to witness the truth of that which we have spoken.
Follow-up questions can deepen our understanding of a doctrinal principle and build upon the Spirit that is already present. Alert teachers listen carefully to the answer given and then follow up with appropriate questions that will reveal an even greater portion of the iceberg. For example “What did you learn from that experience?” or “How did that experience strengthen your testimony?”
The teacher should always bring the discussion back to the doctrine. Then discussion fulfills its rightful purpose. (“This experience reminds me of a scripture” or “What gospel truths do we learn from the comments we have heard?” Or “Would someone like to bear their testimony of the power of that truth we have been discussing?”)
“Love is the catalyst that causes change, love is the balm that brings healing to the soul. . . . Where love is, there God will be also.” - Thomas S. Monson
When reason falls short, it is love—unconditional and unwavering—that can be the last bright hope to soften hearts and change lives.
Nephi observed that the Savior “layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him” (2 Nephi 26:24). In that act of supreme love there was no need to push or pull or prod; the Savior knew that love itself was a catalyst to draw us unto Him and His ways.
Family prayers can also be a magnificent opportunity to get by with some “free preaching.”
Our children should understand the doctrine of the Savior’s Atonement from us as parents. They should know and love the plan of salvation because we have taught it to them. They should understand from our lips and hearts the true nature of God, His overwhelming love for us, the doctrine of Christ and the historical truth of the Apostasy and the Restoration. These are key doctrines that make up the foundation of a solid testimony.
(Jesus teaching his disciples about the widow’s mite)- A magnificent lesson had been taught: generosity is not measured by how much we give, but rather by what we have left after we give.
Helping our children recognize the promptings of the Spirit: a feeling of peace, an intent to do good, an enlightened understanding, an increased love, and other divine witnesses.
“The world will teach our children if we do not, and children are capable of learning all the world will teach them at a very young age. What we want them to know five years from now needs to be part of our conversation with them today. Teach them in every circumstance; let every dilemma, every consequence, every trial that they may face provide an opportunity to teach them how to hold on to gospel truths.” - Rosemary M. Wixom
“There is no abstract and impersonal proof either that strawberries are good or that they are not good. To the man who likes them they are good, to the man who dislikes them they are not. But the man who likes them has a pleasure which the other does not have; to that extent his life is more enjoyable and he is better adapted to the world in which both he must live. . . . The more things a man is interested in, the more opportunities of happiness he has.” - Bertrand Russell, British philosopher
“Expose yourselves broadly to the great literature of other eras and of other disciplines. In them you will find teachings of invaluable worth.” - Russel M. Nelson (D&C 88:118, 90:15)
There is no place for complacency in God’s kingdom—either in the home or classroom. He desires us to be active, alert, avid learners of His gospel.
Questions are often the precursor to knowledge and revelation. Indeed, one of the quickest ways to learn is to ask questions—in essence to demonstrate a spiritual curiosity. Moses had that curiosity. He said: “I will not cease to call upon God, I have other things to inquire of him” (Moses 1:18). Joseph Smith was a kindred spirit. He was a master learner because first and foremost he was a master asker.
It is important not only for the teacher and parent to record inspired thoughts but also for the learner. Once we began carrying note cards or notepads to church, seeing for doctrinal insights and impressions, we can honestly say that we were richly rewarded. This approach has changed our perspective; it has focused our attention, accelerated our learning, and increased our anticipation for church.
Before concluding that a teacher is boring or uniformed or not up to our expectations, perhaps we could adopt the “Is it I?” principle. For example, we might ask ourselves: “Did I read the lesson material in advance? Did I pray for the teacher and for the Spirit to be present in our classroom? Did I contribute by participating in class or coming with an intense desire to learn? Did I seek divine impressions and record them? Did I share what I learned with others?” If we have somehow fallen short in these endeavors, then we might further ask “Am I partially to blame for the class not being all I hoped it would be, and if so, how can I improve? How can I be a better class member? If the teacher were our own son or daughter, what would I do differently as a class member—to what extreme mes would I go—to help him or her have the most successful class possible?
Daily scripture study is an essential ingredient to our spirituality. It should be one of our non-negotiable in life. Nothing else can ugly compensate for its absence in our daily routine. For this reason, scripture study should be set-aside time, not leftover time.
Effective scripture study is not a matter of turning pages or seeing how many time one can read a book of scripture, but rather one of intensely absorbing the word of God. This seems consistent with the fact that the Lord uses such words and phrases as feast upon, treasure up, ponder, meditate, and search when referring to our scripture study. We cannot merely tiptoe through the scriptures and enjoy them or be edified by them. We must immerse ourselves in them. They demand our high test attention, our most concentrated effort, to yield their precious fruit.
Quotes to remember:
“Effective teaching is the very essence of leadership in the Church. Eternal life will come only as men and women are taught with such effectiveness that they can change and discipline their lives. They cannot be coerced into righteousness or into heaven. They must be led, and that means teaching.” - Gordon B. Hinckley
“The Lord has a great work for each of us to do. You may wonder how this can be. You may feel that there is nothing special or superior about your ability. . . . The Lord can do remarkable miracles with a person of ordinary ability who is humble, faithful, and diligent in serving the Lord and seeks to improve himself. This is because God is the ultimate source of power.” - James E. Faust
“God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, he will increase our capability!” - Neal A. Maxwell
Perhaps the first question we should ask as teachers is not “What should I teach?” Or “How should I teach?” but rather “What can I do to become more like the Savior?” Then the rest will naturally follow.
The Savior is the Master Teacher because He is the Master Exemplar—His life was in perfect accord with His words. There was no gap between the two; His life matched His message. … In essence, the best way to teach more like the Savior is to live more like the Savior.
Perhaps one way “to obtain [His] word” is to read the assigned scripture block before reading the lesson material or other resources and to write down any impressions we have, including doctrinal insights, questions we might ask, and invitations we might extend. By exercising such spiritual self-reliance, we maximize our ability to receive guidance from the Spirit. In essence, we eliminate or mitigate the possibility of developing preconceived notions from the lesson materials that may hamper our ability to receive revelation.
We have found that when we have a question about the scripture passages we are reading, there is often the temptation to immediately go to commentaries for the answer. But if we refrain from doing so initially and instead wrestle with the issue, usually some personal inspiration will come.
Furthermore, revelation comes at such times as the Lord desires, some of which are inconvenient and some of which are not on Saturday afternoon. Therefore, we need to be pondering our lesson well in advance so we can be prepared to receive revelation when the Lord desires to so bless us.
As we contemplate our lesson, we ought to record the spiritual impressions that do come—however small they may be and however inconvenient the time. We do this for at least four reasons: (1) it allows us to preserve the knowledge exactly as given; (2) it allows us to preserve the spiritual feelings of the moment; (3) like small acorns, those thoughts may grow into spiritual oak tress as we nurture and ponder them; and (4) if we show the Lord we truly treasure and savor His word, we are likely to receive many more revelations.
The simple truths of the gospel have a powerful effect for good. That is the genius of the missionary lessons. They are not complicated or tricky or sophisticated; yet those simple truths carry a potent, persuasive power to inspire people to be more like Christ. Doctrine has an innate rationality that appeals to both mind and heart.
The doctrine is both sword and shield. It both attacks and defends against the false philosophies of the evil one. The Lord gave this promise to those who feast upon His doctrine: “And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived” (JSM 1:37)
To a large extent, our success as teachers will be measured by the degree to which our children and students come to know, love and appreciate this sublime doctrine. Of all we teach—this is what matters most, the doctrine of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
The scriptures are the focus and foundation of any doctrinal discussion. They define the parameters of what we may legitimately explore and the depths to which we may plumb. The scriptures are the principal reservoir from which we should drink and teach.
A man who hired Tad to lecture on legal matters said: “Tad, if you can’ teach it to a ten-year-old, you don’t know it well enough to teach it.” D& C 133:57 Reason in plainness and simplicity.
Teaching the doctrine is both a privilege and a responsibility that deserves and requires our most rapt attention, our most profound efforts, and our deepest spirituality. If we are humble and teachable, God can take us and mold us and shape us so we can teach His doctrine with a precision and power that no one can honestly refute.
Why is it usually more effective to teach principles than rules? First, rules often apply to only one or a few specific situations, while principles generally have much broader application. … Second, principles create an environment where agency can be maximized and thus flourish, while rules tend to minimize agency by restricting, sometimes even dictating, our choices. And third, principles often contain the reasoning for a desired action, and with this increased understanding comes an increased desire to change our nature.
Impactful to respond to questions in this way:
The teacher, instead of having a meltdown, did something extremely wise. He said to the man: “That is a very good question. No doubt you have given it some considerable thought. Would you please share any insights you have gained on the matter?” The man seemed pleased to respond and did so. The teacher then invited others to share their thoughts. It was obvious the teacher wanted to benefit from the collective wisdom of those present. As a result the teacher neither panicked nor dominated the response. The question was not completely answered, but as the teacher focused on doctrinal principles shared by class members, insights developed that helped lay the foundation for a more complete answer in the future.
The historical concerns, the alleged scientific inconsistencies—these are the slideshow. The center stage is the teachings, doctrine, priesthood power, and other fruits of the Church. … we cannot live without the doctrinal truths and ordinances restored by Joseph Smith; we cannot live without knowing we are sealed to each other and our children for eternity. That is the choice we face—a few unanswered questions on one hand versus a host of doctrinal certainties and the power of God on the other.
Our testimony is essential to our teaching because it invites, perhaps more than any other tool or technique we can use, the power of the Holy Ghost to witness the truth of that which we have spoken.
Follow-up questions can deepen our understanding of a doctrinal principle and build upon the Spirit that is already present. Alert teachers listen carefully to the answer given and then follow up with appropriate questions that will reveal an even greater portion of the iceberg. For example “What did you learn from that experience?” or “How did that experience strengthen your testimony?”
The teacher should always bring the discussion back to the doctrine. Then discussion fulfills its rightful purpose. (“This experience reminds me of a scripture” or “What gospel truths do we learn from the comments we have heard?” Or “Would someone like to bear their testimony of the power of that truth we have been discussing?”)
“Love is the catalyst that causes change, love is the balm that brings healing to the soul. . . . Where love is, there God will be also.” - Thomas S. Monson
When reason falls short, it is love—unconditional and unwavering—that can be the last bright hope to soften hearts and change lives.
Nephi observed that the Savior “layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him” (2 Nephi 26:24). In that act of supreme love there was no need to push or pull or prod; the Savior knew that love itself was a catalyst to draw us unto Him and His ways.
Family prayers can also be a magnificent opportunity to get by with some “free preaching.”
Our children should understand the doctrine of the Savior’s Atonement from us as parents. They should know and love the plan of salvation because we have taught it to them. They should understand from our lips and hearts the true nature of God, His overwhelming love for us, the doctrine of Christ and the historical truth of the Apostasy and the Restoration. These are key doctrines that make up the foundation of a solid testimony.
(Jesus teaching his disciples about the widow’s mite)- A magnificent lesson had been taught: generosity is not measured by how much we give, but rather by what we have left after we give.
Helping our children recognize the promptings of the Spirit: a feeling of peace, an intent to do good, an enlightened understanding, an increased love, and other divine witnesses.
“The world will teach our children if we do not, and children are capable of learning all the world will teach them at a very young age. What we want them to know five years from now needs to be part of our conversation with them today. Teach them in every circumstance; let every dilemma, every consequence, every trial that they may face provide an opportunity to teach them how to hold on to gospel truths.” - Rosemary M. Wixom
“There is no abstract and impersonal proof either that strawberries are good or that they are not good. To the man who likes them they are good, to the man who dislikes them they are not. But the man who likes them has a pleasure which the other does not have; to that extent his life is more enjoyable and he is better adapted to the world in which both he must live. . . . The more things a man is interested in, the more opportunities of happiness he has.” - Bertrand Russell, British philosopher
“Expose yourselves broadly to the great literature of other eras and of other disciplines. In them you will find teachings of invaluable worth.” - Russel M. Nelson (D&C 88:118, 90:15)
There is no place for complacency in God’s kingdom—either in the home or classroom. He desires us to be active, alert, avid learners of His gospel.
Questions are often the precursor to knowledge and revelation. Indeed, one of the quickest ways to learn is to ask questions—in essence to demonstrate a spiritual curiosity. Moses had that curiosity. He said: “I will not cease to call upon God, I have other things to inquire of him” (Moses 1:18). Joseph Smith was a kindred spirit. He was a master learner because first and foremost he was a master asker.
It is important not only for the teacher and parent to record inspired thoughts but also for the learner. Once we began carrying note cards or notepads to church, seeing for doctrinal insights and impressions, we can honestly say that we were richly rewarded. This approach has changed our perspective; it has focused our attention, accelerated our learning, and increased our anticipation for church.
Before concluding that a teacher is boring or uniformed or not up to our expectations, perhaps we could adopt the “Is it I?” principle. For example, we might ask ourselves: “Did I read the lesson material in advance? Did I pray for the teacher and for the Spirit to be present in our classroom? Did I contribute by participating in class or coming with an intense desire to learn? Did I seek divine impressions and record them? Did I share what I learned with others?” If we have somehow fallen short in these endeavors, then we might further ask “Am I partially to blame for the class not being all I hoped it would be, and if so, how can I improve? How can I be a better class member? If the teacher were our own son or daughter, what would I do differently as a class member—to what extreme mes would I go—to help him or her have the most successful class possible?
Daily scripture study is an essential ingredient to our spirituality. It should be one of our non-negotiable in life. Nothing else can ugly compensate for its absence in our daily routine. For this reason, scripture study should be set-aside time, not leftover time.
Effective scripture study is not a matter of turning pages or seeing how many time one can read a book of scripture, but rather one of intensely absorbing the word of God. This seems consistent with the fact that the Lord uses such words and phrases as feast upon, treasure up, ponder, meditate, and search when referring to our scripture study. We cannot merely tiptoe through the scriptures and enjoy them or be edified by them. We must immerse ourselves in them. They demand our high test attention, our most concentrated effort, to yield their precious fruit.
January 3, 2023
This was excellent! I listened to it (since I tend to slog through non-fiction VERY slowly otherwise :) but I do hope to own a hard copy to read again and refer to in the future. I liked that it was written to help improve teaching in multiple settings -- at home or at church or just in everyday interactions. There was a lot that I felt like I already knew (or is included in Church-published content) but there was still a lot that helped deepen my understanding or broaden my perspective. I appreciated that quotes and stories were often taken from very recent sources and that the technology chapter addressed teaching over videocall.
Some of the chapters that were particularly helpful to me (noting to refer back to!):
Focus on Doctrinal Principles, Not Rules
The Power of Repetition
Responding to Difficult Questions
What Makes for an Inspired Question?
Teaching Our Children to Recognize the Spirit
The Refining Influence of Culture in Our Homes and Classes (probably my favorite chapter)
Great new resource on a crucial topic!
Some of the chapters that were particularly helpful to me (noting to refer back to!):
Focus on Doctrinal Principles, Not Rules
The Power of Repetition
Responding to Difficult Questions
What Makes for an Inspired Question?
Teaching Our Children to Recognize the Spirit
The Refining Influence of Culture in Our Homes and Classes (probably my favorite chapter)
Great new resource on a crucial topic!
May 26, 2023
A must-read for teachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
…the mission of every leader and teacher is to inspire others to become more like Christ. (p. 3)
Some may believe teaching skills or techniques are mechanical or secular tools. These skills, however, when developed, allow the spirit to choose from a variety of options that can best meet the needs of individual learners. … Teaching skills become divine tools in the hands of the Spirit, allowing the Spirit to be more productive and influential as our skills increase. (p. 5)
In order to become more like God we need to understand the world He has created and its underlying operative principles. As we make the world our class of study, we increase our knowledge and thus the potential for receiving greater power from the Spirit. And in the process of becoming a master learner, we lay the foundation for becoming a master teacher. (p. 263)
The Callisters' words are instructive, but I also really enjoyed the other sources quoted throughout the book.
…the mission of every leader and teacher is to inspire others to become more like Christ. (p. 3)
Some may believe teaching skills or techniques are mechanical or secular tools. These skills, however, when developed, allow the spirit to choose from a variety of options that can best meet the needs of individual learners. … Teaching skills become divine tools in the hands of the Spirit, allowing the Spirit to be more productive and influential as our skills increase. (p. 5)
In order to become more like God we need to understand the world He has created and its underlying operative principles. As we make the world our class of study, we increase our knowledge and thus the potential for receiving greater power from the Spirit. And in the process of becoming a master learner, we lay the foundation for becoming a master teacher. (p. 263)
The Callisters' words are instructive, but I also really enjoyed the other sources quoted throughout the book.
November 11, 2022
Tad R. Callister’s mom, aged 90, was making food.
He asked what she was doing/where she was going.
She said, “Oh, I’m taking food to the elderly.”
“But, Mother, you are the elderly.” Lol.
List questions
Scriptures first
Secondary sources after
Thought
Preparation
Simplicity
Clarity
Memorize scriptures, learning technique = more active and retentive mind
Memorize a scripture a day
Memorization daily, work on one sentence at a time.
“Imbedded in the depths of our soul, never to be lost”
Principle over rules
Keep the Sabbath day holy and do good on that day
Intellectual and spiritual sponge
Look for the good and uplifting, in everything
Be an active learner
Daily scripture study is an essential ingredient to our spirituality
Be aware and observant
Revelation favors the observing, pondering mind
He asked what she was doing/where she was going.
She said, “Oh, I’m taking food to the elderly.”
“But, Mother, you are the elderly.” Lol.
List questions
Scriptures first
Secondary sources after
Thought
Preparation
Simplicity
Clarity
Memorize scriptures, learning technique = more active and retentive mind
Memorize a scripture a day
Memorization daily, work on one sentence at a time.
“Imbedded in the depths of our soul, never to be lost”
Principle over rules
Keep the Sabbath day holy and do good on that day
Intellectual and spiritual sponge
Look for the good and uplifting, in everything
Be an active learner
Daily scripture study is an essential ingredient to our spirituality
Be aware and observant
Revelation favors the observing, pondering mind
July 4, 2022
I was skeptical of this book at first. Brother Callister's other books were doctrinally rich and well-written, and I foolishly believed this would fall short in that category simply because of the subject matter (teaching). I was wrong. Teaching with Power is a practical book. The authors provide a variety of personal experiences that illustrate the different important aspects of teaching. This book provided me with important insights into how to teach the gospel to my children. While nothing in this book is new--the teaching techniques can be gleaned from a variety of Church sources--the way the authors weave personal experiences with the techniques made those techniques more memorable. They showed that the techniques actually work.
February 2, 2024
This book was awesome! A self help book for anyone trying to learn how to come closer to Christ. There were some amazing gems in this book. One that I specifically loved talked about the young man who wanted to change but couldn’t. The bishop asked him about his spiritual standings and what he was doing to build them. The young man talked about his inconsistencies in reading, praying and attendance in church. The bishop then used this as an analogy to sports which helped the young man, and me, to better understand the importance of this.
September 21, 2022
I use ratings to decide which books I am going to buy, and I recently decided I am partially
responsible for inflating the ratings on books. Either they were 5 star or 1 star. I decided to use
the star rating more objectively as follows:
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish
responsible for inflating the ratings on books. Either they were 5 star or 1 star. I decided to use
the star rating more objectively as follows:
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish
December 27, 2021
I good shotgun-approach to teaching in the church. Covers all the major talking points concerning preparing and teaching classes, all the areas of 'teaching' in gospel life, and overall attitude toward teaching/learning/loving. I was hoping to be a little more wow'd with insight, but this is supposed to be more comprehensive shallow, rather than deep insightful.
March 2, 2022
As a teacher and a learner, I enjoyed this book. It covers key aspects of teaching the gospel. It focuses on skills and principles. The last three chapters or so were a pleasant surprise as it covered building culture in your home and principles of learning. A very well rounded book and a great resource for a teacher new or seasoned!
June 16, 2024
I’ve been working on this one for awhile just picking it up here and there when I had a little time. I’m teaching seminary - scripture study with teens - and am always looking for ways to improve. We pretty much all teach in the church in some form at some time. This is an excellent book to help learn how to teach more powerfully of Jesus Christ. I’m looking forward to going back through it!
February 18, 2022
For anyone that is or will teach in their church calling, this is the book. This book should be used as a teaching manual for all those teaching in their calling. All the principles discussed in this book are backed up with scripture. Wonderful information.
April 11, 2022
This is a phenomenal book! As a new mom, I am so grateful for everything they wrote about to help me teach my daughter about the gospel and about life. AND it increased my desire to teach seminary even more! I love it! :)
June 13, 2022
Super good. Insights for anyone who is a teacher or learner - which is everyone. They share a lot of personal stories and great examples that help you see how to apply the principles they are talking about.
January 22, 2022
Great tips for being a stronger teacher spiritually.
January 21, 2022
This was a wonderful book! If you are a teacher or a parent you should really read this! I loved it!
February 7, 2022
Another great book by callisters.
February 12, 2022
Wish I could give this book 10 ⭐️. Another powerful and impactful book from the Callisters.
June 27, 2022
Familiar truths. Love this book.
July 21, 2022
So good! I want to start it again right away, so I can more fully memorize the principles!
September 23, 2022
I loved how the Callisters used scriptures to back up the ideas and principles of being a great teacher.
November 27, 2022
Highly recommend. Great for leaders or those called to teach or students in classes so that covers everyone.
January 5, 2023
This was a life changing book. I listened to it and then bought a hard copy for further study, note taking and review. The concepts are practical and inspiring. I loved it!
November 4, 2025
Great ideas. There are lots of stories to illustrate the principles.
January 21, 2025
Full of practical examples that were really helpful. Great help with step by steps for creating lessons
September 25, 2024
Loved the practical ideas not only teaching in church but at home!
March 16, 2024
Recommended by husband. A great read. The Callisters use their own great teaching to teach how to teach. I felt like some of the chapters were a little more applicable to me than others but here were some of my takeaways:
-Read the assigned scripture block and write down your own insights and thoughts BEFORE reading the lesson material
-Of all we teach, the doctrine of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is most important
-Address your message to the youngest in the room
-Principles are the higher law- rules the lesser law. Use principles whenever we can to maximize the agency and growth of our children. But if they cannot handle principles then we implement the fewest rules necessary until they become more spiritually mature.
-“Don’t answer a behavioral question with a behavioral answer. It is better to give an answer based on a principle, or even better, with a doctrinal answer if you can. Then your teaching will endure.” -President Nelson
-Keep high expectations for your children
-When teaching in a classroom, don’t put the aisle in the center of the room
-Teach young children one-on-one how to do daily personal prayer
-Generosity is not measured by how much we give- but rather by what we have left after we give
-One cannot play defense alone and expect to beat Satan. Parents need to help their children take the spiritual offense.
-We become the things that we habitually love and admire
-If we put nothing into our class learning and family discussions we are unlikely to get much out of them
-Read the assigned scripture block and write down your own insights and thoughts BEFORE reading the lesson material
-Of all we teach, the doctrine of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is most important
-Address your message to the youngest in the room
-Principles are the higher law- rules the lesser law. Use principles whenever we can to maximize the agency and growth of our children. But if they cannot handle principles then we implement the fewest rules necessary until they become more spiritually mature.
-“Don’t answer a behavioral question with a behavioral answer. It is better to give an answer based on a principle, or even better, with a doctrinal answer if you can. Then your teaching will endure.” -President Nelson
-Keep high expectations for your children
-When teaching in a classroom, don’t put the aisle in the center of the room
-Teach young children one-on-one how to do daily personal prayer
-Generosity is not measured by how much we give- but rather by what we have left after we give
-One cannot play defense alone and expect to beat Satan. Parents need to help their children take the spiritual offense.
-We become the things that we habitually love and admire
-If we put nothing into our class learning and family discussions we are unlikely to get much out of them
September 11, 2022
I loved reading this book again...and taking notes this time. I am anxious to read it again.
April 3, 2022: I was so excited to buy this book and read it. What a treasure!!! I was truly AMAZED at the number of so many new things I learned. It was actually quite humbling considering the fact that I am a retired educator and that I have had NUMEROUS teacher/leader callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the years, starting when I was a 14 or 15 year old young girl.
April 3, 2022: I was so excited to buy this book and read it. What a treasure!!! I was truly AMAZED at the number of so many new things I learned. It was actually quite humbling considering the fact that I am a retired educator and that I have had NUMEROUS teacher/leader callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the years, starting when I was a 14 or 15 year old young girl.
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