 |
| With two of my beautiful daughters |
For quite sometime (not sure why I've waited so long?) I've been wanting to share with anyone interested the audio from my BYU presentation and a little slide show I put together after the conference, with some notes to go along with it. I'm doing this for two reasons, 1) To journal my presentation so I have a record of what I taught, and 2) In hopes that it might be instructive to those who want to learn how to share the gospel online and hear my personal story.
There are a few standout lessons that came to me (very personal) as a result of having the experience of being invited to speak at BYU Women's Conference and that I hope to share, someday. But for now, I'll keep those to myself. (Although you'll get a hint of what I'm referring to in the audio of my presentation.)
Social Media:The Lord's Power Tool
Slide Presentation: Social Media: The Lord's Power Tool
Social Media: The Lord's Power Tool - Created with Haiku Deck, presentation software that inspires
(You can download slide show and access my notes here: https://www.haikudeck.com/social-media-the-lords-power-tool-education-presentation-icyB42RxMU#)
I tend to be one who when given specific counsel with a promise, according to personal obedience, enjoys claiming it. That was my experience in accepting, preparing and then finally presenting at Women's Conference -- stress and all! And I would be a liar if I said it wasn't a very intimidating experience. As opinionated and passionate as I am about the gospel, and love teaching it, I am not a seeker of the limelight, at all.
Since Women's Conference, members have had more training from LDS leaders on social media and use of the Internet when Elder David A. Bednar gave a landmark address during the 2014 Education Week. I was fortunate (or rather blessed) to be in attendance during that devotional and to feel the power of the Spirit testify to me of the importance of this modern technology to "sweep the earth as with a flood" with the gospel of Jesus Christ -- and my part in that great movement. (And yours, too) Such an exciting time to be alive!
For a multi-stake training I was asked to do, I put together this slideshow to highlight specific points of Elder Bednar's address:
Slide Presentation: To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood
(Presented at a multi-stake social media training in Southern California)
(Presented at a multi-stake social media training in Southern California)
(You can download slide show and access my notes here: https://www.haikudeck.com/to-sweep-the-earth-as-with-a-flood-inspiration-presentation-cjs9bnCYz6#)
And because I didn't get my little slideshow published prior to Elder Bednar's address, it has given me the opportunity to update my social media presentation with some of his counsel that I shared in the above training -- good news for all of us. I was compelled to do this because I have been invited to give a workshop on social media for my own stake Women's Conference and needed to combine the two sources for a complete presentation -- a perfect opportunity to bring it all together!
Slide Presentation: Using Social Media to Spread the Gospel
(Presented at the Murrieta Stake Women's Conference, February 28, 2015)
(Presented at the Murrieta Stake Women's Conference, February 28, 2015)
Spreading the Gospel Through Social Media - Created with Haiku Deck, presentation software that inspires
(You can download slide show and access my notes here:https://www.haikudeck.com/spreading-the-gospel-through-social-media-education-presentation-J5T36X0Zc4)
tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
Note: I apologize for the formatting below. I will see what I can do to fix this ASAP. Thanks.
Some of the Best Resources for Sharing the Gospel Online:
Elder David A Bednar: To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood Video and text: https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/to-sweep-the-earth-as-with-a-flood?lang=eng
Hastening the Work website:
LDS.ORG: HASTENING THE WORK OF SALVATION
List of Official SOCIAL MEDIA Accounts for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
Using Media for Sharing the Gospel
PDFs and Free Ebooks: https://www.lds.org/media-library/ebooks?lang=eng
MORMON NEWSROOM: http://mormonnewsroom.org
My ‘go-to’ LDS news source for what’s happening in the Church, official positions of the Church, and excellent commentary on a variety of topics: social, political and doctrinal.
See: Church Has Strong Presence on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter
AN INTRODUCTION TO RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
HELPFUL VIDEOS TO HELP YOU CATCH THE VISION OF ONLINE MISSIONARY WORK:
Special Broadcast: The Work of Salvation
"Ward and stake council members, their spouses, full-time missionaries, and other interested Church members gather to learn from prophets and apostles how to better participate in the work of salvation. In a special broadcast, President Thomas S. Monson and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles share messages about how each of us can see ourselves in the work."
Mormon Channel Video: Sharing Your Faith Online
“This clip features a discussion with Elisa Scharton, Ron Wilson and Lyman Kirkland about how the Church is working to create content [a.k.a. social media) that's shareable on sites such as Mormon.org, Mormon Newsroom and others.”
Source: http://youtu.be/G7dTmsuuRT0
Video: Spencer W. Kimball: Go Ye Into All the World (Referenced in my Women’s Conference presentation — a must watch!)
Also the text, slightly different, of this same prophetic, regional presentation he gave shortly after surprisingly found himself Prophet of the Church: https://www.lds.org/ensign/1974/10/when-the-world-will-be-converted?lang=eng
Video: Elder Russell M. Ballard: Be Still, and Know that I Am
Video: Elder Tad R. Callister: What is the Blueprint of Christ’s Church
Create a Mormon.org Profile: Your personal URL is the new online pass-along ‘card’ to invite investigators to ‘come and see’: http://www.mormon.org/create
Chat with Mormon Missionaries link: http://www.mormon.org/chat
Meet With the Missionaries: (Set up appointment to meet with local missionaries) http://www.mormon.org/missionaries
Resources on my personal blog: A Well-Behaved Mormon Woman
Helpful Talks and Commentary: Engaging With Those Who Want to Debate or Advocate Their Interpretation of Facts
Role of Women in the Latter-days:
Books I Recommend:
Preach My Gospel: https://www.lds.org/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service?lang=eng
Request Free Book of Mormon link: http://www.mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon
The Power of Everyday Missionaries: Clayton M. Christensen
Website: http://www.everydaymissionaries.org/
Clay Christensen: “A while ago my friends and I decided to search the Doctrine and Covenants for blessings that the Lord promised to those who accept the call that God has given each of us to be missionaries. Some of the promises the Lord has made to those he calls to preach the gospel relate to the power and strength they will receive as they do so:"
• None shall stay you (1:5).
• You shall receive strength such as is not known among men (24:12).
• I myself will go with you and be in your midst. Nothing shall prevail against you (32:3).
• Power shall rest upon you. I will be with you, and go before your face (39:12).
• Your enemies will not have power over you (44:5).
• The Lord will stand by you (68:6).
• No weapon formed against you shall prosper (71:9).
• I will uphold you (93:51).
• The gates of hell shall not prevail against you (17:8).
• You shall have power to declare my word (99:2).
• Your tongue shall be loosed, and you will have the power of God unto the convincing of men (11:21).
• Your mouth shall be filled and you shall become even as Nephi of old (33:8).
• You will not be confounded. It shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man (84:85; 100: 5)
• Your words shall be scripture; shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, and shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation (68:4).
• Your arm will be God's arm. He will be your shield and buckler; He will gird up your loins; and put your enemies under your feet (35:14).
Other blessings the Lord has promised to those who share the gospel relate to personal purity and increased faith:
• You shall stand blameless before God (4:2).
• You shall be lifted up at the last day (17:8).
• You will be given a testimony of the words of the prophets (21:9).
• You shall have revelations (28:8).
• Your sins will be forgiven (31:5; 36:1; 60:7; 62:3; 84:61).
• You shall have great faith. (39:12).
• You will be able to keep God's laws (44:5).
• The Lord will make you holy (60:7).
Still other blessings for those who engage in missionary work pertain to happiness, health and prosperity:
• You shall have blessings greater than the treasures of earth (19:37-38).
• Your back shall be laden with sheaves (31:5; 33:9).
• I will take care of your flocks (88:72).
• Your family shall live (31:5).
• The Lord will prepare a place for your family (31:6); will provide for them; and open an effectual door for them from henceforth (118:3).
• You shall not be weary in mind, ... neither in body, limb nor joint ... and you shall not go hungry, neither athirst (84:80)
• A hair from your head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed (84:80, 116).
• Your joy shall be great (18:14-15).
• I will bear you up as on eagles' wings; and you shall beget glory and honor to yourself and unto the Lord's name (124:18).
And perhaps most extraordinary of all, He has promised to fill us and our work with the Holy Ghost:
• I will send upon you the Comforter, which shall teach you the truth and the way whither you shall go (79:2).
• The Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record of all things, whatsoever ye shall say (100:8).
• I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left; my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. (84:88).
Source: http://devotional.byuh.edu/media110419
Speech given at Brigham Young University-Hawaii
April 19, 2011
Clayton Christensen
Professor, Harvard Business School
Some of my personal thoughts about using social media to share the gospel -- coupled with what other have shared with me:
Positive communication and interactions with others online demands mutual respect. We may not always agree with each other’s perspective, opinions and/or beliefs, but we must respect the other person’s space to hold these differences and share them publicly -- and we expect the same courtesy in return.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the very gate to man’s eternal freedom and happiness. It is the “Way” by which we can be reconciled with our God and return back into His presence—not alone, but with our families; forever! It is the hope by which we have faith that we will see loved one’s now parted from this life, with a surety that all will rise from the dead -- and live again!
Because of limited time, Mormons tend to interact with members almost exclusively and so we need to actively LOOK for ways to share the gospel with others. One way to widen our circle of friends is through social networking. In this way we can increase the opportunities for having these gospel related conversations with those not of our faith.
What interests do you enjoy not necessarily church relate, such as reading, traveling, photography, writing, interior design, fashion and beauty, cooking, health and fitness, hiking, painting, parenting, sewing, crafts, camping, etc. There are online groups you can join to help you connect with others who share these same passions — Google it!
1-The Church needs you! Every one can make a difference, no matter how "tech savvy" you think you are - or not.
2-Don't be overwhelmed. Take one small step at a time. If you don't understand social networks, talk to your kids, grandkids, or someone in your ward. Resources are available.
3-You decide how overtly religious you want to be in sharing the Gospel. Make it a matter of prayer. Seek the guidance of the Spirit. Some people are very comfortable being direct, while others prefer to be more subdued and take a different cadence. Again, take it at your pace, but doing a little something is better than nothing at all.
4-The Church provides a lot of good content. But so do volunteers who create memes, videos, and other shareable content. Share content and express yourself in a way that you feel comfortable.
5-Create your own content (if you want). Just because the Church produces it doesn't mean that is all you can share. Be anxiously engaged (D&C 58:27) and the Lord will bless you and your efforts.
MOST IMPORTANT: Do something! If even 10% of members got involved and shared one piece of content, our numbers would blow up. The Church is getting less “prescriptive” so create content you enjoy sharing.
It is no coincidence that FamilySearch and other tools have come forth at a time when young people are so familiar with a wide range of information and communication technologies. Your fingers have been trained to text and tweet to accelerate and advance the work of the Lord—not just to communicate quickly with your friends.
Kathryn, Wow, this is a gold mine of inspiration, motivation, and resources to share the gospel online. Thank you for gathering and sharing all of this. I spoke at BYU Women's Conference just two days ago about being wise in using social media. I wish I would have attended last year and seen your presentation. God bless you and your missionary efforts!
ReplyDelete