Sunday'S Broadcast Will "Cement President Monson'S Place As The Missionary Prophet"

[cinepro]

Frankly, when it comes to Missionary work, I suspect the "Meeting of the Century" was last fall when President Monson announced the lower ages for serving.

Most of the suggested ideas in this thread could be implemented with a policy change that most members would hardly notice or care about. To that point, almost any policy change can be implemented without rallying the troops (and cutting west coast meeting times short by an hour).

So either Nehor is right and we'll all scratch our heads when it's over and say "That was the meeting of the century?" or it will be something we haven't imagined yet.

[rockpond]

Frankly, when it comes to Missionary work, I suspect the "Meeting of the Century" was last fall when President Monson announced the lower ages for serving.

Most of the suggested ideas in this thread could be implemented with a policy change that most members would hardly notice or care about. To that point, almost any policy change can be implemented without rallying the troops (and cutting west coast meeting times short by an hour).

So either Nehor is right and we'll all scratch our heads when it's over and say "That was the meeting of the century?" or it will be something we haven't imagined yet.

You could be right... But, I think that a big launch of JustServe.org and a change to missionaries doing service everyday is worth rallying the troops. Those missionaries are gonna need help finding the service opportunities. And JustServe.org needs to be promoted to that it gets populated and becomes useful.

Maybe it's just my wishful thinking.

[Avatar4321]

Could this simply be a historic meeting because the General membership (and essentially anyone who has BYU TV) can see it?

[Avatar4321]

Listen to this talk given by Lee Donaldson of the Missionary dept. he talks about this meeting on sunday, calling it the "meeting of the century" I think social media and the use thereof is the big thing

http://svu.edu/speec...3/lee-donaldson

Finally got around to watching that. I loved it. I wish it was more than just audio though.

I love the "Im a mormon. Ask me" tshirt idea.

[LordUther]

I have heard a rumour that they will be getting rid of DL's, ZL's & AP's and instead will have a mission council that will involve Sisters...but it is just a rumour I found OL...can't remember where.

[halconero]

I have heard a rumour that they will be getting rid of DL's, ZL's & AP's and instead will have a mission council that will involve Sisters...but it is just a rumour I found OL...can't remember where.

Are you thinking of Mission Leadership Council replacing Zone Leader Council? That already happened. They aren't replacing or getting rid of the old leadership positions, just including the sisters.

Oh, and for anyone interested, I was visiting my mission last week and had dinner with the mission president. Had a great opportunity to see the iPads and iPhones one of the districts there was testing out. Cool functions, cool capabilities.

[rongo]

So either Nehor is right and we'll all scratch our heads when it's over and say "That was the meeting of the century?" or it will be something we haven't imagined yet.

It's possible that "the big four" (or a combination from the "big four") will be announced as being opened (China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan). Elder Sorenson (emeritus) and Elder Oaks have talked about them a lot over the years, and how these four areas alone will require 150,000 missionaries. We're not very far from having missionaries in China (the Church already agreed that all tithing would stay in China and not be transmitted to the U.S. ---- per Elder Oaks), the ChiComs trust the Church due to our openness with them, and the remaining sticking point for us is their penchant for insisting on choosing Catholic bishops ---- obviously unacceptable to us. But, I think we're close. Pakistan is not as crazy as it sounds ---- extremist anti-American violence is a concern, but I taught several sharp Pakistani graduate students in Germany (media referrals, great investigators). When the Church gets into Pakistan, I expect it to do really well. India and Indonesia already have limited missionaries; perhaps the shackles are coming off and they will be able to approach people?

[LordUther]

Are you thinking of Mission Leadership Council replacing Zone Leader Council? That already happened. They aren't replacing or getting rid of the old leadership positions, just including the sisters.

Possibly, I'm a less active member (been away for about 15 years) possibly coming back into fellowship, so not totally aware of everything that is new...so much has changed. lol

[Judd]

It's possible that "the big four" (or a combination from the "big four") will be announced as being opened (China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan). Elder Sorenson (emeritus) and Elder Oaks have talked about them a lot over the years, and how these four areas alone will require 150,000 missionaries. We're not very far from having missionaries in China (the Church already agreed that all tithing would stay in China and not be transmitted to the U.S. ---- per Elder Oaks), the ChiComs trust the Church due to our openness with them, and the remaining sticking point for us is their penchant for insisting on choosing Catholic bishops ---- obviously unacceptable to us. But, I think we're close. Pakistan is not as crazy as it sounds ---- extremist anti-American violence is a concern, but I taught several sharp Pakistani graduate students in Germany (media referrals, great investigators). When the Church gets into Pakistan, I expect it to do really well. India and Indonesia already have limited missionaries; perhaps the shackles are coming off and they will be able to approach people?

The church is already in India and Pakistan. Pakistan is part of one of the Indian missions, but only Pakistani missionaries can serve there. The church doesn't publish much about the church in Pakistan, but they have enough membership to send youth on missions. They can only teach Christians. India, I believe, has two missions. The church is also in Indonesia and sends missionaries there. The reason Ekder Oaks had spoken a lot about these countries is because he's over Asia.

As far as China, I really don't see that any time soon. My in-laws are over there and they have security officers that watch them as they leave church to make sure there are no Chinese nationals meeting with foreigners.

[rockpond]

It's possible that "the big four" (or a combination from the "big four") will be announced as being opened (China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan). Elder Sorenson (emeritus) and Elder Oaks have talked about them a lot over the years, and how these four areas alone will require 150,000 missionaries. We're not very far from having missionaries in China (the Church already agreed that all tithing would stay in China and not be transmitted to the U.S. ---- per Elder Oaks), the ChiComs trust the Church due to our openness with them, and the remaining sticking point for us is their penchant for insisting on choosing Catholic bishops ---- obviously unacceptable to us. But, I think we're close. Pakistan is not as crazy as it sounds ---- extremist anti-American violence is a concern, but I taught several sharp Pakistani graduate students in Germany (media referrals, great investigators). When the Church gets into Pakistan, I expect it to do really well. India and Indonesia already have limited missionaries; perhaps the shackles are coming off and they will be able to approach people?

I'd love to see any of the "big four" opened to missionary work but I'm not sure why such an announcement would require the attendance of ward/stake council members as opposed to general membership.

Also, wouldn't that type of announcement need to come earlier than one week prior to shipping out mission presidents?

I guess it's possible. And would be wonderful.

I'm just looking for announcements that would have a missionary theme and also require some form of participation from ward and stake leadership.

[rameumptom]

I'm thinking that the 144,000 high priests are going to be called to serve on missions....

Seriously, I think there may be some form of restructuring of the missionary work on the stake and ward levels, as it doesn't seem that the current process is really working any better than previous attempts. Perhaps a push for more local ward missionary couples to work on reactivation, service, etc., while the FTMs focus on new converts? Or, allowing many FTMs to serve in their own areas, and have them stay at home with a companion from elsewhere?

[Muc'ul Ajwalil]

I am thinking that the meeting will have a lot of technology and there will be some reforms on missionary work as well as other aspects of the work of salvation.

My father in law (ex Area Authority and current counselor in a mission here in Mexico) says that there are FIVE aspects of the work of salvation. One is activation, another, retention, another, missionary work, another, temple work, and the last, the teaching of sound doctrine.

With the recent technological advances and the fact that the FP and Q12A have official Facebook and Google+ pages, I suspect the meeting will have these objects behind the new surge in technology. It isn't every day when a General Authority much less the entire Quorum of the Twelve and the First Presidency makes themselves potentially visible to up to 500 million and more people. I am excited for the meeting.

[Muc'ul Ajwalil]

Read the paragraph again. We have already been told that Packer (not Packard) is speaking, along with Perry and Nelson. The current seniority is Monson, Packer, Perry, Nelson, Oaks, Ballard, Scott .... so forth. My point was that, if the additional "apostle" mentioned by Brother Donaldson turns out to be Elder Oaks, then we would have the top 5 apostles by seniority, not just the currently-known top 4.

Whoever else speaks is really a small issue. My point was that, by having (at least) the top 4 apostles in seniority speak, the meeting is set up to have person witnesses born of whatever change(s) will be instituted by the men who will likely be prophet for the next decade or two. Such a personal witness is important for big changes. Therefore, the fact that these senior apostles are all speaking, leads me to conclude that it is more likely that a significant change could be announced in the June 23 meeting. That is all.

That is a very valid point. I had not thought of it like that before. Though honestly, I don't see President Packer outliving President Monson. But then again, he seems to be like President Kimball, apparently frail, but still with a powerful voice.

[Muc'ul Ajwalil]

It's possible that "the big four" (or a combination from the "big four") will be announced as being opened (China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan). Elder Sorenson (emeritus) and Elder Oaks have talked about them a lot over the years, and how these four areas alone will require 150,000 missionaries. We're not very far from having missionaries in China (the Church already agreed that all tithing would stay in China and not be transmitted to the U.S. ---- per Elder Oaks), the ChiComs trust the Church due to our openness with them, and the remaining sticking point for us is their penchant for insisting on choosing Catholic bishops ---- obviously unacceptable to us. But, I think we're close. Pakistan is not as crazy as it sounds ---- extremist anti-American violence is a concern, but I taught several sharp Pakistani graduate students in Germany (media referrals, great investigators). When the Church gets into Pakistan, I expect it to do really well. India and Indonesia already have limited missionaries; perhaps the shackles are coming off and they will be able to approach people?

China won't be opened at this meeting IMO. India has been opened and has a stake and six districts and around 11000 members. Pakistan has three districts and around 3000 members, but they only preach non Muslims (and they cannot trash Islam during their missions). Had a friend who was in Indonesia who may or may not have had similar restrictions. There are about 7000 members there, in two stakes and a district. China has five international districts plus an unknown number of native districts. Membership there is estimated at around 10000.

[Stone holm]

I am thinking that it will interfere with my Sunday nap.

[toon]

My guess is that they'll be announcing new, updated pass-along cards..

[toon]

Rockpond, I can't think of a better way to attract converts than with service. I'd love to see us go in many of the places that need it, we just aren't doing enough yet, though I know we're trying. I think that's all our HF wants is to feed and love his sheep, literally besides spiritually! As soon as my last child is out the door I'm gonna sign up! I won't proselyte though. Not that there's something wrong with it, just don't think I can change someone's mind when my mind isn't made up.

I can see calling more missionaries fo service-only missions, where proselytizing isn't even part of the mission. Service for service sake, rather than as ameans to attracting converts. After all, one of the Church's missions is caring for the poor and the needy.

[Avatar4321]

It's possible that "the big four" (or a combination from the "big four") will be announced as being opened (China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan). Elder Sorenson (emeritus) and Elder Oaks have talked about them a lot over the years, and how these four areas alone will require 150,000 missionaries. We're not very far from having missionaries in China (the Church already agreed that all tithing would stay in China and not be transmitted to the U.S. ---- per Elder Oaks), the ChiComs trust the Church due to our openness with them, and the remaining sticking point for us is their penchant for insisting on choosing Catholic bishops ---- obviously unacceptable to us. But, I think we're close. Pakistan is not as crazy as it sounds ---- extremist anti-American violence is a concern, but I taught several sharp Pakistani graduate students in Germany (media referrals, great investigators). When the Church gets into Pakistan, I expect it to do really well. India and Indonesia already have limited missionaries; perhaps the shackles are coming off and they will be able to approach people?

It's interesting that you mentioned Pakistan. When I was in my singles branch 8 years ago or so, we had a pakistani member. He indicated that there were more than we realized.

[cinepro]

My guess is that they'll be announcing new, updated pass-along cards..

This was the picture I had on my pass-along cards. It was a great conversation starter...

[Avatar4321]

I am thinking that it will interfere with my Sunday nap.

I think it may be worth it.

[rongo]

China won't be opened at this meeting IMO. India has been opened and has a stake and six districts and around 11000 members. Pakistan has three districts and around 3000 members, but they only preach non Muslims (and they cannot trash Islam during their missions). Had a friend who was in Indonesia who may or may not have had similar restrictions. There are about 7000 members there, in two stakes and a district. China has five international districts plus an unknown number of native districts. Membership there is estimated at around 10000.

I don't think China will be announced fully opened, either. I'm trying to think of things, though, that would warrant the hype of this meeting. I don't think (or, I hope) that it will just be many of the things mentioned in this thread (i.e., more donations, member missionary work, retention and activation, etc.). If you call special meetings and hype them like this and they just turn out to be "same ol', same ol'," it can have the effect of the boy who cried wolf. I also hope that we don't get treated to "vignettes," staged role-played ward council meetings, and shots of members of the seventy visiting members in Ecuador in their homes with manipulative music in the background.

[The Mean Farmer]

I can see it now, a grouping of LDS missionaries banded together as a psuedo Corp of Engineers.

Monday - Habitat for Humanity

Tuesday - Keep America Beautiful

Wednesday - Walk old ladies across the street

Thursday - Usher at the ball game

Friday - Temple worship

Saturday - Graffiti cover-up

Sunday - rest up!

etc...

[Stone holm]

I can see it now, a grouping of LDS missionaries banded together as a psuedo Corp of Engineers.

Monday - Habitat for Humanity

Tuesday - Keep America Beautiful

Wednesday - Walk old ladies across the street

Thursday - Usher at the ball game

Friday - Temple worship

Saturday - Graffiti cover-up

Sunday - rest up!

etc...

I can see it now, a grouping of LDS missionaries banded together as a psuedo Corp of Engineers.

Monday - Habitat for Humanity

Tuesday - Keep America Beautiful

Wednesday - Walk old ladies across the street

Thursday - Usher at the ball game

Friday - Temple worship

Saturday - Graffiti cover-up

Sunday - rest up!

etc...

Is this the LDS Peace Corps you are describing? This reminds me of the misunderstanding that Pres McKay had of what the Catholics meant by mission. You think we are going to migrate towards a Catholic sense of the term?

[tyler90az]

A new focus on internet missionary work for members. It really is an unexplored frontier for missionary work that is white and ready to be harvested. More success will come from the internet then door to door. That is just the day we live in, just look how many people meet their spouses online. The only problem is there really is no way for an aggressive church wide program to be implemented. As members we can post on forms, comment sections and other areas, doubt they will not have missionaries do that. That leaves the church to be passive in how they approach the internet, being present on social media and making websites. They should throw up as many websites they can about tall gospel topics. They do not have to be anything elaborate just something like this http://jesuschrist.lds.org/SonOfGod/eng/ . If you search Jesus Christ in google that website is second, that is impressive. No reason we can not be at the top of search engines for many more categories.

I am interested to watch the broadcast.

[Stone holm]

A new focus on internet missionary work for members. It really is an unexplored frontier for missionary work that is white and ready to be harvested. More success will come from the internet then door to door. That is just the day we live in, just look how many people meet their spouses online. The only problem is there really is no way for an aggressive church wide program to be implemented. As members we can post on forms, comment sections and other areas, doubt they will not have missionaries do that. That leaves the church to be passive in how they approach the internet, being present on social media and making websites. They should throw up as many websites they can about tall gospel topics. They do not have to be anything elaborate just something like this http://jesuschrist.l...g/SonOfGod/eng/ . If you search Jesus Christ in google that website is second, that is impressive. No reason we can not be at the top of search engines for many more categories.

I am interested to watch the broadcast.

What is a "tall gospel topic"?