Fellowshipping: This was something that I, sadly, used to think someone else will do it. I have had the wrong attitude towards fellowshipping. I need to be that someone who does it. Something that really brought this home to me was in these talks many talked about how this is a way to encourage others to come to church and to help investigators feel welcomed. We do not want people to not come to church because they feel rejected or uncomfortable. I need to make it a priority to introduce myself to someone I do not know or if I see someone new I want to make sure that I at least tell them where the next class is and offer to sit by them and get to know them.
“Abraham Lincoln, who said, 'If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend.' President Ezra Taft Benson urged: "Above all, be a genuine friend to the individuals and families you teach. … A friend makes more than a dutiful visit each month. A friend is more concerned about helping people than getting credit. A friend cares. A friend [shows love]. A friend listens, and a friend reaches out.”
Thomas S. Monson, True Shepherds, October 2013 Priesthood session.
Thomas S. Monson, True Shepherds, October 2013 Priesthood session.
"Brothers and sisters, we must ever keep in mind the time, effort, and other resources that missionaries and others spend to find and teach one of our Father’s children. Surely, every one of us ought to be alert, looking for ways to be of service to the newcomer. We might ask ourselves how the newcomers in our wards would be treated if we were the only ones they ever met. Every member of the Church should foster the attributes of warmth, sincerity, and love for the newcomers, as the missionaries are taught to do."
M. Russell Ballard, The Hand of Fellowship, October 1988 General Conference
M. Russell Ballard, The Hand of Fellowship, October 1988 General Conference
"I want to let you know that the fellowshipping you arranged for me led to my being baptized and confirmed a member of the Church. What a blessing this has been in my life,” she said, “and I thank you for your kindness.”
You can share your testimony in many ways—by the words you speak, by the example you set, by the manner in which you live your life."
Thomas S. Monson, Be Thou an Example, April 2005 General Conference
You can share your testimony in many ways—by the words you speak, by the example you set, by the manner in which you live your life."
Thomas S. Monson, Be Thou an Example, April 2005 General Conference
"Through the instruction of the missionaries and the subsequent fellowshipping of their good bishop and the ward members, this entire family emerged from spiritual darkness into gospel light and truth."
M. Russell Ballard, The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom, April 2002 General Conference
M. Russell Ballard, The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom, April 2002 General Conference
"look around you, seek out, and extend a warm hand of friendship to those less active and nonmembers. Invite them to participate with you. Become their friend, and you will make a difference and bless their lives for generations to come."
NED B. ROUECHÉ, Fellowshipping, April 1999 General Conference
NED B. ROUECHÉ, Fellowshipping, April 1999 General Conference
"the critical role of the ward council in fellowshipping every convert and activating those who are less active. As each member now knows, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are greatly concerned over the well-being of every new and less-active member of the Church. No ward or branch council should allow a new convert to feel insecure in his newly embraced Church membership. And yet there are still too many of them who do not feel warmly welcomed."
M. Russell Ballard, Are We Keeping Peace, October 1998 General Conference
M. Russell Ballard, Are We Keeping Peace, October 1998 General Conference
" our prophet has challenged us to reach out to welcome and fellowship new members and to reawaken the faith and fellowship of those who have strayed, we can gain strength from the example of the pioneers. The pioneer legacy is a legacy of inclusion. "
Dallin H. Oaks, Following The Pioneers, October 1997 General Conference
Dallin H. Oaks, Following The Pioneers, October 1997 General Conference
"Once in the kingdom of God, as a newly baptized member, we honor the restored priesthood. Honoring the priesthood and being obedient in living the commandments are important elements in the conversion process. Adult male members receive the Aaronic Priesthood soon after baptism. After a period of time, if worthy, they should receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, and each individual in the family shares the blessings of the priesthood in the home. Women are welcomed and enjoy the blessings of sisterhood in the Relief Society. Youth develop friendships as they associate in the Young Men and Young Women organizations. The children are blessed as they are taught and feel the love of caring teachers in the Primary."
Robert D. Hales, WHEN THOU ART CONVERTED, STRENGTHEN THY BRETHREN, April 1997 General Conference
Robert D. Hales, WHEN THOU ART CONVERTED, STRENGTHEN THY BRETHREN, April 1997 General Conference
"Fellowshipping of the investigator should begin well before baptism. The teachings of the missionaries often need the second witness of a new convert to the Church. It has been my experience that such a witness, borne from the heart of one who has undergone this mighty change himself, brings resolve and commitment.... Fellowshipping, friendshipping, and reactivating are ongoing in the daily life of a Latter-day Saint."
Thomas S. Monson, They Will Come, April 1997 General Conference
Thomas S. Monson, They Will Come, April 1997 General Conference
"In the Church we use the word fellowship to describe our efforts (1) to encourage less-active members to return to full activity and (2) to help new converts make the transition into the Church following baptism. I believe those meanings are valid, but to me the word fellowship has a much broader connotation. I believe we members do not have the option to extend the hand of fellowship only to relatives, close friends, certain Church members, and those selected nonmembers who express an interest in the Church. Limiting or withholding our fellowship seems to me to be contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Savior offered the effects of his atoning sacrifice to all mankind. He said, “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.” (D&C 18:10.) Can we justify doing less?"
M. Russell Ballard, The Hand Of Fellowship, October 1988 General Conference
M. Russell Ballard, The Hand Of Fellowship, October 1988 General Conference