Since President Nelson announced the end of home and visiting teaching, Church members have been asked to thoughtfully and prayerfully serve their brothers and sisters by ministering to them. This holier approach is designed to bring ward members closer and to help them be in tune with what their assigned families need.
This change has come with a learning curve. Instead of visiting in the home once a month, ward members are trying to find how to best serve their brothers and sisters in other ways.
It can be difficult trying to figure out exactly how to minister to your assigned families. LDS Living recently posted the question “How would you like your ministering brothers/sisters to serve you?” on Instagramand Facebook, and the responses were insightful and inspiring. Here are a few of the ways real Latter-day Saints want (and don’t want) to be ministered to.
1. Introduce yourself and know who they are.
A surprising number of members commented that they didn’t know who was assigned to minister to them. If you haven’t, reach out to your families. It will be appreciated and you’ll build lasting friendships.
2. Help them study the scriptures.
One woman commented on Facebook that she has a difficult time studying the scriptures, even after being a member for years. Many people responded and had similar concerns. Creating a Book of Mormon study group could be a great way to help your brothers and sisters grow closer to each other and to Christ.
3. Pick them up for church.
One single sister wrote that she would appreciate someone picking her up for church. If your ministering sister is single or the only member in her family, ask her if she would like to go to church with you. Some people might like attending church alone, but no one should have to feel lonely there.
4. Be a friend.
No one enjoys feeling like they’re a check on someone’s to-do list. Multiple women commented that they just wanted genuine friendship from their ministering brothers and sisters.
5. Be mindful about leaving treats.
There were mixed comments about treats on the two posts. Some people love it, but there are some who don’t eat sugar or who have allergies. Get to know your families and be mindful of what you leave on their doorstep.
6. Just be there.
Many people commented that they just wanted to feel seen and loved. An email, text, or call is great, especially for people who don’t want or need formal visits. Let your sisters and families know you’re there for them.
7. Develop trust.
If you don’t develop trust with your sisters and families, they won’t reach out to you when they need help or need a friend.
8. Pray for them.
One Facebook user commented that she simply wants her ministering brothers and sisters to pray for her and her family every day. Praying for your families is a great way to help them in their everyday lives, and it will inspire you with ways to better serve their needs.
9. Schedule a visit.
While a scheduled visit isn’t required anymore, that might be exactly what your sisters or families want and need. However, some don’t love having a formal visit. If you’re not sure, ask! They’ll likely be happy to tell you.
10. Share meals or do activities together.
Ministering can be fun! One woman commented that she and her ministering sisters do a monthly brunch where they chat and eat food together. If you feel prompted to put together an activity, it could be a great way to get to know your sisters and families so you can better serve them.
11. Do the little things.
People frequently mentioned how the little things mean the most. Random text messages, an offer to babysit, or even lending a cup of sugar can show your ministering families how much you care for them.
12. Serve them.
The comments section was flooded with service requests and ideas. Help with kids, bringing meals, or even keeping a sister company while she cleans are great ways to serve. As you pray for and interact with your families, you’ll know how to serve them.
13. Interact on social media.
Leave thoughtful comments when your sisters or families post. This is a great way to keep in touch with them, even if your schedules are crazy and they’re hard to get ahold of.
14. Show them you love them.
Home and visiting teaching were hard for many people because they felt more like items on a to-do list than genuine friendships. Ministering helps us move from this mindset, and as we shift, it’s important to make sure our brothers and sisters feel our love and prayers for them.
15. Be aware of needs.
Instagram user @addylabbe shared a beautiful example of how her ministering brother helps her family. She commented, “My husband is not a member and I am. Our ministering brother and his wife go on a double date with us at least once a month. Because it is approached with no motive other than friendship it’s great. What started as an assignment has developed into a bond that’ll outlast any calling that could be given.”
Another sister commented that she would love for someone to learn sign language so their family could feel included. Be aware of specific needs when you’re thinking of ways to minister to your families.
16. Learn their love languages.
People feel loved and cared for in different ways. One sister might feel loved when she is served, and a hug might do more for someone else. Find out how your sisters and families feel love and minister to them accordingly.
17. Remember there isn’t one right way.
The Lord has given us a huge responsibility in the new ministering program. He knows we’re capable of serving and loving one another without scheduled visits and monthly reports. Be prayerful of what your families and sisters need, and the Lord will use you to help them.
Remember that there isn’t one right way to do things. One family might love an in-home visit while another is thrilled with a treat on the doorstep. A busy sister might appreciate a text or social media interaction while another might love to go to lunch. The bottom line is that everyone’s needs are different, and with the Lord’s guiding hand, we can effectively minister to our brothers and sisters.