New Study Analyzes Mormon Volunteerism
Filed under: Discipleship: Following in the Savior's Footsteps, Service
A University of Pennsylvania professor, with a team of researchers, has released a new study that shows Mormons volunteer more and give more to charity than do other Americans. The study was done by Ram Cnaan, who is the Associate Dean for Research, Professor, and Chair of the Doctoral Program in Social Welfare and the Director of the Program for Religion and Social Policy Research at the University of Pennsylvania. Professor Cnaan is a highly respected expert on the subject of faith-based social services and the author of a forthcoming book on the role of churches in helping urban Philadelphia.
Becoming a Disciple of Jesus Christ
Filed under: Basic Beliefs of Mormons, Becoming More Christlike, Book of Mormon, Book of Mormon, D & C, Pearl of Great Price, Discipleship: Following in the Savior's Footsteps, Doctrine & Covenants, Finding Happiness, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon, Service
A church near my house has a sign saying their sermon for this week is “From Volunteer to Disciple.” Since Mormon beliefs say that the Church should be a lay church, that topic caught my attention. Mormons need a lot of people to do all the work that needs doing, especially since we’re all volunteers with other jobs and responsibilities. That means pretty much everyone has at least one “calling,” which is how we refer to our volunteer jobs.
Although we’re volunteers, in that we don’t get paid, we don’t actually volunteer for the jobs in most cases. Leaders pray about whom to invite to take the jobs. Of course, we’re free to refuse, but most of us don’t unless there is a really good reason because we know that God has a good reason for wanting us to do a calling, even if it might be outside our comfort zone. I’ve often found myself accepting callings I felt unqualified to carry out, only to discover I am capable of so much more than I ever gave myself credit for. Callings are one way to help us become everything God planned for us to be. Read more
God’s Diversity of Gifts
Filed under: Doctrine & Covenants, Finding joy within the gospel, Gospel Principles, Practices & Precepts, LDS Practices, Men, Men & Priesthood, Priesthood, Priesthood, Self-Worth, Service, Uncategorized, Women
Mormon scriptures teach that every person God creates is given gifts, talents, traits, and experiences from Him, to be used to help others, as well as to bless our own lives. They are His gifts to us. What we choose to do with them is our gift to God. It does no good, for instance, to be given a gift to teach powerful spiritual messages if we refuse to learn about Jesus or turn down an opportunity to teach Sunday School.
11 For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby. (See Doctrine and Covenants 46: 11-12.) Read more
Let Us Be Men
Filed under: Becoming More Christlike, Finding Happiness, Men, Men & Priesthood, Service
The term “real men” is a popular one to bounce around, but the definition of a real man varies from culture to culture, even in the same country. Too many people equate true manhood with being rough and tough, liking freedom, doing as he pleases, and even being immoral. The Mormons have a different idea of what true manhood means.
Why Mormons Have Callings
Filed under: Discipleship: Following in the Savior's Footsteps, Service
Because the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose members are sometimes called Mormons, is a lay church, everyone is asked to help with the work to be done. Each willing member is given at least one calling. A calling is often referred to as a ministry in other religions. Read more
Can I Make a Difference?
Sometimes, when a caring person looks around and sees how much need there is in the world, he can become discouraged. It might seem like it’s hardly worth helping, when your help would barely even touch the hardship the world is facing. A person who can afford to give only three cans of soup to a food bank might wonder if those three cans could make any difference at all when so many are hungry.
Helping the Unemployed on a Personal Level
With so many people struggling financially, it may seem overwhelming to think of how to help. There are people who are in financial trouble who have never struggled in the past and others who have experienced poverty all their lives. What is the best way to give so you can make a real difference?
Fulfilling the Purpose of Relief Society
Filed under: Discussion of General Relief Society Meetings, Finding Your Place in Relief Society, Service
There is one word used by Julie B. Beck, General Relief Society President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nicknamed Mormons), in reference to how women of this Church might fulfill their purpose in this worldwide organization: revelation.
The Power of Women to Create
Filed under: Discussion of General Relief Society Meetings, Self-Worth, Service
In the recent General Women’s Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nicknamed the Mormon Church), there seemed to be a specific theme that ran throughout most of the talks.
Have I Done Any Good In the World Today?
Filed under: Becoming More Christlike, Blessings, Humility, Obedience, Peace, Service
I’ve been thinking today, of a favorite hymn. I like it partly because of its upbeat melody, and partly because of its message. This song provides an interesting way to look at a disciple’s role in service and helping our fellow man. I appreciate its straightforward reminders of the things that matter most, reminders of how to obtain these goals, and the cheerful manner in which the message is delivered. Service doesn’t seem like such drudgery, but a privilege and a joy.
Like Us? Follow Us
