Someone helped you join the church. Whether it was a friend, a missionary, or a ward member, there are people behind each conversion. Now that you’ve been helped to find the gospel, it’s your turn to be a missionary.
You may find yourself thinking, “I can’t do missionary work. I don’t know anything yet! How will I answer questions? What would I say?” You may feel your testimony isn’t ready to share.
People aren’t converted by clever or even accurate information. They aren’t converted by powerfully borne testimonies. People are converted by the spirit. All you have to do is to set up a situation in which the spirit can operate.
Your example is the very best missionary tool you have. As you demonstrate how the church is making your life better, your friends will notice. They’ll see the glow, observe the new confidence and peace you’re feeling, and see your happiness. When you make positive changes in your life, they will think to themselves, “Wow! This new church is really good for her!”
One thing I enjoy about having a church that keeps its members so busy is that it gives me many opportunities to drop the gospel into the conversation without sounding like I’m preaching. “Yesterday we worked at the bishop’s storehouse. That’s a place where people who need some help can get food. I was really impressed by what I saw.” Then you describe what the storehouse is like and how you felt about your work. Your friend has learned the church helps its members who need food and you didn’t give a sermon. You just held a conversation about your activities.
Speak of the church enthusiastically and positively. This will help your friends learn what’s good about the gospel. Invite them to join you for an activity you think they will like. Often service projects and socials interest people and don’t cause them to feel like you’re trying to convert them. They’re more comfortable getting started this way. When they come to an activity, they meet other church members and also see what the gospel is like. They will see the pictures of Jesus on the walls and know we are Christians. This positive association with the church can lead to an interest in the doctrines of the church.
When your friends ask questions, give them just the basic information in simple terms. If you don’t know the answer, say so and promise to find out for them. You don’t need to debate or argue. Just answer with simple faith and let the spirit do the rest.
The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.
