“Class and Quorum Survival Guide,” For the Strength of Youth, Feb. 2023.
Class and Quorum Survival Guide
1. Becoming a Get-to-Know-You Pro
Try these suggestions to get to know people in your quorum or class!
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Be brave. If someone knocked on your door to get to know you, would you be annoyed? Probably not. So be brave. Try texting, calling, or knocking.
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Get their name stuck in your brain. Next time someone tells you their name, try to remember it. Does it rhyme with something? Do they have the same name as your cousin? Now don’t forget it!
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Choose your seat wisely. During class or an activity, try sitting next to someone you don’t know well. Say hi and introduce yourself. Then listen and learn about them! What do they like to do? How are they doing?
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Do something nice! What would you appreciate? A treat, a smile, a compliment? Turn it around and do it for someone else.
2. Helping Others Feel Welcome
If you look closely, you might notice someone in your quorum or class who has a hard time fitting in. Maybe they don’t come to activities or church very often, or maybe they just don’t have a lot of friends in the group. You can make a difference. You could:
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Invite them to church and weekly activities.
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Invite them to sit by you in Sunday classes or at an activity.
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Say hi to them outside of church.
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Make a point to love them for who they are. Make sure they know you’re there for them no matter what.
3. Getting Along with Others
Struggling to get along with some people in your quorum or class? It’s normal. But that doesn’t mean it’s good. Jesus Christ taught us to love others, just as He loves us. You don’t have to be everyone’s best friend. But you can be someone others in your group can count on for kindness, respect, and friendship.
When others aren’t nice to you: Jesus taught us to “love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you” (Matthew 5:44). It’s not always easy, but Heavenly Father will help you as you do your best to be kind.
When others are different from you: It’s OK if you have different interests or personalities. In fact, that can be a good thing (see Part 4). You don’t need to be perfectly alike to support each other. You might try attending someone’s game, concert, or activity to show you care.
4. The Body of Christ
The Apostle Paul taught that all of us make up the body of Christ. That might seem confusing, but He didn’t mean a literal body. He explains that we’re like parts of a body because we’re all different but all important to the whole (see 1 Corinthians 12:16–18). He said: “There should be no schism [disagreement] in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Corinthians 12:25–26).
As a member of a class or quorum, you have the responsibility to care for others in your group. Who is struggling? Who can you “suffer with” or “rejoice with”? Who needs to feel supported, included, and loved? (Hint: it’s probably everyone!)
Now, take a moment to decide one thing you can do for someone and make a plan to do it. Those ideas often come from the Holy Ghost.
5. For Quorum and Class Presidencies
Even though everyone has the responsibility to care for other members of the quorum or class, you have been called and set apart to do so. Personal revelation can help. Pray to know who is in need and what you can do. Then act on the promptings you receive.