“Learning Experience 2: The Objective of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion,” New-Teacher Training Resource: A Teacher-Improvement Companion to the Gospel Teaching and Learning Handbook (2016)

“Learning Experience 2,” New-Teacher Training Resource

Learning Experience 2

The Objective of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion

Overview

This learning experience covers the following concepts:

Understanding the Objective of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion
Understanding your purpose as a teacher
Helping students become truly converted

Key Concepts

Understanding Your Purpose

To focus our efforts as we assist in the Lord’s work, teachers in S&I have been given a clear purpose. This purpose is called the Objective of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion. It is important that you develop a deep understanding of this purpose and how it can guide your daily work as a teacher.

What Is Our Purpose?

“Our purpose is to help youth and young adults understand and rely on the teachings and Atonement of Jesus Christ, qualify for the blessings of the temple, and prepare themselves, their families, and others for eternal life with their Father in Heaven” (Gospel Teaching and Learning: A Handbook for Teachers and Leaders in Seminaries and Institutes of Religion [2012], x).

Watch the video “Our Purpose” (1:32), available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. In this video, several teachers recite the purpose of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion.

After you watch the video, record your insights and impressions in a study journal or another place where you can refer to them and share them with your inservice leader or group.

Taking the Gospel Down into the Hearts of Students

During the seminary centennial broadcast in 2012, President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency shared some impressions about the origin and purposes of seminary.

Watch the video “A Foundation of Faith: 100 Years of Seminary” (7:36), an excerpt from President Eyring’s address, available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. As you watch, look for evidence of how seminary is helping the gospel to go down into the hearts of students.

After you watch the video, record your insights and impressions in a study journal or another place where you can refer to them and share them with your inservice leader or group.

Gospel Teaching and Learning Handbook Activity

Image

handbook cover

Read section 1.1 (“Our Purpose”) on pages 1–2 of the Gospel Teaching and Learning handbook. Underline words and phrases that help you understand your purpose as a teacher in Seminaries and Institutes of Religion.

After you complete the reading, record your insights and impressions in a study journal or another place where you can refer to them and share them with your inservice leader or group.

Summary and Application

Principles to Remember

A clear understanding of the Objective of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion will guide us in our daily work as teachers.
Effective teaching can help the gospel go deep into students’ hearts.
Our aim must be to help our students experience true conversion to the gospel.

Image
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

“As we teach our young people to love the Savior Jesus Christ, they will become true disciples of the Master. This process will prepare them to become … leaders of eternal families. The temple will become a natural and important part of their lives. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “A Teacher of God’s Children” [evening with a General Authority, Jan. 28, 2011], 5).

“Therefore, What?”

To conclude this learning experience, write down some things you will do based on the principles you have learned today.