Fifth Sunday · Missionary work
You Already Know How
A 10-minute opening lesson for the whole class, plus four standalone 5-minute talk tracks — one for each missionary style. Every section stands on its own, so a group leader can pick up a single page and teach it without hearing anything else.
Opening Lesson — You Already Know How
For the full class, before groups split up.
“Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.” — John 1:45–46
Open with the honest question
“Raise your hand if you have ever felt a nudge to invite someone to something — church, an activity, dinner, anything — and then talked yourself out of it before you said a word.”
“Look around. That is almost every hand in the room, and mine is up too. So let me tell you what today is not. Today is not about making you braver than you are, or louder than you are, or more like the person you think a missionary is supposed to be. Today is about showing you that the way you already are is exactly what somebody out there needs.”
Raise your own hand first and leave it up while you scan the room. Do not call on anyone. The point is for people to see each other.
The obstacle
“When most of us hear the words ‘missionary work,’ we picture one specific scene: a stranger, a doorstep, and a conversation we do not feel ready for. And because we cannot picture ourselves in that scene, we quietly decide that missionary work belongs to somebody else — the outgoing one, the one who knows the scriptures better, the nineteen-year-old with the name tag.”
“But go read the first chapter of John. The first people to share the gospel in the New Testament were not preaching to crowds. Andrew met the Savior, and the very first thing he did was go find his own brother, Simon, and bring him. Not a stranger. His brother. Then Philip went and found his friend Nathanael. And Nathanael pushed back — he actually said, ‘Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?’ Philip did not argue. He did not have a rehearsed answer. He said three words: ‘Come and see.’”
“That is the entire pattern. Someone you already know, an honest invitation, and no pressure attached. And listen to what the Lord says qualifies a person for this work: ‘If ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work.’ The qualification is desire. Nothing on that list has anything to do with how outgoing you are or how well you know the scriptures.”
- John 1:40–42 — Andrew brings his brother
- John 1:45–46 — “Come and see”
- Doctrine and Covenants 4:3 — desire qualifies you
40One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
John 1:45–46 (KJV) — “Come and see”45Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
Doctrine and Covenants 4:3, 5 — desire qualifies you3Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work; 5And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.
The pattern: Love · Share · Invite
“The Church has boiled this down to three words, and I love them because not one of them requires you to be someone you are not. Love. Share. Invite.”
“Love means caring about people the way the Savior does, with no agenda attached. Alma taught his sons to ‘show forth good examples… in patience and long-suffering.’ Loving someone is never the warm-up for the part that actually counts — it is already the whole errand. If nothing further ever happens, you still did the right thing.”
“Share means letting the gospel show up naturally in normal conversation. It does not have to be a lesson. One sentence about your actual life is plenty. ‘That hymn got me through a hard week.’ ‘I prayed about it and I felt calmer.’”
“Invite means actually asking, out loud, with an easy way out. ‘Would you like to come with me?’ followed by ‘and no worries either way.’ That second half is what makes the first half safe enough to say.”
“Alma said that ‘by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.’ And here is the part we tend to miss: you do not have to do all three. You do not have to do them in order, and you do not have to be equally good at them. The Lord placed different people in this ward with different strengths on purpose.”
Alma 17:11 · Alma 37:6 · Love, Share, Invite (churchofjesuschrist.org)
11And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.
Alma 37:6 — small and simple things6Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
Four styles, one purpose
“So we are going to find out which part comes naturally to you. There are four styles, and none of them is the advanced version.”
“A ward made entirely of Sparks would wear people out. A ward made entirely of Seeds would never quite say it out loud. And a Beacon is the reason a Spark’s invitation actually works — because the friend walks in and finds somebody who saved them a seat. We need all four, and we have all four sitting in this room right now.”
Take the quiz
“Take out your phone. Scan the code on the screen, or go to wardmission.org and tap ‘Personality Test.’ Eight questions, about two minutes. Pick the answer that feels most like you — not the answer you think you are supposed to pick. Nothing is collected, nothing is submitted, and there are no wrong answers.”
- Hold up the QR poster and leave it up the entire time.
- Pair anyone without a phone with a neighbor, or hand them a paper copy.
- Give a 30-second warning before you move on.
- If the room is running long, protect this beat — cut from the obstacle section instead.
Send them to groups, then testify
“Your result gives you a group name: Spark, Bridge, Beacon, or Seed. Find the sign with your group name and go sit there. Your group leader has a card for you and five minutes of ideas built for the way you actually work.”
“Before you go, one thing. I believe the Lord already knows who is waiting on you. He is not asking you to become a different person by next Sunday. He is asking you to be who you already are — on purpose, toward one person, this week. That is missionary work. Go find your group.”
Say the four group names slowly and point to each sign. Then stop talking and let the room move.
The Spark
You make the first move.
“And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.” — John 1:46
45Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
Welcome and what your style means
“Welcome to the Spark group. If you landed here, it means that when you feel something good, your instinct is to act on it. You are the person who says ‘come with me’ before you have finished working out the details. That instinct is a gift, and this ward needs it.”
“In John chapter one, Philip found his friend Nathanael and told him about Jesus. Nathanael was skeptical — he said, ‘Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?’ Philip did not argue and he did not defend. He said three words: ‘Come and see.’ That is a Spark. You do not need a better answer. You need an open door.”
Your superpower
“Read the front of your card: Your enthusiasm lowers the barrier for everyone else. Keep your invitations warm, clear, and easy to decline.”
“Here is what that actually means. When you invite somebody where other people can hear it, you hand everyone else permission. Half the people in this ward are waiting for someone to go first. You are that person — not because you are fearless, but because you move before the fear finishes its sentence.”
Your growth edge
“Now the honest part: Practice slowing down long enough to listen. Courage is most powerful when it is paired with curiosity.”
“The Spark’s risk is not fear. It is speed. You can invite someone so quickly that you never find out what they actually needed. So the discipline for you is the pause. Invite — and then stop talking. Let the silence belong to them.”
Six ways to share naturally
Go around the group. Each person reads one card aloud, then answers one question: “Would you actually say that — and what would you change to make it sound like you?” Keep it moving, roughly 15 seconds each.
Use the 10-second invitation
When a good thought comes, act before anxiety turns it into a committee meeting.
“I’m going Sunday. Want to sit with me?”
Offer one clear next step
Skip the long explanation. Name the event, the time, and what you will do together.
“We’re serving at 10. I can pick you up at 9:45.”
Ask, then listen
After inviting, pause. Let the other person respond without filling the silence.
“Would that interest you?”
Make ‘no’ safe
A relaxed response preserves trust and makes future conversations possible.
“No worries at all—I’m glad I asked.”
Bring a partner
Your courage plus a thoughtful companion makes a strong team.
“Will you come invite the Johnsons with me?”
Notice the quieter person
Use your confidence to include someone who might otherwise be overlooked.
“Come join us. I’ll introduce you around.”
One person, one step, one day
“Turn your card over and write three things: one name, one thing you will do, and the day you will do it. Sparks do their best work with a deadline, so put a date on it.”
- Text a friend an open invitation to sit with you at church.Invite · right now
- Invite a friend to an upcoming ward activity, and offer to arrive together.Invite · today
- Ask someone to help with a small act of service — you do not have to do it alone.Invite · right now
Close
“Nobody is asking you to convert anybody. Your whole assignment is to be the person who asks. Ask kindly, ask clearly, and make it easy to say no. Do that this week and you have done your part completely.”
The Bridge
You connect people through trust.
“He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias… And he brought him to Jesus.” — John 1:41–42
40One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
Welcome and what your style means
“Welcome to the Bridge group. You are here because you do not lead with an invitation — you lead with the person. You remember what somebody told you a month ago. You notice when a name stops coming up. And when you finally do invite someone, it lands, because they already knew you meant it long before you asked.”
“Andrew is your pattern. He spent one day with the Savior, and the first thing he did was go find his own brother Simon and bring him along. Bridges start with the people already in their life, and that is not playing small — it is how Peter got there at all.”
Your superpower
“Read your card: You notice people, remember what matters to them, and make invitations feel personal rather than promotional.”
“Nobody feels like a project around you. That is rarer than you think. It is also the reason a Bridge’s invitation almost never damages a friendship — because the friendship was never the price of admission.”
Your growth edge
“And the honest part: Do not wait for a friendship to feel perfect. A sincere, timely invitation can deepen trust rather than threaten it.”
“The Bridge’s temptation is to keep building forever, because the invitation feels like it might cost something you worked hard for. But most people are honored to be asked. Waiting can start to feel like the loving thing, when really it is just the comfortable thing. At some point, caring about someone means telling them what you have found.”
Six ways to share naturally
Read the cards one at a time around the circle. After each one, ask: “Who does this bring to mind?” People do not have to say the name out loud — but they should write it down.
Start with their world
Ask about what matters to them before deciding what invitation might fit.
“How has your family been doing lately?”
Connect the invitation
Explain why this particular experience made you think of them.
“You mentioned wanting more community, and this came to mind.”
Share a small why
A brief personal reason feels more natural than a speech.
“Church has helped me feel less alone this year.”
Use ordinary moments
Walks, meals, carpools, and texts often create better conversations than formal settings.
“Can I tell you something that helped me this week?”
Follow up as a friend
After any invitation, ask about their life — not just their answer.
“How did that appointment go?”
Set a gentle deadline
Choose one person and one day so relationship-building does not become endless waiting.
“I’m going to text Maya before Friday.”
One person, one step, one day
“Card six is your card. On the back, write one name, one thing you will do, and the day. The name is probably already in your head — it has been for a while. Write it anyway.”
- Check in with someone who has not been at church recently, with no agenda beyond caring.Love · today
- Learn one new thing about a person you usually only greet in passing.Love · today
- Ask someone if they would enjoy meeting the sisters or elders over a casual meal.Invite · today
Close
“You already have the relationships. You have put in years of work that most people never do. The only thing missing is one sentence. Pick one person and say it out loud this week.”
The Beacon
You create a safe place to belong.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Welcome and what your style means
“Welcome to the Beacon group. You are here because you tend to show what you believe long before you say it. You are the one who spots the need and quietly handles it, who saves a seat, who shows up with a meal nobody asked for. People experience the gospel through you before they have any words for it.”
“The Savior said, ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ Notice the second half of that verse. The light is meant to point somewhere beyond itself — people are supposed to end up looking past you and toward Him.”
Your superpower
“Read your card: Your steady example and practical service help people experience the gospel before they have words for it.”
“Consistency is your gift. Anybody can be impressive once. You are believable week after week, and that is exactly what makes somebody trust the Church enough to finally walk through the door. When a Spark invites a friend, you are the reason that friend stays.”
Your growth edge
“Here is the honest one for us: Do not make others guess why you serve. A simple sentence about your faith can turn a good deed into a meaningful witness.”
“If you never say why, people will admire you and miss the point entirely. They will decide you are just a nice person. One sentence is enough — you do not have to give a talk. ‘My faith is a big part of why I do this.’ That is the whole assignment.”
Six ways to share naturally
Read the cards around the circle. After card one, pause and have each person say their own version of that sentence out loud — in their own words, about their own faith. This is the most valuable 30 seconds in the Beacon group.
Name your motivation
Add one honest sentence that connects your service to what you believe.
“My faith teaches me that nobody should carry this alone.”
Be the welcome plan
Meet an invited guest at the door, sit with them, and explain what happens next.
“I’ll wait outside and we can walk in together.”
Support someone else’s invitation
Offer the ride, meal, introduction, or follow-up that helps another person be brave.
“You invite them; I’ll make sure they feel at home.”
Share what sustains you
When someone notices your steadiness, tell them where it comes from.
“Prayer has been helping me take this one day at a time.”
Serve side by side
Invite someone into meaningful service before inviting them into a meeting.
“Would you help us pack these kits Saturday?”
Let consistency do its work
Small, repeated kindness creates credibility. Keep showing up without measuring every result.
“I was thinking about you—how can I help this week?”
One person, one step, one day
“On the back of your card, write one name, one act of service, and the day. Then add one more line: the sentence you are going to say about why you did it. Do not skip that second line — it is the part we always leave out.”
- Do one useful task for a neighbor before they need to ask.Love · today
- Thank a ward member whose quiet service might otherwise go unnoticed.Love · right now
- Bring your companionship together for a small, anonymous act of service.Love · this week
Close
“You are already doing the hard part, and you have been doing it for years without being asked. This week, just add the words. Serve the way you always do — and then say one true sentence about where it comes from.”
The Seed
You take quiet, sincere steps.
“Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” — Alma 37:6
6Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
Alma 32:28 — the seed28Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.
Welcome and what your style means
“Welcome to the Seed group. You are here because loud is not your language. You think before you speak, you respect people’s space, and you would rather say one true thing than five impressive ones. In missionary work, that is not a weakness to overcome. It is very often the reason people believe you.”
“Alma taught that faith starts with a seed — something small, planted, and then given time. Alma also wrote that ‘by small and simple things are great things brought to pass,’ which tells you exactly how much weight a small thing can carry. Nobody in that chapter is asked to shout.”
Your superpower
“Read your card: You choose words carefully and respect other people’s space. Your invitations can feel especially safe and genuine.”
“People who put their guard up around confident personalities will open up to you. There are people in this ward’s circle who are only ever going to be reached by somebody quiet, and reaching them is an assignment only you can take.”
Your growth edge
“And the honest part: Fear shrinks when the next step is specific and tiny. Success means acting with love — not controlling the response.”
“Here is the reframe I want you to take home. You are not responsible for the answer. You are only responsible for the offer. A kind invitation that gets turned down is not a failure — it is a completed assignment. The Lord asked you to extend love and choice. He never asked you to guarantee the outcome.”
Six ways to share naturally
Read the cards around the circle. When you reach card five, actually do it: have the whole group say card one out loud together, then have each person say it once on their own. It will feel silly for about four seconds, and then it will feel possible.
Use a prepared sentence
Decide your exact words before the moment arrives. You do not have to improvise.
“No pressure, but I’d love to have you come with me.”
Choose the smallest brave step
React to a post, send a link, mention church, or ask one gentle question.
“Would it be okay if I sent you something that helped me?”
Invite by text
Written invitations are real invitations. Keep them personal, brief, and easy to decline.
“I’m going to this Sunday and thought of you. Interested?”
Borrow courage
Ask a friend or missionary to help you send the message or make the invitation together.
“Could you sit with me while I text Alex?”
Practice out loud
Say your invitation three times before using it. Familiar words feel less frightening.
“I’m practicing being brave—would you like to come?”
Count the attempt
Your job is to offer love and choice. A yes is wonderful; a kind invitation is already success.
“Thanks for hearing me. Our friendship matters either way.”
One person, one step, one day
“On the back of your card, write one name and one day. Then write the exact words you are going to send — not the idea, the actual words. If the sentence is already written, all you have to be is brave enough to press send.”
- Send a two-sentence message telling someone what you genuinely appreciate about them.Love · right now
- Send a scripture that brought you peace, along with one sentence about why.Share · right now
- Choose a Christ-centered video and send it personally to someone it may help.Share · this week
Close
“Nobody in this room is asking you to become a Spark. Send one message this week. That is a real invitation, it counts completely, and it may be the only kind that person could have received.”
Before class
Setup, handouts, and the “we’re running long” plan.
Print and prepare
- QR poster for the quiz, large enough to read from the back row.
- Four group signs: SPARK GROUP, BRIDGE GROUP, BEACON GROUP, SEED GROUP.
- Style cards — identity sheets (8 per sheet) for each of the four styles.
- Style cards — tip sheets (6 tips + 2 identity cards) for the four group leaders.
- Pens or pencils on every chair — every group ends with people writing.
- Paper backup copies of the quiz for anyone without a phone.
- One printed copy of this packet for each of the four group leaders.
Room setup
- Place the four group signs in four corners before anyone arrives.
- Seat the group leaders near their corner so they can move fast.
- Test the quiz on the building’s guest network beforehand.
If you are running long: protect the quiz and protect the group time. Cut from the opening lesson instead — the “obstacle” beat can drop to 60 seconds by using only the “Come and see” example, and the Love · Share · Invite beat can be delivered as three sentences, one per word.
If a group leader only has 3 minutes: run the welcome, skip the growth edge, read three tip cards instead of six, and always keep “one person, one step, one day.” The commitment is the point — everything before it is setup.
Where everything lives
- Missionary style quiz — 8 questions, 4 styles, results stay on the device
- Love · Share · Invite idea generator — 36 ideas sorted by focus and time
- Spark tips · Bridge tips · Beacon tips · Seed tips