When Zion’s Camp set out to redeem the Saints in Missouri, many thought success meant reclaiming land. Instead, the Lord used the journey to build faith, refine character, and prepare future leaders. This week’s study reminds us that blessings come after much tribulation, Zion is built on righteousness, and the Lord makes us stewards over His blessings.
Here are ready-to-use questions, object lessons, and personal prompts to spark discussion in your Young Women or Young Men classes.
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What Is the Purpose of Membership Councils? (D&C 102:12–23)
Engaging Questions
- Why do you think the Lord provided specific procedures for membership councils?
- How do councils show God’s mercy instead of just punishment?
- What does it mean to “save the soul of the transgressor”?
- How do councils protect the innocent?
- Why is the purity and integrity of the Church important?
- How do councils reflect the principle of justice and mercy?
- How would you explain membership councils to a friend who thinks they sound harsh?
- What does this teach us about accountability in the gospel?
- How might councils help someone return to full fellowship in the Church?
- What do you learn about God’s love from these verses?
Object Lesson Ideas
- Broken Bone: Show how a broken bone needs correction and healing — not punishment — just like a council helps spiritual healing.
- Referee: Use a whistle or referee card to show rules keep a game fair, similar to councils protecting members.
- Safety Net: Hold a net or blanket — councils act as safeguards to protect the whole Church.
- Reset Button: Use a “reset” symbol (phone/computer). Councils offer a reset for repentance.
- Filter: Pour dirty water through a filter — councils filter out harmful influences while keeping the soul valuable.
Personal Sharing Prompts
- Share a time when you needed a second chance.
- Think of a moment when someone corrected you lovingly.
- Recall how you felt being welcomed back after a mistake.
- Share about a leader who helped you grow through accountability.
- Think about how you’ve seen the Church protect its members.
- Share a scripture that reminds you of God’s mercy.
- Recall when someone showed trust in your ability to change.
- Think about how rules and guidelines have kept you safe.
- Share an example of how accountability made you stronger.
- Recall when you felt God’s love even after falling short.
Zion Can Be Built Only on Principles of Righteousness (D&C 103:1–12, 36; 105:1–19)
Engaging Questions
- Why did the Saints lose their land in Missouri?
- What do you learn about the connection between righteousness and building Zion?
- How is Zion more than just a physical place?
- What principles do you think are essential for Zion to thrive?
- How can we build Zion in our homes today?
- What dangers come from ignoring God’s commandments?
- How do unity and love strengthen a community?
- Why is personal righteousness linked to collective blessings?
- What are small daily choices that help create Zion in your heart?
- How do these verses change your view of Zion’s “redemption”?
Object Lesson Ideas
- Building Blocks: Stack blocks to build a tower labeled with “honesty, kindness, obedience.” Remove one and show how Zion collapses without righteousness.
- Chain Links: A chain is only as strong as its weakest link — Zion needs every member living righteously.
- Garden: Show how weeds choke plants — sin can choke Zion’s growth.
- Mirror: Hold up a mirror — Zion begins with what we see in ourselves.
- Recipe: Leave out a key ingredient in a recipe — without righteousness, Zion doesn’t “rise.”
Personal Sharing Prompts
- Share a time when you felt unity in your ward or family.
- Recall when living righteously blessed your home.
- Think about how it feels when you’re part of a group working toward the same goal.
- Share a time you saw dishonesty or selfishness hurt a group.
- Recall a moment when you contributed to peace in your family.
- Think of an example of someone who builds Zion around them.
- Share a scripture that motivates you to be more righteous.
- Recall when you saw kindness or charity create harmony.
- Share a time you realized your actions affected others.
- Think of a time when you felt the Spirit in a “Zion-like” setting.
Blessings Come After Trials of Faith (D&C 103:12–13, 36; 105:1–6, 9–19)
Engaging Questions
- Why do you think Zion’s Camp was called a “trial of faith”?
- What blessings came to those who endured?
- Why does the Lord often require effort before blessings?
- What can we learn from the “failure” of Zion’s Camp?
- How can trials prepare us for future callings?
- What does it mean to be blessed “after much tribulation”?
- How might you explain Zion’s Camp to someone questioning its purpose?
- How do you see God’s timing different from ours?
- How can you recognize blessings hidden inside trials?
- How do these verses encourage you during your own challenges?
Object Lesson Ideas
- Refiner’s Fire: Show metal (or picture of it) being refined by heat — trials purify us.
- Staircase: Place something valuable at the top of stairs — blessings come step by step after effort.
- Rubber Band: Stretch a band — trials stretch us, but also make us stronger.
- Clouds and Sun: Cover a flashlight with a cloth — even when clouds hide the sun, the light is still there.
- Treadmill/Exercise: Explain how effort and sweat bring strength, just like spiritual blessings.
Personal Sharing Prompts
- Think of a trial that later brought unexpected blessings.
- Share when you felt God was testing your patience.
- Recall when you endured something hard and grew from it.
- Share about a time you didn’t see results right away but trusted God.
- Think of a person whose trials prepared them for leadership.
- Recall when someone encouraged you to keep going during a trial.
- Share how you’ve seen blessings after enduring something tough.
- Think about how you’ve felt God’s presence during tribulation.
- Recall when you realized a trial had strengthened your faith.
- Share what you’d tell a friend who feels like their trial is pointless.
The Lord Has Made Me a “Steward Over Earthly Blessings” (D&C 104:11–18, 78–83)
Engaging Questions
- What does it mean to be a “steward” of earthly blessings?
- How can we use money or resources in righteous ways?
- Why does the Lord give us stewardship instead of ownership?
- How can financial choices show our faith?
- What does it mean to seek “treasures in heaven”?
- How can youth apply stewardship now (school, jobs, money)?
- Why does God care how we treat our blessings?
- How does gratitude influence stewardship?
- What can we learn from John Tanner’s example?
- How can being wise stewards prepare us for greater blessings?
Object Lesson Ideas
- Borrowed Item: Hold something borrowed — explain stewardship is about trust, not ownership.
- Wallet with Monopoly Money: Show how money is temporary, but how we use it matters eternally.
- Plant Care: Taking care of a plant = stewardship over something that belongs to God.
- Piggy Bank: Drop coins in and talk about wise saving/spending for God’s purposes.
- Scale: Show balance — stewardship means balancing needs, wants, and giving.
Personal Sharing Prompts
- Think of a time when you used money or talents to bless others.
- Share how you felt when you gave tithing or fast offerings.
- Recall when you were trusted with responsibility and handled it well.
- Think of someone you admire who uses blessings wisely.
- Share a lesson you’ve learned about managing money.
- Recall how you’ve felt gratitude for earthly blessings.
- Share when you realized everything really belongs to God.
- Think of how you’ve seen blessings come from wise choices.
- Share an example of someone who gave generously.
- Recall a time when you felt stewardship helped you grow spiritually.
