In this article, weʻll be deep diving into Doctrine and Covenants 20-22. To download our free lesson help + customizable Canva Template, click here: https://otherthanamom.myflodesk.com/dandc20-22
Jesus Christ has restored His Church.
Engaging Questions:
- What does it mean to you personally that Jesus Christ has restored His Church in the latter days?
- Doctrine and Covenants 20:1–12 describes the foundation of the Church. Why do you think it was important for Christ’s true Church to be restored?
- How has being a member of Christ’s restored Church blessed your life?
- What differences do you see between the restored Church of Jesus Christ and other Christian churches? Why does that matter?
- Doctrine and Covenants 21:5 teaches that we should receive the prophet’s words “in all patience and faith.” How does following the prophet help you stay strong in your faith?
- Why do you think baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost are key ordinances in Christ’s restored Church (Doctrine and Covenants 22:2–4)?
- How can you personally help build and strengthen Christ’s restored Church today?
- What does it mean to you to have living prophets and apostles as part of the restored Church? How have their teachings helped you?
- How can understanding the Restoration help you share your testimony with others?
- What is one thing you can do this week to better appreciate and participate in the blessings of Christ’s restored Church?
Object Lessons:
1. The Broken and Repaired Picture
Materials:
- A picture of Christ’s original church (temple, cross, or early apostles)
- Scissors (to cut it into pieces)
- Tape or glue
Lesson Overview:
Show the whole picture, explaining that Christ originally established His Church. Then, cut it into pieces, explaining that over time, truths were lost through apostasy. Slowly tape or glue the pieces back together while discussing how Jesus Christ restored His Church through Joseph Smith.
Discussion Points:
- What happened to Christ’s original church after the Apostles died?
- How did God restore all the pieces of His Church through the Restoration?
- Why is having Christ’s full gospel important today?
2. The Lost and Found Key (Authority Restored)
Materials:
- A house or car key
- A box or container to hide the key
Lesson Overview:
Show the key, explaining that just as keys open doors, priesthood authority opens the way to ordinances like baptism and temple blessings. Hide the key, explaining that during the Great Apostasy, priesthood authority was lost. Have someone search for the key, symbolizing Joseph Smith restoring the priesthood through divine help.
Discussion Points:
- Why is priesthood authority essential for Christ’s Church?
- How was this authority restored in modern times?
- What blessings do we have today because the priesthood was restored?
3. The Torn and Restored Page
Materials:
- A printed page of scripture (copy, not an actual scripture page)
- Tape or glue
Lesson Overview:
Tear the page, explaining that during the Great Apostasy, parts of Christ’s teachings were lost or changed. Then, tape or glue it back together, symbolizing how the Restoration of Christ’s Church brought back missing truths. The taped page represents the restored fullness of the gospel.
Discussion Points:
- What are some truths that were lost but restored through Joseph Smith?
- How do we know God’s Church is restored today?
- What blessings come from having the full gospel?
4. The Puzzle with Missing Pieces
Materials:
- A jigsaw puzzle with a few missing pieces
Lesson Overview:
Try assembling a puzzle while some pieces are missing, showing that without all the truths, something is incomplete. Add the missing pieces one by one, explaining that Christ restored His Church piece by piece through Joseph Smith until it was whole again.
Discussion Points:
- How does Christ’s restored Church complete the “puzzle” of the gospel?
- What are some restored truths that make a difference in your life?
- How can we help others find the missing pieces by sharing the gospel?
5. The Flashlight Without Batteries (Authority Restored)
Materials:
- A flashlight
- Batteries (hidden at first)
Lesson Overview:
Turn on the flashlight, showing that Christ’s Church originally had power and authority. Remove the batteries, explaining that without priesthood authority and revelation, the gospel lost its full light. Then, place the batteries back in, symbolizing the Restoration bringing back divine power and truth.
Discussion Points:
- What happens to the world when priesthood authority is removed?
- How does the Restoration “turn the light back on” in our lives?
- What can we do to keep Christ’s restored light shining?
6. The Original Recipe vs. Changed Recipe
Materials:
- A written recipe card (representing Christ’s original church)
- A modified recipe with missing or extra ingredients
Lesson Overview:
Show a complete, original recipe, explaining that Jesus Christ gave us the full recipe for salvation. Then, show a modified recipe with missing or incorrect ingredients, representing how changes were made over time during the Apostasy. Finally, reveal the restored, original recipe, symbolizing the Restoration bringing back the true gospel.
Discussion Points:
- Why is it important to have the original, correct instructions?
- How does the Restoration of Christ’s Church ensure we follow His true path?
- What blessings come from following His complete gospel today?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt the Spirit confirm that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s restored Church. How did that moment strengthen your faith?
- Think of a time when you saw the blessings of the Restoration in your life or the life of someone you know. How did that experience deepen your gratitude for the gospel?
- Think of a time when you witnessed or participated in a priesthood ordinance—such as baptism, confirmation, or the sacrament. How did that experience testify to you that Christ’s Church has been restored?
- Think of a time when you studied or shared a truth restored through Joseph Smith, such as the plan of salvation, priesthood authority, or temple covenants. How did learning or teaching that truth impact you?
- Think of a time when you attended a church meeting or general conference and felt the power of Christ’s restored gospel. How did that experience help you recognize the truthfulness of the Restoration?
- Think of a time when you relied on continuing revelation from living prophets for guidance. How did following prophetic counsel bring you blessings?
- Think of a time when you explained to someone why you believe in the restored Church of Jesus Christ. How did sharing your testimony strengthen your own conviction?
- Think of a time when you saw the Church’s organization—such as ministering, callings, or the gathering of Israel—bless individuals or communities. How did that reaffirm your belief that this is Christ’s Church?
- Think of a time when you participated in temple worship and felt the power of God’s restored ordinances. How did that experience confirm the reality of the Restoration?
- Think of a time when you imagined what your life would be like without the Restoration. How has knowing that Christ’s Church is on the earth blessed you and your loved ones?
Sacred ordinances help me become like the Savior.
Engaging Questions:
- What are some of the sacred ordinances discussed in Doctrine and Covenants 20–22, and how do they help us draw closer to Jesus Christ?
- How has participating in ordinances such as baptism, the sacrament, or temple ordinances helped you feel more like the Savior?
- Doctrine and Covenants 22:2 teaches that baptism is a “new and everlasting covenant.” What does this mean to you?
- Why do you think Jesus Christ wants us to make and keep sacred covenants through ordinances?
- How can renewing your baptismal covenants through the sacrament each week help you become more like Jesus?
- What do you feel when you see someone participate in a sacred ordinance, such as a baptism or confirmation? How does it strengthen your testimony?
- How do priesthood ordinances show God’s love for His children?
- What can you do to prepare yourself to receive future ordinances, such as the endowment or sealing in the temple?
- How can you help others understand and appreciate the blessings of sacred ordinances?
- What is one thing you can do this week to better live the covenants you have made through sacred ordinances?
Object Lessons:
1. The Dirty and Clean Hands (Baptism & the Sacrament)
Materials:
- A bowl of muddy water or washable paint
- A bowl of clean water
- A towel
Lesson Overview:
Have a volunteer dip their hands into the dirty water, representing sin. Then, let them wash their hands in the clean water, symbolizing baptism and repentance through the sacrament. Finally, give them a towel, representing the Savior’s role in helping us stay clean.
Discussion Points:
- How does baptism help us start fresh like clean hands?
- How does the sacrament help us renew our covenants and stay spiritually clean?
- How does Jesus Christ make it possible for us to become more like Him?
2. The Path of Footsteps (Temple Ordinances Lead Us to Christ)
Materials:
- Paper footprints or pieces of paper
- A picture of Christ or the temple
Lesson Overview:
Lay down paper footprints leading to a picture of Christ or the temple. Each footprint represents an ordinance (baptism, sacrament, priesthood blessings, temple covenants). Invite participants to walk along the path, explaining that ordinances guide us step by step toward becoming like the Savior.
Discussion Points:
- Why is it important to follow the path of ordinances?
- How does each step bring us closer to Christ?
- What ordinances are you preparing to take part in?
3. The Seed and the Water (Growing Through Ordinances)
Materials:
- A seed
- A cup of soil
- A cup of water
Lesson Overview:
Show a seed and explain that ordinances help us grow spiritually just as water helps a seed grow. Plant the seed in soil and pour water on it, representing how baptism, the sacrament, and temple ordinances nurture our spiritual growth.
Discussion Points:
- How do ordinances help us grow into who God wants us to be?
- What happens if we don’t nurture our spiritual growth?
- How does following Christ’s example bring us lasting growth?
4. The Mirror (Becoming Like Christ)
Materials:
- A mirror
Lesson Overview:
Have participants look in the mirror and ask, “Do you see someone who is like Christ?” Explain that through ordinances, we change and become more like Him. When we follow His example, our reflection begins to look more like His character—full of love, patience, and righteousness.
Discussion Points:
- How do sacred ordinances change us to become more like Christ?
- How does renewing our covenants help us reflect His image more each day?
- What are some things we can do to better reflect the Savior in our daily lives?
5. The Recipe for Becoming Like the Savior
Materials:
- A written recipe
- Ingredients for a simple treat (cookies, lemonade, etc.)
Lesson Overview:
Show the recipe and explain that each ingredient is important—just like ordinances in our spiritual lives. Try making the recipe without a key ingredient, illustrating how we need all ordinances to fully become like Christ.
Discussion Points:
- What happens when we leave out important steps in following Christ?
- How do ordinances “shape” us like ingredients in a recipe?
- What is the next spiritual step in your personal journey?
6. The Broken Chain (Ordinances Connect Us)
Materials:
- Paper chain links (each labeled with an ordinance: Baptism, Sacrament, Priesthood, Temple Covenants)
- One broken or missing link
Lesson Overview:
Hold up a paper chain with a broken or missing link. Explain that ordinances connect us to Christ and eternal life, and skipping one weakens our connection. Repair the chain by adding the missing link, symbolizing progress and spiritual strength through ordinances.
Discussion Points:
- How do ordinances connect us to God and our families?
- Why is it important to continue making covenants throughout our lives?
- How does each ordinance strengthen our spiritual chain?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you participated in the sacrament and felt a deep connection to Jesus Christ. How did that experience help you become more like Him?
- Think of a time when you witnessed or experienced the power of baptism. How did that ordinance change your heart or the heart of someone you love?
- Think of a time when you attended or performed an ordinance, such as a priesthood blessing, and felt the Savior’s presence. How did that experience increase your desire to follow Him?
- Think of a time when receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost helped you make a Christlike decision. How did that ordinance influence your ability to be guided by the Spirit?
- Think of a time when you participated in or observed temple ordinances and felt a greater desire to live as the Savior would. How did that experience shape your spiritual growth?
- Think of a time when you saw how a sacred ordinance brought peace, healing, or strength to someone in need. How did witnessing that moment help you understand the power of ordinances?
- Think of a time when you prepared for an ordinance, such as a mission, marriage, or the temple. How did that preparation help you develop Christlike attributes?
- Think of a time when you helped someone else receive an ordinance, like a baptism or confirmation. How did participating in their journey increase your understanding of the Savior’s love?
- Think of a time when you struggled with something, and participating in an ordinance helped you find peace. How did that experience bring you closer to Christ?
- Think of a time when you reflected on the covenants you’ve made with the Lord. How have those sacred promises helped you strive to be more like the Savior?
Priesthood service blesses Church members and their families.
Engaging Questions:
- What does Doctrine and Covenants 20 teach about the purpose and responsibilities of the priesthood? How does this help you understand its role in the Church?
- How have you or your family been blessed by priesthood ordinances, such as baptism, the sacrament, or blessings of comfort and healing?
- What are some ways that priesthood service strengthens families and individuals?
- Doctrine and Covenants 20:46–60 describes the duties of priesthood holders. How do these responsibilities help build the Lord’s Church?
- How can those who do not hold the priesthood still participate in and support priesthood service?
- Why do you think the Lord has given priesthood authority to bless all Church members, not just those who hold the priesthood?
- What does Doctrine and Covenants 22:1–4 teach about covenants and priesthood ordinances? How does this deepen your appreciation for the priesthood?
- Have you ever received a priesthood blessing? How did it strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ?
- How can you encourage and support priesthood holders in fulfilling their duties with love and dedication?
- What is one way you can personally serve and bless others through the power of the priesthood this week?
Object Lessons:
1. The Umbrella of Protection
Materials:
- An umbrella
- A spray bottle or small cup of water
Lesson Overview:
Hold up an umbrella and explain that it represents priesthood service. Have someone stand underneath while you lightly spray water around it. The umbrella protects and blesses the person just as priesthood blessings, ordinances, and service provide spiritual protection and strength for individuals and families.
Discussion Points:
- How does the priesthood provide spiritual protection in our lives?
- What are some ways priesthood service blesses families?
- How can we show appreciation for priesthood holders and their service?
2. The Bridge of Priesthood Ordinances
Materials:
- Two chairs or objects representing “Earth” and “Heaven”
- A wooden plank, board, or sturdy paper labeled with priesthood ordinances (baptism, sacrament, temple blessings, priesthood blessings)
Lesson Overview:
Set up a gap between two chairs and ask someone to cross it. Without a bridge, it’s impossible. Then, place the board across the gap, showing that priesthood ordinances (baptism, sacrament, temple blessings) allow us to return to God.
Discussion Points:
- How do priesthood ordinances help us progress spiritually?
- Why is it important that these ordinances are performed by proper authority?
- How does the priesthood bless both individuals and families across generations?
3. The Power Cord (Priesthood as God’s Power)
Materials:
- A lamp or phone charger
- An outlet or power source
Lesson Overview:
Show a lamp or phone and ask if it can work without being plugged in. Then, plug it in, explaining that the priesthood is God’s power on earth—it must be connected to divine authority to function. Just as a lamp needs electricity, we need the priesthood to access essential blessings.
Discussion Points:
- How does the priesthood connect us to God’s power?
- What happens when we disconnect from or ignore priesthood ordinances?
- How can we help ensure that priesthood power is used to bless others?
4. The Helping Hands (Priesthood is Service)
Materials:
- A pair of gloves
Lesson Overview:
Hold up a pair of gloves and explain that they symbolize priesthood holders. Without a hand inside, the gloves can’t do much. But when a hand is inside, the gloves can serve, lift, and bless. Likewise, priesthood service is only powerful when acted upon through faith, humility, and love.
Discussion Points:
- What is the difference between having the priesthood and using it righteously?
- How can priesthood service bless families, communities, and the world?
- How can we support and sustain those who serve in the priesthood?
5. The Broken and Fixed Chain (Priesthood Blesses Families)
Materials:
- A paper chain with each link labeled with things like “baptism,” “sacrament,” “temple sealing,” “priesthood blessings”
- A missing or broken link
Lesson Overview:
Show the chain and explain that each ordinance strengthens families and church members. If a link is missing or broken, the chain is weaker. Add the missing piece, showing how priesthood service and ordinances bless and strengthen families.
Discussion Points:
- How do priesthood ordinances help families stay connected for eternity?
- Why do strong priesthood service and righteous use of authority matter?
- What can we do to strengthen our families through priesthood blessings?
6. The Oil Lamp (Priesthood Blessings Provide Spiritual Light)
Materials:
- A small oil lamp or candle
- A bottle of oil
Lesson Overview:
Show an oil lamp or candle and explain that without oil, it won’t burn. The priesthood is like the oil—it provides light and guidance through blessings, ordinances, and service. Just as oil keeps the flame alive, priesthood power keeps spiritual light in our lives.
Discussion Points:
- How do priesthood ordinances bring light into our lives?
- How does receiving priesthood blessings bring peace, direction, and comfort?
- What can we do to ensure we seek priesthood blessings and ordinances regularly?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you or a loved one received a priesthood blessing. How did that experience bring comfort, healing, or guidance?
- Think of a time when you saw someone exercise their priesthood authority with humility and love. How did their service inspire you to appreciate the blessings of the priesthood?
- Think of a time when a priesthood holder administered the sacrament and you felt the Savior’s love. How did that experience deepen your understanding of the power of priesthood ordinances?
- Think of a time when you witnessed or participated in a baptism performed by priesthood authority. How did that moment confirm to you the importance of priesthood ordinances?
- Think of a time when home teachers, ministering brothers, or priesthood leaders blessed your family through their service. How did their efforts strengthen your faith in priesthood service?
- Think of a time when you saw the power of priesthood service unite a family, ward, or community. How did that experience show you the Lord’s hand in His Church?
- Think of a time when you prepared for or received a priesthood ordinance in the temple. How did that experience bless you and your family?
- Think of a time when you prayed for help, and the answer came through someone exercising their priesthood authority. How did that experience strengthen your testimony of priesthood blessings?
- Think of a time when you saw the priesthood used in a simple but powerful way—such as a father blessing his child, a deacon passing the sacrament, or a bishop counseling a ward member. How did that moment remind you of the everyday power of priesthood service?
- Think of a time when you taught or learned about the priesthood in a way that strengthened your understanding of its role in blessing families. How did that knowledge influence your appreciation for the priesthood?
Obeying God’s word through His prophets will give me divine protection.
Engaging Questions:
- What does Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–6 teach about following the prophet? How does this promise of protection apply to our lives today?
- Have you ever had an experience where following the prophet’s counsel blessed or protected you? What happened?
- Why do you think the Lord emphasizes faith and patience in following His prophets, as stated in Doctrine and Covenants 21:5?
- How can you better recognize and apply the teachings of living prophets in your daily life?
- What are some examples from Church history or the scriptures where obeying God’s prophets led to protection and blessings?
- What are some challenges that might prevent people from following the prophet’s counsel? How can we overcome them?
- How does obeying prophetic counsel help strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ?
- What can you do to help family members or friends better understand the importance of following the prophet?
- Why is it important to follow God’s word even when we don’t fully understand His reasons right away?
- What is one piece of counsel from the prophet that you can focus on applying this week to receive the Lord’s promised protection?
Object Lessons:
1. The Umbrella of Protection
Materials:
- An umbrella
- A spray bottle with water or a light sprinkling of confetti
Lesson Overview:
Hold up an umbrella and explain that it represents prophetic counsel and God’s commandments. Have a volunteer stand under the umbrella while you lightly spray water or sprinkle confetti around it. Those under the umbrella are protected, while those outside get wet or covered.
Discussion Points:
- How does following prophetic counsel protect us from spiritual harm?
- What are some recent messages from modern prophets that keep us safe?
- How can we make sure we stay under God’s protective guidance?
2. The Lighthouse and the Storm
Materials:
- A flashlight (representing the prophet)
- A darkened room (or just dim lighting)
- A small fan (optional, to represent “stormy winds”)
Lesson Overview:
Turn off the lights and explain that life is like a stormy sea with dangers all around. Shine the flashlight and explain that prophets are like a lighthouse, guiding us safely to shore. If we ignore the light, we risk getting lost or crashing spiritually.
Discussion Points:
- How does a lighthouse help sailors avoid danger?
- How do prophets act as spiritual lighthouses for us?
- What happens when people ignore prophetic warnings?
3. The Seatbelt of Safety
Materials:
- A seatbelt (or a picture of one)
Lesson Overview:
Explain that seatbelts don’t remove danger from the road, but they protect us in case of an accident. Likewise, obeying prophets won’t remove trials but will keep us spiritually safe when hardships come. Ask, “Would you drive without a seatbelt?” If not, why would we go through life without following God’s guidance?
Discussion Points:
- How does following a prophet’s counsel protect us spiritually?
- What happens when people choose not to “buckle up” in their faith?
- How can we encourage others to trust God’s protective counsel?
4. The Fence of Protection
Materials:
- A small toy figure or animal
- A piece of string or small fence model
Lesson Overview:
Place a toy figure or animal in the middle of a small fenced area and explain that the fence keeps it safe from harm (like predators or falling). Ask: “Is the fence there to trap or restrict it?” No! It provides safety and freedom within boundaries—just as God’s laws and prophetic counsel protect us.
Discussion Points:
- How are God’s commandments like a fence of protection?
- Why do some people see commandments as restrictions instead of blessings?
- What are some modern-day “fences” set by prophets to keep us safe?
5. The Map and the Guide
Materials:
- A map (or a GPS app on a phone)
Lesson Overview:
Show the map and explain that traveling without direction can lead to getting lost. Prophets are like guides with a map—they have a clearer vision and know the way. If we ignore their counsel, we risk getting lost spiritually.
Discussion Points:
- How do prophets act as spiritual guides in our lives?
- What happens when people try to navigate life without following God’s directions?
- How can we ensure we are listening and following prophetic counsel?
6. The Firefighter’s Warning
Materials:
- A picture of a firefighter
- A smoke alarm sound (optional)
Lesson Overview:
Ask: “If a firefighter told you to leave a burning building, would you listen?” Prophets are like firefighters, warning us of spiritual dangers. Ignoring their warnings is like staying in a burning building—we put ourselves at risk.
Discussion Points:
- Why do some people ignore prophetic warnings?
- How can we recognize when God is speaking through His prophets?
- What are some modern prophetic warnings we should follow?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you followed the counsel of a prophet, even when it was difficult or unpopular. How did obeying that counsel bless or protect you?
- Think of a time when prophetic guidance helped you avoid a spiritual or physical danger. How did that experience strengthen your trust in following God’s chosen leaders?
- Think of a time when you heard a prophet’s warning or invitation and felt it was meant specifically for you. How did acting on that message bring divine protection or peace?
- Think of a time when you applied prophetic counsel in your family life. How did following that guidance bless and protect your home?
- Think of a time when you were tempted to ignore or delay acting on a prophet’s teachings but later saw the wisdom in obeying. How did that experience deepen your faith in God’s word?
- Think of a time when you followed modern-day prophetic counsel, such as preparing spiritually, financially, or physically. How did that obedience provide protection in a time of need?
- Think of a time when prophetic counsel brought you peace in a time of uncertainty or fear. How did listening to God’s prophet give you confidence to move forward?
- Think of a time when you saw others blessed because they followed prophetic teachings. How did their example influence your own commitment to obeying God’s word?
- Think of a time when you struggled with a prophetic teaching but chose to follow it anyway. How did the Lord bless or protect you as a result of your obedience?
- Think of a time when you recognized in hindsight that a prophet’s words had prepared or protected you in ways you didn’t expect. How did that experience strengthen your testimony of living prophets?
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