In this article, weʻll be deep diving into Doctrine and Covenants 30-36. To download our free lesson help + customizable Canva Template, click here: https://otherthanamom.myflodesk.com/dandc30-36
I am called to be a witness of Jesus Christ.
Engaging Questions:
- What does it mean to you personally to be a witness of Jesus Christ?
- In Doctrine and Covenants 36:1, the Lord tells Edward Partridge he is called “to preach my gospel as with the voice of a trump.” How can we boldly share our testimony in everyday life?
- What fears or challenges sometimes make it hard to share your testimony of Christ? How can you overcome them?
- Have you ever shared your testimony or faith with someone and felt the Spirit confirm your words? What was that experience like?
- How can you be a witness of Christ without always using words? What actions reflect your faith in Him?
- Doctrine and Covenants 31:3 tells Thomas Marsh to “lift up your heart and rejoice.” How can sharing the gospel bring joy to both you and others?
- What are some small and simple ways you can be a witness of Christ in your school, workplace, or community?
- How can your personal story or experiences with Jesus Christ be a powerful testimony to others?
- What can you learn from the early missionaries in Doctrine and Covenants 30–36 about accepting a calling to share the gospel, even when it’s hard?
- What is one thing you can do this week to be a more intentional witness of Jesus Christ?
Object Lessons:
1. The Mirror and the Light (Reflecting the Savior)
Materials:
- A flashlight
- A mirror
Lesson Overview:
Shine the flashlight at the mirror and angle it to reflect the light. Explain that Jesus Christ is the source of the light, and we are like the mirror—when we follow Him, we reflect His light to others. Being a witness means showing His love, truth, and example through our words and actions.
Discussion Points:
- How can our actions reflect Jesus Christ to others?
- What happens when the mirror is dirty or turned away (distractions, sin)?
- What can we do to keep our lives focused on Christ?
2. The Candle Sharing Its Flame (Sharing the Light of Christ)
Materials:
- A candle (or battery tea lights for safety)
- Several unlit candles
Lesson Overview:
Light one candle and then use it to light the others. Emphasize that the original flame doesn’t diminish as it shares light—it actually spreads and grows. Bearing witness of Christ doesn’t weaken our testimony—it strengthens it and spreads light to others.
Discussion Points:
- How can we share our testimony without being afraid of losing it?
- What are some ways we can be a light in someone else’s life this week?
- How do small acts of faith become a powerful witness?
3. The Courtroom Witness Analogy (Speaking from Personal Experience)
Materials:
- A name tag or label that says “Witness”
- Optional: set up a simple pretend “courtroom” scene
Lesson Overview:
In a courtroom, a witness testifies of what they have personally seen, heard, or experienced. Wearing the “Witness” tag, explain that we are not required to know everything—only to share what we know and believe about Jesus Christ. Being a witness means sharing our personal experiences with Him.
Discussion Points:
- What does it mean to be a personal witness of Jesus Christ?
- What parts of your faith story can you share with others?
- How can we bear witness of Christ even when it’s not with words?
4. The GPS/Compass (Christ Is the Way—We Point Others to Him)
Materials:
- A compass or GPS app on a phone
Lesson Overview:
Explain that a compass points north, just like our words and actions should point to Jesus Christ. We don’t have to be perfect or know everything—we just need to consistently point others to Him by how we live.
Discussion Points:
- How can we point others to Christ in our everyday lives?
- What can cause our “spiritual compass” to get off course?
- How do we recalibrate and become better witnesses?
5. The “Pass It On” Message (Witnessing by Sharing)
Materials:
- A simple message card with “Jesus Christ loves you” or a short testimony
- Enough for everyone in the group
Lesson Overview:
Hand out the cards and ask each person to think of one person they could give it to or a way to share that message during the week. Explain that even a simple act of kindness or message of truth can be a powerful way to witness of Christ.
Discussion Points:
- Why does sharing even small messages of hope matter?
- How does sharing our witness help us strengthen our own testimony?
- What are simple, everyday ways to show others Christ’s love?
6. The Before and After Picture (Testifying of Change)
Materials:
- A before-and-after picture (such as a cleaned-up room, a makeover, or restored item)
- Optional: a personal story or video
Lesson Overview:
Show the transformation and explain that as disciples of Christ, we can testify of the change He brings into our lives. Our witness isn’t just words—it’s how we live and how Christ is making us new.
Discussion Points:
- How has Jesus Christ changed your life?
- Why is our personal transformation a powerful witness to others?
- How can we live in a way that helps others want to know Christ?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt prompted to share your testimony of Jesus Christ. How did that experience help you grow as His witness?
- Think of a time when you bore your testimony in a sacrament meeting, class, or conversation. How did the Spirit confirm to you that your words mattered?
- Think of a time when you felt nervous to speak about the Savior but chose to do it anyway. How did the Lord help you, and what did you learn?
- Think of a time when your actions, more than your words, were a testimony of Jesus Christ. How did that experience help someone feel His love?
- Think of a time when someone asked you a question about your beliefs. How did that moment become an opportunity to witness of Christ?
- Think of a time when you felt the Spirit testify through you while teaching or sharing the gospel. How did that experience deepen your testimony?
- Think of a time when you were strengthened by someone else’s witness of Jesus Christ. How did their testimony inspire you to be more bold in sharing your own?
- Think of a time when you felt your life was a reflection of your discipleship. How did that realization help you be more intentional in witnessing of Christ?
- Think of a time when you saw the gospel bless someone else’s life. How did that experience motivate you to share your witness more often?
- Think of a time when you felt that being a witness of Jesus Christ didn’t require perfection—just sincerity. How did embracing that truth help you share your testimony more freely?
The Lord can help me with my family relationships.
Engaging Questions:
- What do you learn from these sections about how the Lord cares about our family relationships?
- In Doctrine and Covenants 31:2, the Lord tells Thomas B. Marsh to “take your journey with your family.” What does this teach you about involving your family in your spiritual journey?
- How can prayer and personal revelation help you know how to improve your relationships with family members?
- Have you ever had an experience where the Lord helped you heal or strengthen a relationship in your family? What happened?
- How can serving your family help you grow closer to them and to the Savior?
- In what ways does the Lord ask us to be patient and forgiving in our family relationships? Why is that sometimes hard?
- What examples of strong family relationships do you see in the scriptures or in Church history? How can they inspire you?
- How can you invite the Spirit into your home more often to strengthen peace and unity?
- What does the Lord’s counsel to early Church members in these sections teach you about putting family first while still serving Him?
- What is one thing you feel inspired to do this week to improve or bless one of your family relationships?
Object Lessons:
1. The Knotted Rope (Untangling Family Tension with the Lord’s Help)
Materials:
- A rope or string tied in a knot
- A second, untangled rope
Lesson Overview:
Show the knotted rope and explain that family relationships can become tangled with misunderstandings, arguments, or hurt feelings. Try to untangle the rope, but pause and say, “Sometimes we can’t fix it on our own.” Then ask for help from someone else (representing the Savior). Together, slowly untangle it.
Discussion Points:
- What are some “knots” we experience in our families?
- How can the Lord help us untangle problems we can’t fix alone?
- What happens when we invite Christ into our family relationships?
2. The Glue and Broken Object (Christ Can Repair What’s Broken)
Materials:
- A broken object (like a small plate or stick broken in two)
- Glue or tape
Lesson Overview:
Show the broken object and talk about how relationships can be damaged by conflict, mistakes, or distance. Begin gluing or taping it back together and explain that Christ is the glue—through forgiveness, love, and prayer, He can help us heal broken relationships.
Discussion Points:
- How can prayer or following Christ’s example help us repair hurt relationships?
- Why is forgiveness a key ingredient in healing family struggles?
- What does it take to let Christ help mend what’s been broken?
3. The Mirror (Seeing Others as Christ Sees Them)
Materials:
- A hand mirror or picture frame with a reflective surface
Lesson Overview:
Look into the mirror and explain that sometimes we only see ourselves or how others have hurt us, but Christ helps us see others with compassion. Being Christlike in our families means trying to see our family members as He sees them—with love, patience, and potential.
Discussion Points:
- How can seeing others as Christ sees them change how we treat our family?
- What role does humility play in improving relationships?
- How does the Lord help us develop Christlike love at home?
4. The Bridge (Connecting Relationships Through Christ)
Materials:
- Two blocks or boxes with a gap between them
- A board, ruler, or piece of wood to bridge the gap
Lesson Overview:
Explain that sometimes in families there’s a gap between people due to hurt, distance, or differences. Without help, we may not know how to reach each other. Place the board over the gap, symbolizing that Jesus Christ is the bridge that can help us reconnect through His love and guidance.
Discussion Points:
- What are some gaps that might exist in family relationships?
- How can Christ help us rebuild or cross those gaps?
- What can we do to be a bridge in our own family?
5. The Compass (Letting Christ Guide Our Interactions)
Materials:
- A compass or a GPS app on a phone
Lesson Overview:
Explain that just like a compass always points north, we can always point to Christ as our guide in family relationships. When emotions run high or communication breaks down, turning to the Savior through prayer, scripture, and example can help us find the right way.
Discussion Points:
- When have you needed direction in a family situation?
- How can we follow the Savior’s example in how we communicate and treat others?
- What tools (like prayer, listening, humility) help keep our family relationships on course?
6. The Tied Sticks (Strength Through Unity)
Materials:
- A few single sticks or pencils
- A string or rubber band to tie them together
Lesson Overview:
Try to break a single stick or pencil—it’s easy. Then tie several together and try again—it’s much harder. Explain that families are stronger when united, and the Lord helps us stay united through kindness, forgiveness, shared faith, and prayer.
Discussion Points:
- What are some things that strengthen family unity?
- How does the Lord help us stay connected and strong together?
- How can each family member help create an unbreakable bond?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you prayed for help with a family relationship. How did the Lord guide you in what to say or do?
- Think of a time when the Spirit helped you see a family member with more compassion or understanding. How did that shift bless your relationship?
- Think of a time when the Savior helped heal a strained or broken relationship in your family. What role did forgiveness, humility, or love play in that process?
- Think of a time when you felt prompted to serve or reach out to a family member. How did acting on that prompting bring you closer together?
- Think of a time when you studied the scriptures or listened to a general conference talk that gave you insight on how to strengthen your family. How did applying that counsel bless your home?
- Think of a time when you worked through a challenge in your marriage, parenting, or sibling relationship with the Lord’s help. What did you learn about His power to guide and heal?
- Think of a time when family prayer, scripture study, or church attendance helped unify your family. How did those habits bring the Lord’s Spirit into your relationships?
- Think of a time when you were inspired by the example of someone who showed Christlike love in their family. How did that example help you change the way you interact with your own family?
- Think of a time when you felt peace and reassurance from the Lord about a loved one you were worried about. How did that comfort give you strength and hope?
- Think of a time when you felt joy and gratitude for the eternal nature of families. How did that eternal perspective influence the way you treated your family in daily life?
The Lord prepares me for the work He wants me to do.
Engaging Questions:
- What do these sections teach you about how the Lord calls and prepares people to do His work?
- Have you ever felt prompted to do something for the Lord that you didn’t feel ready for? How did He help you?
- In Doctrine and Covenants 33:8–10, the Lord tells His servants to “open your mouths” and promises to give them words. What does that mean to you?
- What gifts or strengths has the Lord given you that can be used in His work? How can you develop them further?
- How can you recognize when the Lord is preparing you for something, even if you don’t know what it is yet?
- What do you learn from the stories of men like Thomas B. Marsh or Orson Pratt in these sections about being willing to serve?
- What are some small ways you can serve the Lord right now, even as you’re still learning and growing?
- Why do you think the Lord often calls people who feel weak or unsure? How does that show His power?
- How can trusting in the Lord’s preparation help you move forward with faith instead of fear?
- What is one thing you can do this week to be more prepared for the work the Lord might have for you—now or in the future?
Object Lessons:
1. The Tool in the Master’s Hand
Materials:
- A variety of tools (hammer, paintbrush, wrench, etc.)
Lesson Overview:
Hold up different tools and ask: “Which one is most important?” The answer depends on the job! Explain that the Lord has different work for each of us, and just like a builder prepares and uses specific tools for specific tasks, the Lord prepares each of us for the work He has planned.
Discussion Points:
- How has the Lord prepared you with specific gifts or experiences?
- Why is it comforting to know that He prepares us before sending us?
- How can we discover the “job” He’s calling us to do?
2. The Empty and Filled Cup (Prepared to Be Filled and Used)
Materials:
- Two cups: one clean and empty, one dirty or upside down
- A pitcher of water
Lesson Overview:
Try pouring water into the upside-down or dirty cup—it doesn’t work. Then pour into the clean, empty cup. Explain that the Lord fills and uses those who are prepared and willing. We don’t have to be perfect, but we must be clean, humble, and ready.
Discussion Points:
- What does it mean to be spiritually prepared?
- How can we “turn our cup upright” so we’re ready to receive His guidance?
- What daily habits help us be more prepared for His work?
3. The Backpack (God Equips Us for Our Journey)
Materials:
- A backpack filled with helpful supplies (scriptures, notebook, water bottle, snack, map)
Lesson Overview:
Show each item and explain that just as a hiker wouldn’t go on a trip without preparing and packing, the Lord doesn’t send us out without equipping us. Through scriptures, promptings, church callings, and experiences, He prepares us for what lies ahead.
Discussion Points:
- What “tools” has the Lord already placed in your backpack?
- How do experiences—both hard and joyful—prepare us for service?
- What’s one way you’ve seen the Lord prepare you in advance for something?
4. The Puzzle Preparation (Seeing the Big Picture Later)
Materials:
- A puzzle with the pieces in a bag
- The picture on the box cover
Lesson Overview:
Show a few puzzle pieces and ask participants what the full picture is. They won’t know until you show the box. Explain that the Lord often prepares us one piece at a time, and we may not see the full picture of His plan, but each piece matters.
Discussion Points:
- When have you realized that a past experience was part of a bigger plan?
- How can we trust that even small things we’re learning now have a purpose?
- How can we be more patient and faithful as the Lord prepares us?
5. The Seed and the Growth Process (Preparation Takes Time)
Materials:
- A seed, a small plant, and a picture of a full-grown tree
Lesson Overview:
Show the seed and explain that it doesn’t grow into a tree overnight. The seed must be nourished, rooted, and strengthened—just like us. The Lord’s preparation is a process, and He knows what we can become.
Discussion Points:
- What does this teach us about God’s timing and preparation?
- How can we continue to “grow” while we wait to see what He wants us to do?
- What spiritual habits “nourish” your growth?
6. The Flashlight and Batteries (Power Comes When We’re Prepared)
Materials:
- A flashlight
- Batteries, initially kept separate
Lesson Overview:
Try turning on the flashlight without batteries—it doesn’t work. Add the batteries and it lights up. Explain that God gives us power to do His work, but we must be spiritually charged and prepared through prayer, scripture, and faith.
Discussion Points:
- What are your “spiritual batteries”?
- How do you recharge when you feel spiritually low?
- What work is the Lord preparing you to shine a light on?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you were asked to serve in a way that felt overwhelming at first. How did you see the Lord preparing you—before or during—that experience?
- Think of a time when past experiences or challenges helped you in a Church calling or assignment. How did you recognize the Lord had been preparing you all along?
- Think of a time when you felt prompted to develop a skill or strengthen a habit, only to later realize it was preparing you for future service. How did that preparation bless you and others?
- Think of a time when you felt inadequate but trusted the Lord and saw Him magnify your efforts. What did that teach you about His power to qualify those He calls?
- Think of a time when someone else helped you recognize your gifts or potential. How did their encouragement help you prepare for the work the Lord had for you?
- Think of a time when you followed a small prompting that led to a meaningful opportunity to serve. How did the Lord prepare your heart to respond?
- Think of a time when your scripture study, prayers, or temple worship gave you clarity about your purpose. How did that spiritual preparation guide your actions?
- Think of a time when a trial or setback helped shape you into someone more capable of serving the Lord. How did He turn that hard experience into preparation for good?
- Think of a time when you saw the Lord orchestrate people, timing, and opportunities to prepare you for a specific mission or role. How did that increase your trust in His plan?
- Think of a time when you didn’t feel ready for a calling or responsibility—but said yes anyway. How did the Lord teach, support, and prepare you as you moved forward in faith?
If I build my life on the Savior’s gospel, I will not fall.
Engaging Questions:
- What does it mean to you to build your life on the Savior’s gospel? What does that foundation look like in real life?
- Have you ever had a time when your faith in Jesus Christ helped you stay strong during a personal trial? What happened?
- In Doctrine and Covenants 33:12–13, the Lord invites us to “build upon my rock.” What are some ways we can do that each day?
- What are some things people sometimes build their lives on that don’t last? Why is the Savior’s gospel different?
- How can daily habits like prayer, scripture study, and service help you stay anchored to the Savior?
- What do you learn from the missionaries called in these sections about relying on Christ as they faced uncertainty and opposition?
- What role does repentance play in keeping your spiritual foundation strong?
- How can you help friends or family members build their lives on Christ if they’re struggling or unsure where to start?
- Why do you think the Lord compares His gospel to a rock or foundation? What does that teach us about its importance?
- What is one small change you can make this week to strengthen your foundation in the Savior and His gospel?
Object Lessons:
1. The Rock and the Sand (Classic Foundation Comparison)
Materials:
- A tray of sand
- A large, flat rock
- A small structure made of blocks or a small toy house
Lesson Overview:
Place the house first on the sand and shake the tray or blow gently—it wobbles or falls. Then place it on the rock, and it stays firm. Explain that building our life on things like popularity, wealth, or trends is like building on sand, but building on Jesus Christ and His gospel is like building on a rock.
Scripture tie-in: Matthew 7:24–27 (wise man built his house upon the rock)
Discussion Points:
- What are examples of “sand” that people sometimes build their lives on?
- What does it mean to build your life on the Savior’s gospel?
- How can we strengthen our foundation in Christ each day?
2. The Jenga Tower (Unstable Without a Strong Base)
Materials:
- A Jenga game or stackable blocks
Lesson Overview:
Build a tower using Jenga blocks, starting with a weak or missing base—it will be unstable. Then rebuild with a strong base and show how much more secure it is. Explain that our spiritual lives need a solid foundation—faith, repentance, scriptures, prayer—to withstand trials.
Discussion Points:
- What happens when we ignore the foundational pieces of faith?
- How does Christ help us stay steady during spiritual storms or stress?
- What foundational gospel principles are you working on strengthening?
3. The Tent with and without Stakes (Secured in Christ)
Materials:
- A small tent or blanket fort
- Tent stakes or something that can simulate securing the base
Lesson Overview:
Set up a basic tent or lean-to. Without stakes, it collapses easily. Then “stake it down,” and show how it stands firm. Explain that Jesus Christ and His gospel are the stakes that hold our lives steady when the winds of life blow.
Discussion Points:
- What are some “winds” in life that try to shake your foundation?
- What “stakes” keep your testimony strong and steady?
- How do daily gospel habits help you be spiritually anchored?
4. The Building Blocks of Testimony
Materials:
- Building blocks or LEGO bricks
- Labels: “Faith,” “Repentance,” “Baptism,” “Holy Ghost,” “Scriptures,” “Service,” etc.
Lesson Overview:
Build a structure with labeled blocks, starting with the core gospel principles. Then try building without those foundation blocks, and the structure will fall apart. Emphasize that when we build our lives on gospel principles, we are strong and supported.
Discussion Points:
- Which gospel principles help you feel most spiritually grounded?
- How do you rebuild when your “foundation” feels weak?
- What small steps can you take to build a stronger spiritual structure?
5. The Anchor and the Storm (Christ Keeps Us Secure)
Materials:
- A small toy boat, a string, and an anchor (rock or weight)
- A tray of water or flat surface to simulate movement
Lesson Overview:
Place the boat in water or on a smooth surface. Without the anchor, it drifts or slides when moved. Attach the anchor, and it stays secure. Explain that the gospel of Jesus Christ is our spiritual anchor, especially in times of trial or temptation.
Discussion Points:
- How does the Savior help you feel spiritually grounded during tough times?
- What “storms” have you weathered with His help?
- How can you better “anchor” yourself in Christ each day?
6. The House with a Firm Foundation (Spiritual Blueprint)
Materials:
- A picture or model of a house
- Two different “foundations” (a stack of pillows vs. a firm board or book)
Lesson Overview:
Set the house on the soft/pillow foundation and watch it wobble or fall. Then move it to the firm surface and show how it stays steady. Discuss how life’s foundation should be built on faith in Jesus Christ, not fleeting trends or worldly approval.
Discussion Points:
- What is your current spiritual foundation built on?
- How can we know if our “foundation” needs reinforcing?
- How do the Lord’s teachings help us build a steady, meaningful life?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when living the gospel helped you stay strong during a personal trial or crisis. How did your foundation in Christ carry you through?
- Think of a time when you felt shaken by fear, doubt, or disappointment—but found stability through prayer, scripture study, or church service. How did the Savior help you stand firm?
- Think of a time when you made a hard choice to follow the Savior instead of the world. How did that decision protect you spiritually and give you peace?
- Think of a time when you saw the difference between a life built on Christ and one built on worldly values. What did you learn from that contrast?
- Think of a time when a gospel principle—like repentance, forgiveness, or charity—helped you heal or rebuild something broken. How did living that principle strengthen your spiritual foundation?
- Think of a time when the Savior helped you rebuild your faith after a setback. What helped you come back to Him and stand steady again?
- Think of a time when you felt unshakable peace in a time of chaos or uncertainty. How did building your life on Christ prepare you for that moment?
- Think of a time when you watched someone else stand strong in their faith despite challenges. How did their example inspire you to build your life more fully on the gospel?
- Think of a time when you relied on your covenants to guide your choices. How did honoring those sacred promises help you stay steady and protected?
- Think of a time when the Holy Ghost reminded you that your foundation in Christ was strong—even when you felt weak. How did that spiritual witness help you keep going?
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