Are one of the 12 misconceptions about missionary work holding you back from sharing the Gospel? Here are 12 misconceptions about missionary work. We either tell ourselves these things, or we've been told them by others. Once we understand these are misconceptions, we can overcome them, and receive the blessings of sharing the Gospel. And, once we are true member missionaries, we truly will unleash an army that would make hell itself shake in fear.
1st. It's the missionaries job, not mine.
This is the most common misconception, "It's not my duty, it's the missionaries" it has taken hold in the culture, and stems from the idea that missionaries do the missionary work. But the doctrine is they are to help us do our missionary work.
When I was a missionary, I was talking with a ward mission leader and he asked, "What is your goal in this area Elder Goff?" and I replied, "We are here to help the members in their missionary duties" He replied "That is a nice propaganda line" I replied "That's the doctrine" he replied "where does it say that?" I told him "April 2008 Elder Bednar."
This Ward Mission leader was humble, and he read the talk, then the following fast Sunday he stood up and bore his testimony about our conversation he then told the congregation (paraphrasing) "It is not propaganda, it is doctrine, I've had it wrong my whole life, we've all had it wrong, let's do our duty"
Here is what he read that changed his mind.
"A common element in many of our prayers is a request that the missionaries will be led to individuals and families who are prepared to receive the message of the Restoration. But ultimately it is my responsibility and your responsibility to find people for the missionaries to teach. Missionaries are full-time teachers; you and I are full-time finders. And you and I as lifelong missionaries should not be praying for the full-time missionaries to do our work!"