Episode 17: Welcome Everyone—Spiritual Gifts and the Institute Transition

Teaching the gospel means creating belonging. In this episode of Teach Ye Diligently CARE, we explore Doctrine and Covenants 46, where the Savior commands us to welcome all to our meetings. We also help students identify and seek spiritual gifts to bless others and become more like Jesus Christ. The episode concludes with a heartfelt discussion on helping seniors transition from seminary into Institute, with real-life strategies and prophetic promises from President Russell M. Nelson.

(00:00) Introduction
(01:26) Why This Lesson Matters – Creating a Welcoming Environment
(04:08) Powerful Learning Activity: Sunday Simulation Roleplay
(07:26) Scripture Insights – D&C 46:1–6; 3 Nephi 18:22–25
(10:05) Questions That Invite Reflection & Application
(13:41) Students Create a Personal Plan to Welcome Others
(14:22) General Conference Quote – Elder Ulisses Soares on Charity
(15:28) The Savior’s Example: Welcoming the Outcast
(16:19) Spiritual Gifts Part 1 – God Blesses His Children to Bless Others
(18:09) Spiritual Gifts Part 2 – God Invites Us to Become Like Him
(19:54) Using Stories from Matthew 25 (Ten Virgins, Talents, Sheep & Goats)
(21:43) Spiritual Gifts as Reflections of the Savior
(24:28) Camille N. Johnson’s Parable of the Talents – Application for Youth
(26:24) Puzzle Piece PLA – Each Gift Reflects the Savior
(27:02) Covenant Belonging – My Gift Has a Place in the Gospel
(27:34) The Institute Transition – Why It Matters for Seniors
(28:48) Data: Why Seminary & Institute Matter
(30:36) Institute Reaches Friends – One in Three Are Baptized
(32:36) Gathering Places for 18–35 Year Olds
(33:41) President Nelson’s Institute Promises
(35:17) Elder Jeffrey R. Holland – Why Institute Exists
(36:25) Updating Records & Contact Info for Graduating Seniors
(37:20) Final Thoughts – You Are the Link in the Covenant Chain

📖 Key Scripture Blocks:

• Doctrine & Covenants 46:1–6

• Doctrine & Covenants 46:7–33

• 3 Nephi 18:22–25

• Matthew 25 (parables of Jesus)

🗣 General Conference Quote:
President Russell M. Nelson:
“If you want to know the truth about who you really are, attend institute... I promise you these blessings and express my love for you.”
(President Russell M. Nelson, "Institute Invitation Video," 2024)
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute

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CARE Podcast Episode 16 — Finding Peace and Power in the Last Days (D&C 45 & Life Prep 205)

This episode equips seminary teachers to help students gain confidence, clarity, and hope as they study Doctrine and Covenants 45 and Life Prep Lesson 205. Learn how to center lessons on Jesus Christ, amplify prophetic voices, stay relevant to student needs, and expect miracles in your classroom.

(00:00) Introduction
Mark and Will explain how the CARE model structures every segment—Center on Christ, Amplify Prophetic Voices, Remain Relevant, and Expect Miracles.

(01:14) D&C 45:1–8 — Centering on Christ through His Names and Titles
Includes a Sandlot movie clip illustration, Elder Uchtdorf quote, and a General Conference scavenger hunt PLA. Students learn how Christ’s many names deepen faith and relevance.

(06:56) D&C 45:9–75 (Part 1) — Finding Peace in the Signs of the Second Coming
Mark shares how understanding the Savior’s covenant-keeping helps students feel peace amid prophesied turmoil. Includes puzzle-piece metaphor PLA and study strategies.

(18:53) D&C 45:9–75 (Part 2) — How to Prepare for the Savior’s Return
Features the “Dancing Raisins” object lesson and “Holy Places Guided Path” mapping activity. Students explore how the Holy Ghost and sacred habits prepare them for Christ’s return.

(28:01) Life Prep 205 — Making Temple Worship a Lifelong Pursuit
Will recommends adapting case studies and using local temple dedicatory prayers to make this lesson immediately relevant. He also offers an idea to invite ward members across life stages to testify of temple worship.

(35:43) Wrap-Up and Testimony
Variety rekindles interest—Mark and Will emphasize the value of teaching with consistency and creativity, helping students remain focused on Christ and empowered in their daily lives.

🗣️ General Conference Quotes Included:

• President Russell M. Nelson: "I don’t know when the Second Coming will take place... I am being shown daily how to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord."
  — Russell M. Nelson, “Think Celestial!”, General Conference, October 2023
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/11nelson

• Elder Dale G. Renlund: “Focusing on the Savior and the plan of happiness will allow us to fear not... and live with peace and happiness.”
  — Dale G. Renlund, “Jesus Christ Is the Treasure,” General Conference, April 2024
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/21renlund

📘 Tallahassee Florida Temple Dedicatory Prayer:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/details/tallahassee-florida-temple/prayer/2023-06-04

🔗 Downloadable Resources:
https://www.teachyediligently.org/podcast-resources

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🎧 CARE Episode 15 - Spotify Description

Teach Ye Diligently Podcast | Season 2, Episode 15
Hearing Him, Keeping His Commandments, Living Consecrated Lives, and Worshipping Christ in the Temple

Teaching students isn’t just about delivering content—it’s about helping them hear the Savior’s voice, follow His commandments, live consecrated lives, and center temple worship on Jesus Christ.
In this episode, we focus on four key lessons that guide students to deepen their trust in the Lord and act in faith.

(00:00) Introduction — Why hearing the Savior matters most
(01:30) 📖 Doctrine and Covenants 41 — Confidence to Hear and Obey the Lord
(04:30) Joseph Smith and Newel K. Whitney: "Thy Strength Is in Me"
(06:30) PLA: Confidence Builder Chain Activity

(08:00) 📖 Doctrine and Covenants 42 Part 1 — Commandments Show God's Love
(09:00) Kite Analogy: Why We Need Commandments
(11:00) Reviewing the Ten Commandments with Hand Signs
(13:30) PLA: Kite String Reflection

(15:00) 📖 Doctrine and Covenants 42 Part 2 — Living the Law of Consecration
(17:00) Using LDS Chatbot to Explore Consecration
(19:30) PLA: Consecration Brainstorm

(22:00) 📖 Life Prep Lesson 204 — Jesus Christ at the Center of Temple Worship
(24:00) Spiritual Backpack: Preparing to Meet the Savior
(28:00) PLA: Spiritual Backpack Reflection

President Russell M. Nelson:

"Our Father knows that when we are surrounded by uncertainty and fear, what will help us the very most is to hear His Son. Because when we seek to hear—truly hear—His Son, we will be guided to know what to do in any circumstance."
("Hear Him," General Conference, April 2020)
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/45nelson

President Harold B. Lee:

"The most important of all the commandments of God is that one that you are having the most difficulty keeping today."
(Stand Ye in Holy Places, 1974)

Access all teaching resources here:
https://www.teachyediligently.org/podcast-resources

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📖 Lessons Covered🗣️ General Conference Quotes🔗 Downloadable Resources