TFOT: Teaching after the Manner of the Spirit

This past Sunday we were blessed with a presentation by Sister Andrea Barrett who taught the monthly Teachings for Our Time lesson. This month's TFOT lesson was based on a talk given by Matthew O. Richardson, Second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency, at the October 2011 General Conference. His talk was entitled "Teaching after the Manner of the Spirit". 


Sister Andrea Barrett



"While we are all teachers, we must fully realize that it is the Holy Ghost who is the real teacher and witness of all truth." ~ Matthew O. Richardson

What is the job of the Holy Ghost? He testifies, prompts us, guides us. How does the Holy Ghost teach us? He teaches gradually, He teaches through feelings, He teaches in different ways for different people.

 “The responsibility to teach [effectively] is not limited to those who have formal callings as teachers.” In fact, every family member, Church leader, and Church member (including the youth and children) has a responsibility to teach."

Teaching involves more than just asking the spirit to be with us; we need to think about how the Holy Ghost teaches. Then we want to work in tandem with the Holy Ghost.

There are several principles taught in Brother Richardson's talk.  First, the Holy Ghost teaches individuals in a very personal way. We don't all learn the same way. We are teaching "people" , not "lessons". We are teaching individuals, and it is a personal process.

Parents, leaders and teachers who mirror how the Spirit teaches intentionally pause to listen, carefully observe, and then discern what to do next. One of the rolls of the teacher is to not get in the way of the Spirit.

Second, the Holy Ghost teaches by inviting, prompting, encouraging and inspiring us to act.  The Spirit leads, guides and shows us what to do. He will not, however, do for us what only we can do for ourselves.

Brother Richardson invites us to align the manner of our teaching after the manner of the Holy Ghost in all we do. He testifies that Jesus Christ is our Savior and that His gospel is restored. Because of this we must be real parents, real leaders, real teachers, and real learners. God will help us in our efforts, in the sacred name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.

The Colfax Ward Relief Society would like to thank Sister Barrett for her time and effort in teaching us with the Spirit. There was much valuable dialog amongst the sisters and there were numerous valuable lessons learned by those in attendance.

To read the full text of Matthew O. Richardson's conference talk, click on this link:  Teaching After the Manner of the Spirit.