New Program in the Church (Testimonies)

[Vanhin]

"A testimony of the gospel is a personal witness borne to our souls by the Holy Ghost that certain facts of eternal significance are true and that we know them to be true."

Bearing testimony involves communicating to others that we have received this knowledge by the Holy Ghost, and that we stand as witnesses of the basic truths of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. There are many things to testify about. Any knowledge of basic gospel truths that we have gained by way of the Holy Ghost, is knowledge we can testify of.

It's not meant to be entertaining, or even necessarily unique. It's not about us personally, or how good we are at improvising a sermon. Instead it is about our personal heartfelt witness to those who are listening, that there are somethings we know to be true, because God has made it known to us.

We claim that there is a God, and his Son, Jesus Christ, is the Redeemer of all mankind. And we further claim to the world, that God the Father and Jesus Christ did visit Jospeh Smith, and did call him as a prophet. We assert that the Book of Mormon truly is the word of God, and was brought forth by the gift and power of God. We proclaim that the priesthood, which is the power and authority of God delegated to us to bless the lives of God's children, has been restored and found only in the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Everything we believe as latter-day saints hangs on those truths, and as latter-day saints, we should seek to gain our own personal witness by the power of the Holy Ghost, that those things are true. That is testimony. Once we have received these things, we should share our witness with others, and ecourage them to gain this knowledge as well. That's the purpose of bearing testimony in simplicity.

The bottom line is that testimony is just that, a testimony.

About the original post, I do believe the word "testimony" is often, erroneously, used to mean "talk or sermon". I suspect that is what they mean is this case. This will give opportunities for all those who are having a hard time keeping their testimonies simple during fast and testimony meeting, to expound upon "what they did last week", or "how their illness is coming along", or "how much they appreciate each and every one in the ward family".

We don't have anything like that going on in our area, so it must not be a Church wide policy. However, leaders have always had the discretion to call on individuals to "bear testimony" by the seat of their pants.

Regards,

Vanhin

[Jenamarie]

No, they meant "testimonies". My husband said the meeting last night went like this: Stake Pres. opened the meeting, announced that he and the presidency would then bare their Testimonies, then called on 9 other people to come up and do the same. At the end of the meeting he announced that this type of format would be happening more often within our wards, and then explained about how it came about (meeting with the Stake Presidents and Area Authority a few weeks ago).

[skalenfehl]

This is interesting. I have yet to hear about this in my area. I'm saddened to hear that people skip out on their opportunities to give a talk or share their testimony, especially if they accepted the call, which nobody is required to do. I have yet to hear about anyone being forced to do such a thing or even persuaded to do so under duress. I have seen members called up at the Bishop's discretion, though, but only people who are typically willing to do such a thing. Were these nine other folks asked beforehand or were they simply put on the spot?

Edited June 23, 2008 by skalenfehl

[Gwen]

i was persuaded under duress to share my testamony one time. lol my 4 yr old said he wanted to share his and i had to come. we got up there and he turned around and he went and sat down. there i was..... hehehe

[Jenamarie]

Skal: I have no clue if the nine had been given any warning.

I'm going to have to actually see this format "in action" to see how it's actually going to pan out. If it's just last-minute warning, or no warning; Testimonies, or Talks, etc.

[VisionOfLehi]

I bear my testimony nearly every fast and testimony meeting... And it's different every time, and there's different things that are "new" to me and I can now testify of.

But I don't just wait for the Spirit to prompt me to get up. I prayerfully think about my testimony many times throughout the month from one fast Sunday to the to next.

I can have the whole thing essentially "written" in my head rather quickly, and I go over it, adding and removing where it feels write. I'm prepared.

I know the Spirit will prompt me to get up there, because I prepared myself for Him to do it. (Sometimes I really don't want to and I'll spend 2 or 3 testimonies being nervous before I finally get up.) Once I'm up there... My testimony that's almost "rehearsed" in my head never comes out like that. I change, add, or completely forget parts as led by the Spirit. It's quite awesome, for me, really. What I need to say that day gets said, nothing more, nothing less.

ANYWAY... Point is... If you're thinking about this stuff often, then being called up "by surprise" isn't a big deal, you're already prepared with what you'd say.

Anxiety and stuff... Yeah, I don't know how to get around that. I get really anxious myself, but I love giving my testimony and speaking. It's backwards, lol.

[Truegrits]

We don't have anything like that going on in our area, so it must not be a Church wide policy. However, leaders have always had the discretion to call on individuals to "bear testimony" by the seat of their pants.

This happened a couple of times in my Naples Ward. One time one of the Bishopric was giving a talk, and it ran short; he looked out into the congregation and called on a brother to come up and bear his testimony. The look on that Brothers face was one of great surprise. I thought it was wrong then, and I will always think doing that is wrong. One bears a testimony voluntarily...not upon demand...IMO.

[Tough Grits]

I sincerely hope that nobody will be offended by my post. But I have two points that I would like to share.

* First, when we are given direction on a local level...it is just that...direction for us in our local level. That does not mean that we cannot share...but we need to be cautious. What one stake or ward has been prompted to do may sincerely and truly be ONLY for that stake and/or ward. It is not for members to compare notes and begin "buzzing" about what they are or are not going to do. We have to be careful that we do not get our hairs raised and begin to draw lines in the sand of what we will or will not follow if asked by our local leaders.

* Second, we have been warned that in the last days members will begin to weed themselves out. This scares me, as it should put some fear into all of us...because at any point any one of us could be asked to do something that we had not pondered of before hand. Thus the counsel has been given to immediately obey...not just obey. Why is there is difference? Because some of us, if given too much time to think (hence, allow Satan to whisper contention in our ear) with come up with all sorts of excuses and justifications as to why we cannot/will not obey. But when we resolve to follow the counsel of our leaders immediately, then we are eliminating the opportunity for Satan to whisper contention in our ears.

Yes, I am aware that there are some who will contend that immediate obedience is equal to being a "sheeple" and merely following ignorantly what is told to us. But there is so much more to it than that. I am not ignorant, stupid, or without my own mind and thoughts. But I also know that if given enough time and rope, I can create the most elaborate knots to prevent myself from moving forward and following the counsels of my leaders.

I don't have time right now to find the talk/quote about immediately obeying, but I will definitely do so when I get home from college today. I am in between classes right now.

Please, do not read my post as an admonishment or as accusatory.

It is merely a gentle caution. This is exactly why I feel, for me, it is better sometimes to post what our leaders have said...because they say it with power, and with the authority from God. I am merely repeating it, and though it be true...it is not with the same authority and power as when the leader who originally spoke these words said it.

Please use caution in "sharing" with others what lines you have drawn in the sand as far as what you think you will or will not do if asked by a leader. I hope that each of us would take personal or local counsel from a leader/or leaders as an opportunity to grow, to be tried, and to come closer to God by proving ourselves herewith...which is the whole purpose of coming to earth and receiving bodies.

My humble thoughts...

~TG

[nephite1978]

Tough Grits, you make some very good points. Usually, when we are asked to do something that is "outside our comfort zone," it is to help us grow and to prepare us for something in the future.

Maybe part of this is to help people understand what a Testimony truely is, and therefore be more willing to share it?

[Vanhin]

I can totally understand the objections to something like this, but I personally have no problem with it at all. If my bishop feels inspired to call me to bear testimony, I will stand up and bear testimony.

For LDS, the form of testimony, is closer to the definition of "legal testimony" than just a declaration of ones beliefs; though that is also a part of it.

"In the law, testimony is a form of evidence that is obtained from a witness who makes a solemn statement or declaration of fact." (testify - Information from Reference.com)

There's no need to try to think of a nice story or experience. You are called to bear witness. Just stand up and testify of what you know. The Holy Ghost will testify of truth, and when we witness about a matter of truth, the Spirit will be present and everyone will know it. That is why it is important not to muck it up with long unrealted stories. When you bear pure and simple testimony of gospel truths, your own testimony will be strengthened and so will the testimony of others, if they don't reject it by their unbelief that is.

Sincerely,

Vanhin

[candyprpl]

It may be true that we should always be ready to share our testimonies and should want to. I love sharing my testimony. Now having said that.....I'm terrified of being asked on the spot to give an opening or closing prayer or of bearing my testimony on the spot. I used to suffer from sever panic attacks and it amazes me still to this day that I can give an opening or closing prayer or bear my testimony on the spot. And now having said that......I still like time to put together in my head what it is I want to testify of because I still have moments where I get so nervous that things just fly out of my head or my words become so jumbled that I don't make any sense and then I am fighting to keep a panic attack under control. Would I stop going to church for fear of these kind of meetings? I doubt it but I wouldn't like the fight in my head about "is this the day?" My husband of 3 years on the other hand I greatly fear would stop going because he does have uncontrollable panic attacks and just getting to church and going to Elder's quorum meetings are a huge challenge for him. If this was to happen in our ward I would pray that the Bishop would know each of us well enough and be sensitive to our needs.

Edited June 23, 2008 by candyprpl

[hordak]

Hordak,

I have often wondered about this...as I have a family member who dislikes being told "what not to say" in a testimony. Of course, she also happens to be one of those that sermonizes to others, rather than bear her own testimony.

However, bearing a testimony can be done in a heartfelt, sincere manner without giving a travelogue, a health log, an expression of love for family members, and/or a sermon.

That may seem that all is left is the "cookie-cutter" testimony...but that is not necessarily so.

What about what one learned this past week while reading the scriptures, or studying for a lesson, or during Family Home Evening, or during a service project, or while doing member missionary work, or while sharing the gospel with a friend, or while sitting and pondering?

I bet that there are WAY more spiritual things that happen to us during a week than we even realize! I learn something new every day spiritually. In fact, I learned something very valuable this Sunday in Church. Actually, more than one thing. I could easily bear a testimony on just those things.

We should ask ourselves some questions:

Has the Lord helped me this week?

Have I felt the promptings of the Spirit this week?

Has following the counsel of my leaders benefited me in some way this week?

Has doing my Home Teaching/Visiting Teaching this month helped me or helped another?

How has attending my meetings strengthened my testimony and knowledge of the gospel?

Have I had a sincere teaching moment this week?

Has my spirit been lifted by another who gave neighborly love, or compassionate service, or fellowship?

Have I lifted another's spirit by giving neighborly love, or compassionate service, or fellowship?

Can I feel the love of my Savior?

What does the sacrament mean to me?

What does the atonement mean to me?

What does following the the Prophet mean to me?

What does eternal families mean to me?

Why are the scriptures valuable to me?

What does walking in faith mean to me?

Am I thankful for my mortal probation on the earth?

What does mortal probation mean?

What does the role that I played in the pre-mortal world have to do with my role on earth?

Why is following the straight and narrow so important?

Once we are baptized, have we fulfilled all that is required of us?

I think we could all write enough questions to fill many, many journals.

Maybe we need to be writing or thinking of questions like these, and then writing or thinking of the answers.

Because the answer to any of these question would be a wonderful testimony to bear!

At least IMHO.

~TG

Well i definently think there are things that should not be said while bearing ones testimony. You wouldn't say " I love being in this ward but the young women need to really work on there dress and appearance" for example.( I haven't seen this but have seen things close to this)

When someone tells me something i question it.Not in a bad way necessarily but i like to know why.I like things fleshed out so to speak. I Imagine that most people like myself come to conclusions based on events in their lives and i think it adds more power to the testimony when it is personal.

I could say. "I know Heavenly father answers prayers." then go on to the next "I know"

or i could say. "I know Heavenly father answers prayers. As I was getting depressed and questioning my decision about joining the service and leaving my family behind he gave me the one thing i asked for and so desperately needed.A friend and she became my wife and the mother of our children." Then go on to the next "I Know"

Is that what Elder Oaks was frowning on in his talk?Like my second example?

[nephite1978]

Well i definently think there are things that should not be said while bearing ones testimony. You wouldn't say " I love being in this ward but the young women need to really work on there dress and appearance" for example.( I haven't seen this but have seen things close to this)

When someone tells me something i question it.Not in a bad way necessarily but i like to know why.I like things fleshed out so to speak. I Imagine that most people like myself come to conclusions based on events in their lives and i think it adds more power to the testimony when it is personal.

I could say. "I know Heavenly father answers prayers." then go on to the next "I know"

or i could say. "I know Heavenly father answers prayers. As I was getting depressed and questioning my decision about joining the service and leaving my family behind he gave me the one thing i asked for and so desperately needed.A friend and she became my wife and the mother of our children." Then go on to the next "I Know"

Is that what Elder Oaks was frowning on in his talk?Like my second example?

I think you're right with your first example. That's what Elder Oaks was discouraging (IMO). People's testimonies are stronger when they give (short) reasons for why they believe what they believe. By sharing our experiences, it helps to bring people into what you're saying.

But, the problem is when people don't know where to draw the line.

[Jenamarie]

I could say. "I know Heavenly father answers prayers." then go on to the next "I know"

or i could say. "I know Heavenly father answers prayers. As I was getting depressed and questioning my decision about joining the service and leaving my family behind he gave me the one thing i asked for and so desperately needed.A friend and she became my wife and the mother of our children." Then go on to the next "I Know"

Is that what Elder Oaks was frowning on in his talk?Like my second example?

No, that wasn't what he was discouraging. I think a lot of people are misinterpreting his statement. You can share what you know *and how you came to that knowledge* in a Testimony. What he's trying to discourage people from doing is using the pulpit as an opportunity to tell your latest news to a captive audience. There is one sister in our ward who spends a lot of time traveling to visit her children around the country, and when she comes back she always gets up to share what she did with her kids and how beautiful their parts of the country were. A travel log. There are others who share stories about a fun family activity they did that weekend, and then say how much they love their families, and end it right there. Nothing pertaining to the gospel was shared at all. Maybe if there had been an event at said family activity that illuminated a gospel principle for that person, then ya, they could share about the activity and share how it brought about that lesson for them, but to solely get up to talk about that event would be inappropriate.

[hordak]

No, that wasn't what he was discouraging. I think a lot of people are misinterpreting his statement. You can share what you know *and how you came to that knowledge* in a Testimony. What he's trying to discourage people from doing is using the pulpit as an opportunity to tell your latest news to a captive audience. There is one sister in our ward who spends a lot of time traveling to visit her children around the country, and when she comes back she always gets up to share what she did with her kids and how beautiful their parts of the country were. A travel log. There are others who share stories about a fun family activity they did that weekend, and then say how much they love their families, and end it right there. Nothing pertaining to the gospel was shared at all. Maybe if there had been an event at said family activity that illuminated a gospel principle for that person, then ya, they could share about the activity and share how it brought about that lesson for them, but to solely get up to talk about that event would be inappropriate.

Thanks for the clarification.I never knew what a travel log was but it seems i have been through a few:lol:

I have never bore my testimony at a meeting because i didn't want to be another cookie on the stand. I might have to do it soon. Hopeful not because the Bishop randomly calls on me however:eek:

[Vanhin]

Thanks for the clarification.I never knew what a travel log was but it seems i have been through a few:lol:

I have never bore my testimony at a meeting because i didn't want to be another cookie on the stand. I might have to do it soon. Hopeful not because the Bishop randomly calls on me however:eek:

Here is something that helps me.

Think about a basic principle of the gospel that the Spirit has testified to you about recently. A few Sundays ago we were preparing to do the Mormon Helping Hands thing in a community destroyed by natural disaster. We were having a special sacrament meeting with those who were going that day. The stake president instructed us on what needed to be done, and bore his testimony. At that point in time, I felt the Holy Ghost reaffirm to me that we were indeed members of the Lord's true Church. When he was done instructing us, he opened the meeting up for people come up and bear testimony. I went up and simply testified in the name of Jesus Christ, that I knew The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be true, and that the Spirit had witnessed that to me again at that time. It wasn't elaborate, or very poetic. It was a simple testimony of truth, and I bore witness of it that day.

Other times I feel inspired to tell of the time in my life when I received a tetimony of the Book of Mormon, or the Prophet Joseph Smith. Or I might feel like I should testify that Jesus is the Christ; because I know that he is. I have exercised faith in Christ, and applied the atonement in my life, and have received a remission of my sins. Therefore, I know that Jesus is the Christ.

Think about what you know by the power of the Holy Ghost, and testify of that.

Sincerely,

Vanhin

[Tough Grits]

No, that wasn't what he was discouraging. I think a lot of people are misinterpreting his statement. You can share what you know *and how you came to that knowledge* in a Testimony. What he's trying to discourage people from doing is using the pulpit as an opportunity to tell your latest news to a captive audience.

Thank you Jenamarie for your words. I agree. It is appropriate to say what you believe, and then share a brief experience that relates directly to that belief/knowledge/doctrine/principle.

And because each of us are unique, the brief experience that we share to support our belief and knowledge will be unique and not "cookie-cutter".

I think the following quote by nephite1978 sums it up quite nicely:

People's testimonies are stronger when they give (short) reasons for why they believe what they believe. By sharing our experiences, it helps to bring people into what you're saying.

But, the problem is when people don't know where to draw the line.

The best way to ever bear a testimony, is to follow the Spirit and allow it to touch your heart and your thoughts so that your mouth may say what Heavenly Father would want you and your brothers/sisters in the ward to know. A testimony is as much for us, as it is for others. The more we read something, experience something, think something, say something, and/or do something the more it becomes a part of us...rather than something we just know because we think we are supposed to. It can also be likened unto conversion. We are slowly "converting" ourselves every day, line upon line and precept upon precept to the truths of the gospel and the Church.

For example...can the principle of service be taught, or is it something that must be done in order to understand and know for ourselves?

What about the light that is hidden away? Can anybody benefit from the light that is hidden? We benefit from the light that can be seen and felt...our testimony is such a light. WE benefit it from the more we bring it out for our own minds and eyes to see and feel. And when we bring that light out (our testimony) we are also allowing others to benefit from it.

What is the easiest way to light another candle? To allow the lit candle to come close enough to the unlit candle to ignite it and cause it to burn as the first.

It is not our words that strengthen the testimony and faith of others...it is the Holy Ghost. When we bear testimony through the Holy Ghost, and when others listen with the Holy Ghost, that is when a testimony can be strengthened by the witness of the Holy Ghost.

"...You cannot light a fire in another soul unless it is burning in your own soul." ~Harold B. Lee

How can we have our own fire lit if we do not study the scriptures and the words of our leaders, if we do not attend our meetings and listen to the lessons and comments, and/or if we do not listen to the testimonies of others?

Indeed, how can we light the fire in the souls of others, if it is not burning within our own? And if it is burning within our own soul, how do we share that light/fire? By bearing testimony...which is to bear witness of what we know to be true.

Just running with my thoughts...is that anything like running with scissors??? I hope not!!!!! LOL LOL

[MorningStar]

Sounds interesting!

[Moksha]

There are some old people in my ward whom I would not like to see going up and down those stairs.

Random testimonies would be like a box of chocolates, you would never know what you were going to get. Fortunately, I doubt any true randomness would exist.

[Tough Grits]

Random testimonies would be like a box of chocolates, you would never know what you were going to get.

:lol:

[miztrniceguy]

i've heard it called "Cry and Tell a Story Meeting"

[Palerider]

Amen!

Which is why I cannot stand the mic being passed around. I can understand that for those with disabilities a mic would be essential and beneficial, but too many use that thing that don't need to.

And if something was being said that was incorrect, how would the Bishop stop them...have a member from the congregation tackle them?

:lol:

I always handled this by having one of my councilors approach this person after the meeting and invite in for a visit with me.....then we would sit down and have a nice long chat....:)

[KosherXMorg]

Excellent idea!!!!! That's how the scriptures teach they should be done. Hurray!!! I hope this goes church wide.

[Heckya]

And I just know that is what some in our Ward will think. I would hope they wouldn't actually stay home...but I bet some would; especially if it were pre-announced.

I can see our Ward doing it just like we do our Fast & Testimony meeting. You are not talking about three or four talks...but twenty? or so Testimonies. And if a person is really anxious about spur-of-the-moment speaking, what a terrible position to put them in. They may be so shy and scared, they will refuse to do it...then be embarrassed, and even angry, and not want to be put in such a position again. I can absolutely see that happening. In fact, unless they are careful in how it is done, I can see it turning many "off".

This sums up why I stopped going to church and seminary in high school. Constantly being called up and then being made fun of when I said I didn't want to do it....it wasn't just the students making fun either. I had an nasty early morning seminary teacher.

I remember at girls camp as a kid we'd have testimony night. Everyone would go around the circle and share their testimony...except me. So they would keep going and going. People got up three and four times. The leaders would just look at me and I would just sit there. I wasn't going to give testimony to something I didn't know was true. It's a nasty form of pressure. Some people just don't want to speak in public....a testimony, while important to share, can be shared in many different ways. It doesn't have to be from a pulpit or in front of a group. You would have thought they would have gotten it, but maybe not. I'm not afraid to speak in public. I was always the one who told the ghost stories.

Anyhow, I can see this new kind of meeting backfiring. I know I'd stay home. I'm sure you might have the occassional moving moment, but overall giving your testimony should be optional, not mandatory.

[mommamarty]

our ward needs this, as during fast and testimony meeting their are long periods where nobody gets up. It is actually kind of embarrassinge have a large ward but few testimony bearers.

Marty