Writing my farewell talk

[Ronster]

Hey everyone, I'm working on my farewell talk to give in my ward, (I know they don't like us calling them "farewell talks" but for sakes of simplicity that's what I'll be calling it) and I'm not necessarily looking for help writing it... What I'm looking for is what you (the audience) like to hear from pre-missionaries at their farewell talks? I don't have a topic yet, but I want some ideas from people on what they like to hear and what they don't like to hear as much of in farewell talks?

I've heard some mixed opinions, some people like to hear the talk focused on the topic, while others would rather hear about the missionaries experience and preperation for their mission. I also have quite a few non member friends coming and I would like to be able to address certain principles for them in a way, because the way I see it, the talk itself can be a missionary opportunity.

So any ideas or suggestions you have would be great thanks! :)

[Misshalfway]

In my corner of the woods, the bishop usually assigns a topic. You might want to ask your bishop if he has any feelings about what subject you choose. And then pray about what topic to choose. Then as people give you advise, the spirit will help direct you. If he leaves it open and you don't feel any particular feeling, You might want to choose a basic....like faith or the communications from the Holy Spirit as they are things every missionary needs.

Whatever you do, use a lot of scriptures and make doctrinally clear points. Don't just wax on about all your thoughts. ..... unless they are pointed to doctrine of course.

[bytebear]

How about firing up the ward to do missionary work too. Talk about what missionary work means to you, and how it has benefitted the church. Maybe give some examples of great missionaries. And maybe challenge the ward to help the local missionaries, as they work in your home ward area.

[Ronster]

In my corner of the woods, the bishop usually assigns a topic. You might want to ask your bishop if he has any feelings about what subject you choose. And then pray about what topic to choose. Then as people give you advise, the spirit will help direct you. If he leaves it open and you don't feel any particular feeling, You might want to choose a basic....like faith or the communications from the Holy Spirit as they are things every missionary needs.

That's how it is for me, I'm just waiting for him to give me a topic. I just figured I could start gathering ideas on paper to have it more ready.

Whatever you do, use a lot of scriptures and make doctrinally clear points. Don't just wax on about all your thoughts. ..... unless they are pointed to doctrine of course.

Thanks! I will definitely do that.

How about firing up the ward to do missionary work too. Talk about what missionary work means to you, and how it has benefitted the church. Maybe give some examples of great missionaries. And maybe challenge the ward to help the local missionaries, as they work in your home ward area.

That's awesome! Because I am a ward missionary and that goes right along with what we teach as ward missionaries. I could definitely apply "every member a missionary" there. Thanks!

[glow_inthe_dark_girl]

my brother's talk was this sunday, he left to the MTC two days ago, his talk , well nobody assigned him any topic he just bore his testimony and explained why he made the decission to go. may be is because he is my brother but it was a very spiritual moment..

[Moksha]

Perseverance would be a good theme for a missionary farewell talk.