The first Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have launched a second version of “Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service,” over two decades after the original edition was published. This book serves as a roadmap for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. (See the First Presidency letter.)
President Russell M. Nelson announced the second edition on June 22, 2023, during the Church’s conference for incoming mission leaders. “This new edition comes at a time when the world is rapidly changing,” he explained. “[It] reflects a sensitivity to many of those changes. It contains some of the best instruction I have ever seen to help people accept the Lord’s invitation to come unto Him.”
Individuals, families, communities, and nations face extraordinary demands and difficulties in today’s globe. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only long-term answer to these demands and obstacles. Preach My Gospel, Second Edition, will encourage and assist members and missionaries as they serve and invite individuals to enjoy the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It will contribute to the healing and sanctifying power of the Savior in the lives of members, missionaries, and those they teach.
Since it was initially released in 2004, the revised Preach My Gospel has included lessons from Church leaders. It aligns with the new “General Handbook,” published in 2020 and 2021, and other new policies. It also offers security safeguards and recommendations for utilizing technology to spread the gospel.
The first missionaries preached despite having little or no formal training. Between the 1950s and the 1980s, the Church established numerous versions of standardized missionary conversations in the spirit of the scripture that missionaries should “seek to obtain the word” of God before preaching.
With the introduction of Preach My Gospel in 2004, missionaries began teaching a unified curriculum of Christ’s teachings in their own words as prompted by the Holy Spirit.
“Preach My Gospel is a valuable resource for missionaries,” said Sister Amy A. Wright, first counselor in the Primary general presidency and a member of the Missionary Executive Council. “Through this inspired guide, all members can find greater joy and meaning in Jesus Christ’s gospel.” And that delight grows as we assist others in making everlasting vows with God through baptism and confirmation.”
Availability
The second edition of Preach My Gospel is now available in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish on the Gospel Library app. By the end of 2023, print versions will be available. Beginning in January 2024, more languages will be accessible.
Videos Introducing the Second Edition of Preach My Gospel
The following videos are provided to introduce this new edition:
What’s New in the Second Edition of Preach My Gospel?
This second edition of Preach My Gospel is based on the teachings, inspiration, and emphasis of current Church leaders. It is enhanced by additional scripture references, more recent teachings from prophets and apostles, and additional art and other visuals. The content in each chapter has been updated (see summary of changes below). However, the chapter order and core teachings remain the same.
Preach My Gospel will inspire and help members and missionaries as they serve and invite people to enjoy the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
A summary of some of the changes in the individual chapters is provided below.
Introduction to Preach My Gospel
The introduction is significantly simplified and reduced. More emphasis is placed on members (not just missionaries) using Preach My Gospel.
Chapter 1: Fulfill Your Missionary Purpose
This chapter has more clarity around the doctrine of Christ and the importance of making covenants with God. Sections about establishing the Church and becoming a successful missionary have also been enhanced.
Chapter 2: Search the Scriptures and Put on the Armor of God
This chapter has additional encouragement and promises for diligent scripture study. It also includes a new section outlining safeguards for using technology.
Chapter 3: Study and Teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ
This chapter provides new instruction about preparing to teach. It also includes a new section about inviting people to be baptized so that they can have the opportunity to start life anew with God’s sustaining power. It summarizes the importance of this joyful, hopeful ordinance and covenant. It also includes a new section about inviting people to be baptized and summarizes the importance of this ordinance and covenant. A new plan of salvation visual has been added. Lesson 4 combines what were previously lessons 4 and 5 into a new lesson titled “Becoming Lifelong Disciples of Jesus Christ.” The teachings in this lesson are organized according to specific aspects of the baptismal covenant.
Chapter 4: Seek and Rely on the Spirit
The quotations in this chapter are updated with teachings from current Church leaders. The “Word of Caution” section is also expanded.
Chapter 5: Use the Power of the Book of Mormon
This chapter has been updated with teachings from current Church leaders and the Book of Mormon.. The “Questions of the Soul” section also includes substantial updates.
Chapter 6: Seek Christlike Attributes
This chapter focuses on seeking Christlike attributes. Adjustment are based on the role of the Holy Ghost in distilling these attributes on those who seek to follow the Savior. A new section titled “Integrity” has also been included.
Chapter 7: Learn Your Mission Language
This chapter has been simplified and reflects the latest approaches to language learning.
Chapter 8: Accomplish the Work through Goals and Plans
This chapter greatly simplifies the goal-setting process and includes the two new key indicators for conversion (“Lessons with a Member Participating” and “New Converts Attending Sacrament Meeting”). These new indicators are intended to help missionaries better unite with members in the Lord’s work and help new members continue to progress spiritually. This chapter also includes two appendices with detailed examples of how missionaries can use the goal-setting process in working with people they are teaching and in finding new people to teach.
Chapter 9: Find People to Teach
This chapter has new instruction and many new ideas for finding people to teach, including some based on using technology and the Preach My Gospel app. It includes a new section on the importance of always being engaged in finding people to teach called “Keep Lines in the Water.” This chapter includes additional ideas on how missionaries can support members in their efforts to apply the principles of love, share, and invite.
Chapter 10: Teach to Build Faith in Jesus Christ
This chapter now includes instruction on following the Savior’s example in teaching, teaching by the Spirit, teaching children, helping people access the scriptures, using technology, and inviting members to participate. It also provides more help on teaching someone from a non-Christian background.
Chapter 11: Help People Make and Keep Commitments
This chapter now has additional teachings about the importance of conversion and Spirit-led invitations. It also provides more guidance on helping people keep commitments. A section titled “Come and Stay” is new.
Chapter 12: Help People Prepare for Baptism and Confirmation
The revisions in this chapter align with the new General Handbook regarding baptism and confirmation. The section “After Baptism and Confirmation” is expanded to emphasize helping new members participate in the blessings of the temple.
Chapter 13: Unite with Leaders and Members to Establish the Church
The instruction in this chapter align with the General Handbook on the roles and responsibilities of local leaders in their efforts to share the gospel. This chapter provides helpful instruction to missionaries and local leaders about weekly coordination meetings. It also highlights principles for sharing the gospel.