Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf knows well the absolute necessity of following preflight checklists — those routine tasks and procedures that help ensure the safety of passengers and crew during their journey.
Such preflight checks discipline pilots to keep their focus on the essential things that make for a successful flight.
“Just as a pilot has a specific guiding purpose, so do we as teachers of the ‘Word’: to bring souls closer to Christ.
“Whenever we approach a teaching opportunity, that goal should be foremost in our mind. As teachers, do we have a checklist to help us focus on our sacred objective?” Elder Uchtdorf asked during a worldwide broadcast titled “Teaching in the Savior’s Way,” made available on Saturday, June 11.
The event was designed for all members serving as teachers, either in their Church callings or in their homes.
A member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Uchtdorf began his message by saluting all who answer to the title of “teacher.”
“Since all are teachers in one form or another, I should think my group of favorite people is quite inclusive. I love teachers. I love being around them. I owe more than I can ever repay to teachers who helped me develop into who I am today.”
Jesus Christ is the greatest of all teachers, he testified. The Lord is the ultimate example for all who want to improve as teachers and as individuals.
“Over the better part of the past 2,000 years, I don’t suppose there has passed a single second when, somewhere in the world, [Christ’s] teachings were not treasured, studied, pondered, repeated and modeled.”
Teaching in the Savior’s way
Elder Uchtdorf announced that the Church will publish a revised version of “Teaching in the Savior’s Way” this month.
“It is a guide for all who teach the gospel — in the home and in the Church,” he said. “It will be available in 70 languages on the Gospel Library app. Printed copies will follow in coming months.
“This resource draws on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as our guide and inspiration as teachers. It helps us focus on teaching the way He taught.”
Teaching is an expression of discipleship, he added. Teachers love, care for, bless and lift others.
“In other words, if you are trying to love and serve as Jesus did, then you are a teacher, and ‘Teaching in the Savior’s Way’ is for you. I hope it will be a treasure to you, whether you are new to this journey or have been walking it for many years.”
Included in the revised version of “Teaching in the Savior’s Way” is a self-assessment that functions as a “flight checklist” for teachers. This self-assessment can guide introspection, reveal blind spots and prompt ideas on ways to improve.
“It can be as useful for teachers as the flight checklist is for pilots.”
Elder Uchtdorf then invited his broadcast audience to join him “in the cockpit” to perform a “preflight check for teaching” designed to help teachers prepare to teach in the Savior’s way.
How to watch
The broadcast is available in various languages on:
- Broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org (available for two weeks)
- YouTube (live and on-demand streaming)
- Latter-day Saints Channel (live and on-demand streaming)
- Gospel Library (live and on-demand video, as well as audio and text in 39 languages)
Local leaders are encouraged to determine a viewing date and time that best serve Church members in their areas. Teacher council meetings may be an ideal opportunity to view the broadcast.
