Elder William R. Jackson’s recent General Conference address, “Remembering the Sheep” really resonated with me. Why? Because he emphasized putting people ahead of programs and activities. He referred us all to how the Savior ministered and how Moroni understood and practiced “counting and accounting.”

Where did it all go?

Elder Jackson’s experiences outside the United States encouraged him that members and leaders had the right focus. Here, we seem to have lost it:
A few years ago, my family moved back to the United States. We were excited to attend church here after 26 amazing years in smaller, more isolated units. I was called as a ward missionary. We had a great ward mission leader and were doing exciting things and teaching wonderful people. I asked to attend a ward council meeting to observe and to get their help with the friends we were working with. I was surprised when all that was discussed was an upcoming ward activity. I approached the ward mission leader afterward and opined that he didn’t get the chance to return and report on our people. His response? “Oh, I never get to report.”

Social Activities and Food 

Social activities certainly have their place, but they shouldn’t be taking over everything we do. They have, though.

When I was young, we NEVER had overtly social activities at church. It wasn’t considered appropriate. My, how far we’ve come…

Now, it’s all social, imbued with a lot of unhealthy food. What does it achieve, if anything? Not much. It may even be damaging us.

Before meetinghouses got round tables, we sat at the long rectangular ones. People would simply sit down next to whoever else was there and start chatting. It didn’t matter if you knew them or not. People just socialized and got to know each other. I got to know a lot of people this way.

Now, people segregate themselves at the round tables with just their immediate family and chosen friends. People aren’t really socializing with anyone they don’t already know. This is horribly alienating to those who don’t have family and friends at church. I’m inclined to think that after initially experiencing this phenomenon, they aren’t coming to activities anymore.

People obviously could include people outside of their normal social circle at these events. They just don’t. So, if we keep having events where this occurs, the alienation will probably continue.

We Don't Operate "Entertainment Centers"

Drumroll! I have NEVER heard anyone state or confess that they received a testimony from a church social event. Never! 

I've emphasized this before, but Elder Soares stated:
Eating food and socializing don’t result in a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We need to stop assuming it will.

No one's going to eat guacamole or anything else and build their faith in Jesus Christ.

Lose the Guacamole and Get the Right Focus!

So, what is the right focus? Elder Jacson supplied us with it:
In the Church of Jesus Christ, we have been instructed by prophets past and prophets present—and by the pattern set by our Savior—how to minister. We take names, we remember, and we counsel over the welfare of souls. Leaders who do this will never run out of agenda items in their council meetings! The principle of counting and accounting works. It is the Lord’s way. We can do better. To God, who created the universe and rules over all, this work—His work and glory—is very personal. And so it should be for each of us, as instruments in His hands in His amazing work of salvation and exaltation. Miracles in the lives of real people will result.

People! Not Activities! 

If Jesus Christ started querying you about all the people on your branch or ward list, would you know about them? Would you know where they are or what they need?

Elder Jackson compared the United States unit that was preoccupied with activities with his previous one:

I contrasted that with a branch council meeting in Lahore, Pakistan, that I had attended just weeks before. This little group sat around a small table together, and all they talked about were people. Names. Each leader reported on their stewardship and the individuals and families that they were concerned about. All had the chance to add their thoughts on the best ways that they could bless those being discussed. Plans were made and assignments given. What a brilliant lesson in counting and accounting by name from our first-generation brothers and sisters.
What a powerful example for us all!


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