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Slide Notes
“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540).
"Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?"
Published on Sep 22, 2016
San Diego regional LDS Public Affairs training on member use of the Internet and social media, September 24, 2016.
MORE DECKS TO EXPLORE
PRESENTATION OUTLINE
"THE TRUTH SHALL GO FORTH BOLDLY"
A PROPHETIC DECLARATION
“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540).
Photo by R. Millar
The work of public affairs allows us to pursue the mission of the Church to "hasten the work of the Lord" and has since the Restoration.
The work of public affairs allows us to pursue the mission of the Church to "hasten the work of the Lord" and has since the restoration.
Photo by kanegen
"The First Vision wasn’t only the beginning of the restoration of Christ’s Church on the earth after a long period of apostasy, it was also the beginning of a resurgence in secular knowledge inspired by heaven."
Brian Howard
"The First Vision wasn’t only the beginning of the restoration of Christ’s Church on the earth after a long period of apostasy, it was also the beginning of a resurgence in secular knowledge inspired by heaven." Brian Howard
I'm taking some of the beginning of my presentation today from a recent BYU Idaho Devotional given by Brian Howard “The Role of Media in Hastening the Work” July 28, 2015
Faculty member: Department of Communication
"The space of time between the Restoration and today have accelerated the development of new technologies at an unprecedented rate never before seen in the history of the world. This rapid increase in modern technology directly correlates with the growth of the Church -- thus the hastening of the work.
I'm taking some of the beginning of my presentation today from a recent BYU Idaho Devotional given by Brian Howard “The Role of Media in Hastening the Work” July 28, 2015
Faculty member: Department of Communication
"The space of time between the Restoration and today have accelerated the development of new technologies at an unprecedented rate never before seen in the history of the world. This rapid increase in modern technology directly correlates with the growth of the Church -- thus the hastening of the work.
"Church membership increased from about 52,000 in 1850 to 400,000 in 1910, which incidentally was the year that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir did a recording for the Columbia Phonograph Company."
Brian Howard
- Brian Howard: "Church membership increased from about 52,000 in 1850 to 400,000 in 1910, which incidentally was the year that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir did a recording for the Columbia Phonograph Company."
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is one of the great Church PA's secret weapons. As well, the building of our temples throughout the world. Both, bring measurable attention to the work of the Church and create many opportunities for PA's outreach.
Photo by Ken Lund
By 1930 Church membership had grown to 670,000.
By 1930 Church membership had grown to 670,000.
The increased ability through media, and today social media, have brought tremendous attention to the Church, thus empowering the work of PA like never before. The work is truly hastening and each of have a tremendous responsibility to do our part!
SEE: MORMON MEDIA HISTORY TIMELINE: 1827-2007
SHERRI BAKER, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Communications
Brigham Young University
http://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1958&context=fac...
The increased ability through media, and today social media, have brought tremendous attention to the Church, thus empowering the work of PA like never before. The work is truly hastening and each of have a tremendous responsibility to do our part!
SEE: MORMON MEDIA HISTORY TIMELINE: 1827-2007
SHERRI BAKER, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Communications
Brigham Young University
http://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1958&context=fac...
Photo by Jason Alley
TO SWEEP THE EARTH AS WITH A FLOOD
Elder David A. Bednar
On Tuesday, August 19, 2014, Elder David A. Bednar gave the keynote address at BYU Education Week title: To Sweep the Earth As With A Flood.
His topic was member use of social media and the Internet. He emphasized that this address is part two to a talk he gave in 2009 titled "Things as They Really Are."
In that address, he “discussed the spiritual potential and pitfalls of various technologies in our modern world.”
This address “build[s] upon and extend[s] that previous message by focusing upon three related and important topics:
His topic was member use of social media and the Internet. He emphasized that this address is part two to a talk he gave in 2009 titled "Things as They Really Are."
In that address, he “discussed the spiritual potential and pitfalls of various technologies in our modern world.”
This address “build[s] upon and extend[s] that previous message by focusing upon three related and important topics:
THINGS AS THEY REALLY ARE
- This Unique Dispensation.
- The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times and Technology.
- Social Media.
(1) The unique season in the history of the world in which we live, even “the dispensation of the fulness of times,”
(2) The inspired technological and communication innovations that have come forth in this decisive dispensation, and
(3) How we appropriately use these powerful tools to advance the work of salvation in all of the world.
(2) The inspired technological and communication innovations that have come forth in this decisive dispensation, and
(3) How we appropriately use these powerful tools to advance the work of salvation in all of the world.
Photo by martinak15
THE DISPENSATION IN WHICH WE ARE LIVING
"We live in a truly distinctive dispensation."
The Dispensation in which we live.
“We live in a truly distinctive dispensation.”
“We live in a truly distinctive dispensation.”
“A gospel dispensation is a period of time in which the necessary priesthood authority, ordinances, and doctrinal knowledge are found on the earth to implement the Father’s plan of salvation for His children. Essential to the establishment of a dispensation is an authorized servant of God, a dispensation head, who holds and exercises the authority and keys of the holy priesthood.”
Elder David A. Bednar
“A gospel dispensation is a period of time in which the necessary priesthood authority, ordinances, and doctrinal knowledge are found on the earth to implement the Father’s plan of salvation for His children. Essential to the establishment of a dispensation is an authorized servant of God, a dispensation head, who holds and exercises the authority and keys of the holy priesthood.”
“All the ordinances and duties that ever have been required by the Priesthood, under the directions and commandments of the Almighty in any of the dispensations, shall all be had in the last dispensation … , bringing to pass the restoration spoken of by the mouth of all the Holy Prophets” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 511).
Elder Bednar, from The Teachings of Joseph Smith:
“All the ordinances and duties that ever have been required by the Priesthood, under the directions and commandments of the Almighty in any of the dispensations, shall all be had in the last dispensation … , bringing to pass the restoration spoken of by the mouth of all the Holy Prophets” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 511).
As the Apostle Paul declared, “In the dispensation of the fulness of times [God will] gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him” (Ephesians 1:10).”
“All the ordinances and duties that ever have been required by the Priesthood, under the directions and commandments of the Almighty in any of the dispensations, shall all be had in the last dispensation … , bringing to pass the restoration spoken of by the mouth of all the Holy Prophets” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 511).
As the Apostle Paul declared, “In the dispensation of the fulness of times [God will] gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him” (Ephesians 1:10).”
The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times and Technology.
We are living in, The dispensation of the fulness of times and technology.
“We are blessed to live, learn, and serve in this most remarkable dispensation. An important aspect of the fulness that is available to us in this special season is a miraculous progression of innovations and inventions that have enabled and accelerated the work of salvation: from trains to telegraphs to radios to automobiles to airplanes to telephones to transistors to televisions to computers to satellite transmissions to the Internet—and to an almost endless list of technologies and tools that bless our lives. All of these advancements are part of the Lord hastening His work in the latter days.”
Elder David A. Bednar
“We are blessed to live, learn, and serve in this most remarkable dispensation. An important aspect of the fulness that is available to us in this special season is a miraculous progression of innovations and inventions that have enabled and accelerated the work of salvation: from trains to telegraphs to radios to automobiles to airplanes to telephones to transistors to televisions to computers to satellite transmissions to the Internet—and to an almost endless list of technologies and tools that bless our lives. All of these advancements are part of the Lord hastening His work in the latter days.”
"Every discovery in science and art, that is really true and useful to mankind has been given by direct revelation from God, though but few acknowledge it. It has been given with a view to prepare the way for the ultimate triumph of truth, and the redemption of the earth from the power of sin and Satan. We should take advantage of all these great discoveries, the accumulated wisdom of ages, and give to our children the benefit of every branch of useful knowledge, to prepare them to step forward and efficiently do their part in the great work” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1954], 18–19).” (Create
“In 1862 Brigham Young said: "Every discovery in science and art, that is really true and useful to mankind has been given by direct revelation from God, though but few acknowledge it. It has been given with a view to prepare the way for the ultimate triumph of truth, and the redemption of the earth from the power of sin and Satan. We should take advantage of all these great discoveries, the accumulated wisdom of ages, and give to our children the benefit of every branch of useful knowledge, to prepare them to step forward and efficiently do their part in the great work” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1954], 18–19).” (Create slide.)
SHARE video clip from presentation created from same address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1qjBgysRig
SHARE video clip from presentation created from same address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1qjBgysRig
"Is anything too hard for the Lord?"
President Spencer W. Kimball
Elder Bednar then quoted President Spencer W. Kimball from a prophetic regional priesthood training presentation that he gave in 1974! (40 years ago!!!)
"I believe that the Lord is anxious to put into our hands inventions of which we laymen have hardly had a glimpse. …
““With the Lord providing these miracles of communication, and with the increased efforts and devotion of our missionaries and all of us, and all others who are ‘sent,’ surely the divine injunction will come to pass: ‘For, verily, the sound must go forth from this place into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth—the gospel must be preached unto every creature’ (D&C 58:64)”
(“When the World Will Be Converted,” Ensign,Oct. 1974, 10–11).”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1qjBgysRig
Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1qjBgysRig
"I believe that the Lord is anxious to put into our hands inventions of which we laymen have hardly had a glimpse. …
““With the Lord providing these miracles of communication, and with the increased efforts and devotion of our missionaries and all of us, and all others who are ‘sent,’ surely the divine injunction will come to pass: ‘For, verily, the sound must go forth from this place into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth—the gospel must be preached unto every creature’ (D&C 58:64)”
(“When the World Will Be Converted,” Ensign,Oct. 1974, 10–11).”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1qjBgysRig
Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1qjBgysRig
“Messages and pictures that used to require days, weeks, and months to send and receive now can be communicated around the world in seconds. We thank thee, O God, for the prophets who have taught and prepared us for the time in which we live—and who have urged us to use technological advancements to support the ongoing mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
Elder David A Bednar
~ David A Bednar (NOW)
“Messages and pictures that used to require days, weeks, and months to send and receive now can be communicated around the world in seconds. We thank thee, O God, for the prophets who have taught and prepared us for the time in which we live—and who have urged us to use technological advancements to support the ongoing mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
“Messages and pictures that used to require days, weeks, and months to send and receive now can be communicated around the world in seconds. We thank thee, O God, for the prophets who have taught and prepared us for the time in which we live—and who have urged us to use technological advancements to support the ongoing mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
SOCIAL MEDIA
AVERAGE MONTHLY USERS
- Facebook -- 1.2 Billion.
- YouTube - One Billion
- Twitter - 250 Million
- Instagram - 150 Million
- Instagram - 70 Million
Facebook is a networking service used to share messages, images, links, and videos with family, friends, and followers—and has approximately 1.2 billion average monthly users.
YouTube is a platform through which videos can be distributed, viewed, rated, and shared—and has approximately one billion average monthly users.
Twitter is a means of sending and receiving short, quick text messages and images called tweets—and has approximately 250 million average monthly users.
Instagram allows the sharing of pictures and short videos—and has approximately 150 million average monthly users.
Pinterest is a virtual bulletin board used to collect and share content and images from around the web—and has approximately 70 million average monthly users.
YouTube is a platform through which videos can be distributed, viewed, rated, and shared—and has approximately one billion average monthly users.
Twitter is a means of sending and receiving short, quick text messages and images called tweets—and has approximately 250 million average monthly users.
Instagram allows the sharing of pictures and short videos—and has approximately 150 million average monthly users.
Pinterest is a virtual bulletin board used to collect and share content and images from around the web—and has approximately 70 million average monthly users.
“The Lord is hastening His work, and it is no coincidence that these powerful communication innovations and inventions are occurring in the dispensation of the fulness of times. Social media channels are global tools that can personally and positively impact large numbers of individuals and families.”
Elder David A. Bednar
“The Lord is hastening His work, and it is no coincidence that these powerful communication innovations and inventions are occurring in the dispensation of the fulness of times. Social media channels are global tools that can personally and positively impact large numbers of individuals and families.” Bednar
“I believe the time has come for us as disciples of Christ to use these inspired tools [social media] appropriately and more effectively to testify of God the Eternal Father, His plan of happiness for His children, and His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior of the world; to proclaim the reality of the Restoration of the gospel in the latter days; and to accomplish the Lord’s work.”
Elder David A. Bednar
Elder David A. Bednar
“I believe the time has come for us as disciples of Christ to use these inspired tools [social media] appropriately and more effectively to testify of God the Eternal Father, His plan of happiness for His children, and His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior of the world; to proclaim the reality of the Restoration of the gospel in the latter days; and to accomplish the Lord’s work.”
“I believe the time has come for us as disciples of Christ to use these inspired tools [social media] appropriately and more effectively to testify of God the Eternal Father, His plan of happiness for His children, and His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior of the world; to proclaim the reality of the Restoration of the gospel in the latter days; and to accomplish the Lord’s work.”
Photo by Waiting For The Word
Social media is a tool. Tools increase our power to do things that independently are either difficult or impossible. Social media is a powerful tool that enables the individual user to broadly share a message with others, nearly anywhere in the world.
Social media is a tool. Tools increase our power to do things that independently are either difficult or impossible. Social media is a powerful tool that enables the individual user to broadly share a message with others, nearly anywhere in the world.
Photo by KKfromBB
Each of us can begin today, to use social media as a power tool to increase our ability to "noise abroad” the blessings of living a gospel-centered life.
Each of us can begin today to use social media as a power tool to increase our ability to “noise abroad” the blessings of living a gospel-centered life.
Those in leadership positions, will greatly bless your stakes as you lead out as a positive example of how to use social media -- the Lord's way.
I believe that the best way to learn how to properly use social media is to watch, or 'FOLLOW' those already doing it.
My question: ARE YOU FOLLOWING THE PROPHET??
Those in leadership positions, will greatly bless your stakes as you lead out as a positive example of how to use social media -- the Lord's way.
I believe that the best way to learn how to properly use social media is to watch, or 'FOLLOW' those already doing it.
My question: ARE YOU FOLLOWING THE PROPHET??
Photo by Kooroshication
FOLLOW THE PROPHETS
THEY KNOW HOW TO DO IT!
Perhaps you will be surprised to find out that all of our prophets and apostles have numerous social media accounts. As well as the general women's leaders.
Of note, both on Facebook and Twitter most of the brethren actually post their own content. If they can do it, there's not a single person here that can't do it, too!
Just like, I'm sure, each of our leaders have a little bit of help, so too, do you!!
Of note, both on Facebook and Twitter most of the brethren actually post their own content. If they can do it, there's not a single person here that can't do it, too!
Just like, I'm sure, each of our leaders have a little bit of help, so too, do you!!
Stake Social Media Specialist
- Plan and implement social media to support stake PAC events; to inform and organize members and community.
- Train and inspire stake members on the proper use of the Internet and social media.
- Return and report at Public Affairs Council meetings.
Stake Social Media Specialist:
1. Plan and implement social media campaigns to support stake PAC events; to inform and organize members and community.
2. Train and inspire stake members on the proper use of the Internet and social media.
3. Return and report at regular, stake Pubic Affairs Counsel meetings.
Your SMS is an excellent resource!!!
1. Plan and implement social media campaigns to support stake PAC events; to inform and organize members and community.
2. Train and inspire stake members on the proper use of the Internet and social media.
3. Return and report at regular, stake Pubic Affairs Counsel meetings.
Your SMS is an excellent resource!!!
Photo by mkhmarketing
Untitled Slide
7 Tips for LDS Members Using Social Media in Church Callings - YouTube cleverly displays what you need to know. Collectively the seven tips serve as a checklist for anyone using the Internet to spread the gospel message.
Here are the tips distilled into a short list:
1) Always get Priesthood approval before you create any website, blog, or social media outlet related to your calling.
2) Pick a platform that is appropriate for your stake or auxiliary.
3) Do not use or imitate the official Church logo in any way.
4) Your site or blog profile should not be the official name of your church unit. Add “News” or “Friends” to the name and add disclaimer informing visitors that your site is “Not an official page of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
5) Always respect intellectual property and copyright laws. Only post what you have permission to share.
6) Make sure you have proper consent before sharing anyone’s personal photos or stories.
7) Actively monitor content on your page.
These ideas are not complicated or difficult to implement – you may be doing them already. Forms for permissions, examples of appropriate uses, and the rationale behind the guidelines are available at LDS.org by searching for “Internet usage helps for members” or by following the link below:
http://internet.lds.org
Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZBB6fqmIlc
Here are the tips distilled into a short list:
1) Always get Priesthood approval before you create any website, blog, or social media outlet related to your calling.
2) Pick a platform that is appropriate for your stake or auxiliary.
3) Do not use or imitate the official Church logo in any way.
4) Your site or blog profile should not be the official name of your church unit. Add “News” or “Friends” to the name and add disclaimer informing visitors that your site is “Not an official page of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
5) Always respect intellectual property and copyright laws. Only post what you have permission to share.
6) Make sure you have proper consent before sharing anyone’s personal photos or stories.
7) Actively monitor content on your page.
These ideas are not complicated or difficult to implement – you may be doing them already. Forms for permissions, examples of appropriate uses, and the rationale behind the guidelines are available at LDS.org by searching for “Internet usage helps for members” or by following the link below:
http://internet.lds.org
Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZBB6fqmIlc
Their Leadership Should Inspire Ours.
Their Leadership Should Inspire Ours
The way our leaders lead us, should inspire how we lead others. If you want to know what's on the brethren's mind, thus what's important to the Lord, diligently follow the Mormon Newsroom, LDS.org and Mormon.org.
Currently, among other concerns, the exercise of religious freedom is at the top of the list.
The way our leaders lead us, should inspire how we lead others. If you want to know what's on the brethren's mind, thus what's important to the Lord, diligently follow the Mormon Newsroom, LDS.org and Mormon.org.
Currently, among other concerns, the exercise of religious freedom is at the top of the list.
New Religious Freedom Resource
Available on LDS.org.
Mormon Newsroom (excerpt)
"A new section of LDS.org has been launched by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help Mormons learn about religious freedom and know what they can do to protect it. Church leaders encourage members to use the new online resources to be better informed as they engage in public dialogue on the issue.
During the past several years, members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other senior leaders have spoken frequently about the importance of protecting religious freedom around the world...
“As you go about, be kind and patient and seek strength in the scriptures and in your covenants to be like the Savior,” cautioned Elder Christofferson. “Remember, you are seen as representing His Church and therefore must do your best to act as He would. Recognize that all people are children of our Heavenly Father and most are reasonable and good, seeking truth and happiness.”
The social media campaign uses the hashtag: #fairnessforall
Source: Mormon Newsroom
"A new section of LDS.org has been launched by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help Mormons learn about religious freedom and know what they can do to protect it. Church leaders encourage members to use the new online resources to be better informed as they engage in public dialogue on the issue.
During the past several years, members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other senior leaders have spoken frequently about the importance of protecting religious freedom around the world...
“As you go about, be kind and patient and seek strength in the scriptures and in your covenants to be like the Savior,” cautioned Elder Christofferson. “Remember, you are seen as representing His Church and therefore must do your best to act as He would. Recognize that all people are children of our Heavenly Father and most are reasonable and good, seeking truth and happiness.”
The social media campaign uses the hashtag: #fairnessforall
Source: Mormon Newsroom
