Social Media: The Lord's Power Tool by Kathryn Skaggs

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Slide Notes

This presentation is an expanded version of what Mormon blogger, Kathryn Skaggs, presented at the 2014 BYU Women’s Conference on 'Social Media: New Ways to Share the Gospel’ titled: Social Media: The Lord’s Power Tool!

Audio to original presentation:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B706jKR1y29Rc3lVSlI1RnVpQUk/edit?usp=shari...

Social Media: The Lord's Power Tool

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PRESENTATION OUTLINE

SOCIAL MEDIA

THE LORD'S POWER TOOL

Photo by Mylla

A PICTURE, VIDEO, TEXT OR LINK IS ONLY MEDIA UNTIL YOU MAKE IT 'SOCIAL'

MEDIA BECOMES 'SOCIAL' WHEN WE INVITE ENGAGEMENT!

"It is no coincidence that FamilySearch and other tools have come forth at a time when young people are so familiar with a wide range of information and communication technologies. Your fingers have been trained to text and tweet to accelerate and advance the work of the Lord—not just to communicate quickly with your friends.” David A. Bednar

https://www.lds.org/.../unt.../join-in-the-work-of-salvation

Photo by John-Morgan

The work of salvation is wondrous, to say the least about it - and God, in His infinite wisdom has provided the means to accomplish His work in a myriad of ways – even new ways!

At first thought, our minds readily turn to the advances in modern technology as being perhaps the most significant. However, without the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, with its revealed truths, technology alone could never replace the inspired direction of those endowed with power from on high -- who desire to use these incredible inventions for the building up of the kingdom of God on earth.

Without the covenant-keeping members of the Church to plug in, pick up and get to work using today’s technology to advance the work – social media being potentially one of the most significant (Lord's power tool), there would be no reason for the Lord to reveal many of the amazing technological advances we enjoy today!

We can accomplish incredible things to #hastenthework through 'new ways' that enable us to do much more with our cell phones than calling one person – in fact, today our cellphones are smart!

Smartphones and portable tablets can often have greater capabilities for connecting and communicating with large groups of people, globally, than many people’s desktop computers!

The capability of the Internet to broadcast a message, exponentially, can only have one single purpose from the Lord’s perspective: to help accomplish the work of salvation by connecting a teacher with a student or a missionary with an investigator, in order to share the gospel.

Life offers an array of options for how we can spend our time, and personally we have many things we desire to do and accomplish, but first and foremost, let us be compelled to fulfill the work of the Lord, by placing Him at the center of our life’s pursuits, whatever that may be.

President Ezra Taft Benson, said, “When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities.”

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The prophet, Joseph Smith Jr., understood the expanse, power and destiny of the Lord’s work in our day – the dispensation of the fullness of times. He described its mission in no uncertain terms. Said he:

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"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.”

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In 1974, Spencer W. Kimball delivered an historic and prophetic address during a regional seminar of priesthood leaders; the content he described as a “vision” in relation to what the Prophet Joseph and other Prophets’ down through the ages have seen of our day. Throughout his presentation, as he contemplated the marvelous work of salvation to be accomplished in the very near future he repeatedly asked the question:

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

Spencer W. Kimball: Go Ye Into All the World (Referenced in my Women’s Conference presentation — a must watch!)

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6LvHsUvcv4

Also the text, slightly different, of this same prophetic, regional presentation he gave shortly after surprisingly found himself Prophet of the Church:

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1974/10/when-the-world-will-be-converted?lang=en...

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With the power of social media in mind consider just a few of President Kimball's thoughts: “I believe that the Lord is anxious to put into our hands inventions of which we laymen have hardly had a glimpse…”

“A significant revelation states: “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)

Photo by smaedli

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“I am confident that the only way we can reach most of these millions of our Father’s children is through the spoken word over the airwaves…

Photo by Derek K. Miller

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“President David O. McKay, speaking in the October 1966 conference of the Church, said of the scientific discoveries of recent years which will make possible the preaching of the gospel to every kindred, tongue, and people: “They stagger the imagination.””

Photo by garryknight

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“King Benjamin, that humble but mighty servant of the Lord, called together all the people in the land of Zarahemla, and the multitude was so great that King Benjamin “… caused a tower to be erected, that thereby his people might hear the words which he should speak unto them.” (Mosiah 2:7)

“Our Father in heaven has now provided us mighty towers—radio and television towers with possibilities beyond comprehension—to help fulfill the words of the Lord that “the sound must go forth from this place unto all the world.”

Photo by Arlo Bates

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The Standard of Truth is the gospel of Jesus Christ, with all of its laws and ordinances pertaining to our happiness in this life and the next; it is Heavenly Father’s Plan to bring us back into His Presence!

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

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The gospel is the very best ‘thing’ about our personal lives—giving us purpose, direction and the vision to see things as they really are, in a counterfeit world, where the progressive effects of immorality and sin are ever increasing. These effects will likely be found in more and more of the individuals’ lives whom we love and care about—leaving them seeking for a remedy, but not knowing where to find it, let alone knowing that it can be!

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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 Jason A. Howie

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Just as King Benjamin erected a tower that he might be heard of his people, who desired to hear him, so the Lord has provided the necessary technology, today, that we might fulfill the work of salvation to go into all the world and wrap things up!

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Each of can us can begin today to use social media as a power tool to increase our ability to “noise abroad” the blessings of a gospel-centered life.

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Thomas S. Monson: Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord’s vineyard to bring souls unto Him. He has prepared the means for us to share the gospel in a multitude of ways, and He will assist us in our labors if we will act in faith to fulfill His work.

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THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN SHARING THE GOSPEL ONLINE:

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Be your "best self" online –

Be yourself! Open your life in natural exchanges you have with friends you will make! Friendships develop through two way communication when we share our personal lives with each other. Friendships generally begin because we share a common interest.

Because of limited time, Mormons tend to interact with members almost exclusively and so we need to actively LOOK for ways to share the gospel with others. One way to widen our circle of friends is through social networking. In this way we can increase the opportunities for having these gospel related conversations with those not of our faith.

What interests do you enjoy not necessarily church related, such as reading, traveling, photography, writing, interior design, fashion and beauty, cooking, health and fitness, hiking, painting, parenting, sewing, crafts, camping, etc... There are online groups you can join to help you connect with others who share these same passions — Google it!

Photo by Enthuan

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CREATE A MORMON.ORG PROFILE

Create a Mormon.org profile--people would be surprised how many people use Mormon.org to find someone similar to them in age, gender, demographic, etc –

Your Mormon.org profile url is the new pass-along card, online. M.org is for investigators and your personal link shared becomes a door to invite people to "come and see". The link should be included as part of your bio on every social network you have an account, or maintain a profile.

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BE WILLING TO HELP THOSE WHO MAY NOT BE AS FAMILIAR WITH TECHNOLOGY –

Photo by TechCocktail

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We can be Disciples of Jesus Christ by word and deed as easily as posting one of our beliefs on Facebook, or any other social network.

Ask questions that specifically invite others to share their opinions, rather than replying with a simple yes or no, to encourage discussion.

Make what you have to say online relevant by placing it in context and making it personal.

Post information about local ward and stake activities on and invite others to come and see.

Share a status update and briefly share something that happened in your life where your faith came into play with

Focus on building personal relationships and don’t worry about the technology side of sharing the gospel online. Just do it.

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We can use Church created social media, such as a Mormon Message, or a link to a talk from General Conference to share a single principle of the gospel to begin a relevant conversation with our like minded 'friends' and associates.

Share link to read Book of Mormon and or receive free copy.

Friend your local missionaries on Facebook.

On occasion, present the opportunity on your social networks for friends to ask you questions about what Mormon believe? Anything. If you don’t know the answer, tag an online missionary to help you out.

Consider having full-time missionaries help you when you post something about the Church on Facebook, to have a good discussion.

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USE CREDIBLE RESOURCES

LDS.org -- Mormon Newsroom -- Mormon.org

Follow/share from official Church social accounts (as the more momentum there is behind official content, the less space there is for antis, etc).

Official Church Resources for Sharing the Gospel Online: Hastening the Work website:

LDS.ORG: HASTENING THE WORK OF SALVATION

https://www.lds.org/training/wwlt/2013/hastening/members-and-missionaries?l...

List of Official SOCIAL MEDIA Accounts, Online, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

https://www.lds.org/media-library/social?lang=eng

Using Media for Sharing the Gospel

https://www.lds.org/media-library/using-media-for-sharing-the-gospel?lang=e...

PDFs and Free Ebooks: https://www.lds.org/media-library/ebooks?lang=eng

MORMON NEWSROOM: http://mormonnewsroom.org

My ‘go-to’ LDS news source for what’s happening in the Church, official positions of the Church, and excellent commentary on a variety of topics: social, political and doctrinal.

See: Church Has Strong Presence on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/church-presence-facebook-youtube-twit...

AN INTRODUCTION TO RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/introduction-religious-freedom
HELPFUL VIDEOS TO HELP YOU CATCH THE VISION OF ONLINE MISSIONARY WORK:

Special Broadcast: The Work of Salvation

"Ward and stake council members, their spouses, full-time missionaries, and other interested Church members gather to learn from prophets and apostles how to better participate in the work of salvation. In a special broadcast, President Thomas S. Monson and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles share messages about how each of us can see ourselves in the work."

https://www.lds.org/training/wwlt/2013/hastening/special-broadcast?lang=eng

Mormon Channel Video: Sharing Your Faith Online

“This clip features a discussion with Elisa Scharton, Ron Wilson and Lyman Kirkland about how the Church is working to create content [a.k.a. social media) that's shareable on sites such as Mormon.org, Mormon Newsroom and others.”

Source: http://youtu.be/G7dTmsuuRT0

Elder Russell M. Ballard: Be Still, and Know that I Am

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-00-0030-be-still-and-know-that...

Elder Tad R. Callister: What is the Blueprint of Christ’s Church

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-00-0010-what-is-the-blueprint-...

MORMON.ORG: Website for Investigators: http://mormon.org

Create a Mormon.org Profile: Your personal URL is the new pass-along ‘card’, online, to invite investigators to ‘come and see’.

http://www.mormon.org/create

Chat with Mormon Missionaries link: http://www.mormon.org/chat

Meet With the Missionaries: (Set up appointment to meet with local missionaries)

http://www.mormon.org/missionaries

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Sharing the Gospel Online
Ideas, Resources,Counsel and Encouragement

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President Henry B. Eyring: Whatever our age, capacity, Church calling, or location, we are as one called to the work to help Him in His harvest of souls.

Women’s Unique Roles are Valued, Equal and Needed: Russell M. Ballard

https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-ballard-speaks-about-the-role-of-wome...

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President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: There is a way for everyone … to participate in this great work. We can each find a way to use our own particular talents and interests in support of the great work of filling the world with light and truth.

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President Thomas S. Monson: The holy scriptures contain no proclamation more relevant, no responsibility more binding, no instruction more direct than the injunction given by the resurrected Lord as He appeared in Galilee to the eleven disciples. Said He: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"(Matthew 28:19).

Source:
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/welcome-to-conference?lang=e...

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President Thomas S. Monson: Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord's vineyard to bring souls unto Him. He has prepared the means for us to share the gospel in a multitude of ways, and He will assist us in our labors if we will act in faith to fulfill His work."

My personal thoughts about President Monson's admonition to the members of the Church, as shared on my blog, A Well-behaved Mormon Woman:

http://wellbehavedmormonwoman.blogspot.com/2013/10/october-2013-general-con...

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Elder Russell M. Ballard: May I suggest that we can all be more consistently involved in missionary work by replacing fear with real faith, inviting someone at least once a quarter—or four times every year—to be taught by the full-time missionaries. #RealFaith

Source: April 2014 General Conference, Elder Russell M. Ballard, Follow-Up

"To help you in this process, I invite all members, regardless of your current calling or level of activity in the Church, to obtain a copy of Preach My Gospel. It is available through our distribution centers and also online. The online version can be read or downloaded at no cost. It is a guidebook for missionary work—which means it is a guidebook for all of us. Read it, study it, and then apply what you learn to help you understand how to bring souls to Christ through invitation and follow-up.

As President Thomas S. Monson has said, “Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord’s vineyard to bring souls unto Him.”

Preach My Gospel https://www.lds.org/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service?l...

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/following-up?lang=eng

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TONE: We can say and share bold thoughts – perceived bold because of the content and contrast to much of what is considered socially correct – most effective if we develop a few ways to manage the tone used to communicate our message.

We are more likely to be “heard” when we apply ownership to our thoughts and opinions. For instance, rather than stating our opinions as absolutes, we might say: I believe; in my opinion, in my experience; I feel, etc. With this approach, you create a door where others who do not share your thoughts to share their thoughts in response – and that is how conversations among respectful individuals begin.

Positive communication and interactions with others online demands mutual respect. We may not always agree with each other’s perspective, opinions and/or beliefs, but we must respect the other person’s space to hold these differences and share them publicly -- and we expect the same courtesy in return.

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Faith in Jesus Christ is your cause, His gospel your sword, and covenants your protection.

It is a privilege to raise our voice on behalf of the truths that guide our existence -- and for which we bank eternity.

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There is nothing virtual about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Among the many truths spouted by the wisdom of the world, the word of God is the real thing.

Sharing our faith through social media creates a way for us to teach, testify and engage with others in ways that draw attention to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the blessings of living it.

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“When men go forth in the name of Israel’s God, there is no power on earth that can overturn the truths they advocate.” (JD, 12:396) – John Taylor

What makes our lives interesting, unique or compelling is not what happens to us or what we may have accomplished, but rather it is the gospel of Jesus Christ infused into our ordinary lives that makes us extraordinary!

Let your light so shine that others may see your good WORKS! Covenants! The results and power in our lives.

TRUST GOD! He is the author behind our lives and will write His story into it as we offer it for His work and in HIS WAY!

If He needed all of us to have a sensational story to do it HE would write it! He doesn't!

Rather, through mortal experiences (all of them) he speaks to His children! This work is not progressed or hastened because of what happens to individuals rather it is individuals that happen to catch the vision of it and put their trust in Him to share it.

We become ZION as we unite under a living prophet and bring our individual offering to The Lord for the benefit of ALL!

You are enough because you are HIS! His Glory is our life made holy through the Spirit of Christ!

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Clayton Christensen: “A while ago my friends and I decided to search the Doctrine and Covenants for blessings that the Lord promised to those who accept the call that God has given each of us to be missionaries….

Some of the promises the Lord has made to those he calls to preach the gospel relate to the power and strength they will receive as they do so.

and strength they will receive

• None shall stay you (1:5).

• You shall receive strength such as is not known among men (24:12).

• I myself will go with you and be in your midst. Nothing shall prevail against you (32:3).

• Power shall rest upon you. I will be with you, and go before your face (39:12).

• Your enemies will not have power over you (44:5).

• The Lord will stand by you (68:6).

• No weapon formed against you shall prosper (71:9).

• I will uphold you (93:51).

• The gates of hell shall not prevail against you (17:8).

• You shall have power to declare my word (99:2).

• Your tongue shall be loosed, and you will have the power of God unto the convincing of men (11:21).

• Your mouth shall be filled and you shall become even as Nephi of old (33:8).

• You will not be confounded. It shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man (84:85; 100: 5)

• Your words shall be scripture; shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, and shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation (68:4).

• Your arm will be God's arm. He will be your shield and buckler; He will gird up your loins; and put your enemies under your feet (35:14).

Other blessings the Lord has promised to those who share the gospel relate to personal purity and increased faith:

• You shall stand blameless before God (4:2).

• You shall be lifted up at the last day (17:8).

• You will be given a testimony of the words of the prophets (21:9).

• You shall have revelations (28:8).

• Your sins will be forgiven (31:5; 36:1; 60:7; 62:3; 84:61).

• You shall have great faith. (39:12).

• You will be able to keep God's laws (44:5).

• The Lord will make you holy (60:7).

Still other blessings for those who engage in missionary work pertain to happiness, health and prosperity:

• You shall have blessings greater than the treasures of earth (19:37-38).

• Your back shall be laden with sheaves (31:5; 33:9).

• I will take care of your flocks (88:72).

• Your family shall live (31:5).

• The Lord will prepare a place for your family (31:6); will provide for them; and open an effectual door for them from henceforth (118:3).

• You shall not be weary in mind, ... neither in body, limb nor joint ... and you shall not go hungry, neither athirst (84:80)

• A hair from your head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed (84:80, 116).

• Your joy shall be great (18:14-15).

• I will bear you up as on eagles' wings; and you shall beget glory and honor to yourself and unto the Lord's name (124:18).

And perhaps most extraordinary of all, He has promised to fill us and our work with the Holy Ghost:

• I will send upon you the Comforter, which shall teach you the truth and the way whither you shall go (79:2).

• The Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record of all things, whatsoever ye shall say (100:8).

• I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left; my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. (84:88).

Source: http://devotional.byuh.edu/media110419

Speech given at Brigham Young University-Hawaii

April 19, 2011 Clayton Christensen  Professor, Harvard Business School

Graphic: Mormonwordles.com

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The gospel of Jesus Christ is the very gate to man’s eternal freedom and happiness. It is the “Way” by which we can be reconciled with our God and return back into His presence—not alone, but with our families; forever! It is the hope by which we have faith that we will see loved one’s now parted from this life, with a surety that all will rise from the dead -- and live again!

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As children of covenant, let us begin now to see these advances in technology, which the Lord has revealed for His work, as more than social entertainment, but rather new ways to connect with, and invite, His children to come and see – thus hastening the work of salvation.

1-The Church needs you! Every one can make a difference, no matter how "tech savvy" you think you are - or not.

2-Don't be overwhelmed. Take one small step at a time. If you don't understand social networks, talk to your kids, grandkids, or someone in your ward. Resources are available.

3-You decide how overtly religious you want to be in sharing the Gospel. Make it a matter of prayer. Seek the guidance of the Spirit. Some people are very comfortable being direct, while others prefer to be more subdued and take a different cadence. Again, take it at your pace, but doing a little something is better than nothing at all.
4-The Church provides a lot of good content. But so do volunteers who create memes, videos, and other shareable content. Share content and express yourself in a way that you feel comfortable.

5-Create your own content (if you want). Just because the Church produces it doesn't mean that is all you can share. Be anxiously engaged (D&C 58:27) and the Lord will bless you and your efforts.

MOST IMPORTANT: Do something! If even 10% of members got involved and shared one piece of content, our numbers would blow up. The Church is getting less “prescriptive” so create content you enjoy sharing.

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KATHRYN SKAGGS

PIONEER IN SHARING THE GOSPEL VIA SOCIAL MEDIA

Connect with Kathryn via social media

Mormon.org Profile
http://www.mormon.org/me/1bwz

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynskaggs?_mSplash=1

Kathryn Skaggs: Latter-day Saint Woman
https://kathrynskaggs.blogspot.com/

Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/LatterDaySaintWoman/

@LDSNana on Twitter
http://twitter.com/LDSNana

Kathryn Skaggs

http://wellbehavedmormonwoman.blogspot.com

Slide Notes