June 20th, 2025, 5:10pm MDT
Provo, Utah – Repeating President Russell M. Nelson’s declaration that “The Lord is actually in a hurry to his work,” 12 Apostle Elders Ronald A. Russband pointed to an increase in the annual total of missionaries, the total of baptism, operation, construction, and planning temples.
“Hurry” is an important word. It suggests moving quickly, accelerating, and even urgency,” he said at a 2025 seminar for new mission leaders held at the Provo Missionary Training Centre on Friday, June 20th.
“There’s been a rush happening in the growth of the church and in the plans of Christ,” Elder Rusband said, selecting participants for the seminar.
Mission Leaders are to help missionaries become deeply rooted as they learn, understand and live their missionary purpose, he said. The statement of purpose highlights the good news of the gospel. This includes all the doctrines, principles, laws, commandments, ordinances and contracts necessary for salvation and exaltation.
Elder Rusband quoted the lines several times from “My Gospel of Sermons.” “Baptizing and verifying the people you teach is at the heart of your purpose.”
It must be written in the minds of missionaries and their missionary leaders, he said.
Elder Lasband also emphasized that the Resurrected Savior emphasized the emphasis on the New Testament and Book of Mormon settings of baptism and conversion to the Virgin and His disciples. On behalf of the first presidency and retirement of the 12 Apostles, he added:
However, he warned against riveting attention simply by thinking that baptism and work is being done when a balance between baptism and ensuring true growth of the Church is needed.
Sister Melanie Lasband, who joined her husband in his presentation, spoke about her learning as a mission leader about the importance of sticking to his doctrine with the new members who were fixed in Jesus Christ 30 years ago.
“It was our prayer for more children of God to come to the Savior through baptism and be truly converted,” she said. “We learned to continue to focus on Jesus Christ and His Doctrine, and as a way to baptize and confirm the greater children of God’s children, we helped them stay on the path of the covenant and endure to the end.”
Elder Rasband added: “You and the Lord’s missionaries invite us to come to Christ with power and authority. Our desire is to do more than help God’s children begin to walk the straits and narrow paths.
The apostles listed the “preaching my gospel” directive to help strengthen and nourish new members.
・Easy to attend sacrament meetings every week and participate in the sacrament.
・The lesson will be taught again in Chapter 3.
– Discuss and track contract path progress reports needs and progress during weekly missionary coordination meetings
– Help me to have the experience outlined in my Covenant Pass in the Member Tools app. This includes men who were old enough to receive Aaron’s priesthood, and members who were old enough to receive the temple.
After mentioning Alma 26:5-7, on the immobilising conversion of the sons of Mosha’s sons, Elder Lasband cited the late Elder Neil A. Maxwell, the quorum of the 12 apostles.
Elder Lasband returned to his guidance from “Preaching My Gospel” where “baptism and confirmation are not the final destination.” Rather, these ordinances are the gates for God’s children to enter the path of covenant.
Such sacred experiences help to connect new members to the Lord.
He made it clear that his message of supporting new members did not suggest reducing the focus on baptism. “On the contrary, the Lord expects us to “bear more fruit” (John 15:2). Help your missionaries to understand our missionary’s purpose and see that “baptism and confirmation are central.” ”
