I wholeheartedly agree. And although I no longer believe in the LDS church and its truth claims after decades of being all-in, two of my children served missions so far and another one is planning on it in another year or two. Please be kind. Invite them in for a refreshing drink, ask them if they’re allowed enough budget for nourishing food, and wish them a good day if you’re not interested.
My mother was living in Thailand. She was not even a LDS church member. She used to take the elders out to lunch once per week so they could have a decent meal.
I served a mission as a new convert years ago, funded 100% by my stake presidency, and though we were rarely fed, having enough to eat was never a concern I ever had. I’ve since sent all 5 of my children on missions and again, no one came home looking hungry by any stretch.
I’m a new LDS convert (former evangelical) and will be FOREVER grateful to the sister missionaries who persevered with me even when I told them I wasn’t interested. God had other plans! My first calling is as a ward missionary and that is such a gift from Heavenly Father to now get to support the missionaries!
@@charlesmendeley9823 that is a big question with a big answer. Too much to post here. Short answer: God undeniably came back into my life (and I wasn’t even looking) through LDS. I was pretty shocked at the time, but could not deny the spiritual experiences I had that woke me up to Jesus Christ wanting me to return to Him.
It’s now time to read the CES letter and the Gospel Topic Essays, to learn the rest of what was selectively hidden from those sincere missionaries and you by those who created the missionary script.
@@stevenpolatis selectively hidden?? So the idea of moving from basic to advanced is devious in nature. So if you aren’t taught calculus during pre algebra it isn’t to learn little by little but rather a conspiracy to keep from you more advanced topics lol
This is perfect!! After nearly a decade of church inactivity, I found myself on my knees sincerely asking God to point me towards which church to join. The missionaries knocked on my door for the first time ever a couple days afterwards. The missionaries are attempting to follow the holy spirit and to help where God sends them. The moment they showed up at my door, I knew they had answered my prayer. Because my conversation was with the Lord, and these missionaries just the (blessed and heroic) messengers there was nothing to debate. They simply asked if I wanted to go to church on Sunday and I answered, "I think the message is clear that Heavenly Father wants me at church on Sunday." Missionaries are looking for the people who are looking for them. If this is not you just graciously decline. I, for one, will love the missionaries who gave of themselves to knock on my door so that I and my future family can have what we have now as faithful members of the Lord's church - forever! Missionaries are hard working earthly Angels.
Sorry bro but Mormons are lost and have shared a false gospel with you. We see in the beginning of Acts 1 verses 9-11 that Jesus ascended into Heaven. He did NOT go visit the Americas and visit the descendants of Lehi and other phoney stories they tell you. The entire book Mormon is heretical and false.
Young LDS Missionaries are armed with a pure testimony borne of the Spirit and a mantel from their special calling and that’s enough for the Lord’s great commission.
I love this guy. I literally two videos ago saw a different short of a lady giving advice on how to trick or be rude to or “mess” with missionaries. This guy is a true Christian.
As a missionary we were also an essential free moving company lol. We helped so many people move in and out of homes with their furniture and everything.
@benzun9600 we are technically tour guides, the Spirit does the work we are the tour guide. Referring ourselves as tour guides is no different than refering to ourselves as the telephone operator except that term is probably outdated now, but we help make the connection between them and the Spirit
Returned missionary here :) Serving a mission on my own time and my own dime was the greatest decision I ever made. I happened to serve in the same area as one of the two of the elders that are pictured in this video 😂 brought back some great memories from over 10 years ago. I had so many encounters where people were hostile, even threatened my life a couple of times. But I also encountered amazing, God-loving people who kindly turned us away; and of course we respect their choice to decline our message. And of course, we had some incredible people invite us in, listen to our message, and a small fraction would accept our message and embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who invited us in, whether they accepted our message or not, I still consider friends even a decade later ❤ At the end of the day, we were kids who were set apart to do our best to follow God’s spirit and help all of God’s children. Isn’t that what we all are trying to do anyways?
Wonderfully said! They are YOUNG Elders and Sisters, quite frankly, teenagers still, at least for their first year. They are WONDERFUL and truly are God's Helpers. They are so willing to serve in every capacity, so invite them to help because they will!💝
Jeff, you are amazing! I strongly believe every inches of all you have shared about the missionaries. The two Elder Missionaries who taught me 14 years ago was attacked by a mean man. But they never give up faith believing Heavenly Father is the biggest part of their commitment, and services to all!
Thank you! My son will be experiencing this soon. And he is willing to give everything just to do what he feels is right to just share what he knows about Christ. ❤️
A friend in my ward invited a young couple next door over to hear more about the church. The couple were evangelical Christians but open to hear about the LDS church. I was missionary leader and brought two elders with me. I watched the first discussion go south after the home owner interjected his ideas. The missionaries are trained in the gospel. Sometimes a regular member can lead to contention.
Thank you for the kind message. I recognize the shortcomings and lack of knowledge/perspective I had as a missionary (and still have). We all need grace and hopefully we can all find joy through Christ.
And just FYI, they are much more than “tour guides.” They are called and set apart as representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ to bring the good news of his gospel to the world.
I don't think the pastor meant any disrespect. The Elders and Sisters are "presenting" the basics of the restored Gospel to those who wish to hear. I applaud the pastor's effort of love and kindness and respectful tone.
Agreed, but “tour guides” just doesn’t sit well and seems disrespectful, intentional or not. I think Pastor Jeff doesn’t understand (or believe) that missionaries are commissioned by the Lord through proper authority to preach His gospel.
@@joncharlotteschoenWhere I agree that he is respectful and exemplary in promoting calm dialog, it is dangerous to think that Pastor Jeff may not have other goals as well, such as convincing members of the church that our church is not the true church of the restoration.
@@juliethomas3523 I stand firm on Gospel Truths. He is Dangerous because he does not believe the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only True Church on The Earth today. Don’t be fooled by his appearance of kindness.
Be very careful those who are new to LDS theology! LDS has a different gospel ( of works, not grace ); BOM is another testament of another jesus ( LDS jesus is from Koliab( found nowhere in Scripture); Joseph Smith was not a prophet ( with at least 7 failed prophecies). Study the truth & be very careful. True Scripture calls for NO "restored" scripture. 2Tim 3:16,17
Thank you for this! As a returned missionary, I always really appreciated those who treated us with kindness and respect despite not being interested in our message. It can really make their day if you are simply kind to them!!
This is a very kind appraisal of what missionary work is about within the LDS Church. I have met with many missionary-like people from other churches over the years and I sincerely appreciate their dedication and time and so I am always polite and engaging with them. I never argue or challenge, just ask questions about their particular beliefs. And I will read anything they wish to offer me.
Pastor Jeff, as a Non-Denominational Christian, I would feed them, give them something to drink and share views. These young men & women have grown up in the Church and don’t know anything else. I had a few write to me afterwards asking to know more what I believed after they have been transferred. Always be kind, they are not our enemies!!!
That's very kind of you to say and do, and as a returned missionary myself I thank you for kindness. I would only point out what you said "These young men & women have grown up in the Church" is not true for a large portion of our missionaries. Many of them are converts, who converted in their teens or early twenties, or even baptized as children but fell away from the Church and returned later. I think about half the missionaries in my mission back in my day would have fit that description :)
Thank you! 😊 I served my mission in the Midwest and fortunately there were only 2 people that weren’t kind the whole 18 months! Most people where I served were kind Christians even when they weren’t interested in hearing our message. That was so appreciated! Many were warm and welcoming. Some remain close friends to this day. 😊
As usual, very well said, Pastor Jeff. Christ went about doing good and sharing love, and if we are to be his followers, we must do likewise. "A new commandment I give unto you: That ye love one another as I have loved you. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples; if ye have love one to another."
Thank you Jeff for the amazing work you're doing to build unity within the body of Christ despite some different understandings. I believe God wants us to foster that unity. Thank you for your example.
Thank you Pastor Jeff, this video was so thoughtful and kind. What a lovely message to share! I appreciate your wonderful attitude and Christlike consideration for our young missionaries 🥰
Thank you! This was nicely done! We appreciate your kindness and for explaining missionaries exactly for what they are, and not what a lot of people think. People don’t even realize they pay to go on these missions.
I just wanna say that they aren’t tour guides. They are ordained ministers. I was a missionary and received a ministerial certificate that gives me the rights as a pastor does to go out and teach preach and baptize. Expect our ordination comes from the authority of God and not a missionary college. Missionaries are trained in the Missionary Training Center on how to teach the gospel to people and learning the lessons and learning how to listen and follow spiritual promptings while in the field.
As a member of the church, the majority of missionaries are *basically* tour guides. A lot of them are really good tour guides, but rarely are they well trained for really in-depth discussions about the gospel.
Thank you Pastor Jeff. They are sacrificing 2 years or 18 months soley to invite others to come unto Christ. It isn't an easy sacrifice and can be quite discouraging. Kindness makes all the difference especially when someone isn't interested.
They pay their own way to share the Restored Gospel, including the plain and precious things that were removed from the Bible over generations as understanding of truth was lost.
Our Missionaries Here In The Tampa Florida Mission are Absolutely Amazing! They converted me 2 years ago & How Continually Grateful I Am they never gave up on me ! A decade of being taught! They had real tenacity 😇
I met a lady who said she was Catholic and planning to become a nun, and I ended up dating her, having her baptized and marrying her. 😅 I wasn't on my mission, though,she came to our church for a young single adult dance, and we were the only 30 year olds.
I served my mission at 21 in Italy and everyone is Catholic. Knowing that, I loved asking them what they loved about Jesus Christ and that opened doors to talk.
Having been one, in French speaking Europe, there's no reason to be hostile to LDS missionaries. However, please do no hold back on good conversation and points of logic / reason, that will make them think about things they've probably never thought of. But arguing is pointless with the missionaries. They really haven't a clue about LDS History / Doctrinal history, Foundational truth claims, etc. They're there to baptize you. They're there to convert you to their religion, not to debate. In fact, in the Missionary Training Center they are taught to avoid arguing and get to people who want to be LDS. Yes, be nice. I was glad that almost everyone was nice to me in Europe, especially Christian ministers.
No...they are not there to convert you, but share the gospel with those who are interested. People convert themselves, not the missionaries. Has nothing to do with "making points". As Pastor Jeff pointed out, they are not trained to be apologists. If you want to hear their message listen with your heart and spirit, it's not an intellectual competition.
@@derrickcox7761people allow the influence of the Holy Ghost to teach them. The missionaries facilitate opportunities for the investigators to feel the spirit.
@@derrickcox7761 Arguing semantics. The missionaries are there to find, teach, baptize. Most wouldn't even know what an LDS critic is talking about. Their focus is on the basic message. Always treat them well. They are well meaning.
Thanks Jeff. I served my mission in the Bible Belt. My deepest regrets of those two years were the seemingly countless Bible bashes I chose to engage in. After 6 months I realized how unproductive they were and promised to never use the sacred word of God to do anything but draw in the Holy Ghost. It made all the difference.
Well said Jeff. People love to dunk on missionaries, thinking they are the experts in all things gospel related. Not even close. They know enough to teach. I know way more now than I did as a missionary.
Love this! As a returned missionary, running into confrontational people was such a waste of time. If you've been a missionary before you know the phrase, "Hey lemme ask you a question" just as you start to walk away is a very triggering phrase lol. It could either be someone with real intent that had a change of heart or someone who just wanted to argue. If the latter, you could immediately feel the Spirit leave and that's when you start making lame excuses like, oh we actually have an appointment to get to.
My son worked hard to earn and pay every dime of his $10,000 mission. So not only are they NOT there to engage in debate or arguments… They gave up two years of their lives and years of hard earned money to knock on your door for the Lord. The Lord takes their sacrifice and diligence seriously, many of them seek guidance and direction before EVERY approach… So the Lord takes your response to them extremely seriously. Even if you feel they’re wrong, do you treat them as the Savior would?
The missionaries main purpose is to bring others to Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost will convert. The missionaries are instruments in the Lord’s hands to give those seeking truth and light the opportunity to learn of him and his true gospel.
I agree they are generally extremely nice and I’m always very kind to them. I’m still very good friends with one missionary years after we talked. However, every single time I say I’m already baptized in the Catholic faith they proceed to tell me how my baptism is “unauthorized” and “illegitimate”. Why are they putting down other faiths? They are obviously taught that. That’s my only issue with missionaries, not just LDS missionaries but all missionaries. Why put down other faiths as inferior? I’ve asked Jehovah’s Witness missionaries the same thing when they’ve started bashing the LDS faith. I’ve asked them to please STOP the bashing. As far as the service component of missionary work, yes I’m 100% grateful and appreciative of that. Plus my LDS neighbors are always helpful and very kind to us. Lastly, one more irritation was one LDS missionary told me God didn’t answer my prayers because I was not following their Word of Wisdom as I was drinking tea. That was the senior missionary, the less senior quiet missionary just nodded in agreement. I was nice. I just told them my opinion that I absolutely do not agree that tea is a component of God’s communication or blessing delivery filter (if He has a filter). Again, 95% of my exchanges have been very positive. I’m simply talking about the 5% part.
Like stated in the short you have to remember that a lot of missionaries are straight out of high school. a good percentage of them from Utah where they've probably never really talked to many other faiths before. That being said I can assure you being in the church I've seen way more than 5%. People just unfortunetly not perfect lol. First off the senior missionary was completely out of line there. God will answer in his own time. I do believe that the closer we are to God the easier it is to hear His answers, however to tell someone they aren't going to hear from God because they are "sinning" is hilarious. In that case Joseph Smith would have never heard from God. None of the prophets would and, frankly only Jesus Christ would have had the only ability to speak to God. This is the whole reason why we speak through Jesus Christ to God in the first place. We are imperfect people in this state and need his help to make it back to God. I've received such strong answers from prayer doing WAY worse things than your "drinking tea". My thoughts on the baptism comment. We do believe that we have the preisthood and the authority to baptize. the missionaries shouldn't have said "your baptism is unauthorized or invalid", because frankly thats silly and a huge part of most faiths acceptance of Jesus Christ. Try to think of it like not a we're right and you're wrong. It's more along the lines of "Hey we think we found the light at the end of the tunnel it's this way." Again I'm sorry you've ran into those experiences. But you have to remember even Peter one of the best appostles was a flawed man.
Most don't like to bash other religions. And it is never a focus at a Latter-day Saints of Jesus Christ Church. We focus on our religion, not other faiths as a topic. Someone might make a comment in class, usually if they were another religion and converted, but that is usually the extent of it. We experience bashing from other religions and ex's constantly, we know how it feels. I can't imagine the MTC would be telling missionaries to word baptism that way for other faiths. It sounds so "bookish" in the sense of harshness. If they explained it better perhaps it wouldn't seem as harsh. I will try to explain. We believe in baptism in the pattern Jesus Christ himself set when he was baptized, with full immersion, by one who has the authority/keys of the priesthood (after the restoration in current time) and the laying on of hands to give the gift of the Holy Ghost. As far as tea goes with the Word of Wisdom, because you have not been baptized under this same covenant as Latter-day Saints of Jesus Christ have, technically you are not under the same covenant and other things that pertain to that. However, with that said it does not mean God won't answer your prayers. If that were the case, even those of us that do follow the Word of Wisdom, wouldn't have our prayers answered either. None of us are perfect. Repentance is supposed to be a daily thing in our religion. Heavenly Father knows we all make mistakes. He wants us to come back to him, that's why he sent his son Jesus Christ to atone for our sins. I hope this helps some 💗☺️
Missionaries of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are not tour guides. They go for 18 months to 1 year to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. They do not go to a school to learn of the gospel. They are trained from the time they enter the nurseries at church, through their parents, scripture study, and gospel classes such as primary Young Men's and Young Women's programs. Seminary classes for teens for 4 years. They are trained and learn of the gospel of Jesus Christ their whole lives. They spend 3 to 6 months at the MTC (Missionary Training Centers)Thank you for your positive remarks about our missionaries.
You are saying when the Mormons come around we just should accept what they say. That is impossible but I do invite them in and talk with them and make friends with them but they do have a different gospel than the scriptures present
No. He said you shouldn’t celebrate winning an argument with them because these kids are right out of high school and don’t have some type of Mormon apologist training. That leaves plenty of room for disagreement.
I don't know about not being allowed. We had a New World Translation (Jehovah's Witnesses) in one of my mission apartments and I always at least looked through the Watchtower when someone gave one to me. The occasional Chick Tract we ran across were usually just hilarious. But it might be a direction from their local leadership as a way to avoid getting into Bible Bashing situations. I generally find that literature formulated to show why the Church is wrong to be badly written and just makes me frustrated.
Hello! It is not just other churches literature. The LDS church has a lot of respect for others beliefs and religions. Mission rules include not watching movies, books, playing video games, and even watching the news. After or before missions they are welcome to read anything you give them. When they are on their mission, they are expected to devote all studies to the scriptures and learning how to invite others to learn about Jesus Christ.
The problem with the way you think about "you shouldn't be hostile" while i agree i will point out that my home is my sanctuary. I don't want anyone showing up preaching to me. I get enough of that outside my home. Also, LDS has been around long enough at this point that if someone is interested in hearing the gospel, they can very well find you.
I agree that the home is a sanctuary, and people are free to kindly turn the missionaries away if they're not interested. To your second point, though, the Spirit works on people in different ways. There have been many converts to the Church who were aware of it but didn't feel any desire to investigate it until they were found by missionaries.
Jesus leaves the 99 to look for the 1. Even today when Jesus has been around long enough that if someone wants to they can find Him. We're just trying to fulfill the commandment to go and preach to all nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples. Just kindly turn the missionaries away or put up a no proselytising sign, they'll respect it.
@preston_s. my mom told the missionaries that she was not interested, and they left and thought our house was a duplex knocked on the other door where my dad was, and he let them in. Now we are members.
the truth of mormon missionaries is much different than expressed here. It has nothing to do with conversion, it's about creating trauma bonding between them, other missionaries and the church. So many members leave once they learn the narrative they were taught was fundamentally false. The church hopes that this 2 year dedication of blood, sweat and tears will be enoug for them to hold onto even when all logic and reason tells them to leave.
This is so great! I’m going to call out Church of Apologia Utah, for this exact behavior you are speaking of. What they thought was a mic drop, was really just mean.
@@HelloSaints The reason I am saying that is because I have yet to see you defend the faith or teach them a salvation message as 1 peter3:15 says I understand what you are trying to do but what I hear is more of you compromising with the person you are talking to, and you do talk in Love toward them. Learning what they t each is good, and when they tell you I have yet to see or maybe I have missed it in one of your videos you correct them in love but show them the error of their way as 1 Peter 3:15 says I do know their terminology is different from the Christian belief I have yet for now have never seen you correct them from the Bible in a loving way as you do when you speak with them. And that is what scares me. That is why I said that.
@@HelloSaintsI have you on Subscribe and i do watch your videos and alot of them i do watch now if i have missed some ok then thats a different story but i was never trying to be critical like you say it was just a point of view that i see if you did get offended then i am sorry
Do yourself a huge favor - find a good Jesus Christ, Bible preaching Church & attend their services. Ask them for a "statement of Faith" & match it up with scripture.
Yes, and you could tell them, your religious or a-religious beliefs. If they start talking to you or knock on your doors, do the 50-50 system.30 minutes for them to talk, 30 minutes for you to talk. You might convinced them with your beliefs.Fair and square.
I wouldn't argue for the sake of argument. I would attempt to lead them through the scriptures in an attempt to show them the true Gospel. Christ is the second person of the 1 triune God. Not a created being or the brother of Satan. Salvation is by grace, through faith alone. And not of good works.
