Hopefully, you’ve decided to go on a mission because you have a testimony of the gospel and you want to share it with others.
But are you ready to share the gospel message with everyone you meet, including random strangers?
Opening your mouth and talking to all you meet about something so important to you can be intimidating at best. But if you practice these skills before you become a full-time missionary, it makes things a lot easier.
Here are a few ideas of how you can practice discussing the gospel now:
- Talk to your friends who aren’t members of the church about why you decided to serve a mission.
- Pray about whom to give a copy of the Book of Mormon to, and then act on that answer.
- Look for opportunities to serve. Offer to help someone, even if it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient.
- If you are speaking in church before you depart, invite neighbors and friends to come listen.
- Practice striking up a conversation with a stranger at the bus stop, at a park, or in another public place. See if you can make a new friend.
- Study the answers to gospel questions so you know how to answer your friends if they ask. Begin a scripture study journal that includes what you’ve learned.
- Practice teaching a short lesson in FHE or Sunday school, or as part of home or visiting teaching. Think specifically about the people you are teaching and what their needs are as you teach.
- Befriend people of all ages and from different walks of life. Have a meaningful conversation with someone older than you.
This isn’t an exhaustive list of how to prepare to discuss the gospel. I’m sure there are many other things you can do that will help you become more confident and prepared. Remember, “if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear!”