The intent of having companionships ministering to every member of the church is so that multiple people will be watching over any given person and also give each minster someone to confer with in processing what they know or observe of the people they minister to and in determining what help might be needed or possible.
President Nelson also explained: “A hallmark of the Lord’s true and living Church will always be an organized, directed effort to minister to individual children of God and their families. Because it is His Church, we as His servants will minister to the one, just as He did. We will minister in His name, with His power and authority, and with His loving-kindness.”
This is what Moroni wrote about in Moroni 6 that “that their names were taken that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God.”
With these organizational structures in place, we might ask, “How do we know we are ministering in the Lord’s way? Are we assisting the Good Shepherd in the way He intends?”
In a recent discussion, President Henry B. Eyring commended the Saints in adjusting to these notable changes but also expressed his sincere hope that members recognize that ministering is more than “just being nice.” That is not to say that being nice is inconsequential, but those who understand the true spirit of ministering realize that it goes far beyond merely being nice. Done in the Lord’s way, ministering can have a far-reaching influence for good that ripples throughout all eternity.
He described how tending a large flock of sheep was difficult, requiring early days and late nights—waking well before sunrise and finishing long after dark. He could not possibly do it alone.
Others helped tend the flock, including a mix of experienced ranch hands assisted by younger hands who were benefiting from the wisdom of their companions. He also relied on two old horses, two colts in training, two old sheepdogs, and two or three sheepdog pups. … Would you consider for a moment what I have just described in a spiritual context? Who is the shepherd? Who is the flock? Who are those who assist the shepherd?
At all levels they are in pairs and there is a mixture of experienced participants and those in training.
Who is a shepherd? Every man, woman, and child in the kingdom of God is a shepherd. No calling is required. From the moment we emerge from the waters of baptism, we are commissioned to this work. We reach out in love to others because it is what our Savior commanded us to do.
As we summarize the lesson taught in the parable, we find this valuable counsel:
- We are to identify the lost sheep.
- We search after them until they are found.
- When they are found, we may have to lay them on our shoulders to bring them home.
- We surround them with friends upon their return.
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