"How about a 5th Sunday School class titled, 'Earth Stewardship as a Principle of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ'?"
That is the question Jane Burner presented her bishop along with a typed class outline. He welcomed the idea! The class went well - experiences, insights and questions were shared among class members. Feedback was positive and encouraging.
Are you considering this idea for your ward/branch? Please read some suggestions prepared based on Jane’s experience.
1. Teach doctrine only. This is a gospel doctrine class, not a survey of environmental issues.
2. You can find content from the following resources:
b. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org
c. Resource library on LDS Earth Stewardship website
3. Present a class content outline to your bishopric/branch presidency when you offer to teach. In addition to being a courtesy to them, it provides them with a preview of the content and allows for inspired feedback.
4. Keep politics and political views out of the discussion and out of all your comments. Stay on common ground: our shared doctrine. You may want to explicitly set this as a basis for discussion.
5. Focus on only 2 or 3 main ideas. Here is an example:
a. The earth is the Lord’s. He has given us the responsibility to become wise stewards.
b. We express our love of God by caring for His creations.
c. Being a wise earth steward is about loving our neighbor, both locally and globally.
6. Take time to prepare well! You will learn and your testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ can grow stronger as you seek to understand the principles of earth stewardship as taught in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Remember, the Holy Spirit will guide you as you work for class members to be edified.
