Many years of inspired work have produced our 2008 volume of the teachings of Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of this dispensation. This is a landmark among Church books. In the past, some teachers have given a chapter of the Teachings manuals no more than a brief mention and then substituted a lesson of their own choice. It may have been a good lesson, but this is not an acceptable practice. A gospel teacher is called to teach the subject specified from the inspired materials provided. The best thing a teacher can do with Teachings: Joseph Smith is to select and quote from the words of the Prophet on principles specially suited to the needs of class members and then direct a class discussion on how to apply those principles in the circumstances of their lives.

Neutrality in the teaching of values can only lead to an absence of values.

Tell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand.

Local Church leaders also have a responsibility to review the content of what is taught in classes or presented in worship services, as well as the spiritual qualifications of those they use as teachers or speakers. Leaders must do all they can to avoid expressed or implied Church endorsement for teachings that are not orthodox or for teachers who will use their Church position or prominence to promote something other than gospel truth.

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.

Let one who wants to move and convince others, first be convinced and moved themselves. If a person speaks with genuine earnestness, the thoughts, the emotion and the actual condition of their own heart, others will listen because we all are knit together by the tie of sympathy.

The test of a preacher is that his congregation goes away saying, not 'What a lovely sermon' but, 'I will do something!'

Jesus never lowered his standards, but he always started where people were.

The man who can make hard things easy is the educator.

Whenever you have truth it must be given with love, or the message and the messenger will be rejected.