lds ministering interview questions

Are you looking for a better way to connect with those you minister to? Consider asking one of these five questions. They can prompt deeper, more meaningful discussions.

LDS Ministering Interviews – Training Video Examples (19:17)

As we come to know the needs and strengths of those we serve, we may find that we need help to help meet their needs. Ministering interviews and first-Sunday council meetings are two opportunities to discuss how to appropriately involve others.

In supporting President Russell M. Nelson’s statement that the ministering program will be a hinge point on which the course of the Church will swing, Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “The realization of his vision … might be predicated upon how well ministering brothers and sisters are taught and engaged in the ministering interview.”2

How do we involve others when we need help in our efforts to minister? Participate in ministering interviews and first-Sunday council meetings.

These quarterly interviews between ministering sisters and the Relief Society presidency or ministering brothers and the elders quorum presidency are the only formal report we make regarding those we minister to. The interview is an opportunity on at least a quarterly basis to (1)Â counsel about the strengths, needs, and challenges of assigned families and individuals; (2)Â determine what needs the quorum, Relief Society, or ward council might assist with; and (3)Â learn from leaders and be encouraged in ministering efforts.

It is a discussion between ministering brothers and a member of the elders quorum presidency or between ministering sisters and a member of the Relief Society presidency in a setting that allows them to seek and receive inspiration from the Holy Ghost. As a result, ministering brothers and sisters can be inspired to watch over, love, teach, and comfort in the Savior’s way.

Another Relief Society President, Sister Sun, Sung Pi Hung, of Nantun Ward, Taichung South Taiwan Stake, has shared, “After holding a ministering interview with a companionship of ministering sisters, I meditated for several days about some challenges facing one of the companionship’s assigned families. I then received inspiration to recommend to our bishop that the mother of the family be called as a Relief Society teacher.” Now that the mother has begun serving as a Relief Society teacher, her family has been blessed with more reconciliation with God. The sisters of the ward have also been blessed through her service as a teacher.

During the past months, I have observed many faithful members proactively and enthusiastically ministering to others. In many wards and branches, ministering interviews are also being conducted effectively between ministering brothers and their priesthood quorum leader, and ministering sisters and their Relief Society leader. Ideally, both ministering companions participate in person in the ministering interview. When meeting in person each time is impractical, some interviews may be held by phone, online, or so forth. Ministering interviews are held at least once per quarter, and priesthood quorum and Relief Society leaders can interview ministering companionships as often as needed.2

I testify that ministering and ministering interviews can help us to humbly rely on the promptings of the Holy Spirit to guide us in our service and our daily lives. Our faith in the Lord will be fortified while we are ministering to others in His way with love, kindness, and patience. As we keep the two great commandments, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind”,6 and “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”7, we are promised this: “[We] shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.”8

Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, “It’s vital that ministering brothers and sisters have an opportunity to give an accounting of their service, how are they watching over, loving, teaching, comforting, and assisting in the Savior’s way. And vital for priesthood quorum and Relief Society leaders to become informed and then understand the circumstances and needs of those over whom they preside. But the ministering interview is more than a report.”4 Leaders should also counsel, teach, and minister during a ministering interview. Ministering interviews are absolutely crucial and “will be the key to the quality and success of our ministering for generations to come.”5

In April 2018, President Russell M. Nelson announced, “We will implement a newer, holier approach to caring for and ministering to others. We will refer to these efforts simply as ‘ministering’.”1 We appreciate that we can be guided and inspired by continuous revelation in this mortal life. Ministering is learning of, and attending to, others’ needs. It is doing the Lord’s work. It is our privilege to represent Jesus Christ and to act as His agents to watch over, lift, and strengthen those around us. And in return, when we minister to the spiritual and temporal needs of others in the Savior’s way, we will be fortified.

What was the best/worst thing that happened to you this week?

This question is specific and designed to show your interest in someone’s daily life. There are multiple variations of it depending on the circumstances. You can ask someone if anything exciting happened to them, how hard their week was on a scale of 1-10, or how a certain activity went that week.

Is there anything I can pray for on your behalf?

For this question to be powerful, it needs to be tender and genuine. Truly pray for someone if they ask you to. If appropriate, follow up with them on the situation they asked you to pray about.

FAQ

How do you conduct a ministering interview?

1. Go to the interview seeking counsel. Be ready to learn.
2. Be prepared to discuss needs that you may need help meeting.
3. Focus on the individual’s strengths and abilities, not just needs.
4. Contact the presidency to counsel between quarterly interviews as needed.

How do you conduct an LDS ministering interview?

How do I report a ministering interview LDS?

Can secretaries do ministering interviews?