Reaching out to everyone with 'We need you'

This approach to rescuing was presented to Stake Priesthood Leaders in June 2012:

Ward Councils identify and focus on 5 less-active individuals or families selected by the Relief Society, High Priests Group and Elders Quorum, or 15 total for the ward. Inviting them immediately to be taught by the full-time missionaries can be daunting for some.

The rescue effort may include any or all of the following three elements: (1) help them know they are needed; (2) invite them to be taught by the full-time missionaries; (3) complete a New and Returning Member Progress report and lead them to the temple.

We remind ward leaders to be sensitive in recognizing that some less-active members fear callings and assignments. Get to know them so you can adapt your approach to their talents, skills and interests.

INVITE: ‘We need you’

After identifying their interests and talents, there are many ways ward leaders can reach out to less-actives, part-members and even investigators to say, “We need you.”

Involve Them in Service

• Invite and teach them how to Index at home
• Invite them to help with a service project
• Ask them to feed the missionaries
• Involve them in cleaning the meetinghouse
• Ask them to give a ride to others for meetings or activities

Extend to Them Callings or Assignments

• Use the Potential Callings List and match to a calling that fits their interests or talents
• Assign them to coordinate the feeding of the missionaries
• Assign them to help in the planning of a ward activity
• Invite them to teach a gospel principle or share an experience in a class
• Call them to serve as greeters before and after sacrament meeting

Encourage Them to Be Nurtured

• Expect 100% visits by both HT and VT; ward council request monthly accountability
• Assign quorum and Relief Society presidencies to visit the home
• Provide them a gift subscription to the Church magazines
• Take them on a tour of the temple visitors center and gardens

TEACH: ‘Learn from the missionaries’

Invite them to be taught by the full-time missionaries in their home.

LEAD: ‘Come to the temple’

Complete a New and Returning Member Progress report and track each person or family’s progress. The attached spreadsheet offers a convenient way to track the progress of everyone who has reached this step.