Responsibilities

Seminaries and Institutes of Religion (S&I) assists parents and Church leaders in helping youth and young adults deepen their conversion to Jesus Christ and His restored gospel, qualify for the blessings of the temple, and prepare themselves, their families, and others for eternal life with their Father in Heaven (see General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 15, Gospel Library; “The Objective of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion,” Gospel Library).

Seminaries and institutes provide a variety of ways for students to gather, including in-person, online, remote, and home study programs. Gathering in these ways can help deepen conversion to Jesus Christ. Consider these personal invitations from President Russell M. Nelson and the blessings to be realized when students participate in seminary and institute: “Personal Invitation to Attend Seminary” and “Personal Invitation to Attend Institute.”

Teachers center each learning experience on Jesus Christ and His example, attributes, and redeeming power. They look for ways to help students learn the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as found in the scriptures and the words of the prophets, learn for themselves, and allow the Holy Ghost to guide. When the word of God is taught and received by the Spirit, it has the power to change hearts and inspire deeper conversion to our Savior Jesus Christ (see General Handbook, 17.1).

A call to teach seminary or institute can be exciting. It can also cause feelings of uncertainty, inadequacy, or even a little anxiety. The Savior is aware of your feelings and will help you be successful. Your life experiences combined with ongoing training and support from an S&I representative will create a beautiful harmony to meet your personal needs as a teacher and help your students deepen their conversion to Jesus Christ. The S&I representative assigned to your area will reach out to you to provide additional direction, support, and resources. Resources at the following link are also made available to assist you as needed: Teacher Resources.

Continue to strive to live the gospel of Jesus Christ and seek the companionship of the Holy Ghost in your personal life. The Spirit is a gift that can help us develop and improve our performance, knowledge, attitude, character, and so much more. Continue striving to be a learner of the gospel. Discipleship will strengthen your faith and deepen your conversion to Jesus Christ.