Edified: Insights for LDS Women
Episode 26, "Adding Light to Our Gospel Study"
Season 2, Ep. 2
08 NOV 2020

Click here to view the complete transcript.

In today’s episode, I share tips on how to add light to our study of General Conference talks. Everything in Season 2 is about lighting the world around us and the word within us, or as I like to say, “Light where you are.”

Deep Dive Into the Message

I've noticed a familiar pattern in most conference talks. There are six categories I call the “Conference Six-Pack:"

• Principles
• Stories 
• Quotes (ancient /  modern prophets)
• Calls to action / Invitations
• Promise blessing(s)
• Shareable quote(s)  

To dive deeper, consider these “Pause and Ponder Questions:" 

• What is the lesson?
• Are any prophecies mentioned, and if so, what?
• Are there symbols or “types?"
• Are there warnings or admonitions?
• Why is this particular (story, quote, or warning) included? 
• Why is this important? 

To dive even deeper, make the teachings intimate and personal:

• How does this lesson or principle apply to me right now?
• How does the symbol deepen my understanding of the topic?
• In what way does the story relate to my own situation?
• How does this prophecy change the way I view the world?
• What am I being admonished to do better or to do differently?
• How do I qualify for the blessings being promised?

And FINALLY, ask

• “What am I hearing that hasn’t been said or that I haven’t read?” 
• Record our thoughts. 

8 Traits of Gospel Scholars

1. According to Kim B Clark, “Deep Learning” involves learning of the mind, heart, body, and spirit. 
   1. Learning of the mind = gaining knowledge
   2. Learning of the heart = gaining understanding
   3. Learning of the body = learning through experience / taking action
   4. Learning of the spirit = Becoming like Heavenly Father
2. Keep a gospel study journal. Here's a sample:
   1. Summarize what you read
   2. Ask questions to ponder and return to later
   3. Ask “What do I hope to gain from this gospel study session?”
   4. Write impressions, “As I read this today, the thing that came to mind was ______.”
   5. Write a personal application, “I think the Spirit is telling me _________,” or “The Spirit is teaching me that _________,” or The Spirit is asking me to ___________.”
   6. Ask “What are you hearing that you haven't read?”
3. Recognize the language of the Spirit. Hear Him.
4. Recognize opportunities to unpack a verse or a phrase. 
5. Catalog ideas and insights by topics/teachings. 
6. Bring in other scholars & reliable sources to augment their study.
7. Begin with prayer, invite the Holy Ghost to teach, and expand our understanding as we study. 
8. Consistent. Carve out protected time to devote to gospel study. 

Resources

Elder Kim B Clark "Deep Learning"

"Ideas for learning & Teaching from General Conference"