Faith in the Journey - President Mike Pingree

Sunday Leadership Session 

1. Ministering Requires Individual Focus and Time 

The Savior’s example of ministering one by one, whether through healing, teaching, or  listening, demonstrates the importance of giving each individual personal attention,  even when it takes considerable time and effort. Jesus spent hours ministering to each  person in a crowd, like when He allowed each individual to feel His wounds (3 Nephi  11:15), showing that meaningful ministry often takes time and can't be rushed. 

2. Ordinances and Church Service Are Designed to Be Personal 

Many sacred ordinances and interviews, such as baptisms, temple recommend  interviews, and blessings, are conducted one-on-one to reinforce the importance of the  individual. This personal approach is crucial in recognizing each person as a unique  child of God, deserving of personal care and focus. Ministering one-on-one emphasizes  this respect for the individual and deepens the impact of service. 

3. Following the Savior’s Example Brings Lasting Testimonies and Bonds By ministering as the Savior did, we can form connections that foster genuine spiritual  growth. As the Savior ministered individually to children, His apostles, and others, those  interactions left lasting impressions (3 Nephi 17:21, 28:1). Personal ministry invites the  Spirit, builds testimony, and solidifies the divine value of each person, making a real  difference in their lives. 

Sunday Morning Session 

1. Faith and Patience in Seeking Blessings and Answers: Just as people in the  scriptures experienced different answers and timing for their desires for healing, we can  learn that God's timeline and methods are unique for everyone. The examples of blind  Bartimaeus, the man in Bethsaida, and the Apostle Paul illustrate that some miracles  come instantly, others gradually, and some not at all in the ways we expect. This  teaches that we cannot predict how God will answer our prayers, but we can trust in  His timing and purposes. 

2. Relying on the Basics of the Gospel Amid Adversity: In times of struggle—whether  with relationships, mental health, career, or personal goals—the basics of the gospel  (prayer, scripture study, service, covenants, sacrament, temple attendance) help us stay  aligned with Christ. By doing these foundational practices, we draw closer to the Savior  and open ourselves to His guidance and peace, even if the challenges don’t resolve immediately. 

3. The Refining Purpose of Trials: Adversities are not signs of divine neglect but rather  necessary parts of growth, as described in 1 Nephi 20:10, where we are "refined in the  furnace of affliction." Elder Christofferson taught that God’s promises aren’t  transactional but relational, guiding us to see that trials are part of a loving plan. With patience and trust, we can find peace and purpose in adversity, knowing that God sustains us through every hardship.