Around the world, more than 60,000 members of the Church currently serve as family history consultants. It is truly inspiring to see so many people helping others find their ancestors and prepare family names for sacred temple ordinances.
As a consultant, you work closely with members to teach them how to find their ancestors, take those names to the temple, and then encourage them to teach a friend or family member how to do the same. This focus is referred to as “Find, Take, and Teach.” This concept was reinforced by Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at this year’s RootsTech family history conference. In his presentation, entitled “Our Father’s Plan Is about Families,” Elder Cook spoke about the process of find, take, and teach. The strength of find, take, and teach is in its simplicity and the power it has to engage others in this important work. Its simplicity is inspiring. Using this process will enable many more members of the Church to find and redeem their ancestors.
We all realize that we must be examples of what we teach. Even before you teach others about using record hints, adding sources, or attaching photos and stories to their personal page, you should first look at your own ancestral lines, do what is necessary to find the name of at least one of your own ancestors who need ordinances, and submit that name for temple work.
Records show that only one in five family history consultants have submitted a name to the temple this year. Family history consultants will be so much more effective when they can teach by example. The success of their own efforts to find a name helps inspire those they teach.
By setting the example of finding one of your own ancestors and taking that name to the temple, you will be blessed with the Spirit as you teach others how to do this great work of redeeming the dead. You will be guided and directed as you teach others, and you and they will be blessed for this effort. By first finding a name on your own lines, you show others that it is possible to do this important work of salvation. You will inspire them by the example you show, and your chances of success will dramatically improve. Please prayerfully consider having your own personal experience so that you may bear testimony of the Spirit of Elijah.
To view how you can get started with Find, Take, and Teach, visit the Find Family Names for the Temple landing page.
