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How I Assign Home Teachers: Revelation vs. Convenience vs. Logic


Some people have asked me, "how do you figure out who is suppose to home teach who?" By this, I assume they mean, "how much of the creation process is truly inspired and how much is just made up?" Well, after some thought, here is my answer:

The Summer 2009 Home Teaching List for the 167t Ward, BYU 11th Stake was created using the following formula:

-40% Logistics
-30% Convenience
-10% Revelation

What do I mean by "Logistics"?

I tried to make all home teaching companions live on the same floor so that monthly home teaching interviews can be conducted by myself or the counselor assigned to that floor.

What do I mean by "Convenience"?

I assigned companionships to typically visit people that live on their same floors throughout the various four buildings. I did this for two reasons. Primarily, by breaking it down like that during the creation process, it helped me make sure that I didn't miss anyone. Secondly, I have a feeling that ward FHE groups will be formed by floor. If this is the case, it will give home teachers another opportunity to get to know those they home teach and set up appointments.

What do I mean by "Revelation"?

I would look at 36 guys' names and 36 girls names and, all of a sudden, I would get really excited about some combination; the feeling could be comparable to finally finding a jigsaw puzzle piece that you have been searching for in a pile of 5000.

Also, I know the whole process was inspired because once I had completed the "necessary research", the actual assignments just flowed without hesitation. It took much, much less time than if I had tried to figure it all out on my own.

Conclusions

Is there a right or a wrong way to make home teaching assignments? I don't think so. Do I feel bad that only 10% of these assignments were directly inspired by God? On the contrary, I am quite grateful that He let me know about those 10%.

Sometimes, things seem to be uninspired, when in reality, they are.

Remember this? The BYU Daily Universe published a front page story calling the 12 apostles, "the 12 apostates". That was pretty funny; too bad it was five days late for April Fool's day. . .



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Comments

  1. Julie TWed May 27, 10:38:00 AM MDT

    That was an interesting idea for a post. I'd like to hear how it all works out. As the Beeg would say, "How is everyone making out on the home teaching scene?" That Daily Universe typo HAD to be planned! (wrong hand for the L to kick in!!)

    ReplyDelete
  2. LizWed May 27, 01:16:00 PM MDT

    Whoa, I thought we were in the 16th Stake?

    ReplyDelete
  3. NoelleTue Jun 02, 01:24:00 PM MDT

    that was an interesting post. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

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