Sacred Music as a Teaching Tool for Latter-day Saint Missionaries

Missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are increasingly utilizing sacred music, particularly Primary songs, as a powerful tool to teach the gospel and connect with individuals and families. This approach, highlighted by experiences in the California Oakland/San Francisco Mission, builds upon President Dallin H. Oaks’ teaching that “the singing of hymns is one of the best ways to learn the doctrine of the restored gospel.”

Connecting Through Familiar Melodies

Sister Maewyn Tindall, a missionary, shared an experience where a young boy in a family she was teaching connected deeply with the song “Gethsemane.” While playing the song, the boy sat reverently, looking at his family and singing along. Sister Tindall noted the powerful and peaceful spirit that filled the room, recognizing the song’s ability to convey love and doctrine.

Reinforcing Gospel Principles with Primary Songs

Sister Emilia Rabe discovered that singing Primary songs effectively engaged children during lessons. She recounted teaching a family about the Restoration while using the song “Follow the Prophet.” When she revisited the family three weeks later, the children remembered only the song, demonstrating its lasting impact.

Rekindling Past Connections

Elders Justin Lemus and Tanner Robertson shared their experience with a family who had previously attended church over a decade ago. Singing “I Am a Child of God” immediately resonated with the parents, prompting them to resume attending church and continuing discussions with the missionaries. The family has since scheduled a baptism date.

Reaching Individuals with Diverse Needs

In another instance, missionaries encountered a four-year-old boy who was blind and had autism. After a lesson, the boy attempted to play the piano and the missionaries began singing “Follow the Prophet.” The family later shared that the boy had been singing the song consistently since that day, leading to their first church attendance and a growing connection to the hymns sung during sacrament meeting.

A Deeper Understanding for Adults

The impact of Primary hymns extends beyond children. Elders Kade Newman and Joseph Robinson taught a woman who felt a special connection to these songs. They would pause during lessons to discuss the lyrics, and many children’s songs were sung at her baptism. Elder Robinson described these moments as among his fondest memories of his mission, feeling a powerful spirit during these experiences.

Simplicity and Accessibility of Gospel Principles

Elder Newman emphasized that children’s hymns teach gospel principles in a way that is easily understood, even by those new to the faith. He highlighted songs like “A Child’s Prayer,” “I Lived in Heaven,” and “Fe” as examples of this simplicity.

The Power of Sacred Music

Steve Schank, chairman of the Church Hymnal Committee, has noted that sacred music teaches the gospel in an accessible way and brings joy to those who sing it. He referenced Doctrine and Covenants 25:12, stating that “the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and will be answered with a blessing upon their heads.”

As missionaries continue to embrace the power of sacred music, they are finding innovative ways to share the gospel and build meaningful connections with those they serve.