Summary: Robert Mortensen has just been called to his stake high council in Meridian, Idaho. Prior to this call he was the ward mission leader where he developed some remarkable strategies to inviting people to Christ. He shares these ideas in the following article and we discuss them in audio form on the attached podcast episode.<br> Enter Robert...<br> Being a ward mission leader (WML) can be an exhilarating experience. If you desire, you can learn how the Lord wants missionary work to go forward in your ward and you can become an instrument in His hands. Being a participant on the front lines of the Atonement with all the highs and lows that go along with this great work...now that is really living!<br> <br> I am currently blessed with the calling as ward mission leader for the second time. My first opportunity was in Mesa, Arizona ten years ago and now again in Meridian, Idaho. I don’t claim to be some great or special ward mission leader because I’m not. I’m observant and have studied the WML role and I am striving to be useful to the Lord.<br> <br> One of the things that we are doing in our stake that we find very helpful is the stake high councilor over missionary work holds a monthly training session with all the WML’s. Time is given in each meeting for WML’s to share their inspiring stories as well as their best practices. This collaboration is so advantageous and motivating. I hope sharing some of my experiences and practices might help other ward mission leaders across the church.<br> <br> It is important for WML’s to recognize that the bishop is the mission president for his own ward mission and he and his counselors preside over the work. The WML is the executive assistant and head cheerleader; the assistant to the president, if you will. The WML acts with delegated authority through the keys of the bishop. Be careful not to tread on the stewardship of the bishopric and auxiliary presidencies, but rather be a steady support to them.<br> <br> I’d like to stress the importance of a ward mission leader and of ward missionaries being able to share current missionary experiences, not just experiences from the past. Pray in faith and act in faith for daily missionary opportunities. When the Lord shows you the opportunity, act on it immediately. If you haven't had a missionary moment that day, make one happen. It can be as simple as sharing an uplifting scripture on social media. Having missionary experiences is exciting. Sharing these experiences energizes fellow ward members.<br> Ward Missionary Meetings<br> Ward Council & Priesthood Executive Committee (PEC):<br> As a member of the ward council the WML can insure that all ward activities, including service, are missionary activities. Activity Days, Cub Scouts, and youth activities are some of the most successful missionary opportunities. As a member of the ward council, a WML can demand encourage strong home and visiting teachers for new members and part-member families.<br> Missionary Coordination Meeting (MCM):<br> Make sure missionary coordination meetings are short, but powerful and spiritually uplifting. Make sure every ward missionary leaves with an assignment. I was terrible at this my first time as WML, but I am trying to do better this time round. Ward missionaries need to feel valued and challenged. In this meeting we get updates on the status of the people the full-time missionaries are teaching as well as reports from ward missionaries on their visits to part-member families and potential investigators. We also make assignments to visit active member-missionary families and cheer them on in their efforts.<br> <br> In my ward, we make visits on Thursday nights at 7pm and follow those visits with our MCM with the full-time sister missionaries at 8:15pm at the Church or in my home. We sometimes also make visits on Sunday afternoons or evenings.<br> Focus on Finding<br>
