Almost one hundred years ago, the Relief Society began holding a Visiting Teaching Meeting, where visiting teachers were required to come and be trained. Guidelines from the Relief Society Handbook were discussed. Questions were answered. Completion was marked off, and the sisters were energized to continue on to the next month.

Not all sisters were visiting teachers that long ago. It was a calling, where I imagine you were set apart, much like a teacher, or organization leader. Not all sisters were members of the Relief Society at this time either. A sister made a conscious decision to join, paid her dues, and became a member of this women’s organization. Visiting Teachers was probably a small group of women who expressed interest, and were subsequently formally called.

This is not the case in our day. All sisters are automatic members of the Relief Society, as well as visiting teachers. Granted, there are some sisters who request that they not visit anyone, but they are the exception and not the rule.

Because everything is the same for everyone, it is human nature to become casual, and perhaps a little too relaxed, when it comes to fulfilling yet another assignment. However, visiting teaching is probably the single best means of connecting with every sister in your ward or branch. Through visiting teaching, every woman has the potential of an instant friend, a confidant, a connection to something eternal.

Instead of calling another meeting, which none of us has time for, our Relief Society has designed our visiting teaching message around a training class. Visiting teachers are to train those they visit to be better visiting teachers. Not too bad of a system, assuming everyone goes out and understands this is the expectation. But I have to admit, I am struggling with this concept. I’m not sure I like the idea of my visiting teachers coming once a month, for half and hour, to teach me how to visit teach. On the other hand, there are ways to make this more interesting and enjoyable, with just a little more effort.

How about when contacting your sisters, you ask them to read the guidelines from the handbook (the handbook can be found at www.lds.org), Daughters in my Kingdom, and any other inspiring visiting teaching motivating quote. That’s right, give them some prep homework. (You’ll find lot’s of quotes on my Quotes Page.) This way, during your visit, everyone is prepared to discuss visiting teaching. Involving your sisters in this discussion could be great fun in discovery and shared experiences. No doubt, the spirit will enter into your hearts revealing this assignment as truly sacred.

But keep in mind, your lesson does not have to focus around a How-To session. Your sister may have greater needs that should be addressed. Action is at the heart of visiting teaching, so don’t be shy about helping with some chore that needs to get done, or maybe you need to pull out your listening ear. If you were truly “friends” with your sister, she would let you into the secrets of her household and actually allow you to handle her imperfections. This is when you know you have accomplished the true task of blessing the life of your sister on a one on one basis.

If you are not aware of any serious problems in your sister’s life, at the moment (honestly, we all have something we’re dealing with), go through the rest of the articles in the Ensign as you pray to find out what article may start a discussion of value to her situation. The articles cover a wide variety of issues that are often difficult to discuss, but can be broached with love, sincerity, and real concern. As a TRUSTED visiting teacher, you are in a unique role where you can help, listen, and be available during these special and sacred visits.