General Conference Odyssey from the October 1980 Priesthood session
I keep running into talks that emphasize ministering to one another. I don’t know if it’s inspired timing or if this topic is of such great importance, it’s always being talked about.
So, here we go again. What is the big deal about Ministering? We’ve already established that it isn’t that different from Home and Visiting teaching. If you were already diligent, you can simply continue along your way. If you weren’t diligent, you can recommit yourself.
One thing everyone should do is make sure they are asking the fundamental question, sincerely: What can I do for you? Okay, don’t laugh too hard. Yes, we all ask a form of this question on our way out the door, secretly hoping they’ll never call, but what if we actually mean it? And make it sound like we mean it. And even follow up on past concerns to see if things are better or not, and what can we do to help things get better.
Leaders are clearly being asked to be more accountable. Those interviews are going to 
be taxing. Especially, when some people will make themselves difficult to reach. But why would they make themselves difficult to reach? Are they trying to avoid their own accountability? Why else would you never make time to discuss someone you care about? You know, our technology makes it virtually impossible to avoid people completely. It is so easy to text, email, Facetime, Google Hang-out, call from your car, or even connect long-distance with minimal cost. Pres. Kimball states,
“Please be ever alert to the needs of the precious individuals and families. … Be mindful always of the members of your flock who are sad, lonely, bereaved, or bereft. There are always some among us who need our special care and attention. We must never forget or overlook them.”
He is speaking more to the Stake Presidents and Bishops in this conference, but we are their eyes and hands, therefore, all of us are accountable for better ministering.
On Sunday in RS we discussed what ministering is. Lots of good input. I really think the name change is to help us focus on what we should have been doing all along. We really should be making friends with each other and building our relationships so that no one feels alone when either mourning or rejoicing. We can meet each others needs when we truly know the person and discern what their needs are. Just as with the friendships we’ve already built. Do we get together with a friend and earnestly ask “Do you have any needs? What can I do for you?” NO. Because our friend trusts us she confides in us and reveals her needs to us whether they are spiritual, physical, mental or emotional. She calls us without hesitation to unload her burden or share her great joys!
We can learn a great deal from the Amish who treasure community and sisterhood, visiting each other regularly, pitching in to help with any tasks at hand, and being available to mourn or rejoice as the occasion calls for.
I agree. We’ve always been taught to minister to one another but we need to become more intentional in our ministering.