Several weeks ago on Instagram, I shared some ways that my ward has challenged cultural traditions. It was fun to see how many of these suggestions are also done in some of your wards, and how many were brand new ideas!
Traditions aren’t necessarily bad. There are a lot of wonderful traditions in our Church. And many of the ones below aren’t bad at all. It’s just fun to know that as a Church, we don’t necessarily need to do something a certain way, especially if it’s not in the handbook. And if something is in the handbook, we should respect and honor that.
As we focus on implementing a culture of Christ over a culture of traditions, our church experience can deepen and be even more powerful than before. Here are some ideas to implement a culture of Christ at church.
Couples don’t have to speak together.
When you always have couples speak together, it can cause members who are single, divorced, or widowed to feel left out. Speaking together as a couple certainly has its place – perhaps when they move into a new ward – but it doesn’t have to be the norm.
Young Women can usher.
We started having our young women usher so that the Teachers could focus on preparing the sacrament. I know that in some wards, this is a calling or might not even be possible. But if it is, give it a try!
All stake leadership are invited to visit wards and speak (not just High Councilors)
The handbook says that High Councilors should speak regularly in wards, but it also says that other stake leadership can as well. Stake relief society, primary, and young women/men leaders are a great resource for sacrament meeting talks. And if you’re reading this and that is your calling… #sorrynotsorry.
Youth and Primary children pray in sacrament meeting.
The handbook states that any baptized member of the ward can pray in sacrament meeting. I love hearing their sweet prayers. This is also another great opportunity to change the tradition of only couples praying in sacrament meeting.
Youth play or lead the music in sacrament meeting.
Another great way to involve the youth is to call them to be the organist, pianist, or chorister. Something we do in our ward once in a while is a full youth sacrament meeting. Everything is done by the youth: organist, chorister, prayers, talks, everything!
Women can speak last.
This one isn’t done as much anymore, but it still happens – and that is always having a man speak last. I’m not sure when or why this started, but if it happens in your ward, try changing it up. Have all women speak, or have the last speaker be a woman once in a while.
Male/Female Callings
Some callings are gender-based by doctrine, and some only by tradition. Have you ever had a male primary chorister? We have and he was the best! What about a female stake auditor? Just because it’s always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it has to be done that way.
All missionaries report.
Every kind of missionary can be invited to speak in sacrament meeting, whether you are called to a proselyting mission, service mission, or as a couple. And missionaries who return early can also be invited to report on their missions.
What are some other (handbook approved) ways you have implemented a culture of Christ at church?
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