It only happens a few times a year, but 5th Sunday lesson ideas can be a little tricky to plan. They’re also a great opportunity to mix things up and make our Sunday gatherings extra special. I love the chance to step away from the usual routine and focus on something a little deeper or more interactive with my ward. These lessons can be a time to address important gospel topics, tackle current needs in the ward, or even just spend time connecting with each other in a more personal way. In this post, I’m sharing some fun and meaningful 5th Sunday lesson ideas that can help make these Sundays feel inspiring and memorable for everyone—no matter their age!
1. Ask Anything Panel. Invite your bishopric, youth leaders, RS or EQ presidency, some or all to make up a panel and answer questions. You could have youth and/or adults submit anonymous questions beforehand so they panel is prepared. If you’re on the panel, just be sure to share Church-approved policies, doctrine, or your personal experiences.
2. Invite your stake patriarch to come talk about patriarchal blessings. I love hearing about patriarchal blessings from the patriarch’s point of view. It’s also a good reminder for those who haven’t received theirs to start thinking about it.
3. How to Prepare for a Mission. This could include anything and everything from emphasizing the importance of learning how to cook, clean, do laundry, to less talked about issues like how to get along with companions, dealing with homesickness, and more. Great for parents and youth.
4. Have your Mission Health Advisor come talk about mental health and missionaries. Did you know that every mission has at least one Mission Health Advisor? Contact yours and ask them to come teach about mental health on missions- an issue that is ever-growing and affects almost every missionary in some form.
5. How to use the Gospel Library app. There is SO much you can do with the Gospel Library app. In fact, there are service missionaries that are called just to teach people about it. I’ve also started sharing a few tips and tricks right here. Dive in and see what you can learn!
6. Sing through the new hymns. Has your ward started singing any of the new hymns? I think one fun “lesson” would be to sing through as many as you can so your ward can become more familiar with them.
7. How to share the gospel online. This is obviously a topic that is near and dear to my heart, but I also see it becoming something that the Church wants members to do more in their individual lives. In fact, the Church has started calling ward and stake reps to learn more about it so they can teach it locally. Let me know if you need any help 🙂
8. How to use FamilySearch. This is another app that has so much capability, but I would dare say that most of us don’t know how to make the most of it. Invite your ward family history rep to do a lesson and teach the basics or even more!
9. How to recognize and avoid pornography. Unfortunately, pornography is something that is becoming more easily accessible and more common than you might think. I’ll never forget our old bishop who did a lesson on this and taught the youth the difference between looking once (on accident) and looking again (on purpose). Teach with love and mercy, and emphasize the loving gift of repentance.
10. Ministering. Although home and visiting teaching changed to ministering years ago, I still feel like it’s a concept members are still trying grasp. I know I am. Have your relief society or ministering coordinators come give some basic tips, ideas, and inspiration.
11. Making and keeping covenants. I think this is so important to learn and hear over and over again. Some members aren’t able to go to the temple regularly, and some just don’t! The youth could benefit from learning more about it as well. You could list out the temple covenants and talk about each one. President Nelson has promised powerful things as we make and keep covenants.
12. Scripture Study Basics. This is another concept that may be easy for some, but hard for others. There are SO many different ways to study the scriptures. Personally, I find it fascinating. What works for one person might not work for another. So, get back to the basics and share different ways to study, highlight, and more!
What else would you add?
Follow Becky on Instagram and Facebook!
