Michael Sadler
9 April 2003
The Commitment Pattern
There are three parts to the commitment pattern:
I. Prepare
A. Building Relationships of Trust
1. There are many ways to build a relationship of trust with somebody. Some
times it is just as easy to build a relationship of trust with somebody as to look
for something in common, say on the wall, in the form of pictures, paintings,
books, etc. Other ways of building relationships of trust is to engage in a
conversation with the person. This may seem odd at first, especially if you
can not for see any major similarities, but as one presses forward with the
conversation, even with such generic questions as, “How are you?” or
“Beautiful day out?” you can lead into some very interesting conversations.
More likely than not, you will be able to recognize something with in the
persons house, (or outside) that you will be able to connect to and build off of
into a deeper conversation. Keep your eyes open for these clues, especially
when preparing to knock on a door of somebody you have never meet.
B. Helping others feel and recognize the spirit
1. One of missionary’s major roles is to help their investigators to
feel the spirit. In order to help people recognize the spirit of the
Holy Ghost, you must know in what circumstances the Holy
Ghost will testify of truth. Some of these circumstances include
1. When bearing ones testimony, 2. When reading scriptures, 3.
While praying, 4. And while discussing other spiritual truths of
the gospel. Some times it may be necessary to explain how the
Holy Ghost communicates with us, to do this one may use some
of the following scriptures from the Bible, Book of Mormon, or
the Doctrine and Covenants (i.e. John 14:26, John 15:26, Gal.
5:22-23, 2 Nephi 31:2-3, D&C 6:22-24, and many more)
C. Presenting the message
1. This is what a missionary sets out to do, to preach his message.
It is important to realize why this step is third on the list in
preparing somebody to make a commitment. Your message will
be better received if you
a. Know the person you are presenting the message to
b. And help them feel the spirit of the Lord after you testify of
the importance of your message
2. This will help the investigator become better prepared to receive
your message positively.
D. Finding out
1. This stage of the commitment pattern is essential because it
involves the person being taught. The way the discussions are to
be taught is just as they are named, mainly, as a discussion. Not
as a lesson, or a presentation. (if this where so than the
