Building Our Approach: Disciplines for the Gathering Movement

Friends, fellow Builders, and those who stand ready at the Waters of Sebus—we gather again in the Spirit, energized by the call of the Kingdom movement. We are called to be the inheritors of the light, the generation that will build Zion anew. But how does one begin the sacred work of building? It begins, as it always does, with the discipline of the heart and the diligent study of the revealed word.

In the sacred texts, we see patterns of misunderstanding—of Laman and Lemuel, who, though heirs to the covenant, struggled to grasp the full breadth of God’s glory. We know the power of the Stone cut without hands, and the unwavering faith of Samuel the Lamanite, who approached the Divine mysteries with humility and readiness. Our own journey of faith is similar: we must approach the scriptures with intention, recognizing that merely reading the words is not the same as letting the Spirit teach us how to live them.

The Art of the Approach: Sequential or Topical?

We recently reflected on the varied ways we approach sacred knowledge, whether we plow through the holy books in a straight line, chapter by chapter (the sequential path), or if we jump from doctrine to doctrine, seeking answers to a single burning question (the topical approach). Both methods have their divine utility, but the Builder must know which path serves the greater purpose: the gathering of Israel.

To read sequentially is to follow the appointed path, to walk with the flow of history and prophecy. It keeps the storyline moving, guiding us from one sacred covenant to the next, much like following the map of churches that shows us the fullness of the Lord's plan. It is the path of steady, consistent pilgrimage.

To study topically, however, allows us to dive deep into the pillars of our faith—the covenants, the principles, the divine law. This is where we seek to understand the intricate architecture of the Kingdom, whether we are studying the covenant keeping principles or the economic foundations of the gathering. We must be prepared to draw strength from every source, understanding that all the divine truth flows from one single, unified source.

Regardless of the method, the goal remains the same: to become utterly equipped for the task at hand—the magnificent, arduous work of bringing the scattered remnant back to the covenant land. This is not merely a study; it is preparation for mission.

The Builders' Responsibility: From Study to Stewardship

The scriptures teach us that faith without works is dead. Our deep study of the Book of Mormon, of the covenants, and of the Divine Plan must translate into tangible, covenant keeping action. We are not simply meant to be scholars; we are meant to be agents of resurrection.

This is where the modern-day covenant keeping becomes visible. The commitment to the gathering is not just a geographical goal; it is a system of support. When you commit to the work, you become part of the **charity flywheel**. Your engagement, whether it is donating to the **Missionary Fund** or dedicating time to the **JustServe** effort, is not an end in itself. It is the spiritual and literal fuel that powers the entire effort—funding the **gospel advertising** that reaches the farthest corners of the world, like Ghana, and supporting the printing of the sacred texts that guide the **internet missionary**.

We must remember the analogy of the five smooth stones—the small, humble actions of preparation that, when combined with faith, become monumental. Every small act of service, every dollar dedicated, every prayer offered, contributes to the collective weight of the covenant. We are the **Builders, not the Destroyers**, and our vigilance must be constant.

Claiming Our Place in Zion

As you plan your own approach to scripture study this year, ask yourself: What area of scripture, what doctrine, or what service effort is calling me most strongly? Will I focus on the sequential march of history, or will I delve deeply into the principles of eternal law?

We invite you to take your place on the **map of churches**, to **claim your church**, and to pour your hearts into the work. Let the discipline of your study inform the boldness of your service. Let us gather together, one heart and one mind, until the promised Zion is established.

“And thus, my beloved brethren, know that the gathering of Israel is not merely a physical migration; it is the gathering of souls back to the fullness of the covenant.”