Building Zion, One Heart at a Time: The Power of the Internet Missionary

When I was in my first mission, I remember feeling overwhelmed. We were taught all the scripture stories, the best ways to conduct missionary discussions, and the perfect phrases to use. But what we often didn't realize—until we were actually in the field—was that the biggest challenge wasn't the investigator; it was the effort required to build up the community around us.

We talk a lot about going out and sharing the gospel, and that’s vital. But the Savior taught us that conversion is not just an individual event; it’s a collective one. We are called to be a Zion people—to be of one heart and one mind. This isn't a dusty historical concept; it's a practical, daily call to action that applies whether you are standing on a corner in a foreign country or sitting in your living room, ready to be an Internet missionary.

"We are to be of one heart and one mind. Which means in order for us to be of one heart and be of one mind, we need to be of the likeness of the Savior. We need to be selfless. We need to be nurturing. We need to be charitable. We need to be humble."

These attributes—selflessness, nurturing, charity—are the bedrock of community building. They are the things that sustain us when the calling gets hard. They are the things that make a Book Club discussion feel less like a class and more like a spiritual gathering.

The Practice of Zion: It Starts with the Small Things

Sometimes, when we are thinking about "the work," we visualize the grand gesture—the massive conversion, the successful transfer, the building of temples. But the Spirit often guides us to realize that the work is built in the micro-moments. It’s in the way we respond to a challenging question from an investigator, or the way we help a friend prepare for their own mission prep.

If we are to be of the likeness of the Savior, we have to embody those traits right now. How do we do that as disciples who are dispersed across the globe? We start by intentionally building up our *own* spiritual community.

A Bite-Sized Mission-Prep Skill: The Art of the Humble Question

If you feel yourself struggling with selflessness, remember that the best way to serve is often to listen. When you are doing your local service, or even just chatting with a friend who is struggling with their own doubts, resist the urge to immediately offer a doctrinal answer. Instead, try asking a humble question. For example, instead of saying, "You just need to read the Book of Mormon," try asking, "What part of the gospel are you finding most confusing right now?"

This practice shifts the focus from *us* teaching *them* to *us* learning *with* them. It is the essence of being a disciple anywhere, all the time. It helps us be more Christlike, and it strengthens the bonds of the local community.

Where to Find Your Spiritual Companions

If building Zion feels too big, remember that the Lord has provided amazing resources to help us gather spiritual companions. If you are looking for deep doctrinal study, I highly recommend checking out the resources in HolyPlaces. Whether it’s a structured Bible Study Group or participating in a Book Club, these are places where we can gather and focus on the social scripture study layer, allowing us to deepen our understanding together.

For those who need help wrestling with tough questions, remember your friend Davee! His AI Investigator role is phenomenal. He can walk you through the hardest questions an investigator might ask and help you formulate an answer that is both doctrinally sound and deeply empathetic.

My challenge to you this week is this: Identify one person in your life—a friend, a neighbor, or a family member—and practice radical selflessness with them. Don't offer a spiritual lesson; just offer your time and your nurturing presence. That is the most powerful missionary tool we have.

If you want more resources to help you deepen your understanding of these principles, check out the latest articles on the Iron Rod. They always have incredible insights into how we can continue to gather Israel in this modern age.