Dear Pastor,

   I feel that a great amount of damage has been done by well-meaning but misdirected teachers and presenters in the effort to speak to the body of Christ about Mormonism. For example, have you been part of a presentation that included a discussion of LDS temple rituals, a displaying of LDS undergarments, or the sharing of sacred LDS handshakes or signs? While such presentations undoubtedly hold an audience's attention, I feel they amount to little more than entertainment to satisfy itching ears. This kind of approach does nothing to prepare Christians to witness in love to their Mormon friends and family. In fact, it can only serve to arm Christians to try to reach out to their Mormon friends and family in the most offensive and intrusive ways imaginable to a Mormon.

   Unfortunately, the same holds true with many of the books and seminars that are available to help teach Christians how to witness to Mormons. Most simply amount to pointing out how Mormonism is in error and how to convince your Mormon friends that they are wrong.  All too often, this approach just ends up with a person who rejects God, Jesus, and the Bible along with their LDS beliefs.

    If we are to be effective at ministering to the LDS people, we simply must do it God's way. Even though Mormonism is a modern religion, the ideas behind it are not. They are as old as the ages. As Solomon wisely said, "there is nothing new under the sun." The Bible already speaks clearly about the issues involved in Mormonism, as well as how the body of Christ should be involved in rescuing people from them.

    For example, God's way always starts with prayer. Are we sincerely praying for the LDS people? If not, why would we even attempt to evangelize an unprayed for people? This is why I've launched the Hosanna! Prayer Project - A Community of Christians United in Intercessory Prayer for Mormons (www.HosannaPrayerProject.org). I hope that you will prayerfully consider involving your fellowship in this effort to call upon God to intercede for the LDS people.

    If you are interested in bringing to your fellowship a biblical approach to understanding the LDS church and how to reach its followers in love, I would love the opportunity to talk with you.  I will soon be adding audio and video of some of the presentations I offer so you can see if they might be something you are interested in. Until then, feel free to email me at brad@lifeafterjoseph.org with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Brad Thompson