As a newly-called Ward Mission Leader, I’ve read Everyday Missionaries entirely, along with its links to the Ward Mission Leader pamphlet on www.missionaryleaders.org. And I have an experience about using Mormon words in everyday conversations and that I succeed when I invite.

Using Mormon/Gospel words in everyday conversations is really a good method of inviting. As you say, it opens the door to additional conversation and invites the listener to respond.

I sat next to a Catholic priest on a plane thinking how I might use Mormon/Gospel words in a conversation and this is what I said:

“When I was on my Mormon mission to Ecuador, I always made friends with the Catholic priests in hopes that they would let me play their pipe organs.”

He accepted this invitation to additional conversation and asked me what our Church services are like. I said the most important part of our Sunday services is the Sacrament. He was interested to hear that the Deacons are 12 years old and the Priests are 16. When I opened the Book of Mormon to show him the sacrament prayers, he asked if he could read them, which he did carefully.

I saw in that moment an opportunity for another invitation. So I invited him to keep the Book of Mormon. He declined, saying he already had one.

But as you teach in your book, I succeeded when I invited. My success was not dependent upon whether or not he accepted the book.

Thanks for sharing what you have learned by writing your book!

-Anon.