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Becoming a Great Missionary
Before we started down the street to the first home, we stood together and said a prayer. I prayed the Lord would open doors for us that day, so we could teach people the gospel we loved. When I opened my eyes I saw a wonderful I saw before me a large door and frame that covered the entire street we were about to tract. As I pondered the meaning of what I saw, the voice of the Spirit spoke to me and said, God will open the doors for you this day! As I continued to look, I saw this large door begin to open before me until it was fully open and the street was no longer blocked. As we started knocking on the doors of homes on that the first street, we began to experience success beyond our wildest we began to get in every door. I wish I had the words to describe it! Door after door, street after street, hour after hour, we knocked on doors and were let in to teach. This was the climax to the miraculous summer of a young missionary working in the Pennsylvania mission. It was just one of a multitude of wonderful experiences that came as a result of the author's commitment to missionary work. The author brings over 15 years of missionary experience together to give direction and instruction to missionaries, members, and priesthood leaders in practical principles that will make any dedicated individual a successful missionary. Within the pages that follow, Elder Clawson shares the principles he found that bring success to any faithful missionary. He was a model about whom President Pinnock would often refer over the next 25 years when he was encouraging and training other missionaries. Elder Clawson feels a need for all missionaries to have access to these success principles and the enthusiasm he continues to feel for missionary work. He knows how success can be achieved and is passing on these principles to help all those wonderful missionaries who are desirous of achieving success and blessing the lives of those who search for truth. Sister Anne Pinnock
394 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2002
About the author
Kevan Kingsley Clawson
13 books14 followersI was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and lived in the Cottonwood area. My first brush with writing was in the fifth grade, where I received unusual attention for poems I had written and a reading I did in class. That experience prompted me to continue to write.
In High School I had another teacher that singled me out for attention due to my writing, and encouraged me further.
Over the years I continued to write, as a hobby and, I'm sure, for cathartic reasons. While serving a full-time mission for the Mormon Church I began to do some religious writing--sending them to my Mission President, Elder Hugh Pinnock, for his perusal and criticism.
After my mission, and over the years, I would continue to send Elder Pinnock my essays and writings. He began to encourage me to write a book; especially encouraging me to write on the the Atonement, a subject for which he felt I had a unique insight.
In 2000 I was laid-up for several months by back surgery, and I decided that I should take the time to finally write a book. During that time I ended up writing three books: The Atonement, The Second Coming, and Obtaining Your Calling and Election (much of the work for the books had already been done as a result of my previous writings over the years; I just had to put them into book form).
The Calling and Election book was a joint project for my wife, Terri, and I. We had discussed and researched the subject for many years--all due to a reference to the subject I found in an old journal entry of my great-grandfather, David Edwards. He had received his calling and election from the hands of the Prophet, and noted it in his journal. There was little said about the event, just that it had happened. Our interest was piqued, and years later we felt we had gained enough information on the subject to write about it. At the time, and to our knowledge, it was the only book on the subject that had been written.
Unfortunately, Elder Pinnock died before my first book was published. As a tribute to my friend and mentor, Elder Pinnock, I wrote the book 'Becoming a Great Missionary'; which was a compilation of the teachings of Elder Pinnock on the subject of missionary work. His wife, Anne Pinnock, helped edit the book, and wrote the forward to the book.
Now I feel as though am well seasoned in writing and publishing books, and intend to continue to write as long as there is interest.
In High School I had another teacher that singled me out for attention due to my writing, and encouraged me further.
Over the years I continued to write, as a hobby and, I'm sure, for cathartic reasons. While serving a full-time mission for the Mormon Church I began to do some religious writing--sending them to my Mission President, Elder Hugh Pinnock, for his perusal and criticism.
After my mission, and over the years, I would continue to send Elder Pinnock my essays and writings. He began to encourage me to write a book; especially encouraging me to write on the the Atonement, a subject for which he felt I had a unique insight.
In 2000 I was laid-up for several months by back surgery, and I decided that I should take the time to finally write a book. During that time I ended up writing three books: The Atonement, The Second Coming, and Obtaining Your Calling and Election (much of the work for the books had already been done as a result of my previous writings over the years; I just had to put them into book form).
The Calling and Election book was a joint project for my wife, Terri, and I. We had discussed and researched the subject for many years--all due to a reference to the subject I found in an old journal entry of my great-grandfather, David Edwards. He had received his calling and election from the hands of the Prophet, and noted it in his journal. There was little said about the event, just that it had happened. Our interest was piqued, and years later we felt we had gained enough information on the subject to write about it. At the time, and to our knowledge, it was the only book on the subject that had been written.
Unfortunately, Elder Pinnock died before my first book was published. As a tribute to my friend and mentor, Elder Pinnock, I wrote the book 'Becoming a Great Missionary'; which was a compilation of the teachings of Elder Pinnock on the subject of missionary work. His wife, Anne Pinnock, helped edit the book, and wrote the forward to the book.
Now I feel as though am well seasoned in writing and publishing books, and intend to continue to write as long as there is interest.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 1, 2011
For anyone who plans on doing missionary work, this book is a must read. For anyone that just wants to learn more about following the Lord and sharing faith with others, this is a great read too. I won this in first reads and I am a better person for reading it. I am not a missionary, in fact I am a Holistic Life Coach. I found this to be a wonderful book full of so much useful information. (received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads)
August 21, 2009
I am glad I have find this book before going on my mission , I know that the only reason why I am going on a mission is to serve the lord and let people know about the gospel, all my questions and insecurities have been answered while reading this amazing book of richness experiences.
Muchas gracias!
Muchas gracias!
December 1, 2011
We recently were baptized LDS so it is still new to me. I am sure this book will answer a lot of questions. We are also having new member discussions and I plan to share this book with our missionaries. Our really good friend has two of her kids starting a mission this next year and I gave it to them to read. This book will be very helpfull. Thank you so much.
December 16, 2011
Good book for people on this path.
September 24, 2024
A DETAILED PRESENTATION OF SUGGESTIONS FOR LDS MISSIONARIES
The author wrote in the Preface to this 2002 book, "The purpose of this book is threefold. Its primary purpose is to prepare young men and young women to become GREAT missionaries by giving them a realistic view of mission life and very specific things they can do to increase their effectiveness as missionaries. The second purpose of this book is to give Church members information on how they can help the full-time missionaries in their work and how their efforts tie into the work the missionaries are doing... Its final purpose is to help priesthood leaders understand their role in missionary work and how best to coordinate the responsibilities of local ward leaders with the responsibilities of the full-time missionaries."
He advises, "Do not go on a mission to get off drugs or to overcome bad habits. Don't laugh, it happens ALL the time!" (Pg. 7) Nevertheless, be warned that "The Missionary Training Center is the Church's boot camp." (Pg. 30)
He cautions, "Almost all missionaries will experience at least one companion with whom they do not get along." (Pg. 49) However, "You are not part of a prison system where evildoers agree not to snitch on each other. You are part of the Lord's Army where truth is the banner and personal integrity is the flagpole." (Pg. 55)
He admits, "One of the banes of being a Mormon is living with 'Mormon Standard Time.' This is the habit by some members of coming ten minutes (or more) late for every activity." (Pg. 160) He proposes, "Another thing members can do to help the full-time missionaries is to go on 'splits' with them during the week. Often missionaries will have more than one teaching appointment on the same night. In order to cover both appointments, they need two members to go with them." (Pg. 177)
He acknowledges, "For most missionaries, the most difficult discussion to teach is the one where they commit the investigator to live the commandments and be baptized. It is stressful because missionaries want so BADLY for them to say yes, but fear they will say no. You don't want to scare them away by being too pushy, on the other hand, you know you need to broach the subject and prepare them for 'the question': Will you be baptized?" (Pg. 249) He warns, "Almost everyone will say no the first time you bring up the subject of baptism." (Pg. 250) And in the end, "If you have taught your investigators all the discussions and they still refuse to be baptized, it is time to move on." (Pg. 254)
He also warns, "Something that happens to every missionary is having a negative confrontation with someone of another church. To put it bluntly, confrontations are unwise. They solve nothing, do nothing positive, and usually end up causing so many bad feelings on both sides that the repercussions can last a long time. As a new missionary, I was naive enough to be dared into Bible bashing with the minister of a small church where we lived." (Pg. 266) But he concludes, "The leaders of other churches are not our enemy; however, we do struggle with them for the souls of those who attend their church." (Pg. 275)
This book has a great many more “practical” and “down to earth” suggestions than many other books written for prospective missionaries, and will surely prove helpful to anyone in that stage.
The author wrote in the Preface to this 2002 book, "The purpose of this book is threefold. Its primary purpose is to prepare young men and young women to become GREAT missionaries by giving them a realistic view of mission life and very specific things they can do to increase their effectiveness as missionaries. The second purpose of this book is to give Church members information on how they can help the full-time missionaries in their work and how their efforts tie into the work the missionaries are doing... Its final purpose is to help priesthood leaders understand their role in missionary work and how best to coordinate the responsibilities of local ward leaders with the responsibilities of the full-time missionaries."
He advises, "Do not go on a mission to get off drugs or to overcome bad habits. Don't laugh, it happens ALL the time!" (Pg. 7) Nevertheless, be warned that "The Missionary Training Center is the Church's boot camp." (Pg. 30)
He cautions, "Almost all missionaries will experience at least one companion with whom they do not get along." (Pg. 49) However, "You are not part of a prison system where evildoers agree not to snitch on each other. You are part of the Lord's Army where truth is the banner and personal integrity is the flagpole." (Pg. 55)
He admits, "One of the banes of being a Mormon is living with 'Mormon Standard Time.' This is the habit by some members of coming ten minutes (or more) late for every activity." (Pg. 160) He proposes, "Another thing members can do to help the full-time missionaries is to go on 'splits' with them during the week. Often missionaries will have more than one teaching appointment on the same night. In order to cover both appointments, they need two members to go with them." (Pg. 177)
He acknowledges, "For most missionaries, the most difficult discussion to teach is the one where they commit the investigator to live the commandments and be baptized. It is stressful because missionaries want so BADLY for them to say yes, but fear they will say no. You don't want to scare them away by being too pushy, on the other hand, you know you need to broach the subject and prepare them for 'the question': Will you be baptized?" (Pg. 249) He warns, "Almost everyone will say no the first time you bring up the subject of baptism." (Pg. 250) And in the end, "If you have taught your investigators all the discussions and they still refuse to be baptized, it is time to move on." (Pg. 254)
He also warns, "Something that happens to every missionary is having a negative confrontation with someone of another church. To put it bluntly, confrontations are unwise. They solve nothing, do nothing positive, and usually end up causing so many bad feelings on both sides that the repercussions can last a long time. As a new missionary, I was naive enough to be dared into Bible bashing with the minister of a small church where we lived." (Pg. 266) But he concludes, "The leaders of other churches are not our enemy; however, we do struggle with them for the souls of those who attend their church." (Pg. 275)
This book has a great many more “practical” and “down to earth” suggestions than many other books written for prospective missionaries, and will surely prove helpful to anyone in that stage.
January 3, 2012
I feel an explanation is in order for the 1 star rating. I won this book on good reads, merely by reading the title and assuming that its principles and mine were in line with one another (The 2nd time I have done this on good reads, I will try and cautiously prevent a 3rd). I was not aware that this is designed as as training manual for LDS missionaries. I have been on numerous missions trips to a variety of cultures and have 2 brothers in law who serve or served as full time missionaries and was excpecting a book on those lines. As a pastor of a mainline protestant denomination, my values, theology and objectives do not necesarily mirrior those of the LDS (I don't mean this argumentatively, and have no intentions of allowing this to turn into a debate...I just wanted to clarify) and while I believe that tolerance is not compromise I respect but do not share their view points. I would have to assume that the requirement, structure, purpose and layout of our missions trips are not one and the same nor do the seem to have the same layout. In that light I did not find any past recollections that stirred intrest points for me, nor did I discover anything that will necesarilly prepare me for my next outing nor how to adapt to certain cultures and people groups.
On a literary side my only complaint is it came across to me (This is only my opinion of my perception), that the author had a rather lofty or inflated sense of his own importance, self worth and accomplishments. A little humilty would have been very refreshing to me. Outside of this it is was a fairly easy and brisk read. If read by its intended target audience od LDS missionaries, it might be an exteremely informative piece to read prior to going on the field. For me it just did not connect with me, nor take me where I was hoping it would.
On a literary side my only complaint is it came across to me (This is only my opinion of my perception), that the author had a rather lofty or inflated sense of his own importance, self worth and accomplishments. A little humilty would have been very refreshing to me. Outside of this it is was a fairly easy and brisk read. If read by its intended target audience od LDS missionaries, it might be an exteremely informative piece to read prior to going on the field. For me it just did not connect with me, nor take me where I was hoping it would.
December 19, 2011
I think giving this book a bad rating because it was not what you expected or did not meet with your religious background is as lame as it gets. Im a CATHOLIC. I think Mormons are weird because of their alien belief within their religion. Some are Zionists. Doesnt mean its not a well documented and well written book. I myself was thinking about doing missionary work for a year or two, but didnt know what to do and not sure I wanted to do it with the Catholics. Christ is Christ, I dont care what denomination you are, we are all brothers and sisters of the earth. No matter what religion you are either. This book helped to understand what to expect as a MISSIONARY, not as a mormon or whatever, because I did not read it for that reason. I understood the hardships that come with the work and how much teamwork is very very important. Thanks for the win. I really enjoyed the read. And Ill give 5 stars to make up for the ones who give a bad review JUST because they are pregidous. Sad thing is they tell you that is the ONLY reason they give it a bad review. Sad Sad Sad. Doesnt sound Christ like to me. But thats just my opinion.
December 17, 2011
This book was a goodreads.com first read contest win.
While I am sure that some will wonder why I have rated this book so low I do have a reason. I do not understand why the author had to keep portraying himself as such a great missionary. People who are truly in Christ do not care about being recognized or about the glory received from any good work that they do.
From the preface of the book until the end I keep getting the feeling that the author if a rather proud man and wants to world to know of his accomplishments. To me he seems like there will never be enough press or people acknowledging the work that he has completed.
No I did not like the book. I do not feel like the author is working through Christ and God for the betterment of others. I feel like he is doing it for the Glory.
While I am sure that some will wonder why I have rated this book so low I do have a reason. I do not understand why the author had to keep portraying himself as such a great missionary. People who are truly in Christ do not care about being recognized or about the glory received from any good work that they do.
From the preface of the book until the end I keep getting the feeling that the author if a rather proud man and wants to world to know of his accomplishments. To me he seems like there will never be enough press or people acknowledging the work that he has completed.
No I did not like the book. I do not feel like the author is working through Christ and God for the betterment of others. I feel like he is doing it for the Glory.
September 18, 2014
It was an easy read, simple to understand, and clear enough to be a textbook. It is filled with great tips on things to do, things you shouldn't do, and other things to consider. As a future missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I particularly admired the perspective from which Clawson wrote, as a returned missionary and one who had made his share of mistakes. I liked reading how he and his companion would leave disinterested doors with a hymn, if only to be remembered. I would completely recommend it to any future missionary, anyone considering fulfilling a full-time mission, or anyone already preparing to serve.
November 14, 2011
I am a member of a different Christian denomination. There are a few things I belive differently than the Mormons such as the state of the dead. However, I have always admired Mormons for their missionary practices and found this book helpful in the instruction on tracting and door to door witnessing. Anyone claiming to be a christian is after all a worker for God and we are all commissioned to give the invitation to come to Jesus, repent and accept his free gift of salvation. I respect the instructions of missionary work this book has given and it was helpful to me.
October 30, 2012
This was a first reads contest win. I have rewritten this review several times. So here goes again, I was very disappointed that it was not until the bibliography that mormon/LDS was revealed. I initially did not like the use of "great" in the title as I feel all believers or missionary's on a daily basis and noone is expected to be great. Otherwise I did find some of the information helpful and some of it downright outrageous for my Protestant views/beliefs.
October 31, 2012
A basic training manual for any missionary for the LDS church. We lived in Utah for 20 years and converted. Not sure if this is intended to be used for missionary training or as a book to be read before or after training but it does cover the basics and would be a good reference. Some of the points can be used by anyonewho is trying to spread the word of the gospel. Thank you to Goodreads for the free copy to review.
Read
November 14, 2011I did not rate this book that I won on Goodreads because I am not the audience for it, which I did not realize until I had it and saw that it was meant for training of people in the sect of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If anyone of that persuasion wants it, they can have it for the cost of postage.
October 31, 2012
i had alot of questions on missionary for one i did not know what it was and i am coming more involved in church activities this book was a great win cause it taught me alot about becoming missionary. So thank you again for letting me win this book now my questions are answered and im thinking about joining a group.
November 30, 2011
I always think at church I should be doing more and that is why I'm interested in this book. To see advice and tried and true testment. I'm excited about this book and looking forward to a change it can make in me. I hope it will help me further my spiritual life and in turn my entire life!
Currently Reading
October 1, 2012Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the FirstReads program at Goodreads.com with the promise to review it.
I have begun to read this book and will edit my review upon completion.
I have begun to read this book and will edit my review upon completion.
October 28, 2012
RECEIVED FREE FROM GOODREADS. a training manual for missionaries, members and priesthood leaders A LDS BOOK
November 22, 2012
This was a good read, very detailed.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews