Last year I met and became good friends with a devoted mormon teen. After seeing how happy he is, I am strongly considering joining the LDS church, but I have a couple of questions. My family is pentecostal, and I was wondering if they would be against the choice, because I don’t want to cause any problems with my family, but I’d still like to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Also, I’m very reserved and shy by nature, not really much of an extrovert, so I was wondering if maybe the missionaries and mission president would see that and think that I’m not devoted. Any idea what I can do about these things? Help would be appreciated!
4 Responses to “Last year I met and became good friends with a devoted mormo…”
Fernando Duarte
2011-07-03 08:45:43
A missionary hugging a bishop in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil.
Hi Tiffany. I'm happy your friend has been such a great example of what it's like to be a Mormon. I grew up in the LDS Church. I remember how hard the teenage years can be, and I remeber how being Mormon was a great support for me during these difficult times. I'm happy the Church has helped your friend find peace as well.
It's hard to judge whether or not your Pentecostal family would accept your decision to join the LDS Church. As I'm sure you know, Pentecostals are a diverse group. Some would discourage you from joining the LDS Church, but others would recognize that Mormonism and Pentecostalism share many core beliefs in common. Perhaps the first step could be to visit with the missionaries and to visit the chapel some Sunday to see how we worship. That, together with careful prayer and study, could help you determine whether or not you wish to proceed further, and whether or not you want to bring this issue up with your family.
If you do decide to discuss this issue with your family, try to help them understand that many of the true and beautiful principles taught in Pentecostalism are also taught in the LDS faith. You most certainly would not have to give up the truth you've already found to join the LDS Church. Gordon B. Hinckley, a president of our church who passed away a few years ago, said the following on the Larry King Live Show: "I say this to [people of other faiths]: you develop all the good you can. We have no animosity toward any other church. We do not oppose other churches. We never speak negatively of other churches. We say to people: you bring all the good that you have, and let us see if we can add to it."
I know a number of Protestants who have converted to Mormonism. They don't abandon their faith in God, nor to they abandon the many true teachings that can be found in the Protestant faith. They take that which is good from Protestantism and add to it the teachings of the restored gospel.
I wouldn't worry about being shy. Lots of people are shy, including many Mormons. As long as you let the missionaries know that you continue to be interested in learning more, I'm certain they'll understand. I was a little shy myself when I was younger, so I understand where you're coming from.
Shalon
2011-07-04 18:46:23
My advice would be to be as upfront as possible about it. When You meet with the missionaries Let them know as best you can. They'll most likely make an extra effort to help you feel comfortable in the church if they know that the reason for your reticence is just shyness.
As for your family, Only you and God can know the correct path to walk in regards to them. I would choose the gentlest possible. As Pentecostals they will most likely have some issues with the Church, some of which might best be resolved by inviting them to attend the missionary meetings with you. That will allow them to ask all the questions they want. This web-site is also a wonderful tool. If they still have problems with it after some education I would follow the scriptural stricture that the "soft answer turneth away wrath" If you decide to join the church, just be gentle with them and make sure they understand that you aren't doing it to spite them and that they are still invited to be as big a part of your life as they ever were.
Pamela Dean Bonta
2011-07-03 15:25:40
Hi Tiffany,
When a family member changes their religion, there can often be discord within a family, no matter which religion is being left behind or embraced. The best thing to do is to to be honest with your family, tell them you are interested in exploring another religion and ask for their support. Be sure to tell them that you do believe in God and in Jesus Christ, and that you are grateful for them for instilling that in you. God bless.
Helena Atkins
2011-07-25 01:56:33
I too was Pentcostal for 50 years. I converted to LDS will be 2 years coming Sep of 2011. I read a book about the History of Joseph Smith (a blue & white cover) Teaching of the Presidents of Joseph Smith. I cried, I felt the spirit, didn't want to put the book down, I was overwhelmed with the greatest feelings, had chills, happiness and joy. So of all this I think God was telling me that the Mormon Church is true. Your family have heard HEAR-SAYS that aren't true. Most Southern and Eastern part of the USA are against LDS, because they have heard hear-says and didn't research it for themselves. Out West has many LDS churches and this should tell you something HAS TO BE RIGHT about the Mormon Beliefs. TN lady, now age 70.
It's hard to judge whether or not your Pentecostal family would accept your decision to join the LDS Church. As I'm sure you know, Pentecostals are a diverse group. Some would discourage you from joining the LDS Church, but others would recognize that Mormonism and Pentecostalism share many core beliefs in common. Perhaps the first step could be to visit with the missionaries and to visit the chapel some Sunday to see how we worship. That, together with careful prayer and study, could help you determine whether or not you wish to proceed further, and whether or not you want to bring this issue up with your family.
If you do decide to discuss this issue with your family, try to help them understand that many of the true and beautiful principles taught in Pentecostalism are also taught in the LDS faith. You most certainly would not have to give up the truth you've already found to join the LDS Church. Gordon B. Hinckley, a president of our church who passed away a few years ago, said the following on the Larry King Live Show: "I say this to [people of other faiths]: you develop all the good you can. We have no animosity toward any other church. We do not oppose other churches. We never speak negatively of other churches. We say to people: you bring all the good that you have, and let us see if we can add to it."
I know a number of Protestants who have converted to Mormonism. They don't abandon their faith in God, nor to they abandon the many true teachings that can be found in the Protestant faith. They take that which is good from Protestantism and add to it the teachings of the restored gospel.
I wouldn't worry about being shy. Lots of people are shy, including many Mormons. As long as you let the missionaries know that you continue to be interested in learning more, I'm certain they'll understand. I was a little shy myself when I was younger, so I understand where you're coming from.
As for your family, Only you and God can know the correct path to walk in regards to them. I would choose the gentlest possible. As Pentecostals they will most likely have some issues with the Church, some of which might best be resolved by inviting them to attend the missionary meetings with you. That will allow them to ask all the questions they want. This web-site is also a wonderful tool. If they still have problems with it after some education I would follow the scriptural stricture that the "soft answer turneth away wrath" If you decide to join the church, just be gentle with them and make sure they understand that you aren't doing it to spite them and that they are still invited to be as big a part of your life as they ever were.
When a family member changes their religion, there can often be discord within a family, no matter which religion is being left behind or embraced. The best thing to do is to to be honest with your family, tell them you are interested in exploring another religion and ask for their support. Be sure to tell them that you do believe in God and in Jesus Christ, and that you are grateful for them for instilling that in you. God bless.