Well, I’m 15, I’m dating a LDS boy. I’m apart of the Methodist church, but have been inactive. I’ve been to church with him three times, and done some of my own research. I’m extremely interested, and I’ve prayed, and something is just telling it’s true. The reasons I’m afraid of speaking up is because of my parents. I don’t think they are against me going to church, but actually becoming a member, it could be different. And people might think I was joining only because of this guy. He showed me the truth, and even though if I could be interested in marrying him, I would want to be sealed in a temple. So I’m just not sure what to do! Thanks for the answers!
3 Responses to “Well, I’m 15, I’m dating a LDS boy. I’m apart of the Methodi…”
Samuel Santana
2009-08-30 23:06:07
Hi friend,
I sure was impressed with your message. I wish more teenagers would be so concerned about their own spiritual development. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been a tremendous blessing in my life. I love Jesus Christ and His teachings. I don't know what I would be without Him.
I think it's awesome that you are not just learning about the Church because of your boyfriend. You seem to be sincerely interested because the Spirit has touched your heart. Teenage "sweethearts" do occasionally end up getting married, but more often than not they drift apart after high school. The blessings of the gospel and of the sealing ordinance can be tours forever, though, and what's most important in life is what lasts the longest.
A lot of people don't understand much about Mormons. It could be that your parents have some wrong ideas about us. I suggest you talk with them openly about some of the good things you've learned in Church. Tell them you want to find a spirituality that will help you be a better person and a more faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Tell them that you've found that spirituality in the "Mormon" Church and that you'd like to be baptized. Hopefully they'll understand. Prayer and fasting can also lead to miracles.
If your parents can't be convinced, you'll need to wait until you're 18, as the Church doesn't typically baptize minors without their parents' consent. You should definitely continue to attend church so you can prepare yourself for baptism; there are plenty of teenagers in the Church who are waiting to be baptized. If you continue to study and pray for the next three years, you'll be very well prepared when your baptismal day comes! Hopefully you won't have to wait that long.
May God bless you as you continue to seek after Him. Let me know if you have any more questions. I'd be happy to help.
Pamela Dean
2009-08-18 17:32:46
Hi there,
What a blessing for you to find a testimony of church at a young age! So many young people today do not have that blessing in their lives, and I am very happy to hear that you know this church is true.
A few things to think about...
First, don't be afraid to speak up to your parents. They probably love you very much, and I'm sure don't want you to be afraid of them or feel that you can't talk to them. You might be surprised by their response! If you were to have an open and honest conversation with them wherein you explained that you really like going to this church and want to continue going and to be baptized, they may give you their blessing. My daughter lost her testimony of the church for awhile and during that time went to a Baptist church. Some of my friends made comments to me about how I felt about her going to a different church than me and assumed I was angry about it. They were quite surprised when I replied, "Well, if my daughter is rebelling by going to a different church, I'm not going to be upset about it." If your parents are still church-going Methodists, they may just be relieved that you are still practicing faith in God instead of rebelling against church altogether!
Second, if you are worried that they will be upset that you want to be baptized... Don't be! You are still a minor and therefore should certainly still honour your mother's and father's wishes. You don't want to do anything that will jeapardize your relationship with them. When you are eighteen you will be able to make your own decisions as you will legally be an adult. In the grand scheme of eternity, two years is not that long a time to wait. The article "Waiting Faithfully," by Elizabeth Rhodes, New Era, Jan 2009, 1213 may be of interest to you.
Third, it would be easy for me to say to ignore what other people might think! But I know from experience that it's not so easy to live with such a statement. Moroni 7:5 says, in part, "By their works ye shall know them". If I were you, I would make friends with the young women in the ward, attend YW meetings, and attend all events you can. This will not only increase your testimony, but will show others that your testimony is not tied to having to do everything with your boyfriend. It will also strengthen your testimony so that if things do not work out with this boy you will for sure of your own accord that your testimony is based on gospel teachings. Another way to grow your testimony would be to attend seminary classes.
Fourth, I would ask to speak to the bishop of the ward. As the leader, he can help you to find ways to become involved, give you advice on talking to your parents, help you find a way to subscribe to the church magazine for youth called the "New Era", and if necessary, help you find a ride to church and other events.
Fifth, it is so refreshing to hear a not-yet-member talk about wanting to be sealed in the holy temple of the Lord! You may be interested in these items which will help you to learn about what is necessary to live in such a way as to be temple worthy. Just because you aren't baptized yet doesn't mean you can't live this way now! Gordon B. Hinckley, "Youth is the Season," New era, Sep 1988, 44 and Gordon B. Hinckley, "A Prophet's Counsel and Prayer for Youth," New Era, Jan 2001, 4. "For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling our Duty to God".
Wishing you all the best as you continue to grow your testimony. Blessings to you, Pam
Anonymous
2009-08-21 19:04:37
I was in a very similar situation. I was 17 and dating a member. My family is Catholic... devout Catholics might I add. I knew the church was true, but my family not supporting me was holding me back from being baptized. In the end I prayed about it and decided that my goal in the end was to go to the temple. The only way to do that was to be baptized; I talked to my parents about it and although they didn't agree with it, I was baptized. Do what is in your heart because in the end it is your decision.
I sure was impressed with your message. I wish more teenagers would be so concerned about their own spiritual development. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been a tremendous blessing in my life. I love Jesus Christ and His teachings. I don't know what I would be without Him.
I think it's awesome that you are not just learning about the Church because of your boyfriend. You seem to be sincerely interested because the Spirit has touched your heart. Teenage "sweethearts" do occasionally end up getting married, but more often than not they drift apart after high school. The blessings of the gospel and of the sealing ordinance can be tours forever, though, and what's most important in life is what lasts the longest.
A lot of people don't understand much about Mormons. It could be that your parents have some wrong ideas about us. I suggest you talk with them openly about some of the good things you've learned in Church. Tell them you want to find a spirituality that will help you be a better person and a more faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Tell them that you've found that spirituality in the "Mormon" Church and that you'd like to be baptized. Hopefully they'll understand. Prayer and fasting can also lead to miracles.
If your parents can't be convinced, you'll need to wait until you're 18, as the Church doesn't typically baptize minors without their parents' consent. You should definitely continue to attend church so you can prepare yourself for baptism; there are plenty of teenagers in the Church who are waiting to be baptized. If you continue to study and pray for the next three years, you'll be very well prepared when your baptismal day comes! Hopefully you won't have to wait that long.
May God bless you as you continue to seek after Him. Let me know if you have any more questions. I'd be happy to help.
What a blessing for you to find a testimony of church at a young age! So many young people today do not have that blessing in their lives, and I am very happy to hear that you know this church is true.
A few things to think about...
First, don't be afraid to speak up to your parents. They probably love you very much, and I'm sure don't want you to be afraid of them or feel that you can't talk to them. You might be surprised by their response! If you were to have an open and honest conversation with them wherein you explained that you really like going to this church and want to continue going and to be baptized, they may give you their blessing. My daughter lost her testimony of the church for awhile and during that time went to a Baptist church. Some of my friends made comments to me about how I felt about her going to a different church than me and assumed I was angry about it. They were quite surprised when I replied, "Well, if my daughter is rebelling by going to a different church, I'm not going to be upset about it." If your parents are still church-going Methodists, they may just be relieved that you are still practicing faith in God instead of rebelling against church altogether!
Second, if you are worried that they will be upset that you want to be baptized... Don't be! You are still a minor and therefore should certainly still honour your mother's and father's wishes. You don't want to do anything that will jeapardize your relationship with them. When you are eighteen you will be able to make your own decisions as you will legally be an adult. In the grand scheme of eternity, two years is not that long a time to wait. The article "Waiting Faithfully," by Elizabeth Rhodes, New Era, Jan 2009, 1213 may be of interest to you.
Third, it would be easy for me to say to ignore what other people might think! But I know from experience that it's not so easy to live with such a statement. Moroni 7:5 says, in part, "By their works ye shall know them". If I were you, I would make friends with the young women in the ward, attend YW meetings, and attend all events you can. This will not only increase your testimony, but will show others that your testimony is not tied to having to do everything with your boyfriend. It will also strengthen your testimony so that if things do not work out with this boy you will for sure of your own accord that your testimony is based on gospel teachings. Another way to grow your testimony would be to attend seminary classes.
Fourth, I would ask to speak to the bishop of the ward. As the leader, he can help you to find ways to become involved, give you advice on talking to your parents, help you find a way to subscribe to the church magazine for youth called the "New Era", and if necessary, help you find a ride to church and other events.
Fifth, it is so refreshing to hear a not-yet-member talk about wanting to be sealed in the holy temple of the Lord! You may be interested in these items which will help you to learn about what is necessary to live in such a way as to be temple worthy. Just because you aren't baptized yet doesn't mean you can't live this way now! Gordon B. Hinckley, "Youth is the Season," New era, Sep 1988, 44 and Gordon B. Hinckley, "A Prophet's Counsel and Prayer for Youth," New Era, Jan 2001, 4. "For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling our Duty to God".
Wishing you all the best as you continue to grow your testimony. Blessings to you, Pam