Why Saying Yes to a Calling Might Be the Best Preparation for Christ’s Return

“Well, there looks like a man who has no idea what he is doing.”

That’s what Elder Neil L. Andersen gently told Elder Steven D. Shumway when he first became a General Authority. That moment—humorous, honest, and profoundly human—set the stage for a powerful talk in general conference titled:
“Participate to Prepare for Christ’s Return.”

Elder Shumway’s message speaks directly to anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by a Church calling, too busy to minister, or too imperfect to make a difference. His central truth? The Lord doesn’t ask us to serve because He needs our perfection—but because we need the transformation that comes through participation.

The Real Reason for Callings

Have you ever wondered why God asks us to take on callings that feel outside our comfort zones?

Elder Shumway did too. His answer came through a quote from President Russell M. Nelson:
“Now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.”

From that line, Elder Shumway realized something vital:

When we participate in God’s work, we’re not just helping others—we’re preparing ourselves to meet Jesus Christ.

Progress, Not Perfection

One of the most comforting insights in the talk comes from the story of the Creation. After each day, God didn’t declare the world perfect. He declared it “good.”

That’s a powerful reminder for us. Whether you’re stumbling through your first Primary lesson or barely managing ministering efforts with a chaotic schedule—if you’re trying, it’s good.

God values our effort and our willingness. Our participation is progress, and progress is divine.

When Ice Cream Leads to Marriage

Elder Shumway shared a personal experience from college. He was overwhelmed with engineering studies when he was asked to be the ward activities planner—his least favorite calling idea. But he said yes.

At one ward activity, while serving ice cream, a young woman noticed the way he served. She came back three times just to talk. That woman? Her name was Heidi. They fell in love, and later, they married.

Sometimes the blessings of saying yes to a calling are completely unexpected—but they’re very real.

Three Ways Service Prepares Us for Christ

Elder Shumway outlines three ways that accepting callings and participating in God’s work spiritually prepare us to meet the Savior:

1. We Grow into Our Divine Potential

Each act of service helps us become more like who we were created to be. You don’t have to be “ready” for a calling. God shapes you through it.

2. We Turn Our Homes and Wards into Holy Places

Covenants aren’t just kept during the sacrament—they’re lived through service. As we help others, we sanctify the spaces we occupy.

3. We Receive Grace and Feel God’s Love

There’s no paycheck in Church callings, but we do receive something priceless: grace. God strengthens us, sanctifies our sacrifice, and helps us do more than we ever thought we could.

Who Are We Inviting to Serve?

One of the boldest parts of Elder Shumway’s message is this:

Are we only giving callings to the same few reliable people—or are we inviting those who might seem “unlikely” to grow?

He shares the story of John, a less-active member who had just quit smoking. He was shocked when his stake president called him into the bishopric. He hesitated—Sunday football was part of his life. But when told, “The Lord is asking,” he said yes.

That calling changed his life—and the lives of his family.

Representing the Savior

Elder Shumway reminds us that if Christ were physically here, He would serve. He would bless, teach, comfort, and minister. But instead, He sends us to do His work in His name.

And that’s a sacred responsibility.

When others leave our classes, our visits, our meetings—and remember Christ more than they remember us—that’s when we know we’re truly serving with His Spirit.

Elder Shumway ends with a question that hits deep:

“Who did you bring with you?”

Who are we inviting to grow, to serve, to prepare? Because in the end, the Lord isn’t just concerned with what we did—but who we helped along the way.

Callings are not just Church assignments. They’re sacred invitations to become more Christlike, to receive grace, and to prepare ourselves—and others—for His return.

So the next time a calling comes, or a chance to serve appears, consider saying yes.

Because saying yes to service is saying yes to Jesus Christ.

10 Questions

What calling or service opportunity have I hesitated to accept because I felt unprepared, and what might happen if I approached it as a chance to grow?

How have I seen progress, not perfection, in my own spiritual life or in how God has worked through me despite apparent weakness?

In what ways does my home or congregation truly feel like a “holy place,” and how might I invite more covenant living into those spaces through acts of service?

Do I tend to treat ordinances as checkboxes—or do I live my covenants in ways that reshape my character and connections with others?

When I serve, am I doing so to showcase my capacity—or to magnify Christ’s presence in the lives of others?

How do I invite those who seem unprepared or unlikely to serve, trusting in God’s promise to increase capacity through participation?

Can I think of a time when accepting a calling—or performing humble service—led to blessings I never anticipated?

How has God’s grace been made evident in my efforts when I served beyond my abilities, and how did I grow in faith and reliance on Him?

Do I ever hold myself or others to a performance standard—rather than recognizing progression and effort as divine tools for spiritual development?

If Christ were handing out callings today, who would He ask me to serve alongside or to bring closer, and how might I follow His example?

Sep 2025 EQ lesson by John Dye