When did Come, Follow Me start?
The question of when the Come, Follow Me curriculum started is one that has intrigued many Latter-day Saints. Introduced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) in 2019, this new curriculum replaced the previous Gospel Doctrine curriculum and was designed to help individuals and families study the scriptures more deeply and meaningfully. The implementation of this new curriculum marked a significant shift in how the church approached religious education and personal scripture study.
The Come, Follow Me curriculum was first introduced in the LDS Church’s Sunday School and Relief Society meetings, which are held weekly for members to study and discuss the scriptures. The purpose of this curriculum was to provide a more structured and interactive approach to studying the scriptures, encouraging members to engage with the text and apply its teachings to their lives.
The timing of the curriculum’s launch was significant. In 2018, the church announced a major initiative called “The Gospel Restoration,” which aimed to bring a renewed focus on the study of the scriptures and the doctrines of the church. As part of this initiative, church leaders recognized the need for a new curriculum that would better support this goal. The development of the Come, Follow Me curriculum was a direct response to this need, and it was first implemented in January 2019.
The curriculum is based on a three-year cycle of study, with each year focusing on a different set of scriptures. The first year covers the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Book of Mormon, while the second year focuses on the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. The third year returns to the Old and New Testaments, providing a comprehensive study of the church’s scriptural foundation.
The Come, Follow Me curriculum is designed to be used in a variety of settings, including family home evenings, personal scripture study, and small group discussions. It includes weekly study guides, which provide a focus for the discussions and encourage members to delve deeper into the scriptures. The study guides are available in multiple languages and are accessible online, making it easy for members around the world to participate.
Since its introduction, the Come, Follow Me curriculum has received both praise and criticism. Some members have found it to be a valuable resource that has helped them better understand the scriptures and apply their teachings to their lives. Others have expressed concerns about the content and structure of the curriculum, feeling that it does not fully align with their personal beliefs or the teachings of the church.
In conclusion, the Come, Follow Me curriculum started in January 2019 as part of the LDS Church’s initiative to promote a deeper understanding and application of the scriptures. As the church continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of its members, the Come, Follow Me curriculum remains a central component of religious education and personal scripture study within the LDS Church.
