Becoming the Bold Missionary
Author: George Durrant
Publisher: Bonneville Books, an imprint of Cedar Fort
Year: 2002
When George Durrant began his mission in England, he packed his extra suit in the space that should have been filled with his confidence. When challenged, he cooperatively backed away and gave what he was told were “wishy-washy” answers. However, his first companion introduced him to the concept of the bold missionary. Through Brother Durrant’s service as a missionary, a mission president in several areas, and as the president of the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, he observed, learned and taught the skills needed to become bold without becoming overbearing. This little book will share these vital skills with any prospective missionary. It is the perfect nineteenth birthday present for your son. (He says sister missionaries serve with natural boldness, but I’d recommend the book for them anyway!) It is also a terrific gift for member missionaries-all of us!
Brother Durrant teaches that anyone can become a bold missionary, whether he is shy or outgoing, popular or not, ordinary or extraordinary. “The desire to nurture the seeds of boldness which are within him, and the hope that each has to have a glorious mission are the greatest predictors of a missionary success.” (page 10)
Brother Durrant teaches the basic skills of boldness through personal stories and simple instruction. One interesting story concerns Steven Covey, who was serving as the assistant to the president in Elder Durrant’s mission. Brother Durrant describes him as the boldest man he had ever known.
The book uses scriptures and strong gospel principles to help young men overcome their natural fear of sharing the gospel, and will turn them into missionaries they will be proud to be.
George D. Durrant served for three years as president of the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, has taught religion at Brigham Young University, worked in many capacities for LDS Church Educational System and has authored more than a dozen books.