Why aren’t we set apart as visiting teachers?

Question

Hello there Gramps,

I really enjoy your questions and answers.  Thank you for all your shared wisdom.  My question is regarding visiting teaching. I am wondering why we are not set apart and given a blessing for this important church calling?  Thank you in anticipation.

Robyn

Answer

Hi Robyn,

This is a good question for your bishop or Relief Society president. I’ll give you my take on it.

I have heard many men ask a similar question: “Why aren’t we set apart as home teachers?” The reason men are not set apart is quite simple: Home teaching is not a calling, but an intrinsic part of what it means to be a Priesthood holder. I suspect a similar truth holds for visiting teaching.

Consider this example: Before a man or woman serves a full-time mission, he or she is set apart as a missionary. But we all have the duty to share the gospel as missionaries. We aren’t set apart for that specific task; it’s just a normal part of what it means to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Missionary work is inherent in Church membership.

I think a similar principle is operating in both home and visiting teaching.

Gramps