University Ward Initiates Fantasy Home Teaching

In an attempt to increase monthly home teaching percentages, the Iowa City University Ward has initiated a fantasy home teaching league. “The FHTL is a wonderful opportunity for our Elders to become better home teachers,” said Bishop Andersen. “Brother Bryner has more than magnified his calling as quorum secretary by initiating the FHTL”.

Each member of the quorum drafts three companionships, including his own. Points are earned in a complex system that takes into account how early each family was visited, how long the lesson was, and how short the entire visit was. Quorum president, Dave Folsom commented, “The best companionships can share a 25 minute lesson in a 30 minute appointment on the first day of the month.” Additional points can be earned by helping a family move, giving rides to church and even babysitting. “I’ve never changed a diaper before, but it’s worth five points,” said Bryner. The number of email-visits being done has decreased as this only provides a minimal number of points.

Ray Cherry, the only member of the ward to own a truck, is in the companionship that was drafted first. “It’s easy to home teach when you own a truck. My families actually contact me several times each month.”

In addition to creating competition within the quorum, the league has provided several more callings for quorum members. “It’s a lifesaver. I was about to call a quorum Birthday Specialist,” said President Folsom. “Now we have some really important callings like quorum statistician and draft organizer. The presidency lesson on the first Sunday of the month is five minutes shorter because we give Dan Whitney, our statistician, time to report the standings.” The winner of the competition will have a plaque with his name and picture placed next to the missionary plaques in the hallway. The plaque will also include the winner’s favorite home teaching scripture. If it is ever discovered that previous winners cheated or reported false numbers, an asterisk will be placed on their plaque next to their score for the season.