John Colton's blog

I really enjoyed this "Things I learned at church" essay written by Scott Gordon, president of FAIR.

It's available here: http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Journal/FJ200703.html
but I'll just quote it in its entirety even though it's rather lengthy.

"Things I Learned at Church"

From time to time I take the opportunity to read "exit stories" from people who've left the LDS Church. One story writer expressed sorrow that he had 'wasted so many years in the LDS Church instead of spending it somewhere where he might have learned something.' This led me to think about whether or not their time in the LDS Church had really been wasted. While I cannot speak for everyone, this train of thought led me to think about the many things I have learned in the Church.

For instance, I learned to set up and take down chairs. (I mean this is all seriousness.) Setting up and taking down tables and chairs was an expected thing to do for all stake conferences, activities, and Sunday school classes. More important than simply learning the skill of chair placement or the mechanics of table legs, I learned that it was up to me to get something done. The job really wasn't complete until everything was put away. I learned that things don't just poof into existence, but take a concerted effort. I also learned that working with others to reach that goal was much better and more fun than working alone. It helped me to learn that seemingly small things--like setting up and taking down chairs--were an important part of the greater whole.

I learned how to organize meetings, large dinners, and activities. This included following agendas, estimating group sizes, planning for food, and allowing for contingencies. I learned how important this skill was when I found that there were classes at various colleges and universities that taught these very skills that I learned in Church.

I learned how to stand up and speak in front of a group. This is a valuable lesson that has helped me throughout my life. Whether a group size is three or 3,000, the LDS Church taught me how to organize a presentation and to present it in front of a group.

I learned how to teach a lesson. I learned the important principle of the lesson is not what I have said, but what the class members have learned, and what they will incorporate into their lives. This concept is currently being promoted in the California college system.

I learned how to sing in Church. From primary songs to Church choirs and solos, I was given many opportunities to practice my talents.

I learned how to play the piano. I had lessons like many other young people, and like many young boys I did my best to avoid practicing. Then, one day, my bishop asked me to become priesthood pianist. At that time, I don¹t think I could have played a hymn if my life depended on it. I had to practice. That experience, combined with my call as ward pianist on my mission, helped me reach a level of piano playing that brings great joy to my life. I am currently the primary pianist and enjoy that greatly.

I learned to avoid addictive substances and behavior. While some of my friends have gone the way of drug abuse, alcoholism, and broken families, I have managed to avoid all of that. While it is true that not drinking wine or coffee has sometimes led to slightly uncomfortable social situations, I have found it to be a better and healthier lifestyle. I have never had to worry that someone might remember my bizarre or socially inappropriate behavior at a work party, or had to worry about getting a designated driver.

I learned to mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort. I have been in a hospital room as parents of a two-year-old are told their son "didn't make it." I have stood with a husband and father as he has talked with his son about mom "not coming back." I have wept with a woman as she shared how she had been molested for many years.

I have learned what it means to share joy with families. I have felt the joy as babies were announced, marriages were reconciled, blessings came true, and families were created. I have seen the joy as lives were changed through the gospel.

I have learned the importance of honesty and I have had honesty modeled by my Church leaders. I have been with them in their unguarded moments and honesty has been a guiding principle of their lives.

I have learned the importance of education in all areas, including the arts and sciences. Never have I been discouraged from learning or studying.

I have learned what it is like to feel the Spirit: that overwhelming feeling of love for everyone.

I have learned that there is a God in Heaven and that Jesus is my Savior. I have learned that the heavens are not closed to sincere seekers and that there is more at work in life than what we can experience with our five senses.

I'm sure there are other ways to learn many of these things, and I'm not claiming these things as being exclusively Mormon. What I am saying is that I learned these things in the LDS Church, and those teachings have been very valuable to me. My time in the LDS Church has not been wasted; it has been educational, enriching, and illuminating.

So the next time someone asks me what value there is in the LDS Church, one answer I can honestly give is, "That's where I learned how to set up and take down chairs."