I received an email with some personal details and the question "How do I learn to better teach?"

This is a very important topic. I have a lot of material in the works to address it.

Here is my response:

These are great questions.

A lot can and will be said about teaching others the gospel, but you're doing a great job anticipating the need and the direction.

In briefest terms, I'll suggest three points to consider further.

First, realize that with those closest to you, you have a long time period over which to work, and should adjust your teaching for the greatest success given that timeframe. As an analogy, your pace will be different if you are sprinting versus running a marathon. More time means you can chop things into smaller chunks and be far more patient in how you teach.

Second, it is good to think of the minimal next increment for every person you know and do what you can to help persuade them of making the change, but the best way forward isn't to shove it down their throats. After any resistance is encountered, especially from those with whom you have long-term relationships, it's best to back off and wait until you have an opportunity to communicate the value of what you have in terms they can appreciate. This will usually come as answers to questions they have, solutions to problems they have, and ways to obtain what they desire. Life is designed to be very good at creating these opportunities. Random or brief encounters with others don't afford us the ability to await these needs, but long term relationships do. After inviting someone to take the next increment, it's best to wait until something changes in your ability to offer them something that better matches their desire.

Third, it's good to start with those closest to you, but it's vital to understand that there is no reason to believe that they will be the most prepared for or likely to receive what you have to offer. It's important to notice and take advantage of opportunities to place your light on a hill and attract others who already recognize their need for what you have. You can do this in innumerable ways, from being more observant when you are out and about to intentionally searching for people with questions, problems, and needs online. There is a difference between helping people see new needs and finding people who already know they have them, and most of the success in sharing light and truth will come through the latter. Unfortunately, most people spend most of their time on the former, which is why so little progress is made.