It was the love that Sister Beth Soffe had for the Book of Mormon and its teachings that touched the lives of the 17-year-old youth she taught years ago in Sunday School.

"She made the difference," related one of her former students, Elder Clinton L. Cutler of the Seventy. "She was full of life and loved the Book of Mormon, and we all came to love it, too. She made men like Ammon, Aaron, Limhi, Omner and Moroni all come alive when she taught."Second counselor in the Sunday School general presidency, Elder Cutler continued: "As I think back, I probably learned more that year from one lady than I did in my earlier years. I read the Book of Mormon during that time and it became more meaningful to me. From then on, it has been very special."

A great deal of what members know and understand about Church doctrine and principles depends on the type of Sunday School teachers they have had, according to the Sunday School general presidency.

But what is it that makes an effective Sunday School teacher, one who can reach students in a meaningful way?

According to Elder Hugh W. Pinnock of the Seventy and Sunday School general president, ideally it requires willing and diligent teachers, the companionship of the Holy Spirit and prepared and receptive class members.

"The relationship with the teacher and student is a relationship of the Spirit because the teacher is introducing eternal principles into the lives of students," he emphasized. "That is one of the most important things we can do."

Elder Hartman Rector Jr. of the Seventy and first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency added: "The absolute key to a good class is the teacher, just as the Master was. Not only did He relate to people, but everything around them. In that sense He helped them see how His teachings applied to life. Christ spoke with authority, and the people knew He loved them."

Elder Pinnock related a story about an elderly sister in his ward years ago, Gladys Walton, who agreed to be a substitute teacher in Sunday School. When she was asked to teach the Gospel Doctrine course, she came to class frightened, but had prepared as well as she could.

"The members felt her humble spirit, love and desire to do such a good job that the whole class worked together that Sunday to participate in the lesson," he said. "That was more than 25 years ago and I can still remember that class. She was doing the best she could and the class felt her lovely spirit but normal insecurities, so in love wanted to help her.

"Whenever we talk about the importance of the role of a teacher we have to talk about the responsibility the class member has. A teacher teaches best when the class participates. It is the students' responsibility to be prepared and the teacher's responsibility to lead students by asking interesting questions and using appropriate and inspirational scriptures."

Sunday School plays an exciting role in members' lives because it carries on where Primary leaves off, Elder Pinnock added. The teacher is blessed to have every Sunday to influence their lives.

"We are living in an age of videos and movies and other electronic communication methods. What a privilege it is to sit at the feet of a teacher and enjoy that wonderful relationship that human beings have with each other. There is something very personal about a teacher that an electronic device can never replace."

Elder Rector agreed: "A teacher will always be an absolute essential. Many times we don't know the teachings unless we hear them taught by one who has the Spirit and knows the doctrine. We need a teacher who has been sustained and set forth to teach truth, like a Sunday School teacher has."

The bishop or branch president should be involved in calling Sunday School teachers who will carry the Spirit and understand the preparation that goes along with the call, Elder Cutler explained.

"The bishop [or branch presidentT sets the appropriate example by being in Sunday School classes knowing that the teachers he has called are following, using and teaching pure doctrine - not only declaring the word, but setting the atmosphere to where students can share their feelings. When that happens, the Spirit teaches, and that is what makes the lesson powerful. The teacher sets the stage for what happens in the classroom."

Elder Pinnock said when the call is made, the bishop or branch president should pray first, and then extend the call explaining the importance of the class and providing the teacher with the names of the students in the class.

"The bishop [or branch presidentT can make all the difference in giving the teacher the vision of teaching by the way the call is extended."

Elder Rector added: "A person should come out thinking that she or he is not only a teacher, but also a teacher as the Master was a teacher. Too often the teacher is given a manual in the hall and told good luck."

The level of devotion local leaders have for Sunday School can either make or injure the Sunday School program, Elder Pinnock reported. "When leaders get excited about studying the scriptures and about the gospel and attend Sunday School then it blesses everyone else."

Once teachers become immersed in their calling, they are more likely to reach beyond their Sunday lessons in fellowshiping students, he continued.

"As the teachers prepare and teach, then they want to call on the Spirit. This also means that they love their class members enough to take a special interest in them. This gives them an opportunity to go the extra mile."

Elder Pinnock told of one teacher, Jack Lake, who had class members share the lesson with those who couldn't be there on Sunday. Brother Lake was a Gospel Doctrine teacher when he was called to serve as president of the Canada Calgary Mission.

"As class would begin, Brother Lake would have class members report on which absent members they had gone to fellowship and had taught the prior week's lesson," Elder Pinnock explained. "Then at the end of class, he would assign students to take the lesson to members during the week if they had not been there. The ward saw great benefits from those efforts. This shows how a teacher can fellowship students through others."

Elder Cutler added: "In youth classes, the best activators are their friends. A loving teacher will work with the students so they can go out and retrieve those who aren't there.

"Teachers can also make regular visits to class members. This way they come to know the students and can design the lessons around the needs of class members."

Elder Rector commented: "Teachers need the vision that being a Sunday School teacher is more than spending 40 minutes a week teaching. Little things can make the difference."

Sometimes teachers may look at lesson preparation as drudgery, but instead their calling gives them an opportunity to teach the gospel and bring others closer to the Savior, Elder Pinnock remarked.

Elder Cutler added: "The scriptures are the basic text and are really invaluable to the teacher. And the manuals that have been prepared are an excellent resource or guide for teachers. The lessons keep teachers focused on ordinances and gospel doctrine. The lessons are a guide to keep us on track so we don't wander into forbidden paths."

Charles Mitchener, secretary of the Sunday School general presidency, said: "By and large most members understand the gospel, but in addition the Lord has provided for us a means whereby we can systematically study the gospel, its principles and the scriptures. That is what a Sunday School class does for members.

"The teacher who teaches by the Spirit helps students search the scriptures and can do a great service for students. All of us can stay home and read scriptures, but the opportunity provided by the Church to be in classes week after week where teachers can lead us through the scriptures is just fantastic."