President James E. Faust (1920–2007) of the First Presidency explained that establishing the Lord’s Church requires more than performing baptisms:
“We recognize that the process of establishing the Lord’s church encompasses much more than baptizing people. In the first chapter of Alma in the Book of Mormon we find an instructive sequence of events outlining the way by which the Lord’s church is established. …
“Let us take note of this process:
“First, the doctrines are taught [see Alma 1:26].
“Second, members esteem each other as themselves (see verse 26).
“Third, they all labor; they work and earn that which they receive (see verse 26).
“Fourth, they impart of their substance to the less fortunate; they serve one another (see verse 27).
“Fifth, they discipline their own appetites while at the same time caring appropriately for their own needs (see verse 27). …
“This mighty change happened, not because the people were given things, but rather because they were taught and began to help themselves and to care for those who were less fortunate. It was when they gave of themselves in the Lord’s way that their circumstances began to improve.
“This process of establishing the Church can apply anywhere” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1979, 133–34; or Ensign, Nov. 1979, 91).