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Jump into Zion Lab: https://app.leadingsaints.org

In this episode we back up to early March for the first “Leading Saints Live” livestream where Kurt Francom explains more about Zion Lab and shares highlights from discussions.

We discuss:

• Zion Lab as a Resource
• Generational Disconnect: The gap between older and younger generations, the pressure to conform to expectations, and the facade of compliance rather than genuine engagement
• Bishopric Responsibilities: Shifting responsibilities of bishops and balancing their focus on youth while ensuring all members receive adequate support and ministering
• Communication Strategies: Ask open-ended questions and foster a non-judgmental environment to promote dialogue and understanding
• Boundary Changes and Transparency: Is there a need for transparency regarding boundary changes? Can communication reduce anxiety and foster acceptance?
• The Power of Naming: Inclusion and Belonging for LGBTQ+ Families in Church Discussions
• How to become a Zion Builder (and how to get a sponsored membership if cost is a barrier)

► Links & Resources:
📱 Download the Leading Saints app: Search “Leading Saints” in the Apple App Store or Google Play
💬 Join Zion Lab and become a Zion Builder at https://app.leadingsaints.org
📩 DM Kurt directly inside Zion Lab

“Leading Saints Live” streams every first Friday of the month in the Zion Lab app.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Zion Lab: https://app.leadingsaints.org/

Leading Saints Live | March Recap + The Future of Leading Saints

Kurt Francom shares highlights from the past month in Zion Lab — Leading Saints’ growing online community app — and digs into the biggest topic on everyone’s mind: the upcoming changes to the Sunday meeting schedule taking effect September 6.

In this episode:

• What is Zion Lab and why Kurt thinks it’s the future of Leading Saints
• The AI Clerk feature and how it helps church leaders find answers fast
• Reactions and discussion around the new split Sunday meeting schedule
• Kurt’s Elders Quorum small-group format and why it works so well for the shorter class time
• A bishop’s “Bishop’s Youth Discussion” model that’s transforming youth engagement
• How to become a Zion Builder (and how to get a sponsored membership if cost is a barrier)

Links & Resources:

📱 Download the Leading Saints app: Search “Leading Saints” in the Apple App Store or Google Play 💬

Join Zion Lab and become a Zion Builder at leadingsaints.org 📩 DM Kurt directly inside Zion Lab

Leading Saints Live streams every first Friday of the month.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Jeff Strong worked nearly 30 years in the consumer products industry as a senior executive at Procter & Gamble and global president and chief customer officer at Johnson & Johnson. He then taught in the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University and worked as an advisor to the Church before serving as a mission leader in the Arkansas Bentonville Mission.

Jeff has since spent several years doing research on why people are leaving the Church. While not a professional researcher, his career involved a large amount of research and the research he shares in this podcast was done with the help of some of the top Latter-day Saint researchers in the world. Today, Jeff lives in Midway, Utah, and stays busy with a little lavender farm, some business consulting, and enjoying family.

Joseph Grenny is a lifelong student of social science whose writings are references in major universities around the world. He is a New York Times bestselling author of eight books, including leadership, influence and communication classics Crucial Conversations, Influencer, Crucial Accountability, and Change Anything. His books are available in over 30 languages and have sold over six million copies.

Joseph is a co-founder and current board chair of Unitus Labs, an international nonprofit that has helped over 15 million of the world’s poorest to move toward self reliance. In 2015 he and his colleagues started The Other Side Academy, a 2.5-year school for those with long histories of crime, addiction and homelessness. The Other Side Academy is free, requiring only a desire to change for admission. In April 2021, Joseph and the leaders of The Other Side Academy announced their intention to build The Other Side Village, a 400-home community for those who are chronically homeless based on principles of self-reliance and peer accountability.

Joseph is married to the former Celia Marie Waldron. They have six children and eight grandchildren and live in Salt Lake City.

Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community
The Data Behind Church Culture | An Interview with Jeff Strong
Joining Moroni’s War on Addiction | An Interview with Joseph Grenny
Creating Change | Interview with Joseph Grenny
Messy Conversations: When Loved Ones Leave the Faith, by Joseph Grenny
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Social science expert Joseph Grenny and researcher Jeff Strong discuss the high-stakes nature of “faith transitions” within the Church . The conversation centers on how leaders and family members can navigate these emotionally charged discussions to preserve and strengthen relationships.

00:04:45 – The Importance of High-Stakes Conversations
00:06:17 – The Challenge of Faith Transitions
00:08:31 – The Need for Open Dialogue
00:09:50 – The Emotional Weight of Conversations
00:11:13 – The Impact of Poor Responses
00:12:21 – Preparing for Difficult Conversations
00:13:35 – Research Insights on Conversations
00:15:48 – Identifying Positive Deviants
00:16:29 – Learning from Successful Conversations
00:18:06 – The Role of Fear in Conversations
00:20:06 – Talking Under the Influence of Stress
00:22:40 – The Importance of Taking a Breather
00:25:23 – Three Key Steps for Effective Conversations
00:27:00 – Feeling Your Feelings
00:29:40 – Fixing Your Story
00:31:40 – Finding Your Motive
00:33:13 – The Transformative Power of Relationships
00:35:11 – Embracing the Messiness of Life
00:38:11 – The Role of God in Our Growth
00:40:45 – The Journey of Self-Discovery

• The “Devoutness Paradox”: Research involving 15,000 participants found that the more devout a person is, the less likely a conversation about faith transition is to go well. If the recipient is a church leader, the odds of a negative outcome are 4.5 times higher than average.
• High Intensity of Need: Approximately 83% of individuals going through a faith transition reach out to others, typically contacting four to five people, indicating a deep desire for connection and resolution during the process.
• The Trap of “Problem-Solving”: Many leaders and parents react out of fear and an immediate impulse to “fix” the individual or bring them back to the church. This motive often leads to the other person feeling judged, berated, or suspected.
• The “Positive Deviant” Model: Some leaders and family members manage to maintain their own religious commitment while creating a safe, robust space for dialogue. These “positive deviants” prioritize the relationship over immediate theological conformity.
• Long-Lasting Consequences: The first few seconds of a conversation are pivotal; words spoken in moments of shock or vulnerability can endure for years and dictate the future trajectory of the relationship.

• Shifting Motives: Leaders must move from a mindset of “correcting” to one of “listening and processing”. Recognizing that fear often drives the impulse to solve a problem can help leaders stay present and supportive rather than confrontational.
• Validating the Struggle: Leaders should normalize the reality that faith transitions are common and often a healthy part of a person’s individual journey . By acknowledging the difficulty without judgment, they empower the individual to feel heard rather than controlled.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Tucker Boyle has spent over 25 years teaching Seminary and Institute for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he has worked closely with youth and young adults to help them deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and navigate real-life challenges with faith and awareness. He has served as a Young Single Adult bishop and in other leadership callings, giving him a front-line perspective on the complexities individuals face in their spiritual journeys.

Tucker is the founder of Harmony Road Retreats, a nonprofit organization that creates compassionate, supportive spaces for individuals wanting to find inner harmony while experiencing shifts in their faith. Through retreats, teaching, and his podcast Call to Harmony, he helps people develop practical tools for navigating spiritual dissonance, regulating the nervous system, and cultivating a more grounded, personal connection with God. He lives in Spanish Fork, Utah, with his wife Katie and their five children.

https://www.harmonyroadretreats.com/
What I Learned About Leadership When My 2nd Counselor Left the Church
ChurchofJesusChrist.org Topics and Questions
Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Tucker talks about navigating faith crises and transitions. The discussion explores the intellectual and physiological aspects of questioning faith, moving beyond “black and white” thinking to find spiritual peace through connection and the heart.

00:02:21 – Tucker’s Faith Crisis Journey
00:03:24 – Understanding Faith Crisis Beyond Doubt
00:04:05 – Importance of Community in Faith Transitions
00:04:32 – Tucker’s Experience in Teaching
00:05:43 – Observations on Youth and Young Adults
00:06:31 – Trusting the Goodness of the Younger Generation
00:07:11 – Defining Faith Crisis and Faith Journey
00:08:28 – Tucker’s Personal Faith Crisis Experience
00:09:01 – The Impact of Seeking Other Perspectives
00:10:37 – The Challenge of Balancing Beliefs
00:11:54 – The Role of the Dissertation Chair
00:12:38 – Navigating Fear and Doubt in Research
00:14:03 – The Dissolution of Testimony Pillars
00:15:17 – The Moment of Psychological Free Fall
00:16:21 – The Question of Wasting Time in Faith
00:17:03 – The Complexity of Belief and Doubt
00:18:03 – The Nature of Testimony Pillars
00:19:21 – The Challenge of Seeing Humanity in Divinity
00:20:58 – The Shift from Certainty to Complexity
00:22:46 – The Experience of Testimony in Church
00:23:40 – The Impact of Testimony on Personal Faith
00:24:53 – The Role of Nervous System in Faith Experiences
00:26:54 – The Importance of Self-Regulation
00:28:24 – The Journey of Healing and Understanding
00:30:31 – The Non-Linear Nature of Faith Journeys
00:31:13 – The Moment of Clarity and Love
00:33:08 – The Temporary Nature of Spiritual Experiences
00:34:24 – The Shift Back to Struggle
00:36:08 – Understanding the Faith Crisis Experience
00:37:41 – The Journey Towards Harmony
00:39:44 – The Role of Heart vs. Mind in Faith
00:41:06 – The Transformation Through Faith Crisis
00:43:22 – Embracing Complexity in Belief
00:45:01 – Gratitude for the Faith Crisis Experience
00:45:34 – Moving Forward with New Perspectives

The Nature of Faith Crisis: A faith crisis is often experienced as a physical response in the nervous system, where the world feels like it is falling apart, rather than just an intellectual disagreement.
The Trap of Certainty: Boyle describes his own journey from a “black and white” mindset of having every answer to encountering complexity that dissolved his traditional “pillars” of testimony.
Leading with the Heart: While the mind seeks to label, divide, and categorize, the heart can hold nuance, questions, and imperfections in church history or leadership that the analytical mind cannot.
Spiritual Regulation: Finding peace often requires “stepping back” from a stressed mind through practices like meditation, allowing for an openness to God even when specific questions remain unanswered.
Trusting in God’s Reach: A central theme is the belief that individuals cannot “get out of God’s reach,” and that His love is not dependent on common organizational membership.

Creating Safe Spaces: Leaders can support those in transition by listening without an agenda to “fix” or judge them, ensuring the individual feels safe and “not othered” within the community.
Managing Parental and Leader Panic: Tucker advises leaders to trust in the “deep goodness” of the youth and recognize that God’s plan is large enough to encompass their questions and journeys.
Focusing on Connection Over Advice: Instead of providing a “five-point plan” or intellectual rebuttals, leaders should focus on maintaining a loving relationship, mirroring the “eternal bond” offered by God and Christ.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

A best-selling author and internationally sought-after speaker and consultant, Michael Timms teaches practical leadership strategies that drive high-performance. He earned an M.B.A. from Utah State University, and was a consultant with Deloitte and an HR leader in the construction and manufacturing industries, prior to forming his own consultancy. Michael is the author of How Leaders Can Inspire Accountability and Succession Planning That Works.

Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community
How Leaders Can Inspire Accountability: Three Habits That Make or Break Leaders and Elevate Organizational Performance
How to Claim Your Leadership Power | Michael Timms
MichaelTimms.com
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Michael talks about the principles of accountability within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The discussion focuses on how leaders can foster a culture of ownership and high performance among volunteers without relying on the traditional levers of corporate consequences.

00:01:46 – The Challenge of Motivation and Accountability
00:02:18 – Introduction of Michael Timms and His Expertise
00:02:53 – Michael Timms’ Background and Approach to Accountability
00:03:59 – Accountability in a Faith Context
00:04:32 – Defining Accountability
00:06:18 – Understanding Results in a Church Context
00:09:23 – Starting Points for Accountability in Organizations
00:11:06 – The Role of Leaders in Accountability
00:12:20 – Key Behaviors for Modeling Accountability
00:14:21 – Setting Expectations in Leadership
00:16:43 – Importance of Feedback and Communication
00:20:03 – Clarifying Purpose and Results
00:21:36 – Establishing Expectations for Team Dynamics
00:24:24 – Addressing Accountability Breakdowns
00:26:45 – Three Habits of Personal Accountability
00:29:02 – Motivating People in a Volunteer Organization
00:30:26 – The Power of Positive Feedback
00:32:12 – Giving Ownership to Team Members
00:34:12 – Scenarios for Accountability in Activities
00:39:17 – Handling Blame in Accountability Conversations
00:41:39 – Avoiding Micromanagement in Leadership

Redefining Accountability: Timms defines accountability as taking ownership of results and focusing on the actions necessary to achieve the right outcomes, rather than using it as a euphemism for blame or punishment.

The Power of Modeling: Accountability begins with the leader; if those in positions of authority do not own their mistakes or seek feedback, others in the organization are unlikely to do so.

Defining Results: In a faith context, “results” should be defined broadly—such as bringing people closer to Christ—and then distilled into specific goals, such as building testimonies or improving how members feel about their Sunday experience.

Setting Clear Expectations: High-performing teams agree on general guidelines for how they will work together—such as preferred communication methods and response times—before diving into the work.

Three Habits of Personal Accountability: Michael highlights three essential behaviors for leaders: avoiding blame, “looking in the mirror” to see how they contributed to a problem, and “engineering the solution” by fixing broken systems or processes.

Motivation Through Ownership: Motivating volunteers is best achieved by giving them a say in outcomes, providing frequent positive feedback to trigger a sense of progress, and granting them true decision-making power within councils.

Requesting Feedback: Leaders can improve performance by sincerely asking those they lead for feedback on how to make it easier for them to achieve their goals.

Systemic Problem Solving: When a task is not completed, Michael suggests leaders should ask “where did the process break down?” rather than “who dropped the ball?” to reduce defensiveness and improve future results.

Standardizing Procedures: Implementing standard operating procedures for recurring events—such as meeting agendas or baptismal services—helps ensure consistency and reduces the mental load on volunteers.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Steve Webber served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Spain Barcelona Mission and later graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Business Management. Professionally, he owns and manages an advertising agency.

Steve has served in various leadership capacities, including bishop, high counselor, Young Men president, elders quorum president, and high priest group leader. These experiences, along with his time as a home minister, have given him a unique perspective on how valiant ministering can bless the flock of the Good Shepherd. He currently hosts the Home Ministering Podcast on YouTube.

Steve lives in Cedar Hills, Utah, with his wife, Jana. They are the parents of five children and five grandchildren.

HomeMinistering.com
Home Ministering: The Process of Perfecting the Saints
Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Steve discusses the evolution of ministering within the Church, emphasizing the shift from home teaching to a more holistic approach to ministering. He shares insights from his book and offers practical advice for leaders to enhance their ministering efforts.

00:03:22 – Background on Steve’s Book
00:04:04 – The Shift from Home Teaching to Ministering
00:05:13 – Early Experiences as a Bishop
00:06:43 – The Importance of Personal Connection
00:08:28 – The Role of Personalization in Ministering
00:09:06 – The Need for Flexibility in Ministering
00:10:00 – Addressing Safety Concerns in Ministering
00:10:31 – The Evolution of Ministering Terminology
00:12:01 – The Church’s Long-Term Vision for Ministering
00:14:25 – The Impact of Ministering on Church Attendance
00:15:40 – The Power of Asking the Right Questions
00:18:43 – Encouraging Open Communication in Ministering
00:20:37 – Serving Like Jesus
00:22:47 – Developing Christlike Attributes through Ministering
00:25:54 – The Importance of Prayer in Ministering
00:28:20 – The Role of Ministering in Building Community
00:30:40 – The Need for Humility in Receiving Help
00:32:54 – The Importance of Ministering Relationships
00:35:02 – Historical Context of Ministering Changes
00:37:21 – The Higher Law of Ministering
00:39:40 – The Role of Family Support in Ministering
00:41:06 – Building Authentic Relationships in Ministering

Ministering as a Higher Law: The transition from home teaching to ministering represents a return to the original purpose of caring for one another, focusing on service rather than just teaching lessons.

Personal Connection: Effective ministering involves building genuine relationships, where ministering brothers and sisters are seen as trusted friends who can provide support and encouragement.

The Power of Prayer: Asking families what they need prayer for can open doors for deeper connections and help ministering brothers and sisters understand how to serve effectively.

Flexibility in Approach: There is no one-size-fits-all method for ministering; leaders should encourage creativity and adaptability based on the unique needs of families.

Importance of Presence: Simply showing up and expressing love can have a profound impact, even if there are no specific tasks to perform. This presence fosters trust and openness.

Encourage Open Communication: Leaders can promote a culture where members feel comfortable sharing their needs, making it easier for ministering brothers and sisters to provide support.

Focus on Relationships: Leaders should emphasize the importance of building relationships over merely fulfilling assignments, encouraging members to engage with those they serve on a personal level.

Model Humility and Service: By demonstrating a willingness to receive help and support, leaders can set an example for their congregations, showing that vulnerability and openness are strengths in the ministering process.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Brandon Bennett currently serves as a Professor of Religious Education at Brigham Young University–Idaho. He previously worked for more than a decade in Seminaries and Institutes of Religion in Utah and Texas, where he was blessed to teach the restored gospel to many remarkable youth and young adults. Throughout much of his adult life, he has held callings working with the rising generation, focusing on strengthening their faith in Jesus Christ and helping them build a firm spiritual foundation.

His experiences as a religious educator and youth leader have reinforced the importance of teaching truth “in plainness” (2 Nephi 31:3). Teaching doctrine with clarity and simplicity has, therefore, become one of his great priorities and convictions. He believes that as we seek to clearly understand and faithfully apply the principles taught in the scriptures and the words of the prophets—free from false assumptions—we place ourselves in a position to more fully receive the Savior’s power, peace, and direction in our lives.

Brandon shares faith-filled thoughts on finding purpose in pain through Jesus Christ. This livestream explores why trials come—from our own choices, mortality, others’ actions, or divine tutoring—and how the Savior’s touch can give any experience meaning. Rather than saying “everything happens for a reason,” Brandon reframes the idea: through Jesus Christ, everything can have a reason and purpose. Drawing on scripture, doctrine, and the story of the man born blind, this discussion offers hope, perspective, and practical faith for anyone navigating hardship—and for leaders counseling others through it.

Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

00:02:31 – The Challenge of Offering Comfort in Trials
00:03:29 – Introduction of Brandon Bennett
00:04:04 – Background on Brandon’s Presentation
00:05:57 – The Complexity of Trials and Comforting Statements
00:07:35 – The Impact of “Everything Happens for a Reason”
00:09:20 – Understanding Trials Through Personal Experience
00:10:07 – The Nature of Adversity
00:11:21 – Orson F. Whitney’s Quote on Pain and Growth
00:12:54 – The Role of the Savior in Our Trials
00:14:27 – The Importance of Perspective in Trials
00:15:58 – The Role of Empathy in Leadership
00:20:51 – The Danger of Speculative Doctrines
00:23:12 – The Power of Empathy in Healing
00:25:04 – The Role of the Savior in Our Trials
00:26:33 – How to Involve Jesus Christ in Our Lives
00:30:25 – The Doctrine of Christ and Accessing His Power
00:34:25 – The Paradox of Grace
00:40:05 – The Nature of the Savior’s Love and Acceptance
00:42:12 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Trials and Healing

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Ganel-Lyn Condie is a popular speaker, author, and mental health advocate. With insight shaped by faith, lived experience, and cultural awareness, she brings both compassion and clarity to the question many leaders and members are asking: How do we help people feel seen, known, and loved—especially those on the margins?

In this episode, Ganel-Lyn discusses her new book, Sourdough and the Savior, which explores the parallels between the process of making sourdough bread and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The conversation emphasizes the importance of ministering, community building, and personal growth through shared experiences.

Sourdough and the Savior
Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Sourdough as a Metaphor: Ganel-Lyn uses sourdough baking as a metaphor for understanding the characteristics of the Savior, illustrating how personal struggles can lead to spiritual growth.

Ministering through Connection: The act of sharing sourdough has become a means of ministering to others, fostering connections, and creating opportunities for healing and conversation.

Building Community: Ganel-Lyn emphasizes the need for community in the church, particularly for those who may feel isolated. She shares her experience of hosting informal gatherings to create a space for connection without the pressure of formal church events.

Vulnerability in Leadership: By sharing her own feelings of loneliness and identity struggles, Ganel-Lyn encourages leaders to be open and vulnerable, which can help others feel seen and understood.

Diversity in Gifts: The discussion highlights that everyone has unique gifts to share, and these contributions, no matter how small, can significantly impact the community and help build Zion.

Encouraging Informal Gatherings: Leaders can create opportunities for members to connect outside of formal church settings, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

Modeling Vulnerability: By being open about their own challenges, leaders can create an environment where others feel safe to share their struggles, leading to deeper connections and support.

Recognizing Individual Contributions: Leaders should encourage members to share their unique talents and experiences, reinforcing the idea that every contribution is valuable in building a strong, diverse community.

00:03:02 – Ganel-Lyn’s Journey to Writing
00:06:29 – The Struggles of Sourdough
00:10:18 – The Role of Ministering
00:11:03 – Building Zion Through Community
00:13:04 – Sharing Talents and Gifts
00:15:08 – The Impact of Sourdough
00:16:49 – The Importance of Connection
00:20:50 – Navigating Loneliness
00:24:01 – Creating Inclusive Gatherings
00:27:21 – The Essence of Community
00:30:20 – The Role of Church Leaders
00:34:25 – The Importance of Vulnerability

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Frank Schwartz is a husband—for nearly 25 years—and a father of three girls. He has served in several bishoprics, elders quorum presidencies, high councils, high priest group leaderships and Young Men presidencies (back when those were a thing), and a variety of other callings over the years.

Frank did undergraduate and graduate work in Psychology and worked in television before starting a small, boutique, corporate communications firm. Most recently he has worked for a client in the healthcare payments space. Frank joined F3 in 2014 and has served in the national leadership in different capacities prior to taking over as Nant’an/CEO in 2024.

Fellowshipping Men in Elders Quorum | An Interview with Frank Schwartz
Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

00:02:40 – Discussion on Elders Quorum Engagement
00:03:01 – Personal Experience with F3 and Transformation
00:05:11 – The Importance of Community for Men
00:09:18 – The Need for Transformational Experiences
00:10:08 – Finding Truth and Community
00:12:13 – The Simplicity of Gathering Men
00:14:02 – The Role of Food in Building Brotherhood
00:15:32 – The Power of Gathering in Elders Quorum
00:18:00 – Authenticity in Church Leadership
00:20:56 – Creating Comfortable Spaces for Discussion
00:22:04 – Personal Transformation After Warrior Heart Bootcamp
00:23:24 – The Quest for Personal Purpose
00:25:05 – Shifting Perspectives on Relationships
00:30:00 – The Broader Plan and God’s Purpose
00:33:55 – Limiting Perspectives and Personal Growth
00:37:40 – The Journey of Self-Discovery and Adventure

Frank and Kurt discuss approaches to engaging men in elders quorum and fostering brotherhood within the Latter-day Saint community. They explore the importance of transformational experiences and how simple gatherings can lead to deeper connections among men.

Transformational Experiences: Men often seek meaningful experiences that can lead to personal growth and connection. Frank shares how participating in F3 and Warrior Heart boot camps has profoundly changed his perspective on leadership and relationships.

Gathering for Brotherhood: The act of gathering, whether for workouts or casual meet-ups, is crucial for building community. Frank emphasizes that men need spaces where they can connect and share their experiences authentically.

Authenticity in Leadership: Leaders should prioritize creating environments where vulnerability is encouraged. This can be achieved by moving away from rigid lesson structures and focusing on genuine interactions.

Shifting Perspectives: Frank discusses the importance of recognizing limiting beliefs and perspectives that can hinder personal growth. Leaders should help others see beyond their current views to embrace a broader understanding of their purpose.

Simplicity in Engagement: Simple gatherings, such as meeting for hot dogs or casual discussions, can effectively draw men together and foster meaningful conversations, making it easier for them to engage with one another.

Focus on Gathering: Latter-day Saint leaders can prioritize creating informal gatherings that encourage connection among men, such as breakfast meetings or service projects, rather than strictly adhering to lesson plans.

Encourage Vulnerability: Leaders should model vulnerability and openness in their interactions, creating a safe space for others to share their thoughts and feelings, which can lead to stronger bonds within the group.

Challenge Limiting Beliefs: Leaders can facilitate discussions that help members identify and overcome limiting beliefs, encouraging them to explore their divine potential and purpose within the community.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Brother Eric Richards teaches Institute and Seminary in the Utah North Area, is a member of the Veritas society, a contributing author for the Patheos project, and a member of the International Writers and Editors Association. He has served in several Bishoprics, twice on High Councils, in the Stake Presidency, and now serves as a Bishop. For five years, Brother Richards and his team wrote the Online Seminary Curriculum. He presents at BYU and BYU-Idaho Education Week and is the author of Preparing for the Second Coming, Come Follow Me: Words of the Week, and was a contributing author for Deseret Book’s “Hear Him” project. He’s a certified Neuroscience Coach, and a great pickleball player in his free time.

Brother Richards grew up attending the Mountain View Baptist Church in San Diego before missionaries baptized him and his mom. He served a mission in Honduras, and his son later served in the same mission. He first moved to Utah after meeting his future wife at EFY, and taught Seminary and played water polo and volleyball for Utah State University. They have been married for 27 years. Most of all, he loves teaching and being with valiant Christians around the world.

Preparing for the Second Coming
Come Follow Me: Words of the Week
Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

How can we lead in a way that connects members deeply to Jesus Christ? This conversation moves beyond administrative duties to explore practical frameworks for empowering members, delivering difficult counsel, and fostering a revelation-driven ward culture.

00:02:37 – Eric Richards’s Background and Experience
00:06:05 – Core Messages and Focus on Jesus Christ
00:07:42 – Approaching Leadership and Interviews
00:12:21 – The Importance of the Bishop’s Helpline
00:13:05 – Interview Techniques for Revelation
00:20:03 – The Role of Hope in Leadership
00:24:11 – Addressing Pornography in Ministering Interviews
00:30:51 – Supporting Speakers and Teachers in Sacrament Meetings
00:35:07 – Encouraging Discussion in Sunday School
00:39:26 – Inspired Counsel on Callings
00:45:12 – The Bishop’s Prayer List and Personal Ministry
00:46:33 – Ministering Interviews and Strengthening Faith

Connecting to Christ: All leadership efforts should ultimately prioritize helping individuals develop a personal relationship with the Savior rather than simply maintaining organizational functions.

Four Levels of Problem Solving: Leaders can empower members by identifying their current “level” of problem-solving: Level 1 (bringing a completed solution), Level 2 (proposing options), Level 3 (sharing findings/research), or Level 4 (simply asking for the answer).

The “Hot Sauce” Technique: Delivering difficult correction is most effective when used as a “compliment sandwich,” where hard truths are encased in genuine love to ensure the counsel is “metabolized” rather than rejected.

Facilitating Personal Revelation: Leaders should serve as a “Sherpa” or “guide on the side,” asking questions that invite the member to receive their own answers from the Spirit rather than providing them directly.

Wellness Baselines: Richards emphasizes checking a member’s physical (sleep, diet, exercise) and spiritual (prayer, scripture, temple) “baselines” to address holistic needs before tackling complex emotional or behavioral issues.

Heart-Led Vulnerability: To create safety, leaders should model vulnerability in sacrament meetings and classes, prioritizing personal, “heart-led” experiences over purely informational “head-led” teaching.

Member Empowerment: Instead of solving every problem, a leader can ask a member where they are on the 1–4 problem-solving scale, encouraging them to find and present their own solutions for the leader’s approval.

Ward Council Dynamics: Councils are most effective when members “check their ego” and evaluate every proposal through “three hats”: their perspective as an individual, as a friend/neighbor, and through their specific stewardship.

Joyful Ward Culture: Leaders can foster a “Church of Joy” by normalizing post-meeting interactions and using specific roles, such as “stenographers” to document the ward’s spiritual history and community connections.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Stephan Taeger is an assistant professor in Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University. He received a PhD from BYU in Instructional Design and Technology. Stephan’s research focuses on Homiletics (the study of preaching), narrative instruction, and ancient scripture. He is also an author and co-host of the RVVL podcast with David Butler.

Y Religion: Justification by Faith
The Science of Speaking in Sacrament Meeting | An Interview with Stephan Taeger
President Spencer W. Kimball: “Jesus the Perfect Leader”
Sermons and talks by Timothy Keller on YouTube
Stephan Taeger: “Declared Guiltless: Justification by Faith in the Latter-day Saint Classroom”
Toxic Perfectionism at Church | An Interview with Justin Dyer
Justification: God’s Plan, Paul’s Vision
N.T. Wright on YouTube
Weakness Is Not Sin: The Liberating Distinction That Awakens Our Strengths
RVVL Podcast
StephanTaeger.com
Tim Keller: Sin as Self-Deceit
Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

00:04:00 – Stephan Taeger’s Background and Teaching Focus
00:05:00 – Influence of Tim Keller on Understanding Justification
00:06:00 – Justification Explained
00:09:00 – The Relationship Between Justification and Works
00:10:30 – Understanding the Role of Covenants
00:11:30 – The Importance of Faithfulness
00:12:30 – The Marriage Analogy for Justification
00:13:30 – The Role of the Sacrament in Justification
00:14:30 – Defining Sanctification
00:15:30 – The Process of Becoming More Like God
00:17:00 – The Role of Obedience in Response to Grace
00:18:00 – Addressing Perfectionism in Leadership
00:19:00 – The Impact of Sin on Community
00:20:00 – The Role of Bishops in Restricting Ordinances
00:22:00 – Understanding Restrictions as Support
00:23:00 – The Nature of Punishment vs. Guidance
00:24:00 – Mental Health and Perfectionism
00:25:00 – Addressing Sexual Development and Sin
00:26:00 – The Importance of Striving for Sanctification
00:27:00 – The Role of the Bishop in Mental Health
00:28:00 – The Challenge of Perfectionism
00:29:00 – The Concept of Forgiveness
00:30:00 – The Nature of Grace in the Gospel

Justification Defined: Justification is described as being pardoned from sin and declared guiltless, occurring when individuals enter a covenant relationship with God through faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost.

Sanctification Explained: Sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like God, involving a change in one’s nature, thoughts, and desires over time, as individuals strive to live in accordance with their covenants.

The Role of Grace: Grace is central to understanding both justification and sanctification. It emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, not solely based on individual works, and that individuals can have confidence in their justified state.

Addressing Perfectionism: Many Latter-day Saints struggle with perfectionism, often feeling unworthy despite understanding the doctrine. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing one’s worth as inherent and not solely based on actions.

Mental Health Considerations: The discussion touches on the intersection of mental health and religious beliefs, particularly regarding OCD and scrupulosity, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in addressing these issues.

Fostering a Culture of Grace: Leaders can create an environment where members feel secure in their justified state, encouraging them to engage in the gospel without the burden of shame or guilt.

Understanding Individual Needs: By recognizing that unmet needs may drive certain behaviors, leaders can approach members with empathy, focusing on support rather than judgment.

Promoting Continuous Growth: Leaders should emphasize the importance of striving for sanctification, framing commandments and ordinances as opportunities for growth rather than as mere obligations, thus inspiring members to engage more fully in their spiritual journeys.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast of a podcast episode from Teaching Restored, a podcast exploring the how of teaching the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to bring others unto Him, helping gospel teachers become more confident, converted, and consecrated. Hosts Kevin Jones and Julie Hillyard are both former guests on the Leading Saints Podcast and you can join Kevin for further teaching-related discussion in Zion Lab.

Teaching Restored
Teaching Restored on YouTube @teachingrestored
Teaching Sunday School with Questions | An Interview with Kevin Jones
Stimulating Sunday School Discussion… But Not Too Much | An Interview with Julie Hillyard
Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Kevin and Julie explore the concept of “flipped” learning as a model for “home-centered, church-supported” gospel study. They discuss transitioning from a lecture-based church experience to a “laboratory” environment where members act as a council to solve problems and apply doctrines learned at home.

The Flipped Classroom Model: In a traditional setting, teachers lecture and students do “homework” alone; in a flipped model, students learn the material at home and use class time to work through practical applications with the teacher’s help.

Defining Scriptural Understanding: Citing Elder Bednar, Kevin notes that scriptural “understanding” is not merely mental comprehension, but occurs when the heart confirms what the mind has learned.

The “Preparer” as the Primary Learner: The person who prepares a talk or lesson historically learns the most. The goal of a flipped church is to elevate every member to the status of a “preparer” before they arrive at Sunday meetings.

Accountability Through System Changes: To motivate home study, Kevin suggests “blowing up” the traditional lecture system. If members know they will be required to participate in a solution-based council rather than listen to a lecture, they are more likely to engage with the materials at home.

Utilizing Existing Tools: Julie highlights that the Come, Follow Me manuals and Gospel Library app already provide the necessary “lab” prompts—such as writing a eulogy for Joseph Smith—but these are often ignored in favor of passive reading.

Transitioning from Teacher to Moderator: Leaders can “release” traditional teachers and instead call “discussion heads” or moderators. This shifts the burden of learning onto the quorum or class members and prevents “spiritual engines” from turning off during a lecture.

Implementing Solution-Based Councils: Instead of sharing “happy thoughts,” leaders should present specific ward or family conundrums—such as helping elderly members attend the temple—and ask the council to generate actionable solutions.

Closing the Feedback Loop: When a council generates a solution, leaders must take those ideas to the Ward Council or Bishopric and report back to the members. This demonstrates that their participation has a direct impact on the ward’s operation.

00:04:22 – Introduction to Flipped School Concept
00:06:25 – New Year’s Resolutions and Teaching Goals
00:07:07 – Understanding Flipped School Model
00:09:05 – Home-Centered, Church-Supported Learning
00:10:24 – The Role of Preparation in Learning
00:12:01 – The Importance of Family Engagement
00:13:05 – Elder Oaks on Family Togetherness
00:17:02 – The Challenge of Utilizing Extra Time
00:19:04 – Elder Bednar on Understanding and Revelation
00:21:44 – The Need for Personal Preparation
00:24:51 – Tools for Effective Gospel Study
00:28:32 – Practical Application of Come Follow Me
00:30:32 – The Role of Motivation in Learning
00:32:08 – Innovative Elders Quorum Model
00:36:05 – Benefits of Council-Based Learning
00:40:34 – Youth Engagement in Problem Solving
00:43:00 – The Importance of Practice in Councils
00:46:34 – Reframing Youth Teaching Opportunities

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Ernesto Quintanilla is the co-host (with his wife Nancy) and driving force behind Santos en Liderazgo, the official Spanish-language expansion of the Leading Saints podcast. A dedicated leader and communicator, Ernesto is passionate about helping Spanish-speaking Latter-day Saints enhance their leadership skills and better serve their communities.

By interviewing experienced leaders and sharing research-backed principles, Ernesto bridges the gap between traditional leadership concepts and the unique cultural nuances of Latino congregations. His work focuses on empowering local leaders—from Bishops and Relief Society presidents to youth advisors—with the tools and inspiration needed to lead with Christlike love and administrative excellence.

Santos en Liderazgo on YouTube
Santos en Liderazgo in Zion Lab
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community
Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community

In this episode, Kurt Francom interviews Ernesto Quintanilla regarding the launch of Santos en Liderazgo, the Spanish-language expansion of the Leading Saints podcast. The conversation focuses on the unique leadership dynamics within the Latino Latter-day Saint community and the need for culturally relevant resources to support local leaders worldwide.

Cultural Warmth in Leadership: A recurring theme is the Latino culture’s emphasis on deep, warm, and personal relationships. Ernesto highlights how leaders often build connections through physical affection (hugs) and informal social gatherings, which fosters a strong sense of community and trust.

The Pioneer Experience: Many Latino leaders are first-generation members or recent converts. Ernesto notes that while they may lack deep historical knowledge of church programs, they compensate with extraordinary faith and a reliance on the Spirit to guide their actions and words.

Cultural Adaptation and Immersion: Navigating the intersection of Latino and American church cultures requires proactive effort. Ernesto suggests that “immersion” is the most effective way for different groups to understand each other, recommending that leaders simply “show up” and participate in each other’s social and religious activities.

Unique Community Initiatives: The discussion highlights innovative grassroots programs, such as a missionary preparation initiative in Peru that provides medical and dental services to prospective missionaries, which eventually became an area-wide program.

Mental Health and Belonging: Leadership in the Latino community often involves addressing the unique mental health challenges of immigrants who may feel they “don’t belong” in their new country nor their country of origin.

Prioritize Relationship over Program: Leaders can improve ward unity by shifting focus from administrative tasks to “warm” social interactions. Ernesto emphasizes that simple gestures, like sharing food or offering a sincere greeting, can bridge cultural gaps more effectively than formal training.

Empower New Converts: Recognizing that many leaders are “pioneers,” established leaders should provide patient coaching while honoring the fresh spiritual energy and faith-based initiative these members bring to their callings.

Coming soon

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

In this livestream, Kurt Francom facilitates a collaborative discussion on the practical and spiritual aspects of ward music, featuring insights from Landon, a BYU master’s student in organ performance. The episode addresses common challenges faced by ward music coordinators and organists, ranging from planning Christmas programs to integrating the Church’s new hymns. The central theme focuses on how music serves as a vital tool for inviting the Spirit and how leaders can better support the musicians in their wards.

Landon’s Organ Training Course
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community
Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community

Creative Christmas Programming: Participants shared successful ideas for holiday sacrament meetings, such as involving missionary families to sing “Silent Night” in different languages, utilizing youth for special numbers, and organizing organ-piano duets to elevate the musical experience.

The “Ministering Approach” to Training: Landon highlights a successful initiative where a stake presidency funded professional organ lessons for all ward organists. This approach transformed the quality of music in the stake by treating skill development as an essential part of the calling rather than an optional hobby.

Integrating New Hymns: To help congregations learn new music, ward leaders suggest using youth activities to assemble physical binders, having the ward choir introduce new songs first, and featuring new hymns as prelude and postlude music to build familiarity.

Managing Chapel Reverence: Landon shares a specific technique for organists to manage chapel noise: when a congregation is loud, the organist can slightly increase the volume to match the room, then suddenly stop for ten seconds of total silence before resuming with very soft registration. This “reset” often prompts the congregation to become more reverent.

Advocating for Music’s Priority: A recurring theme is the need for music leaders to advocate for their department so that closing hymns are not treated as “buffer time” to be cut when speakers go over. Clear communication with the bishopric about the spiritual weight of the music is essential for protecting the meeting’s flow.

Proactive Coordination: Leaders can use shared spreadsheets to align musical selections with talk topics weeks in advance. Providing speakers with a “tips sheet” that includes strict time limits helps ensure that musical numbers are not rushed or eliminated.

Skill Investment: Rather than just calling those who already have talent, bishops and stake presidents should consider music training as a form of ministering. Providing access to lessons or workshops (like Landon’s online organ course) empowers members to fulfill their callings with greater confidence and proficiency.

Empowering Youth: Giving youth specific responsibilities—such as leading music in sacrament meeting or managing the logistics of new hymn binders—increases their engagement and presence in the meeting, often reducing distractions like phone usage.

Coming soon

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Rob Smith, LMAC, LASUDC, is a therapist with over 10 years of personal and professional experience. He specializes in helping individuals tap into their inner strengths, generate momentum for change, and live in alignment with their core values. Rob loves spending time with his wife and supporting their kids in their passions and activities.

Accepted Therapy
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Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Rob discusses the complexities of providing support to individuals facing mental health challenges and the burdens that can arise for leaders in church settings. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy, boundaries, and community in effective leadership.

00:02:10 – Importance of Mental Health in Leadership
00:03:30 – Balancing Help and Personal Well-being
00:05:00 – Interview Introduction with Rob Smith
00:05:40 – Rob’s Background and Specialization
00:06:30 – Personal Struggles and the Need for Help
00:08:00 – The Journey of Seeking Help
00:10:00 – Community Support in Recovery
00:12:00 – The Importance of Healthy Boundaries
00:14:00 – Empathy in Leadership
00:16:00 – Mourning with Those Who Mourn
00:20:00 – Understanding the Weight of Pain
00:22:00 – The Role of Leaders in Carrying Burdens
00:23:30 – The Challenge of Relating to Others’ Struggles
00:25:00 – Setting Healthy Boundaries as a Leader
00:28:00 – The Complexity of Supporting Others
00:30:00 – The Need for Forgiveness and Compassion
00:32:00 – The Role of Opposition in Growth
00:34:00 – The Importance of Community Resources
00:36:00 – Balancing Individual Needs with Community Support
00:38:00 – The Role of Gratitude in Helping Others
00:40:00 – Delegating Support Within the Church Community
00:42:00 – Reflecting on Systemic Issues in Support

Empathy vs. Problem-Solving: Leaders often feel compelled to solve problems for those they support, but true empathy involves sitting with individuals in their pain rather than trying to immediately alleviate it.

The Weight of Pain: Understanding that pain has a physical and emotional weight can help leaders connect with those they serve. Leaders should be willing to share in that weight without trying to fix it.

Boundaries are Essential: Leaders must establish healthy boundaries to protect their own mental health. This includes recognizing when to step back from situations that may overwhelm them.

Community Support: A strong community can enhance recovery and support. Leaders should encourage individuals to seek help from a broader network rather than relying solely on them.

Forgiveness and Compassion: Leaders need to practice forgiveness towards those who may not show gratitude or who take advantage of their help. This allows leaders to continue serving without resentment.

Opposition in All Things: Recognizing that challenges are a part of life can help leaders understand that they cannot solve every problem. This perspective fosters resilience and growth.

Creating Safe Spaces: Leaders can foster environments where individuals feel safe to express their struggles without fear of judgment. This can be achieved by openly discussing difficult emotions and experiences.

Utilizing Resources: Leaders should leverage the strengths of their community by connecting individuals with appropriate resources, such as support groups or other members who have faced similar challenges.

Regular Check-Ins: Leaders should regularly assess their own well-being and that of their fellow leaders. This can help prevent burnout and ensure that they are equipped to support others effectively.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Where is Leading Saints going in 2026? Listen in to find out!

Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community
Become a Zion Builder
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

In this episode, Kurt Francom discusses the evolution of Leading Saints and the introduction of Zion Lab, an online community aimed at fostering leadership and cultural development among Latter-day Saints.

00:03:04 – Introducing Adam Treadwell
Introduction of Adam Treadwell and his connection to Leading Saints.

00:04:03 – North Star Conference
Promotion of the North Star Conference and its relevance to church leaders.

00:06:01 – Adam’s Journey with Leading Saints
Adam shares his experience and history with Leading Saints.

00:07:01 – Key Accomplishments of 2025
Summary of key achievements and insights from Leading Saints in 2025.

00:10:57 – Zion Lab Progress
Discussion on the development and functionality of Zion Lab as a community platform.

00:11:57 – In-Person Leadership Gatherings
Exploration of the impact of in-person leadership workshops and conferences.

00:12:28 – Understanding Zion Lab
Description of Zion Lab as a social media platform for church leaders.

00:16:06 – Personal Insights from 2025
Kurt shares personal reflections and insights gained throughout the year.

00:19:29 – Cultural Development in Leadership
Discussion on the importance of culture development in church leadership.

00:22:03 – Future of Leading Saints in 2026
Exploration of content distribution and future plans for Leading Saints.

00:25:23 – Expanding Language Resources
Discussion on the need for Spanish and other language podcasts.

00:27:53 – Importance of Zion Lab
Jared’s question about the significance of Zion Lab in the evolution of Leading Saints.

00:30:32 – Moderation in Zion Lab
Addressing concerns about moderating discussions and ensuring a safe community.

00:34:59 – Inclusivity in Discussions
Discussion on ensuring diverse voices are heard in Zion Lab.

00:35:38 – Eliminating Borders with Zion Lab
How Zion Lab can connect church leaders beyond geographical boundaries.

00:39:39 – Content Creation Process
Kurt explains his approach to finding and creating content for Leading Saints.

00:44:02 – Emerging Themes and Trends
Discussion on potential themes and trends for future content.

00:48:05 – Navigating Difficult Topics
Kurt shares his thoughts on addressing challenging subjects in church leadership.

Shift to Community Focus: Leading Saints is transitioning from being solely a podcast to a community-driven platform through Zion Lab, where leaders can share ideas and best practices.

Grassroots Leadership: Significant cultural shifts within the church will come from lay members rather than institutional changes, highlighting the role of individual initiative in building Zion.

Content Creation and Curation: The podcast will continue, but the emphasis will be on community-generated content, allowing for a broader range of voices and experiences to be shared.

Diversity of Perspectives: Zion Lab aims to create a safe space for discussions on various topics, including controversial issues, while ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.

Language Expansion: There are plans to expand content into other languages, recognizing the diverse experiences of Latter-day Saints worldwide.

Encouraging Participation: Leaders are encouraged to actively participate in Zion Lab, sharing their experiences and insights, which can help others in similar situations.

Fostering Community: By connecting with others in their local areas and beyond, leaders can find support and inspiration, reinforcing the idea that they are not alone in their challenges.

Embracing Change: Leaders should be open to new ideas and approaches, understanding that effective leadership often requires adapting to the unique needs of their communities rather than relying solely on institutional directives.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Lani Hilton is a dedicated enthusiast of the Easter Season. She has lived a Christ-centered Easter season with her family for 20 years and has been teaching about it in settings like BYU Education Week and firesides since 2015. She published a book called Celebrate Sunday and has written articles for the Liahona and LDS living. Along with her husband, John, she is the proud parent of six children, four currently at Brigham Young University. Lani finds great joy in the simplicity and beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community

lanihilton.com/easter
A Christ-Centered Easter: Day-By-Day Activities to Celebrate Easter Week
Easter-themed resources from Deseret Book
Connecting Others to Jesus Through the Cross at Calvary | An Interview with John Hilton III
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Lani Hilton talks about the importance of making Easter a season rather than just a single day of celebration. Lani shares her journey of creating meaningful Easter traditions and how she has implemented these ideas at both home and community levels, particularly focusing on Palm Sunday.

00:04:04 – Lonnie’s Journey to Celebrating Easter
00:05:24 – Simplifying Traditions as a Busy Mom
00:06:08 – Church’s Focus on Easter as a Season
00:06:40 – Elder Stevenson’s Call for a Christ-Centered Easter
00:09:51 – Expanding the Easter Celebration Timeline
00:10:57 – Encouragement to Start Early with Planning
00:12:44 – Involving Youth in Easter Activities
00:13:57 – Lonnie’s Experience with Stake Activities
00:15:41 – The Importance of Creating Meaningful Experiences
00:17:16 – Organizing a Palm Sunday Celebration
00:20:24 – Keeping the Celebration Engaging and Short
00:22:07 – Community Involvement and Outreach
00:25:06 – The Joy of Praising the Savior
00:27:16 – The Impact of a Large Gathering
00:29:03 – Advertising the Palm Sunday Event
00:31:01 – Encouraging Family Participation
00:32:24 – Resources for Planning Easter Activities
00:35:35 – Reflection on the Success of the Event
00:39:15 – Looking Ahead to Future Celebrations

Easter as a Season: Lani emphasizes the need to extend the celebration of Easter beyond just Easter Sunday, suggesting that it can encompass a period of reflection and worship leading up to and following the holiday.

Inspiration from Church Leaders: Elder Stevenson’s talks have encouraged members to recognize Palm Sunday and the Easter season more thoughtfully, prompting a shift in how Latter-day Saints approach these celebrations.

Community Involvement: Lani highlights the importance of involving the entire community in Easter celebrations, suggesting that events should be inclusive and accessible to all, not just church members.

Simple Traditions: She advocates for simple, Christ-centered traditions that can be easily integrated into family life, making it possible for busy families to participate without feeling overwhelmed.

Worshipful Experiences: The focus should be on creating worshipful experiences that allow participants to praise and adore Jesus Christ, fostering a deeper connection to the Savior during this holy time.

Planning Ahead: Leaders should begin discussions about Easter celebrations in January to allow ample time for planning and community involvement, ensuring that activities are well-organized and meaningful.

Encouraging Participation: Leaders can facilitate events that invite participation from all ages, such as a Palm Sunday celebration, which can help foster a sense of community and shared worship.

Flexibility in Activities: Leaders are encouraged to adapt ideas and resources to fit their local context, recognizing that not every ward or stake will have the same capabilities or traditions, but all can create impactful experiences centered on Christ.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

John Hilton III was born in San Francisco and grew up in Seattle. He served a mission in Denver, and got a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University. While there he met his wife Lani and they have six children. They have lived in Boise, Boston, Miami, Mexico, Jerusalem and China. John has a Master’s degree from Harvard and a Ph.D from BYU, both in Education. John is a professor of Religious Education at BYU.

John has published several books with Deseret Book, including Considering the Cross: How Calvary Connects Us with Christ. He’s the author of the new course “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.”





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ScriptureCentral.org
Scripture Central on YouTube
Finding Christ in the Old Testament
Newsroom: New Guidance on Bible Translations for Latter-day Saints
Handbook: 38.8.40.1 Editions and translations of the Holy Bible
YouVersion Bible App page (Apple app here)
Keeping Jesus as the Center of Leadership | An Interview with John Hilton III
Connecting Others to Jesus Through the Cross at Calvary | An Interview with John Hilton III
Bearded Bishops, Rated-R Movies, & the Honor Code | An Interview with John Hilton III
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

In this episode, John discusses the recent changes in the Church’s approach to Bible translations and how these changes can enhance understanding of the scriptures, particularly the Old Testament. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accessibility and comprehension in scripture study.

The Church’s handbook now states that while members should generally use a preferred or church-published edition of the Bible, other translations may also be used, reflecting a shift towards inclusivity and understanding.

Many individuals struggle with the King James Version due to its higher reading level, which can hinder their engagement with the scriptures. Simpler translations can provide clarity and accessibility.

Various Bible translations, such as the English Standard Version (ESV) and New International Version (NIV), can help bridge the gap for those who find the King James Version challenging, making the scriptures more relatable and understandable.

The discussion highlights the importance of using different translations in teaching settings to enhance comprehension and engagement, particularly for youth and those unfamiliar with the King James Version.

Leaders are encouraged to create an inclusive environment in classes where all translations are respected, fostering a space for discussion and learning.

Leaders can promote the use of various Bible translations in their classes to help members better understand scriptural principles, especially for those who may struggle with traditional texts.

By being aware of the reading levels of different translations, leaders can guide individuals to resources that suit their comprehension needs, ensuring that everyone can access the teachings of the scriptures.

Encouraging open discussions about different translations can help create a welcoming atmosphere in church settings, allowing members to feel comfortable sharing their insights and questions without fear of judgment.

00:02:44 – Guest Introduction: John Hilton III
00:03:26 – Classroom Applications of Bible Translations
00:04:08 – John Hilton’s Projects with Scripture Central
00:04:50 – Changes in Church Handbook Regarding Bible Translations
00:08:34 – Discussion on Handbook Changes
00:14:33 – Historical Context of Bible Translations
00:19:07 – Addressing Concerns About Modern Translations
00:21:18 – Recommendations for Bible Translations
00:24:31 – Using Different Translations for Comprehension
00:26:04 – Importance of Accessible Translations for Youth
00:28:01 – Anticipating Classroom Dynamics with Various Translations
00:30:21 – Creating a Respectful Classroom Environment
00:32:51 – Teaching Strategies for Engaging with Scriptures
00:41:18 – The Role of Listening to Scripture
00:44:10 – Speculation on Future Translations of Church Scriptures
00:47:44 – Encouraging Leaders to Support Comprehension in Others

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Joshua Sears earned his BA in Ancient Near Eastern Studies at Brigham Young University, an MA from The Ohio State University, and a PhD in Hebrew Bible from The University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on biblical polygamy, the book of Isaiah, and Latter-day Saint Bible editions. He has presented at numerous academic and Church-related conferences and is the author of A Modern Guide to an Old Testament.





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A Modern Guide to an Old Testament
BYU Religious Studies Center: rsc.byu.edu
Kerry Muhlestein: “A Savior with a Sword”
Blue Letter Bible
BibleHub
NetBible.org
NRSVUE Bible: New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Understanding Genres: The Old Testament contains various literary genres, including poetry, narrative, and prophecy. Recognizing these genres is crucial for proper interpretation and enhances the reading experience.

Challenges of the Old Testament: The text is lengthy and covers a vast historical period, which can be overwhelming. It also includes complex themes such as violence and cultural practices that may challenge modern readers.

Christ in the Old Testament: Jehovah, the Lord in the Old Testament, is identified as the premortal Jesus Christ. Understanding this connection allows readers to see Christ’s active role throughout the text, not just in prophecies of His mortal ministry.

Resources for Study: Utilizing various resources, including the Come Follow Me manual, podcasts, and online tools, can enhance understanding and provide context for difficult passages.

Addressing Difficult Questions: It is acceptable for teachers to admit when they do not know the answer to a question. This honesty fosters a learning environment and encourages further exploration of the scriptures.

Encouraging Engagement: Leaders can promote a deeper understanding of the Old Testament by encouraging members to explore its genres and themes, helping them to appreciate its relevance to their faith.

Creating a Supportive Environment: By modeling humility and openness about not having all the answers, leaders can create a safe space for discussion and inquiry, allowing members to feel comfortable asking questions.

Utilizing Resources: Leaders should leverage available resources, such as the new institute manuals and online tools, to prepare lessons that are informative and engaging, ensuring that the focus remains on the scriptures themselves.

00:03:02 – Overview of “A Modern Guide to an Old Testament”
00:04:18 – Challenges of the Old Testament
00:05:33 – The Complexity of Old Testament Genres
00:06:43 – Teaching Strategies for the Old Testament
00:08:10 – Shifting Mindsets for Old Testament Study
00:09:48 – Importance of Understanding Context
00:11:06 – Balancing Content Mastery and Teaching
00:12:28 – Keeping Jesus Christ at the Center
00:14:10 – Resources for Hebrew Words and Translations
00:15:46 – Using Podcasts for Study
00:17:27 – Navigating Difficult Questions in Class
00:19:19 – Emphasizing Conversion in Teaching
00:20:30 – The Role of AI in Biblical Study
00:22:04 – Addressing Tough Issues in the Old Testament

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Will Kennedy and Isiah Gray are members of Brothaz in the Foyer, a group that produces content to represent and share the experiences of Black members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are part of a larger group of hosts for the Brothaz in the Foyer Podcast, and their goal is to bring people “from the foyer into the chapel.” This conversation explores their personal journeys, the dynamics of race within the Church, and the importance of fostering understanding and inclusivity.

YouTube: @brothazinthefoyer
Instagram: @brothazinthefoyer
TikTok: @brothazinthefoyer
Paul Reeve books
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Experiences in the Temple: Will and Isiah share how their experiences as Black men in the temple often draw attention, highlighting the need for normalization of diverse representation within sacred spaces.

Cultural Differences: The hosts discuss how their backgrounds influence their experiences in the Church, noting that cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings and the need for open dialogue.

Reconciliation with Church History: Both emphasize the importance of understanding the Church’s history regarding race, including the priesthood ban, and how this knowledge can strengthen faith rather than diminish it.

Empathy and Genuine Interaction: They stress the importance of treating all individuals as children of God and engaging in genuine conversations to bridge cultural gaps, rather than making interactions feel forced or awkward.

Political Climate and Faith: The discussion touches on the politicization of race and the need for members to prioritize their faith and love for others over political affiliations, promoting unity within the Church.

Foster Open Dialogue: Leaders should create environments where members feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics related to race and culture, encouraging transparency and understanding.

Educate on Church History: Leaders can benefit from familiarizing themselves with resources like Paul Reeve’s book on race in the priesthood to better address historical issues and foster inclusivity.

Encourage Representation: Leaders should seek diverse voices in leadership roles and callings, recognizing that representation can enhance the community’s strength and unity, while also being mindful not to tokenize individuals based on race.

00:03:09 – Origin of Brothaz in the Foyer Podcast
00:04:34 – Cultural Differences in Latter-day Saint Experiences
00:06:08 – Broader Christian Dialogue and Inclusivity
00:06:58 – Personal Background: Will’s Journey to the Church
00:08:35 – Personal Background: Isiah’s Journey to the Church
00:10:58 – Navigating Church Culture and History
00:14:03 – Discussing Race in Church Settings
00:17:04 – Parenting and Discussing Race with Children
00:19:46 – Encouragement for Friends Struggling with Church History
00:20:15 – Seeking the Savior in Difficult Conversations
00:22:34 – Addressing Race in Church Leadership
00:23:38 – Importance of Validation and Transparency
00:25:27 – Practical Approaches for Church Leaders
00:26:26 – Genuine Interactions vs. Awkwardness
00:29:06 – Experiences in the Temple
00:31:17 – Building Relationships through Meaningful Conversations
00:33:41 – Representation and Diversity in Leadership
00:35:02 – Navigating Race in Utah and the Wasatch Front
00:37:57 – The Impact of Politics on Race Conversations
00:42:36 – Mixing Christianity with Politics
00:45:59 – Addressing Racism in the Church Context
00:47:02 – Empathy and Understanding in Racial Discussions

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Primary is so much more than schedules, rolls, and meetings—it’s a sacred opportunity to love, lift, and lead like the Savior. In this inspiring interview, we explore how Primary presidencies and leaders can transform everyday administration into meaningful ministry.

Michelle Colledge lives in Cedar Hills, Utah with her husband, Rick, and their five children. She owns and coaches at Canyon Gymnastics and loves reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. She graduated from Utah Valley University, served a full-time mission in the North Carolina Raleigh Mission, and has served in various callings including stake Primary president, ward Primary president, and in several Primary and Young Women presidencies.



Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Building Community: Michelle emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of community within Primary by engaging with children and their families, such as through home visits for birthdays, which fosters personal connections.

Perceptive Leadership: Leaders should be observant and responsive to the needs of children, ensuring that every child feels valued and included. This includes recognizing when a child feels overlooked and taking steps to address it.

Innovative Programming: The introduction of a stake Primary devotional allowed children to actively participate in leadership roles, such as greeters and speakers, which empowered them and made the event more engaging.

Personalized Involvement: Michelle highlights the significance of knowing each child’s name and interests, which helps leaders connect on a deeper level and enhances the overall Primary experience.

Flexibility in Leadership: Leaders should be willing to adapt and create new opportunities for service and connection, as demonstrated by the transition from traditional birthday celebrations to personalized home visits during COVID-19.

Foster Personal Connections: Latter-day Saint leaders can implement home visits or personalized notes to recognize children’s milestones, enhancing their sense of belonging and importance within the community.

Encourage Participation: By inviting children to take on roles in Primary programs, leaders can help them develop confidence and a sense of responsibility, making church activities more meaningful.

Be Observant and Responsive: Leaders should regularly assess the dynamics within their Primary classes, looking for ways to support teachers and children, ensuring that everyone feels included and valued in the Primary experience.

00:04:28 – Transitioning from Ward to Stake Primary Presidency
00:06:04 – Finding Footing as Stake Primary President
00:08:19 – Monthly Presidency Meetings and Activities
00:10:19 – Yearly Primary Activity Planning
00:11:59 – Training for New Primary Presidencies
00:12:52 – Best Practices for Primary Presentations
00:16:25 – Creating a Reverent Atmosphere in Presentations
00:18:56 – Encouraging Children to Write Their Own Parts
00:19:56 – Engaging with Children in Primary
00:20:45 – Personal Connections with Children
00:25:13 – Connecting with Primary Presidencies in the Stake
00:27:11 – Perceiving Needs Like the Savior
00:29:19 – Inviting Children to Serve in Primary
00:34:56 – Organizing a Stake Primary Devotional
00:40:21 – Conclusion and Q&A Session

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Become a Zion Builder and Learn More Here: https://app.leadingsaints.org/c/1-000-zion-builders/

Blake Erickson is the co-founder of Scaling.com, a company dedicated to helping entrepreneurs scale bigger and faster than they ever thought possible. He is the co-author of the New York Times best-selling book The Science of Scaling, and a highly sought-after keynote speaker specializing in guiding companies and individuals to achieve rapid growth and seemingly impossible goals. Blake resides in Utah with his amazing wife, Bre, and their two sons.





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The Science of Scaling: Grow Your Business Bigger and Faster Than You Think Possible
Scaling.com/Audiobook
The Science of Scaling Your Ward | An Interview with Benjamin Hardy
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Blake discusses the importance of setting ambitious goals and the principles of effective leadership within the context of Latter-day Saint service. The conversation emphasizes how faith and intentionality can lead to significant results in both personal and church-related endeavors.

Goal Setting and Faith: Blake shares his experience of setting a seemingly impossible goal of 100 baptisms during his mission, illustrating how faith and ambition can drive success.

Identifying Key Indicators: He emphasizes the importance of recognizing patterns and indicators that lead to success, such as focusing on individuals who are genuinely interested in the gospel rather than spreading efforts too thin.

The Power of One: The discussion highlights that often, one person can make a significant impact, whether in a business or church setting, by inspiring others and driving collective progress.

Less is More: Blake advocates for the idea that achieving goals often requires doing less but with greater focus, rather than simply increasing activity levels.

Cultural Dynamics: The conversation touches on the need to challenge existing cultural norms that may hinder progress, encouraging leaders to empower all members to contribute actively.

Setting Clear Goals: Latter-day Saint leaders can adopt Blake’s approach by establishing clear, ambitious goals for their congregations, focusing on what truly matters to drive spiritual growth and engagement.

Fostering a Culture of Participation: Leaders should encourage all members to take initiative and share their insights, breaking down barriers that prevent individuals from stepping forward in service.

Prioritizing Key Activities: By identifying the most impactful activities and focusing efforts on those, leaders can enhance the effectiveness of their ministries, ensuring that resources are used wisely and results are maximized.

00:03:24 – Blake Erickson’s Mission Experience
00:04:10 – Shifting Focus on Mission Goals
00:05:06 – Learning from Missionary Work
00:06:58 – Identifying Key Indicators for Success
00:08:27 – Setting Goals and Expectations
00:10:18 – The Importance of Commitment
00:12:10 – Recognizing Progress and Indicators
00:14:10 – Communicating with Non-Progressing Individuals
00:15:02 – Applying Business Principles to Church Leadership
00:16:37 – Scaling the Church and Its Impact
00:18:50 – The Gospel as a Solution
00:20:49 – Manifesting Faith in Daily Life
00:21:00 – Expressing Desires to God
00:23:30 – The Importance of Ambition
00:25:32 – Balancing Church Responsibilities
00:26:58 – Navigating Life After the Mission
00:27:09 – Engaging with Elders Quorum Leadership
00:29:04 – Focusing on One Goal in the Ward
00:30:17 – The Power of Less and Different Approaches
00:32:02 – Identifying False Requirements
00:34:15 – The Impact of One Person
00:35:04 – Onboarding Others to a Common Goal
00:37:31 – Building Unity Through Shared Goals
00:38:31 – Cultural Dynamics in Church Leadership

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Kurt Francom, the executive director of Leading Saints, shares his thoughts on the challenges and responsibilities of leading a nonprofit organization within the Latter-day Saint community. He reflects on the need for support, the complexities of church culture, and the importance of individual leadership in building the Kingdom of God.



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“I’m Not the Gatekeeper, I’m the Welcoming Committee” | An Interview with Kurt Brown
Being an Advocate for Those You Lead | An Interview with Robert Ferrell
Rallying the Ward Around Sacrament Meeting | A How I Lead Interview with Ryan Webb
Getting the Youth to Do Hard Things | A How I Lead Interview with Tanner Pursley
Young Men Can Do Hard Things | A How I Lead Interview with Skylar Haws
Zion Lab: LeadingSaints.org/Zion
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Funding Challenges: Kurt discusses the difficulties of securing funding for Leading Saints, emphasizing the need for both small and large donations to sustain the organization’s mission.

Cultural Issues in the Church: He highlights the complexities of church culture, including the struggles of church leaders and members with faith crises, LGBT issues, and the need for a supportive community.

The Role of Individual Leadership: Kurt stresses that effective leadership is crucial for fostering a positive church culture, which can help individuals navigate their faith journeys and challenges.

Transformational Experiences: He believes that rather than providing formal training, Leading Saints focuses on creating transformational experiences that empower individuals to lead and make a difference in their communities.

Call to Action: Kurt invites listeners to engage with Leading Saints through initiatives like Zion Lab and becoming Zion Builders, emphasizing the collective effort needed to build Zion.

Encouraging Community Support: Latter-day Saint leaders can foster a culture of support by actively seeking and encouraging contributions from their communities, similar to how fans rally around a sports team.

Promoting Individual Initiative: Leaders should empower members to take initiative in their callings and personal faith journeys, recognizing that everyone can contribute to building the Kingdom of God, regardless of their formal position.

Creating Transformational Opportunities: Leaders can focus on providing experiences that inspire and uplift their congregations, rather than relying solely on traditional training methods, to cultivate a more engaged and resilient community.

00:01:08 – The Journey of Leading Saints
00:02:25 – The Role of an Executive Director
00:04:14 – The Need for Funding
00:05:57 – Articulating the Problem in Church Leadership
00:07:34 – The Complexity of Church Culture
00:09:11 – The Importance of Individual Action
00:10:51 – The Law of Consecration
00:12:19 – Building Zion and Community
00:14:10 – Connection to BYU Football
00:16:20 – Community Support for Leaders
00:17:01 – The Call for Support and Funding
00:19:14 – The Role of Leading Saints in Cultural Issues
00:21:23 – Transformational Experiences and Leadership
00:23:12 – Call to Action: Join the Zion Lab
00:25:00 – Becoming a Zion Builder
00:26:25 – Sponsoring Others and Seeking Larger Donors
00:29:11 – The Impact of Positive Culture in the Church

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This podcast episode features part of a Zion Lab live stream conversation with a group of ward and stake leaders discussing the purpose and execution of ward conferences. The conversation emphasizes the need for meaningful engagement and feedback from members to enhance the effectiveness of these conferences.



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General Handbook 29.2.3 Ward Conference
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

04:26 – Overcoming Traditional Approaches
06:08 – Gathering Feedback from Members
08:21 – Creating Meaningful Experiences
10:00 – Handbook Guidelines for Ward Conferences
12:45 – Shifting Focus from Burden to Blessing
14:09 – Unique Approaches to Ward Conferences
15:37 – Scheduling Ward Conferences Effectively
18:21 – Addressing Local Needs vs. Stake Focus
20:01 – The Purpose of Ward Conferences
24:40 – The Distance Between Stake and Ward
26:01 – Building Positive Stake-Ward Relationships

Purpose of Ward Conferences: Leaders reflect on the importance of ward conferences as a means to unify the ward, provide spiritual nourishment, and address local needs, rather than merely fulfilling a procedural requirement.

Feedback Mechanisms: The discussion highlights the necessity of gathering feedback from both leaders and general members to assess the value of ward conferences and identify areas for improvement.

Innovative Approaches: Leaders share successful strategies, such as organizing activities leading up to the conference and involving youth, to create a more engaging and meaningful experience for the congregation.

Avoiding Tradition for Tradition’s Sake: The conversation stresses the importance of not falling into the trap of maintaining outdated practices simply because “it’s always been done that way.” Leaders are encouraged to innovate and adapt based on current ward needs.

Collaboration and Council: The value of collaborative meetings among stake and ward leaders is emphasized, allowing for shared insights and collective problem-solving regarding ward needs and challenges.

Solicit Member Feedback: Leaders should actively seek input from ward members about their experiences and expectations for ward conferences, ensuring that the events are tailored to meet their needs.

Create Engaging Experiences: By planning activities and discussions that involve the entire ward community, leaders can foster a sense of belonging and investment in the ward’s culture and mission.

Embrace Flexibility: Leaders are encouraged to approach ward conferences with an open mind, willing to adapt formats and themes based on the unique dynamics of their wards, rather than adhering strictly to traditional methods.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Jenn Curtis is the president of North Star, an organization dedicated to supporting LGBT Latter-day Saints. With a lifelong commitment to the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jenn has navigated her own journey of self-discovery and faith, advocating for understanding and compassion within the Church community. She has been actively involved in creating resources and spaces for dialogue around LGBT issues and faith, helping individuals reconcile their identities with their beliefs.



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NorthStarSaints.org
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

This podcast conversation centers on Jenn’s personal journey with same-sex attraction, her experiences within the church, and the importance of community and understanding in navigating these complex issues.

Personal Journey: Jenn shares her experience of coming to terms with her same-sex attraction while married, emphasizing the internal struggles and the process of self-discovery.

Community Support: The North Star community provides a safe space for LGBT individuals and their families, fostering open dialogue and understanding about faith and sexuality.

Curiosity Over Judgment: Jenn highlights the importance of curiosity in conversations about LGBT issues, suggesting that church leaders should ask questions and seek to understand rather than make assumptions.

Covenant Path: The discussion emphasizes that North Star promotes a gospel-centered approach, encouraging members to strive to keep their covenants while navigating their identities.

Tension in Faith: Jenn acknowledges the tension many LGBT individuals feel between their faith and their sexual orientation, advocating for a compassionate and understanding approach from church leaders.

Foster Open Dialogue: Leaders can create environments where members feel safe to discuss their struggles and questions about faith and sexuality without fear of judgment.

Encourage Curiosity: Leaders should practice curiosity by asking open-ended questions to better understand the experiences of LGBT members, which can help reduce fear and stigma.

Promote Inclusivity: By recognizing the diverse experiences within their congregations, leaders can work towards creating a more inclusive community that supports all members in their faith journeys.

00:04:48 – Jenn’s Personal Story and Journey
00:08:36 – Discovering Same-Sex Attraction
00:10:39 – Navigating Marriage and Self-Discovery
00:12:07 – Initial Reactions to Self-Discovery
00:14:18 – The Dual Existence of Living with Same-Sex Attraction
00:16:22 – Conversations with Her Husband
00:20:42 – Coming Out to Her Husband
00:22:27 – Finding Community in North Star
00:24:21 – Advice for Attending North Star Conference
00:26:15 – The Transformational Experience of North Star
00:28:14 – Creating a Welcoming Church Environment
00:30:46 – The Role of Curiosity in Understanding
00:32:20 – The Importance of Being Open and Listening
00:34:20 – North Star’s Unique Approach to LGBT Issues
00:36:04 – Striving to Keep Covenants in the LGBT Community
00:39:35 – Navigating Tension in Faith and Sexuality
00:41:49 – Addressing Negative Experiences with North Star
00:47:10 – The Importance of Giving North Star Another Chance

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Roy Zwahlen has extensive background in innovation. He serves as Chief Strategy Officer at the Eshelman Institute of Innovation, which develops therapeutics and digital health technologies and startups. Roy recently co-authored the book Race to Innovation: Unleashing the Power of Entrepreneurship for Everyone. He also serves as Associate Dean at the University of North Carolina (UNC). Roy has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brigham Young University and a Juris Doctor from the George Mason School of Law. He has executive education in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and Chief Strategy Officer executive training from Wharton School of Business.

Roy loves spending his early mornings hassling 20+ teenagers as a Seminary teacher in Pittsboro, North Carolina. He has served in bishoprics, elders quorum presidencies, Sunday School presidencies, and in various teacher callings with Primary clearly being the best. Roy, his wife, and their five children—all of whom are much cooler than he is—live in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

https://www.racetoinnovation.net/
Race to Innovation: Unleashing the Power of Entrepreneurship for Everyone
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

In this episode, Roy discusses the intersection of innovation and church leadership, emphasizing how Latter-day Saints can embrace creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to build the kingdom of God. He outlines five principles of innovation that can empower individuals and leaders within the church.

Innovation in the Church: Innovation is rooted in the ongoing restoration of the gospel, with historical examples from church leaders like Joseph Smith and President Nelson demonstrating the importance of adapting and evolving.

Recognizing Potential: Leaders should actively recognize and nurture the divine potential in all members, encouraging creativity and new ideas rather than dismissing them due to comfort with the status quo.

Power of Enclaves: Supportive groups or enclaves foster innovation by providing emotional and practical support, enabling individuals to take risks and share their ideas without fear of failure.

Enabling Ownership: Leaders should empower members to take ownership of their ideas, allowing them to lead initiatives rather than relying solely on institutional approval.

Unique Perspectives: Embracing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of members can lead to innovative solutions that enrich the church community.

Accelerating Change: Leaders should focus on how to accelerate innovative ideas, ensuring that they are not just reactive but proactive in creating positive change within their congregations.

Encouraging Initiative: Leaders can create an environment where members feel safe to propose new ideas, such as starting a community service project or a new class, by actively listening and providing support.

Building Support Networks: Forming small groups or committees within the ward can help individuals collaborate on innovative projects, leveraging their unique skills and experiences to enhance church activities.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation: By promoting a mindset of continuous improvement and openness to new ideas, leaders can inspire members to contribute creatively to the church’s mission, ultimately strengthening the community and its outreach efforts.

00:03:34 – Framing Innovation in Church Leadership
00:05:25 – Innovation in the Context of the Restoration
00:07:51 – Challenges of Innovation in Large Organizations
00:09:36 – Autonomy in Local Church Leadership
00:11:25 – Encouraging Local Innovation
00:12:39 – The Role of Individual Members in Innovation
00:14:31 – Importance of Innovation in Church Leadership
00:16:06 – Proactive vs. Reactive Innovation
00:18:07 – Individual Innovation and Community Impact
00:19:25 – The Need for Innovation to Avoid Disruption
00:21:15 – Creating a Culture of Innovation
00:22:02 – Five Principles of Innovation
00:23:32 – Recognizing Potential in Others
00:30:26 – The Power of Enclaves in Innovation
00:40:50 – Enabling Ownership of Innovative Ideas
00:42:11 – Building Support for Innovative Initiatives

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

For the past seven years, Ajax Trueblood has served as an Elders Quorum Service Coordinator in two different wards in Utah—and he calls it the best calling in the Church. Through that experience, he’s learned that consistent, inspired service doesn’t just bless those being helped—it transforms the hearts and unity of those who serve.

Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community
Elders Quorum Service Coordinator
Movers & Shakers Squad
Soup Patrol in Elders Quorum
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Ajax shares his experience magnifying the often-overlooked calling of the elders quorum service coordinator. He talks about shifting the culture of an elders quorum to be proactively service-oriented, fostering spiritual growth, and extending Christlike care to members and the community beyond the traditional tasks of moving furniture. Ajax emphasizes that selfless service is a central, scriptural tenet of the gospel that should guide the quorum’s efforts.

Key Insights
Service is Core Discipleship: The service coordinator role, while briefly mentioned in the Church handbook (8.5.3), is viewed by Ajax as foundational to the gospel, emphasizing the principles of bearing one another’s burdens and charity.

The “Movers and Shakers Squad” (M&S): Ajax organizes volunteers into the M&S list, which is mobilized quickly via text messaging for physical labor, focusing on positive responses only to keep communication clean. Physical projects are handled by small, efficient teams with a designated on-site team leader to improve safety and effectiveness.

The Power of “Soup Patrol”: This initiative is a non-physical service designed to provide emotional connection and support. It involves quickly delivering small tokens, such as homemade soup, bread, or cookies, to those who are sick or struggling, emphasizing presence and care over the physical item.

Coordination Over Execution: A key principle is that the coordinator’s primary focus should be on coordination—getting the right people the opportunity to serve—rather than defaulting to execution and doing all the work themselves. This builds linkages and involves more people.

Beyond Ward Boundaries: The quorum’s service extends beyond active members and ward boundaries to help anyone in the community, including those needing yard work, cleanup, or help moving, using these opportunities as a bridge for fellowship and missionary work.

Synergy with Ministering: Service efforts must support the ministering program. Ajax proactively contacts assigned ministering brothers to give them the opportunity to be involved first, ensuring the service coordinator system reinforces the core assignment rather than displacing it.

Leadership Applications
Recruit Based on Willingness: Leaders should identify and recruit members who are genuinely willing and able to serve, creating a volunteer-driven service system rather than assigning reluctant members to tasks.

Offer Diverse Service Opportunities: By implementing low-physical-demand options like the “Soup Patrol,” leaders can engage members (like the elderly or young fathers) who may be maxed out or resistant to physically demanding assignments like moving, providing a place for everyone to serve.

Be Proactive, Not Passive: Service coordinators should adopt a proactive approach, constantly keeping their “feelers out” by asking members for needs and looking for opportunities rather than waiting for formal requests to come down through the bishopric or ward council.

04:00 – Introduction to the Elders Quorum Service Coordinator Role

06:00 – The Service Coordinator Calling is Foundational to the Gospel

07:10 – Handbook Reference and Magnifying the Calling

08:05 – Organizing Service in a Rapidly Growing Ward (Vineyard)

08:50 – The Key to Success: Asking for Volunteers

11:00 – Service in an Older Ward (St. George) and Moving Beyond Moves

11:50 – The Spirit of Service and Emotional Connection

13:00 – Organizing Moves with the “Movers and Shakers Squad” (M&S)

14:00 – Operating Principle: Small Groups and Designated Team Leaders

15:50 – Using Text Messages and Coordinating the Three M&S Lists

20:15 – Distinguishing Service from Ward Maintenance

21:20 – Serving Outside the Ward Boundaries and Active Members

23:50 – Non-Moving Service Opportunities: Yard Work and Cleanup

26:00 – Service as a Bridge for Ministering and Missionary Work

26:45 – The Concept of “Soup Patrol”

28:35 – Integrating Service with Ministering Brothers and Sisters

30:40 – The Gospel is Not a Program; Focus on the Heart

32:25 – Delivering Soup: Surprise Visits vs. Calling Ahead

33:50 – Rotating Service to Involve More Quorum Members

37:50 – Building a Culture of Service Beyond the Coordinator

40:50 – The Need for Communication and Cooperation with Relief Society

43:50 – Proactively Seeking Out the Poor and Needy

47:15 – Focus on Coordination Over Execution

48:35 – Using Service Opportunities for Spiritual Development

50:40 – The M&S Lists: Recruiting Volunteers, Not Assigned Callings

52:10 – Avoiding Competition with Ministering Assignments

56:05 – How the Role Fosters Better Discipleship

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Daniel Johnston is a Major in the United States Air Force, serving as a maintenance officer with experience commanding teams in both combat and training environments. He currently serves as the Director of Operations for the C-5 Maintenance Squadron at Dover Air Force Base. His previous assignments include serving as an Air Force ROTC instructor at Brigham Young University and as the Logistics Fielding Chief for the T-7A Red Hawk program.

Daniel is also the author of Leading with Faith, a book that explores how modern leaders can apply faith-centered principles drawn from scripture and Church history. He earned both his bachelor’s degree and MBA from Brigham Young University. After serving a two-year mission in the England London Mission, he has continued to serve in various leadership roles within his local congregation, including as a stake Sunday School president, a member of a bishopric, and currently as a Gospel Doctrine teacher.

Leading with Faith: Timeless Lessons from Spiritual Giants
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Daniel discusses his book, Leading with Faith: Timeless Lessons from Spiritual Giants, which explores various leadership styles through the lens of scriptural and Church history figures. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding different leadership approaches and how they can be applied in both spiritual and secular contexts.

Diverse Leadership Styles: Daniel identifies six leadership styles—communicators, builders, peacemakers, exemplars, servant leaders, and disruptors—each exemplified by notable figures from church history and scripture.

Communicator: Gordon B. Hinckley is highlighted as a master communicator who shaped the Church’s public perception and effectively conveyed messages both internally and externally.

Builder: Brigham Young is recognized for his exceptional ability to create lasting structures and communities, demonstrating that effective leadership often involves problem-solving and vision.

Peacemaker: Nephi is presented as a leader who prioritized peace and made difficult decisions for the greater good, illustrating that peacemaking can involve strength and resolve.

Exemplar: King David serves as an example of leading by action, showing that leaders can inspire others through their behavior and commitment to principles.

Servant Leader: Gail Halverson, known as the Candy Bomber, exemplifies servant leadership by prioritizing the needs of others and making a significant impact through small acts of kindness.

Self-Assessment: Latter-day Saint leaders can benefit from identifying their own leadership style, which allows for personal growth and the development of strengths that align with their natural inclinations.

Adapting Leadership Approaches: Leaders can experiment with different styles, such as stepping into the role of a peacemaker or servant leader, to enhance their effectiveness and better meet the needs of their communities.

Fostering Community: By understanding and applying the principles of various leadership styles, leaders can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that encourages growth and collaboration among members.

00:06:00 – Leadership Styles Overview
00:08:00 – The Communicator: Gordon B. Hinckley
00:10:00 – President Nelson as a Leader
00:12:00 – The Builder: Brigham Young
00:16:00 – The Peacemaker: Nephi
00:18:00 – The Exemplar: King David
00:24:00 – The Servant Leader: Gail Halverson
00:30:00 – The Disruptor: Spencer W. Kimball
00:35:00 – Identifying Your Leadership Style

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This podcast episode is a portion of a Zion Lab livestream discussing the challenges and best practices of bishop’s wives as they support their husbands in their demanding calling.

Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

The central topic of the conversation revolved around navigating the emotional, physical, and relational demands of the role, with a particular focus on combating the common feeling of loneliness and isolation experienced by the wives. The conversation provided practical tools for setting boundaries and lessons on delegation.

Loneliness and Entity Status: A common struggle is the feeling of loneliness, stemming from the bishop’s need for strict confidentiality (preventing him from sharing heavy matters with his wife) and the public perception of the family as a “third person” or “entity,” which can complicate social dynamics within the ward.

The Need for Boundaries: Wives act as protectors of their husband’s time and the marital relationship. They learn to set boundaries by directing members to approach the bishop directly rather than using the wife as a “back door” intermediary for requests or feedback.

The 24-Hour Rule: Multiple participants recommended the practice of waiting up to 24 hours before responding to non-urgent communications. This method ensures that true emergencies are addressed while allowing non-urgent issues to often resolve themselves, freeing up the bishop’s mental space and time.

Delegation to Empower: Effective delegation is essential to lessen the bishop’s burden. One participant emphasized fully empowering the elders quorum and Relief Society presidents to handle the adult members of the ward, allowing the bishopric to focus its primary attention on the youth.

Defining the Role Through Priesthood Blessing: While the role is not a formal calling, it is sacred. Multiple participants recommended that the bishop or stake president give the wife a priesthood blessing to provide personal direction and spiritual clarity on her unique role and areas of focus.

Finding Joy in Involvement: Wives can find connection by being involved on a family level. One participant shared that quarterly planning of creative Sacrament Meetings (e.g., Q&A sessions, open mics) with the entire bishopric and their wives led to a more exciting church experience for the congregation and increased her own joy.

Spiritual Support: Bishops should give their wives a priesthood blessing upon being called to help them understand their unique, inspired role and receive strength for the coming demands.

Teach Proper Channels: Bishopric members and other ward leaders must teach members to utilize the proper channels for help, such as ministering brothers/sisters, rather than immediately contacting the bishop for non-confidential or non-urgent matters.

Empower Quorum/RS Leadership: Leaders must fully empower and train the elders quorum and Relief Society presidencies to confidently lead the adults, reducing the bishopric’s workload and allowing them to successfully focus on their primary responsibility of ministering to the youth.

00:03:00 – Experience with Sacrament Meeting Planning
00:05:00 – Involvement of Bishopric Wives
00:06:00 – Unique Sacrament Meeting Formats
00:08:00 – Navigating Involvement and Expectations
00:10:00 – Hyper-Awareness as a Bishop’s Wife
00:12:00 – Setting Boundaries with Congregation
00:14:00 – Protecting the Bishop’s Time
00:16:00 – Delegation Strategies for Bishops
00:18:00 – Balancing Family and Church Responsibilities
00:20:00 – Navigating Relationships with Ward Members
00:22:00 – Supporting a New Bishop
00:24:00 – Seeking Guidance and Blessings
00:26:00 – The Role of the Bishop’s Wife
00:28:00 – Addressing Feelings of Loneliness

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Liberty Kepford lives in Tallahassee, Florida. She is a youth Sunday School teacher and has also served in a Primary presidency and as a Primary teacher. Liberty previously taught 5th grade and now works as a curriculum writer for the homeschool curriculum “Art Makes Me Smart”. She and her father, Robert Johnson, are the authors of Autism in Christ’s Church.

Robert Johnson lives in Starr Valley, Nevada. He serves in his ward Sunday School presidency and has previously served in a stake presidency and as a bishop. He recently retired from teaching K-12 Special Education, is a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), and runs Nevada Behavior and Autism. Robert and his wife are Liberty’s parents and will be serving a mission in Kumasi, Ghana, starting in 2026.

Autism in Christ’s Church
Church Disabilities Help
Disability Specialist in the Handbook
Navigating Autism as a Church Leader | An Interview with Michele Portlock
Why Your Ward Needs a Disabilities Specialist | A How I Lead Interview with Anna Rast
Leading Those with Special Needs | An Interview with Stan Beagley
Creating a Culture of Inclusion and Acceptance
Meeting the Needs of our Special Needs Children
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

In this episode, Liberty and Robert discuss their book, Autism in Christ’s Church, which aims to provide insights and resources for Latter-day Saints regarding autism and how to create inclusive church environments. They emphasize the importance of understanding the diverse experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum and the role of disability specialists in supporting these individuals and their families.

Diversity of Autism Experiences: Autism is a spectrum, and individuals experience it differently. The book shares various stories that highlight these unique experiences, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting individuals with autism in the church.

Role of Disability Specialists: Disability specialists are crucial in church settings, providing tailored support to individuals with autism. Their presence can significantly enhance the church experience for both individuals and their families.

Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication between parents, leaders, and disability specialists is essential. Regular meetings and open dialogue can help create a supportive environment that meets the needs of individuals with autism.

Social Skills Development: Leaders should focus on helping individuals with autism develop social skills through structured interactions and support, especially during transitional phases like moving into young men’s or young women’s groups.

Utilizing Strengths: Individuals with autism often have unique strengths and interests. Leaders should identify these strengths and provide opportunities for individuals to contribute meaningfully to the church community.

Empower Disability Specialists: Leaders should actively call and support disability specialists in their wards, ensuring they have the resources and training needed to assist individuals with autism effectively.

Foster Inclusive Environments: Create a culture of understanding and acceptance by encouraging open discussions about autism and providing training for leaders and members on how to interact positively with individuals on the spectrum.

Encourage Participation: Leaders can help individuals with autism find suitable callings that align with their strengths, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose within the church community.

00:04:11 – Origin of the Book “Autism in Christ’s Church”
00:04:54 – Robert’s Expertise in Special Education
00:06:28 – Resources for Latter-day Saints and Autism
00:07:15 – Structure of the Book: Stories and Experiences
00:08:48 – Liberty’s Background with Autism
00:09:36 – Robert’s Journey into Special Education
00:10:23 – Understanding the Autism Spectrum
00:12:16 – The Importance of Inclusion in Church
00:13:11 – Gathering Insights from Families
00:14:35 – The Role of Disability Specialists
00:15:25 – Qualities of an Effective Disability Specialist
00:17:05 – The Need for Support Beyond the Individual
00:18:10 – The Role of Parents and Leaders
00:19:32 – Proactive Approach to Disability Specialists
00:21:02 – Revelation and Leadership in the Church
00:22:19 – Youth as Disability Specialists
00:23:09 – The Importance of Councils in Support
00:24:33 – Communication and Collaboration
00:26:05 – Engaging Individuals with Autism in Activities
00:27:10 – Highlighting Personal Stories from the Book
00:29:05 – Utilizing Strengths and Service Opportunities
00:31:16 – Navigating Autism Across Different Ages
00:39:07 – Young Single Adults and Autism
00:45:58 – Mission Experiences for Individuals with Autism

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in August 2020.

Greg McKeown has dedicated his career to discovering why some people and teams break through to the next level—and others don’t. The definitive treatment of this issue is addressed in his New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. Greg hosts The Greg McKeown Podcast with guests such as Harvard professor Arthur Brooks, Matthew McConaughey, Maria Shriver, John Hope Bryant, and Ariana Huffington. He is one of the most sought-after public speakers globally, with clients including Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Nike.

Originally from London, England, Greg now lives near Phoenix, Arizona, with his wife Anna and their family. In this interview Greg and Kurt talk about how small, consistent steps are more effective for creating lasting change than grand, overwhelming efforts. At the time of this recording, Greg was serving as an elders quorum president in his ward in California.

Being an Essentialism Bishop | An Interview with Greg McKeown
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
GregMcKeown.com
One-Minute Missionary Work videos
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

In this episode, Greg discusses the principles of essentialism and how they can be applied to leadership within the Latter-day Saint community. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on small, manageable changes to foster growth and connection in both personal and church leadership contexts.

Essentialism Defined: Essentialism is the disciplined pursuit of less, focusing on what truly matters rather than getting overwhelmed by numerous tasks and responsibilities.

Small and Simple Changes: Greg highlights the scriptural principle that “by small and simple means are great things brought to pass,” advocating for incremental improvements rather than sweeping changes.

The Importance of Relationships: Building genuine relationships within the church community is crucial. Leaders should strive to understand the struggles of others, as most individuals face challenges that may not be immediately visible.

Avoiding Overwhelm: Change does not have to be hard or abrupt. Leaders should focus on small, consistent actions that can lead to significant progress over time.

Celebrating Successes: Recognizing and celebrating even minor achievements can motivate individuals and foster a sense of community and accomplishment.

Incremental Improvements: Latter-day Saint leaders can implement small changes in their quorums or wards, such as enhancing home teaching efforts by celebrating small successes rather than overhauling the entire system.

Fostering Relationships: Leaders should prioritize building relationships by checking in on members regularly and asking meaningful questions to understand their needs better.

Setting Realistic Goals: Instead of aiming for grandiose changes, leaders can focus on achievable, small goals that encourage participation and engagement, making it easier for members to contribute and feel valued.

By applying these principles, leaders can create a more supportive and effective environment within their congregations, ultimately leading to stronger connections and spiritual growth.

00:02:40 – Essentialism and Its Impact
00:03:44 – Greg’s Leadership Journey
00:05:06 – Adapting to COVID in Leadership
00:06:57 – The Power of Small Changes
00:09:06 – Celebrating Small Victories
00:10:24 – Family History Made Simple
00:12:12 – Overcoming Overwhelm in Family History
00:13:50 – The Importance of Small Steps
00:15:07 – Engaging with Family History
00:16:39 – The Reality of Change vs. Progress
00:18:30 – The Role of Empathy in Leadership
00:19:04 – Understanding Universal Suffering
00:20:10 – Building Relationships in Leadership
00:22:35 – The Challenge of Fixing Others’ Problems
00:24:37 – The Complexity of Bishopric Responsibilities
00:27:23 – The Need for Honest Communication
00:29:44 – Current Callings and Expectations
00:30:55 – The Importance of Family Relationships
00:32:34 – The Long-Term Impact of Parenting
00:34:06 – Defining Success in Parenting
00:36:05 – The Role of Agency in Relationships
00:37:42 – Measuring Success in Family Time
00:39:50 – The Challenge of Guilt in Parenting
00:42:02 – The Importance of Asking for Feedback
00:44:02 – The Power of Small Incremental Changes
00:46:01 – Overcoming Overwhelm in Life
00:49:15 – Navigating Uncertainty and Fear

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Jeff McCullough is an ordained minister and has served in ministry for over 25 years, including 15 years in pastoral ministry. He holds a Master’s in Biblical Studies from Moody Theological Seminary. Now serving in Utah, Jeff previously spent two decades preaching and leading in the St. Louis area. He focuses on using online platforms to create content that fosters curious, honest, and respectful interfaith conversations about faith, Jesus, and scripture. Jeff and his wife, Joy, have four children.

@HelloSaints on YouTube
@Hello.Saints on Instagram
Fitting in With Other Christian Churches | A Discussion with Jeff McCullough
When a Pastor Explores The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | An Interview with Jeff McCullough
Allowing Our Pain to Turn Us to Christ | An Interview with Joy McCullough
A Latter-day Saint Bishop Sits Down with Four Evangelical Pastors
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Jeff discusses the evolution of his content creation, and his intentions regarding the Latter-day Saint community. The conversation centers on the dynamics of interfaith dialogue, the pitfalls of theological simplification, and the challenge of keeping Christ—rather than cultural rules or personal motives—at the center of Christian faith and ministry.

A Shift in Intent: Jeff’s channel has evolved from initial exploration to intentionally maintaining a safe space for sustained, nuanced dialogue between Protestants and Latter-day Saints. His primary goal is to foster a conversation where all parties focus on the shared desire to see Christ “high and lifted up” [48:44].

Authenticity Over Stereotype: To improve dialogue, Jeff’s method is to learn to recognize the authentic core beliefs of the Latter-day Saint tradition. This allows him to push past misconceptions and stereotypes, making for more efficient and productive conversation [06:13].

Beware of Theological Shorthand: Both traditions are guilty of using “theological shorthand,” which reduces complex doctrine (e.g., heaven, grace) to superficial, culturally driven explanations. They encourage leaders to move past these simplifications to grasp the deeper, more complex theological concepts [12:42].

Bridging vs. Converting: They discuss the idea of Jeff converting, concluding that his ongoing role as a non-Latter-day Saint bridge-builder and model of interfaith respect is a more fruitful endeavor for the greater Kingdom than a simple conversion [52:03].

The Dangers of Cultural Gatekeeping: Jeff shares his concern over “cultural Christianity” in the Evangelical world, where non-essential cultural rules and political positions become the “litmus test” for faith, resulting in toxicity and obstructing the clarity of the gospel [57:33].

Faith Maturity: A mature faith should be able to sit with the complexity of opposing views and challenging historical or doctrinal issues. Viewing such dialogue as a threat indicates an opportunity for spiritual inoculation and growth [46:10].

Prioritize the “Point”: Leaders should distinguish between things that “matter” (secondary doctrinal debates, value systems) and “the point” (the centrality of Christ and the message of redemption), ensuring that cultural expectations do not overshadow the core gospel message [01:02:25].

Model Curiosity, not Criticism: Leaders should approach different faith traditions, complicated church history, and internal member struggles with curiosity over criticism to foster a culture of sincere, thoughtful engagement [01:04:40].

Address Motives Directly: Leaders should push back against cynical or superficial tropes like the misuse of the word “priestcraft,” instead encouraging members to seek to understand a person’s heart and genuine intentions [23:29].

00:02:30 – The Dynamic of Content Creation
00:03:35 – Mr. Rogers and Early Influences
00:04:31 – Pastor Jeff’s Journey with Hello Saints
00:05:46 – Understanding the Latter-day Saint Paradigm
00:08:06 – Advice to Early Content Creators
00:10:23 – Theological Shorthand Explained
00:12:23 – Engaging in Interfaith Dialogue
00:16:46 – Addressing Skepticism from Both Sides
00:19:00 – The Financial Aspect of Ministry
00:24:55 – The Importance of Heart in Ministry
00:28:09 – Future Content Ideas for Hello Saints
00:31:49 – The Role of Evangelical Churches in Utah
00:36:30 – Navigating Church Visits as a Latter-day Saint
00:40:09 – Advice for Visiting Evangelical Churches

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in May 2019.

Tad R. Callister served as Sunday School general president, in the Presidency of the Seventy, as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy, an Area Seventy, president of the Canada Toronto East mission, regional representative, stake president, bishop, and as a full-time missionary in the Eastern Atlantic States Mission. Brother Callister held an accounting degree from BYU, a Juris Doctorate degree from UCLA, and a master’s degree in tax law from NYU Law School. He is the grandson of apostle LeGrand Richards and the author of several books, including The Infinite Atonement and A Case for the Book of Mormon. He and his wife, Kathryn Louise Saporiti, are the parents of six children.

A Case for the Book of Mormon
God’s Compelling Witness: The Book of Mormon
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

2:30 Moving on from being released as General Sunday School president

4:20 Which came first, the book or the talk?

5:15 How his law practice helped him crystallize thoughts when writing

5:50 His approach to personal study

6:10 Lesson to seek and ponder his own insight first before turning to doctrinal commentary

8:00 Studying first thing in the morning, and writing along with reading has helped him summarize his thoughts while studying the scriptures

8:50 Questioning and discussing with others is part of pondering

10:00 Reason can strengthen faith, and logic and the Spirit can go hand-in-hand

11:40 The audience for the book is first people who have testimonies that can be strengthened and who can help strengthen the testimonies of others, as well as those who may have questions, and finally critics

12:40 A partial truth, when presented as a whole truth, is an untruth

13:00 Less than 2% of the archeological finds in ancient America have been unearthed

16:00 An intellectual witness of scripture does not come from archeological findings, whether regarding the Bible or the Book of Mormon

16:40 His grandfather LeGrand Richards was a common-man leader, related to everyone, and simply loved people

19:15 Ward Sunday School presidents are not merely bell-ringers because they are in charge of the teacher councils, and they have the responsibility to help improve the teaching of every teacher in every organization, and to see that the individual and family curriculum is being implemented in every home

21:50 One purpose of the Come Follow Me curriculum is to take us from reading the scriptures to pondering the scriptures and discussing them. In the homes, it is the catalyst for discussion and learning the gospel together.

23:30 There has been a substantial increase in individual and family study, and class members from children to adults are better prepared for Sunday meetings

24:10 He and his counselors traveled internationally and were able to get a good idea of what was happening with teacher council meetings

25:10 Practicing through role play at the end of teacher council meetings was one thing they observed and recognized as an effective implementation in those meetings

25:45 Another effective implementation is the change to Christ-centered Easter Sunday and Christmas services so that members can invite others to come worship with them

27:30 Surprised at his call as the General Sunday School president

28:20 They were given a lot of latitude but there was a clear expectation to improve teaching in the home and at church

30:20 Traveling and visiting as a Sunday School general auxiliary president was to teach in general how to teach more like the Savior, to help teachers make teacher counsels more effective, and to discuss in focus groups what was working or not working in areas around the world

31:40 In the presidency of a Quorum of Seventy, they were given responsibility for a specific area, and were to train area seventies, and serve on committees for a variety of topics

33:30 Hoping that his book can help strengthen the testimonies of readers

34:00 His leadership callings have helped him be more humble and recognize the value of other people’s ideas and the input of his counselors

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Skyler Wilcox is originally from Logan, Utah and is the senior administrator with the Especially For Youth (EFY) program. He has a bachelors degree in Broadcast Journalism and a masters degree in Public Administration, both from Brigham Young University. After working as a counselor and coordinator for four summers, Skyler joined the EFY team full time in 2020. When not at work, he enjoys cheering on his favorite sports teams, including the Jazz, Cougars, Cowboys, and Mammoth. He also loves musical theater and performing on stage. Skyler married his sweetheart Jenny and they have adopted four children through foster care. Previous Church callings include ward clerk, assistant executive secretary, youth Sunday School teacher, and elders quorum secretary.

EFY: Especially for Youth
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Overview
The conversation centers on how EFY has successfully adapted its model after the Church’s 2019 announcement of FSY (For the Strength of Youth) and what principles leaders can use to create profound, testimony-building experiences for their own youth.

Key Insights
EFY’s New Focus on Specialized Experiences: EFY still exists but has transitioned from the traditional campus model to running specialized, experiential programs to complement FSY. These include Adventure sessions (like white water rafting and canyoning) and Church History tours, which are designed for youth who thrive in active, challenging, and outdoor learning environments.

Connection and Authenticity are Paramount: The most crucial need for youth today is genuine connection. Skyler emphasizes that leaders must be vulnerable and authentic, avoiding an overly enthusiastic or “rah-rah” persona that youth perceive as fake. This realness is key to building trust.

Teach the Gospel Directly: Leaders should not shy away from teaching the doctrines of Jesus Christ plainly and straightforwardly. Skyler asserts that youth are not only ready to hear the gospel as it is but actively need it to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

Fostering a Sense of Being Known: The new, smaller scale of EFY sessions cultivates a tight-knit environment where youth are known by their counselors as individuals, rather than just numbers in a large group. This personal attention fosters deeper, more impactful faith connections.

Inspiring Personal Revelation: Effective teaching is ultimately focused on pointing the youth back to their own personal study and experience. The best teachers share their own personal “aha moments” they’ve gained through scripture study, inspiring youth to develop the habit of seeking and receiving personal revelation for themselves.

Experiential Learning as a Faith Catalyst: Activities that are a little uncomfortable or risky (like completing a difficult outdoor challenge) create a “bank” of faith. Skyler notes these experiences teach youth they “can do hard things,” preparing them to rely on the Savior when facing future real-world challenges.

Leadership Applications
Be Genuine, Not Goofy: Rather than trying to be excessively “cool” or entertaining, leaders should focus on being authentic by finding moments to be vulnerable and share sincere experiences prompted by the Spirit, which naturally builds resonance with the youth.

Prioritize Love Over Doctrine: When encountering a youth who is disengaged or struggling, leaders should first ensure they are loving the youth unconditionally. This Christ-like love creates the lasting impact that will open the door for teaching another day, even if not everything can be taught at once.

Empower Young Adults: Recognizing the pivotal nature of the young adult years, leaders can look for opportunities to involve them in service and leadership. For instance, EFY has successfully expanded its counselor roles to include married couples, which strengthens the young adults’ own testimonies while giving the youth a powerful, Christ-centered marriage example.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

High Council members engaged in a live discussion focused on sharing ideas and experiences to strengthen how councils serve their wards and stakes. This podcast is a portion of the livestream discussion.




Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community

The entire conversation and transcript are available in the Zion Lab community

This episode of the Zion Lab live stream from Leading Saints featured a discussion among several current and former Stake High Councilors, focusing on the practical challenges and opportunities of their calling. The participants shared their experiences, best practices, and innovative ideas for magnifying their assignments, effectively bridging communication between the stake and ward levels, and overcoming feelings of inadequacy.

The Need for Proactivity: The High Council calling can often feel “open-ended,” allowing a High Councilor to “do as much as you want” or very little. Leaders are encouraged to be proactive—actively engaging with assigned elders quorum presidencies and ward organizations rather than just attending mandatory meetings.

Equality and Insecurity in Calling: New High Councilors frequently feel overwhelmed or insecure when working alongside more seasoned leaders. Counsel was given to overcome this by recognizing that all callings are equal in the sight of the Lord and that the High Councilor’s voice and spiritual insights are vital to the council’s deliberations.

Role as a Spiritual Messenger: High Councilors should see themselves as direct representatives of the Stake Presidency, similar to a General Authority visiting a stake. They are encouraged to be visible, bring spiritual knowledge and instruction, and share a spiritual thought when addressing wards, not merely delivering routine announcements.

Mandate to Testify of Christ: Some stakes guide speaking assignments with a General Conference talk, but emphasize that the talk, whether prepared or spontaneous, must be interwoven with a powerful personal testimony of Christ to ensure the Spirit is present.

Training and Dissemination of Principles: A core function of the High Council is to receive leadership principles and instruction in the Stake Council. High Councilors are then responsible for taking that training and counsel out to their assigned ward bishoprics and organization presidencies.

Foster Cross-Ward Learning: Stake Presidencies can gain valuable insights and enrich their High Councilors by encouraging them to attend the leadership meetings of the wards where they speak, even if it is not their assigned ward. This exposes High Councilors to diverse operational models among ward councils, creating a cross-training effect.

Centralize Administrative Resources: High Councilors should utilize group communication methods, such as shared text threads or digital notes, to quickly share tactical administrative advice, official wording for callings and releases, and handbook references, streamlining the logistical aspects of the calling.

Elevate the Message of Love: High Councilors should consistently make a concerted effort to express the genuine love, thoughts, and prayers of the Stake Presidency to the ward members, ensuring the members feel validated, “seen, and prayed for” by their stake leadership.

00:01:36 – Kicking Off: The “Open-Ended” Nature of the High Councilor Calling
00:04:04 – Overcoming Insecurity and Magnifying the Calling
00:06:06 – Advice on Equality and Being a Visible Representative
00:09:38 – The Role of the Spirit vs. Experience in Calling
00:11:23 – Key Role: Training and Teaching Ward Leaders
00:13:07 – Strategies for Stake Engagement: Ward Reporting and Training
00:14:44 – Unique Assignment: Attending Cross-Ward Leadership Meetings
00:16:37 – Close Relationship with Stake Presidency and Financial Duties
00:18:38 – Tactical Tip: Using a High Councilor Text Group for Logistics
00:20:32 – Speaking Assignments: Including Youth and Missionaries as Companions
00:22:31 – Reiterating the High Councilor’s Role as Spiritual Guide
00:24:52 – Speaking Mandate: Testify of Christ and Use GA Talks
00:25:50 – The “Awkward” but Necessary Expression of Stake Presidency Love

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in February 2024.

Marjorie Nelson Lowder discusses the remarkable life and enduring influence of her mother, Dantzel White Nelson.

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Marjorie grew up as the 9th of 10 children of President Russell M. Nelson and Sister Dantzel White Nelson, surrounded by music, books, art, faith and lots of love. She loves to spend time creating, being in nature and gathering with her family and friends. She is an artist, vocalist, and the author/illustrator of a book based on a favorite lullaby her mother used to sing, Pudding on the Moon.

This conversation honors Dantzel’s legacy as a deeply-faithful Latter-day Saint, wife, and mother, emphasizing the principles and traditions she established that created a foundation of unity and spiritual strength for her family.




Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community

Pudding on the Moon
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

In this episode, Kurt interviews Marjorie, the youngest daughter of President Russell M. Nelson, to honor her late mother, Dantzel White Nelson. The conversation explores Dantzel’s life, her influence on the family, and the legacy she left behind, particularly through a children’s book Marjorie authored inspired by a lullaby her mother used to sing.
00:02:55 – Honoring Dantzel White Nelson
Discussion on the life and legacy of President Nelson’s first wife.

00:04:28 – Marjorie’s Book: Putting on the Moon
Introduction to Marjorie’s children’s book inspired by her mother.

00:05:41 – Marjorie’s Early Memories
Marjorie shares her early memories of her mother and family traditions.

00:08:11 – Dantzel’s Background
Details about Dantzel White Nelson’s upbringing and education.

00:09:50 – Courtship of Dantzel and Russell Nelson
The romantic story of how Dantzel and Russell Nelson met and fell in love.

00:10:36 – Family Life and Traditions
Insights into the family dynamics and traditions created by Dantzel.

00:12:32 – Family Olympics and Celebrations
Description of unique family events and celebrations organized by Dantzel.

00:14:19 – Creating Special Memories
Marjorie’s reflections on how her mother made family gatherings memorable.

00:16:26 – Navigating a Large Family
Challenges and dynamics of growing up in a family with many daughters.

00:19:00 – Father’s Medical Career
Insights into the life of being the daughter of a surgeon and its impact on family life.

00:22:26 – Church Callings and Choir
Discussion of Dantzel’s involvement in church callings and her time with the Tabernacle Choir.

00:25:23 – Singing Legacy
Marjorie’s connection to her mother’s musical legacy and family singing traditions.

00:30:11 – Becoming an Apostle
Marjorie’s experience learning about her father’s call to be an apostle.

00:32:04 – Adjusting to New Roles
How Dantzel adapted to her new role as the wife of an apostle.

00:33:31 – Mother-Daughter Relationship
Reflections on Marjorie’s relationship with her mother as a young adult.

00:35:05 – Dantzel’s Calm Demeanor
Stories highlighting Dantzel’s patience and temperament as a mother.

00:39:10 – Coping with Loss
Marjorie’s thoughts on her mother’s sudden passing and the support received.

00:41:44 – Legacy and Remembrance
The importance of sharing stories and memories of Dantzel with others.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Ernest Lee Davis, a native of Los Angeles, California, spent most of his life there before earning an athletic scholarship to the University of Idaho, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. He earned his MBA from Western Governors University and will finish his Doctorate in Philosophy of Leadership with an emphasis on Servant-Leadership from Gonzaga University this year. Ernest has worked as a finish manager/leader in the aerospace industry for over 15 years at Skills Inc., a nonprofit organization that partners with The Boeing Company. He has dedicated his career to creating meaningful opportunities for persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups, encouraging an inclusive and diverse workforce.

A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Ernest joined the Church in 2005 and is committed to living the Savior’s teachings and sharing his personal story of resilience. He is the author of the best-selling book Leading in the Lord’s Way: A Journey of Servant Leadership, and I Am Aye Child of God. At church, he has served as a member of his stake high council and currently as stake Young Men first counselor. Ernest and his wife, Ruth, have three children and live in Puyallup, Washington.

Leading in the Lord’s Way: A Journey of Servant Leadership
I am Aye Child of God
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Ernest explores servant leadership principles and shares insights from his personal journey, emphasizing the importance of empathy, stewardship, and building a beloved community.

Servant Leadership: Ernest emphasizes the concept of leading through service, drawing on his experiences and the teachings of the gospel. He intertwines personal stories with leadership principles to illustrate how effective leadership is rooted in empathy and understanding.

Empathy: Understanding others’ perspectives is crucial for effective leadership. Ernest shares examples of how empathy can help leaders connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and support them in overcoming their challenges.

Stewardship: Leaders are responsible for nurturing the talents and potential of those they serve. Ernest encourages leaders to recognize their stewardship over individuals in their communities and to cultivate their growth.

Beloved Community: The idea of Zion as a beloved community is central to Ernest’s message. He advocates for inclusivity and acceptance, stressing the importance of making everyone feel welcome and valued within the church.

Diversity in Leadership: Ernest highlights the need for diverse representation in leadership roles to better serve marginalized communities and to foster a more inclusive environment within the church.

Fostering Empathy: Latter-day Saint leaders can practice empathy by actively listening to the experiences of those they serve, which can help build trust and understanding within their communities.

Cultivating Talents: Leaders should focus on identifying and nurturing the unique talents of individuals in their wards, creating opportunities for them to contribute and grow.

Building Inclusive Communities: By promoting a sense of belonging and acceptance, leaders can create a welcoming environment that encourages participation from all members, regardless of their background or circumstances.

00:03:17 – Inspiration for Writing the Book
Ernest shares what inspired him to write “Leading in the Lord’s Way.”

00:04:03 – Early Life and Challenges
Ernest discusses his upbringing, homelessness, and the journey to college football.

00:05:07 – Meeting the Missionaries
How Ernest first encountered the missionaries and his initial experience with the Book of Mormon.

00:06:32 – Knee Injury and Finding the Covenant Path
The impact of Ernest’s knee injury on his life and how it led him to baptism.

00:06:43 – Leadership Aspirations
Discussion on Ernest’s aspirations in football and leadership during his college years.

00:07:41 – Influential Coach
The role of Coach Washington in Ernest’s life and how he helped him and his brother.

00:10:11 – Journey to the University of Idaho
Ernest’s transition to college football and the support he received.

00:11:42 – Servant Leadership and Community Impact
Ernest’s focus on servant leadership and uplifting marginalized communities.

00:13:11 – Advice for Church Leaders
Suggestions on how church leaders can support marginalized groups.

00:15:49 – Importance of Representation
The significance of diversity in church leadership and outreach.

00:18:01 – Influential Figures in Ernest’s Life
Discussion of various mentors and role models who shaped Ernest’s journey.

00:20:26 – Ten Principles of Servant Leadership
Overview of the ten characteristics of servant leadership discussed in Ernest’s book.

00:23:59 – Stewardship
Exploration of stewardship and the responsibility of leaders to cultivate talents.

00:24:59 – Beloved Community
The concept of Zion as a beloved community and the importance of inclusivity.

00:25:50 – Empathy in Leadership
The role of empathy in understanding and supporting others.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

In this podcast episode, Kurt Francom and Dan Duckworth discuss the importance of addressing community tragedies within Latter-day Saint congregations. They explore how leaders can create spaces for healing and connection during difficult times, emphasizing the role of vulnerability and unity in fostering a supportive church environment.

Dan Duckworth speaks, teaches, and writes on leadership, power, and systemic change. His forthcoming book, The Leader in Chains (spring 2026), challenges conventional ideas and calls for a radical rethinking of leadership—and how it is developed.

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Perception of Community Needs: Leaders should be attuned to the emotional climate of their congregations, recognizing when community tragedies impact members. This awareness can guide appropriate responses.

Risk of Vulnerability: Addressing difficult topics in church settings can feel risky, but it is essential for fostering genuine connections and healing. Leaders should embrace this risk to create a supportive environment.

Purpose of Church: The church serves not only as a place for learning doctrine but also as a community for healing and support. Engaging in open discussions about current events can strengthen faith and unity.

Creating Safe Spaces: Leaders can facilitate discussions that allow members to express their feelings and experiences, promoting emotional processing and community bonding.

Driving the Hope Train: Leaders should focus on instilling hope and directing conversations toward Christ’s teachings, using scriptural stories to provide comfort and guidance during challenging times.

Fostering Open Dialogue: Leaders can initiate conversations about current events or tragedies, encouraging members to share their feelings and experiences. This can be done through structured discussions or informal check-ins.

Building Trust and Safety: By consistently creating a culture of vulnerability and support, leaders can ensure that members feel safe to express their emotions and seek help when needed.

Integrating Healing into Meetings: Leaders can incorporate discussions of community challenges into regular meetings, ensuring that spiritual teachings are connected to real-life experiences, thus reinforcing the church’s role as a healing community.

06:16 – Institutional vs. Leadership Responses
08:13 – Personal Experience of Grief
10:10 – The Purpose of Church in Times of Crisis
12:32 – The Role of Perception in Leadership
14:01 – A Personal Story of Compassion
16:17 – The Risk of Addressing Difficult Topics
17:41 – The Importance of Community Healing
19:12 – Audience Engagement and Reactions
20:00 – Navigating Political Sensitivities
22:08 – Creating a Safe Space for Discussion
23:37 – The Role of Vulnerability in Unity
25:32 – Addressing the Fear of Group Therapy
27:30 – Driving the Hope Train
30:06 – Preparing the Elders Quorum for Discussion
31:15 – The Impact of Leadership Culture
33:11 – Fulfilling the Purpose of Elders Quorum
38:14 – The Value of Risk in Leadership
40:00 – Living Life Together in Church
42:43 – The Dangers of Hypocrisy in Worship

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Golden Lund holds three degrees in music from the University of Utah, Indiana University and the University of Nebraska. He is currently a music instructor at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, where he helps direct the marching band, pep band, and teaches tuba and other brass instruments. He also performs regularly on the tuba with a semi-professional orchestra in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Golden was recently released as a bishop and served in several leadership capacities previously including elders quorum president, high priest group leader, Young Men president, and on his stake high council. Golden and his wife Sandy have been married for 17 years and are the proud parents of two children—a daughter and son who are 12-year-old twins and amaze them every day.

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

In this episode of the Leading Saints podcast, Kurt interviews Golden, a former bishop from Bettendorf, Iowa, who shares his experiences and insights from his five-year tenure in leadership during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation focuses on mental health, vulnerability in leadership, and the importance of community support.

Key Insights:

Mental Health Awareness: Golden discusses his struggles with mental health, particularly during a significant crash after a year and a half of service. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and the positive impact of counseling and medication.

Vulnerability in Leadership: By sharing his personal challenges with his ward, Golden fostered a culture of openness, encouraging others to share their struggles and creating a supportive environment.

The Sariah Factor: Golden introduces the concept of the Sariah Factor, highlighting the need for leaders to trust their perspective and discernment, even when others may not understand the decisions being made.

Delegation and Empowerment: He shares how he empowered his ward leaders, such as the Relief Society and Elders Quorum presidents, to take on responsibilities, which helped alleviate his workload and fostered a sense of ownership among leaders.

Community Support: Golden underscores the importance of community, noting that members often overlook the challenges faced by their leaders. Simple expressions of gratitude can significantly uplift those in leadership roles.

Leadership Applications:

Encourage Open Communication: Leaders should create an environment where members feel comfortable sharing their struggles, which can strengthen community bonds and support.

Prioritize Mental Health: Leaders should recognize the importance of mental health and seek help when needed, setting an example for others to do the same.

Empower Others: By delegating responsibilities and trusting ward leaders, bishops can manage their workload more effectively while fostering leadership skills in others, ultimately benefiting the entire ward.

05:32 – Calling as Bishop During COVID-19
07:18 – Navigating Early Days as Bishop
08:58 – Demographics of the Ward
10:45 – Reflection on Serving as Bishop
11:19 – Responsibilities of a Bishop
15:43 – Challenges and Overwhelm in Leadership
17:00 – Mental Health Struggles and Support
20:05 – Finding Help and Guidance
21:57 – The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership
30:02 – Opening Up to the Ward About Struggles
33:44 – The Sariah Factor in Leadership Decisions
38:21 – Examples of Leadership Challenges
49:02 – The Messiness of Revelation in Leadership
51:19 – Normalizing Struggles in Leadership

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Curtis Morley is an author, coach, speaker, and “emotionologist” who has been an entrepreneur for most of his life. He is the author of The Entrepreneur’s Paradox, a Wall Street Journal bestseller. He also has a forthcoming book titled Counterfeit Emotions. His work focuses on helping people, including entrepreneurs, with personal development and growth. He has founded multiple companies and worked with many Fortune 100 businesses. He has also been recognized with awards such as Entrepreneur of the Year and has been included in the Inc. 500/5000 Hall of Fame.

Morley’s work and speaking engagements often center on the concept of “counterfeit emotions”—feelings that may seem authentic but can lead to destructive cycles of disconnection. He has developed a framework to help people identify and replace these emotions with authentic ones to live a more fulfilling life.

The Entrepreneur’s Paradox: How to Overcome the 16 Pitfalls Along the Startup Journey
CounterfeitEmotions.com/recovery
RecoveryNotSobriety.com
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Curtis focuses on the myths surrounding pornography addiction. The discussion emphasizes the distinction between sobriety and recovery, exploring how understanding emotions can lead to more effective healing.

Sobriety vs. Recovery: Sobriety measures how long one can abstain from pornography, while recovery focuses on understanding and processing underlying emotions. True recovery involves addressing the root causes rather than merely avoiding the behavior.

Myth of Willpower: Overcoming pornography addiction is not solely about willpower. Many individuals struggle with deeper emotional issues that drive their behaviors, making it essential to address these emotions rather than just the actions.

Shame vs. Guilt: Guilt can be a motivating emotion that encourages individuals to make amends, while shame leads to disconnection and despair. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective recovery.

Connection and Community: Building connections and fostering community can significantly aid recovery. Isolation often exacerbates addiction, while supportive relationships can provide the necessary encouragement and accountability.

The Importance of Processing Emotions: Curtis introduces the “whole” method for processing emotions, which includes witnessing emotions, harmonizing through breathing, opening the mind to triggers, leading one’s life, and editing the meaning of past experiences.

Creating Safe Spaces: Latter-day Saint leaders can foster environments where individuals feel safe to discuss their struggles with pornography and other issues without fear of judgment, encouraging open dialogue.

Focus on Emotional Health: Leaders should prioritize understanding the emotional triggers behind behaviors rather than just addressing the behaviors themselves. This approach can lead to more meaningful support and healing.

Encouraging Community Support: Leaders can facilitate peer support groups or mentorship programs that promote connection among members, helping individuals feel less isolated in their struggles and more empowered in their recovery journey.

00:02:15 – Understanding Sobriety vs. Recovery
00:06:49 – The Difference Between Sobriety and Recovery
00:09:06 – Emotional Triggers and Leadership
00:10:08 – The Myth of Sobriety
00:12:12 – Transformational Recovery
00:13:27 – Sobriety is Miserable, Recovery is Peaceful
00:15:02 – Taking Your Demons to Lunch
00:18:08 – Addiction to Shame
00:19:09 – Addressing the Root Causes
00:20:21 – The Loop of Shame and Addiction
00:22:36 – Guilt vs. Shame
00:24:06 – Identifying and Surfacing Demons
00:26:44 – The Importance of Connection
00:29:34 – The Role of Community in Recovery
00:30:17 – The Whole Method Explained
00:36:21 – Overview of the Myths

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Jeff Burningham grew up in Spokane, Washington, served a mission in Charlotte, North Carolina, and attended Brigham Young University. A serial entrepreneur, Jeff has founded multiple companies in real estate technology and venture capital. He has also served in various church callings, including as a bishop and in a stake presidency. Jeff is a father of four, a proud grandfather, and the author of The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI.

The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI
Stepping Up to Leadership Opportunities | An Interview with Jeff Burningham
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Jeff discusses his book, emphasizing the importance of human wisdom in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence. He argues that while AI can enhance efficiency, it cannot replace the essence of human connection and community. He encourages church leaders to focus on being rather than doing, fostering genuine relationships within their congregations. The conversation explores how disruption, reflection, transformation, and evolution shape both personal and collective journeys in the age of AI. Jeff highlights the need for leaders to embrace change with love and grace, ultimately guiding their communities toward deeper connections and understanding.

00:03:49 – Jeff’s Background
Jeff shares his personal background, including his entrepreneurial journey and church leadership experience.

00:06:17 – The Essence of the Book
Exploration of the book’s focus on human wisdom versus AI capabilities.

00:07:45 – The Risks of AI
Discussion on the potential dangers of outsourcing humanity to machines.

00:09:56 – AI and Religion
The impact of AI on religious practices and the importance of human connection.

00:10:14 – Disruption, Reflection, Transformation, Evolution
Overview of the book’s structure and the significance of each section.

00:12:02 – Reforming Religion in the Age of AI
The need for religious organizations to adapt to the challenges posed by AI.

00:14:11 – Community Experience in Sunday School
Reframing the Sunday School experience as a community-building opportunity rather than just knowledge transfer.

00:16:00 – The Importance of Human Connection
Emphasizing the need for genuine human interaction in a technology-driven world.

00:21:07 – Bringing Being into Doing
Encouragement for leaders to focus on their presence and authenticity in interactions.

00:23:16 – The Role of AI in Church
Discussion on how AI can be used as a tool without replacing the human element in lessons and talks.

00:30:29 – Pattern Breakers
The significance of individuals who challenge norms and encourage growth within communities.

00:34:50 – Disruption as a Constant
Understanding disruption as a natural part of life and leadership.

00:40:10 – Reflection After Disruption
The importance of taking time to reflect on disruptions and learn from them.

00:46:22 – Transformation Through Reflection
How reflection leads to personal and collective transformation in the face of change.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Matt Miles is a Political Science professor at Brigham Young University–Idaho and a co-host of This Week in Mormons and the Latter-day Lens podcasts.

The Latter-day Lens podcast
This Week in Mormons
The Metrics of Faith: Rethinking Religion’s Role in US Politics
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

This discussion centers on a research-backed framework for measuring religiosity, moving beyond traditional metrics to focus on the transformative effects of faith on an individual’s life.

Beyond the Three B’s: Traditionally, religiosity has been measured by “the three B’s”: Behavior (what a person does), Belonging (their social connections), and Belief (their convictions). Matt Miles argues that these are insufficient measures of genuine faith.

The Fourth B: Becoming: A more accurate measure is “religious becoming”—the extent to which a person has been transformed by their faith. This concept suggests that true religiosity is not just about actions but about internal change.

Four Aspects of Transformation: Based on his research, Miles identified four universal traits that indicate “religious becoming”: Transcendence (a connection to the divine), Humanity (love for others), Justice (a belief in fairness), and Temperance (humility).

Faith and Political Tolerance: The research shows that individuals with higher scores in “religious becoming” are more politically tolerant. They are less likely to view those with opposing political views as a threat, in contrast to those whose faith is measured only by the “three B’s.”

Challenges of Genuine Change: The episode highlights the difficulty for leaders and parents in discerning whether someone has truly been transformed by the gospel or is simply going through the motions.

Leaders should focus on teaching a “holistic gospel” that emphasizes the principles of “becoming,” rather than just providing a checklist of behaviors. This encourages genuine internal change over external compliance.

The discussion suggests that the Church is effective at teaching “transcendence” (connection to God) but could improve at teaching “humanity” (love for others) and “temperance” (humility). Leaders can apply this insight by creating more opportunities for members to serve others and develop empathy.

The research on political tolerance can help leaders foster more charitable and understanding discussions within their wards and stakes, particularly on sensitive topics.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Blair Treu is an award-winning director whose work includes a variety of feature films, television shows, documentaries, and commercials for over 30 years—from The Power Rangers to Chicken Soup for the Soul. The writer and director of Sharing Aloha and Meet the Mormons, he graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre and began his career at the Walt Disney Company. More recently, Blair worked with BYUtv to create the series Real Families, Real Answers, and was a co-director of Granite Flats.

Get movie tickets and details at sharingalohathemovie.com
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

The film Sharing Aloha, directed by Blair Treu, highlights the inspiring stories of students at the Polynesian Cultural Center and their transformative experiences. Blair shares how he became involved with the project, and discusses the unique challenges of capturing the students’ stories, emphasizing their resilience and strong family ties. The film aims to showcase the students’ journeys, illustrating how the PCC provides them with opportunities for education and personal growth.

Throughout the conversation, Blair reflects on leadership principles learned from working with the students and the PCC staff. He highlights the importance of appreciation and compassion in leadership, drawing parallels to church leadership.

00:01:52 – Introducing Sharing Aloha
Introduction to the film “Sharing Aloha” and its connection to the Polynesian Cultural Center.

00:03:44 – The Genesis of Sharing Aloha
Blair Treu discusses how the project came to be and the inspiration behind it.

00:04:55 – The Abundance of Stories
The challenge of selecting which stories to tell from the many available.

00:06:47 – Blair Treu’s Background
Blair shares his experience and previous projects in film and media.

00:08:44 – The Polynesian Cultural Center
Discussion about the PCC and its significance in the film.

00:10:43 – Focus on Student Stories
The decision to center the film on the students’ experiences rather than the PCC’s history.

00:12:14 – Insights on the YSA Demographic
What Blair learned about the Young Single Adult demographic through the film.

00:13:37 – Cultural Connections
The importance of family and community in Polynesian culture.

00:16:42 – The Film’s Format
Comparison of “Sharing Aloha” to “Meet the Mormons” in terms of storytelling.

00:18:18 – Funding and Support
Details on how the film was funded and its relationship with the PCC.

00:20:38 – Addressing Criticism
Discussion on the misconceptions and criticisms surrounding the PCC.

00:22:39 – The Value of Work
The benefits students receive from working at the PCC compared to other jobs.

00:24:36 – Leadership in Performance
Insights into how the PCC manages its performances and trains students.

00:30:14 – Leadership Lessons from Film Production
Blair shares leadership principles learned from directing the film.

00:35:16 – The Importance of Appreciation
The significance of recognizing and valuing team members in leadership.

00:38:53 – Final Thoughts on the Film
Encouragement to support the film and its impact on the PCC.

00:40:41 – Personal Growth Through the Project
How working on “Sharing Aloha” has strengthened Blair’s faith and understanding of community.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This episode features a portion of a live stream discussion that took place in Zion Lab, where we explored the dynamics of delegation within bishoprics and youth leadership. Zion Lab is a welcoming space to discuss what you’re learning in your calling, share best practices and helpful resources, connect with others, and strengthen your ministry. Everyone is invited. Whether you’re new to your calling or have years of experience, your insights and questions are welcome.

Read the transcript of this podcast

A key theme of the conversation is the unspoken pressure that bishops feel as the figureheads of their wards. We address the anxiety that arises when programs falter or activities do not meet expectations, and how this can lead to a reluctance to delegate responsibilities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations when extending callings, ensuring that leaders understand not just their tasks but also the vision behind their roles.

Listeners will hear insights from various participants who share their experiences and strategies for effective delegation. We also touch on the broader responsibilities of bishops beyond youth leadership, including the importance of collaboration with elders quorum and Relief Society presidents. The conversation reveals how effective delegation can alleviate the burden on bishops and enhance the overall functioning of the ward. We encourage bishops to give themselves grace, acknowledging that they cannot do everything and that the Lord will take care of His children.

00:02:18 – Delegation in Leadership
Exploration of the dynamics of delegation within bishoprics and youth leadership.

00:03:25 – Setting Expectations for Callings
The importance of clearly communicating expectations when extending callings to leaders.

00:04:46 – Meeting People Where They Are
The value of personal check-ins and understanding individual stories in leadership.

00:06:33 – Focusing on the Rising Generation
Discussion on the responsibilities of bishops towards the youth and the broader rising generation.

00:07:50 – Delegating to Elders Quorum and Relief Society
Insights on how to effectively delegate responsibilities to adult leaders in the ward.

00:09:59 – Prioritizing Youth Responsibilities
Bishops share their experiences and challenges in managing youth-related responsibilities.

00:10:30 – Understanding Repentance
Discussion on the bishop’s role in the repentance process and how it can be delegated.

00:12:39 – Positive Reinforcement in Leadership
The impact of recognizing and reinforcing good behaviors among leaders and members.

00:13:25 – Parental Involvement in Teaching
Conversations about the role of parents in teaching youth about important topics.

00:15:32 – Training Parents to Teach
Efforts to equip parents with the skills to teach their children effectively.

00:17:27 – Bishop’s Fireside Discussions
Plans for bishop’s firesides to address important topics with youth and parents.

00:19:57 – Youth Leading Discussions
Empowering youth to lead discussions on sensitive topics during meetings.

00:21:07 – Encouragement for Overwhelmed Bishops
Advice and encouragement for bishops feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities.

00:27:03 – The Lord’s Church and Grace
Reminders that it is the Lord’s church and that grace is sufficient for all leaders.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Skylar Haws has dedicated over a decade to serving youth in various church callings, including Young Men’s President and Priest Quorum Advisor. He has also taught early morning seminary and worked as a youth Sunday School teacher. Skylar’s passion for youth leadership stems from his own experiences and a desire to help young men grow spiritually and personally. He resides in Saratoga Springs with his family, where he balances his church responsibilities with work and family life.

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Skylar emphasizes the importance of meeting young men where they are. He discusses the value of building relationships and creating meaningful experiences through high adventure activities. Skylar highlights the significance of pushing youth to embrace challenges while connecting their experiences back to Christ. He also addresses the dynamics of planning activities, engaging parents, and fostering a supportive environment for all young men, regardless of their individual circumstances.

04:00 – Skylar’s Background in Youth Leadership
05:00 – Advice for New Young Men’s Leaders
06:00 – Meeting Youth Where They Are
08:00 – The Power of Sacrifice in Youth Leadership
11:00 – Creating Spiritual Impact in High Adventure Activities
13:00 – Planning High Adventure Activities
18:00 – Engaging Boys in Planning and Preparation
22:00 – Handling Low Attendance at Activities
25:00 – The Importance of Relationships in Leadership
30:00 – Balancing Leadership with Family and Work
32:00 – Thematic and Dramatic Elements in Activities
35:00 – Service Opportunities and Miracles
40:00 – Managing Challenges During Activities

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Listen in to this livestream conversation from the Leading Saints Zion Lab, and help build a stronger Sunday School community! Zion Lab is a welcoming space to discuss what you’re learning in your calling, share best practices and helpful resources, and connect with other presidencies and strengthen your ministry. Everyone is invited. Whether you’re new to your calling or have years of experience, your insights and questions are welcome.

Creating a Transformational Sunday School | An Interview with Dan Duckworth
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Read the transcript of this podcast
Zion Lab Community

This conversation comes from a recent Zion Lab community livestream focused on Sunday School presidencies. This informal gathering allowed participants to share their experiences, best practices, and challenges related to their callings. We discussed the purpose of Sunday School, the dynamics of teaching council meetings, and how to effectively engage parents and teachers in the learning process. We also explored the challenges of organizing teacher council meetings, with participants sharing their successes and struggles in getting attendance and fostering meaningful discussions.

Join the Leading Saints community at LeadingSaints.org/Zion for the full, unedited conversation and to continue engaging in these important discussions. We recognize that leadership in the Church can be isolating, but through collaboration and shared experiences, we can uplift and support one another in our callings. Join us as we explore these vital topics and work together to enhance our leadership skills and strengthen our communities.

00:04:46 – Joshua’s Experience as Bishop
Joshua discusses his experience as a bishop and his feelings of uncertainty in his Sunday School presidency role.

00:05:59 – Martha’s Transformation as a Teacher
Martha shares how a podcast influenced her approach as a Gospel Doctrine teacher.

00:06:40 – Chris’s Missionary Work and Goals
Chris talks about his work in the addiction recovery program and his vision for church-led meetings.

00:08:48 – Teacher Council Meetings Discussion
Participants discuss the effectiveness and challenges of teacher council meetings.

00:10:51 – DJ’s Insights on Teacher Councils
DJ shares strategies for making teacher council meetings more effective and engaging.

00:12:56 – Brent’s Perspective on Sunday School
Brent discusses the importance of Sunday School and the challenges of engagement.

00:16:21 – Jeff’s Experience with Parent Councils
Jeff shares his experience with parent councils and the feedback received from their first meeting.

00:19:25 – Matt’s Thoughts on Transitioning Teaching
Matt discusses the challenges of transitioning from traditional teaching methods to more interactive approaches.

00:23:16 – Brent’s Approach to Teaching Nuggets
Brent emphasizes the importance of providing memorable takeaways for students to discuss at home.

00:26:20 – DJ’s Success with Parent Councils
DJ shares insights on the success of parent councils in fostering open discussions among parents.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Allison Schreiber is entering her seventh year as an early morning seminary teacher in New Braunfels, Texas—an experience she describes as one of the most joyful and spiritually-rich callings of her life. Fluent in German and Russian, Allison served in the Russia Moscow Mission before earning a bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Brigham Young University, along with certification in International Color Consulting. Her dedication to sacred spaces led her to intern with the Temple Construction department, contributing to the designing of temples in Houston, Boston, and Nauvoo.

A born leader and meticulous planner, Allison has worn many hats across decades of youth and community service, serving extensively in the Young Women organization. She’s chaired committees, organized record-breaking Boy Scouts of America district events, and served on BSA Woodbadge staff for three consecutive years after completing the prestigious leadership training herself. Whether designing a youth conference or directing a camporee, Allison brings creativity, discipline, and a touch of grace to every detail.

In her seminary classroom, Allison blends her vast experience with a personal mission: to make early morning Seminary not just bearable but transformational. Through intentional leadership moments and peer-supported learning, she cultivates a classroom culture where students feel empowered to plan, lead, and strengthen one another in faith.

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Allison shares effective teaching strategies and principles that can enhance youth engagement in a seminary setting. She shares proven methods to encourage participation and create a lively learning environment. The conversation highlights the importance of making gospel connections and how thoughtful planning can help youth see the relevance of gospel teachings in their everyday lives.

Allison shares her approach to teaching, emphasizing the need to mix up learning methods to keep students engaged. She discusses the use of games, interactive activities, and creative resources, such as movie clips, to make lessons more relatable and exciting. She also touches on the significance of recognizing each student’s voice and ensuring that everyone feels valued and included in the class.

Allison introduces the “EDGE” method—Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, and Enable—as a framework for teaching leadership skills to youth. She explains how this method empowers students to take charge of their learning and prepares them for future leadership roles. Allison shares practical examples of how she sets her students up for success, including organizing activities that foster teamwork and collaboration. She emphasizes the importance of loving and supporting youth, encouraging leaders to create an environment where students feel safe and motivated to participate.

03:15 – Allison’s Background and Experience
04:29 – Seminary Class Structure and Student Engagement
05:20 – Testing Different Teaching Methods
06:45 – Balancing Fun and Gospel Learning
07:06 – Creating Meaningful Connections in Lessons
08:15 – Using Treats and Activities Purposefully
09:27 – Engaging All Students in Class
11:03 – Recognizing Individual Contributions
12:16 – Encouraging Participation from Reluctant Students
13:28 – Preparing for Youth Events like Trek
14:50 – Coordinating with Stake Leaders
16:05 – Advice for Future Leaders
18:12 – Making Gospel Connections in Daily Life
19:14 – Youth Epiphanies and Insights
20:21 – Mixing Up Learning Approaches
22:19 – Using Creative Resources for Lessons
25:07 – Incorporating Movie Clips for Engagement
26:43 – Setting Youth Up for Success
27:23 – Leadership Skills Development
29:29 – Model Ward Council Activity
31:40 – Final Thoughts on Youth Leadership
32:09 – The Importance of Love in Leadership

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

This is a follow-up conversation. Listen to the first episode here.

Jeff Strong worked nearly 30 years in the consumer products industry as a senior executive at Procter & Gamble and global president and chief customer officer at Johnson & Johnson. He then taught in the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University and worked as an advisor to the Church before serving as a mission leader in the Arkansas Bentonville Mission. Jeff has since spent several years doing research on why people are leaving the Church. While not a professional researcher, his career involved a large amount of research and the research he shares in this podcast was done with the help of some of the top Latter-day Saint researchers in the world. Today, Jeff lives in Midway, Utah, and stays busy with a little lavender farm, some business consulting, and enjoying family.

Slides: Tension From Our Differences
When Clapping Happens at Church | A How I Lead Interview with Devin Pope
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Jeff Strong dives deeper into the complexities of faith and community. He explores the idea that while many church leaders may come from a similar mindset, the diversity of perspectives within the congregation is essential for a healthy community.

Jeff shares insights from a comprehensive study on disaffiliation and church experiences, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the church culture. He notes that while many members appreciate the community, service, and spiritual growth offered by the church, there are significant concerns about judgment, conformity, and exclusivity that can alienate individuals with differing beliefs or backgrounds.

Jeff and Kurt talk about the tension caused by differences, and Jeff illustrates how the natural human response to perceived threats often leads to conformity and exclusion. He discusses the importance of yielding to the Holy Spirit to navigate these tensions, rather than allowing fear to dictate responses.

A key part of the episode is the introduction of a segmentation model that categorizes Latter-day Saints into six belief mindsets: Seekers, Cultivators, Protectors, Avoiders, Connectors, and Explorers. Each segment is defined by its unique values and priorities, with Protectors making up a significant portion of church leadership. Jeff and Kurt discuss the implications of this model, emphasizing that a church comprised solely of one segment would lack the richness and diversity necessary for a thriving community.

Understanding these different mindsets can help church leaders foster a more inclusive environment that accommodates a broader range of beliefs and experiences. Jeff encourages listeners to embrace the complexities of faith and community, recognizing that the presence of tension can lead to growth and deeper understanding.

00:02:00 – Discussion on disaffiliation from the church
00:02:00 – Tension caused by differences
00:09:00 – Story of the kingfisher and magpies
00:12:00 – Strengths of church culture
00:14:00 – Weaknesses of church culture
00:21:00 – The concept of the “natural man”
00:26:00 – The role of a leader in navigating tension
00:30:00 – Introduction of six mindsets or “segments”
00:36:00 – The “Seekers” segment
00:37:00 – The “Cultivators” segment
00:38:00 – The “Protectors” segment
00:39:00 – The “Avoiders” segment
00:40:00 – The “Connectors” segment
00:42:00 – The “Explorers” segment
00:44:00 – The value of different segments
00:46:00 – Disconnect in leadership
00:48:00 – Historical context of leadership
00:52:00 – Blending leadership styles
01:04:00 – Jesus and Joseph Smith as examples of different mindsets
01:13:00 – Discussion of the Body of Christ from 1 Corinthians 12
01:23:00 – Story of a 100-year-old runner
01:33:00 – Concluding thoughts on a thriving church

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

James Fletcher is the founder and chief investment officer of Ethos Investment Management, and has been investing professionally in emerging markets for 20 years. He is also the founder of the global non-profit Young Investors Society, which provides lessons to teens on investing and financial literacy in over 3,000 high schools and 80 countries around the world. James has a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Brigham Young University and also teaches as a BYU adjunct professor in Finance. He has lived in a variety of places, from Boston to Brazil and Los Angeles to Hong Kong, and currently lives in Springville, Utah, with his wife and five children, where he serves as a bishop in the Hobble Creek Springville Utah Stake.

Young Investors Society: YIS.org
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

James Fletcher shares his insights and experiences as a bishop and youth leader. He shares his approach to engaging with youth, highlighting the advice he received to focus on them while allowing other leaders to manage adult responsibilities. He discusses his passion for working with young people, which has been shaped by his background in youth mentorship and his founding of the Young Investor Society, an organization that teaches financial literacy and investment principles to high school students.

James emphasizes the importance of setting high expectations for youth while providing the necessary support and mentorship. He also discusses the significance of creating engaging and interactive experiences for youth, rather than simply delivering lessons. He shares how challenging youth with high expectations can lead to remarkable growth and engagement, citing examples from both his church leadership and his work with the Young Investor Society.

00:04:04 – First Impressions of Being a Bishop
James shares his experiences and feelings during the first months of his calling as bishop.

00:05:16 – Unique Ward Dynamics
Discussion about the unique characteristics of James’s ward in Springville, Utah, including its diverse community.

00:06:57 – Approach to Engaging Youth
James explains his focus on youth and how he prioritizes their needs in his leadership role.

00:07:54 – Background in Youth Engagement
James discusses his history of working with youth and the founding of the Young Investor Society.

00:09:37 – Weekly Engagement with Youth
Insights into James’s weekly activities and how he applies principles of mentorship and engagement with youth.

00:11:06 – Measuring Success as a Bishop
James shares advice on how to judge success in his role, emphasizing spiritual guidance.

00:12:00 – Personal Story of Mentorship
James recounts a meaningful experience with a young man named Zach and the impact of mentorship.

00:14:23 – Principles for Working with Youth
James discusses key principles for engaging and inspiring youth, including setting high expectations.

00:18:47 – Interactive Learning Experiences
The importance of interactive and challenging experiences for youth to keep them engaged.

00:21:10 – High Expectations and Support
James elaborates on the balance of high expectations and providing support to youth.

00:23:01 – Recognizing and Nurturing Gifts
The significance of helping youth recognize their gifts and potential.

00:30:54 – Real Love and Genuine Support
James emphasizes the importance of showing genuine love and support to youth in leadership.

00:36:21 – Young Investor Society Overview
Information about the Young Investor Society and how it supports youth in financial literacy.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.