Leading Saints Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Navigating the Intersection of Faith and Politics | An Interview with Thomas Griffith Aug 21, 2024

Show notes

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in April 2021. Judge Thomas B. Griffith is an expert in constitutional law. He has served as chief counsel for both the U.S. Senate and for Brigham Young University, and was appointed to a judgeship by George W. Bush on the Washington, D.C., Court of Appeals, from which he retired in 2020. In his church experience he has served as both a bishop and a stake president. He currently lectures on law at Harvard Law School and serves as a fellow at the Wheatley Institution at BYU, as special counsel to the international law firm of Hunton Andrews Kurth, and as senior policy advisor to the National Institute for Civil Discourse. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. FaithMatters.org A Mormon Approach to Politics, by Thomas B. Griffith Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution, by President Dallin H. Oaks Beyond Politics, by Hugh Nibley Handbook links: 38.8.30 Political and Civic Activity 38.8.40 Seeking Information from Reliable Sources Liberals, Doctrine, & Apologetics at Church | An Interview with Blair Hodges Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights In this collaborative episode, Kurt Francom and Faith Matters co-founder Bill Turnbull talk with Thomas to explore President Oaks’ 2021 General Conference address, "Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution". President Oaks spoke passionately about the U.S. Constitution and ended with an urgent admonition to end political tribalism and division, insisting that we address this in our wards and stakes. They also discuss what lies behind those divisions—the rapid erosion of goodwill and trust in the American body politic—including among Latter-day Saints. Thomas believes Latter-day Saints can and must play a critical role in healing today’s divides. Leaders especially have a role in helping ward members follow President Oaks’ counsel. 2:10 Quote from President Oaks' talk: "On contested issues, we should seek to moderate and unify. … There are many political issues, and no party, platform, or individual candidate can satisfy all personal preferences. Each citizen must therefore decide which issues are most important to him or her at any particular time. Then members should seek inspiration on how to exercise their influence according to their individual priorities. This process will not be easy. It may require changing party support or candidate choices, even from election to election." 3:45 The thought never occurred to him that his political views were driven by his faith commitments Quote from President Oaks' talk: "Such independent actions will sometimes require voters to support candidates or political parties or platforms whose other positions they cannot approve. That is one reason we encourage our members to refrain from judging one another in political matters. We should never assert that a faithful Latter-day Saint cannot belong to a particular party or vote for a particular candidate. We teach correct principles and leave our members to choose how to prioritize and apply those principles on the issues presented from time to time. We also insist, and we ask our local leaders to insist, that political choices and affiliations not be the subject of teachings or advocacy in any of our Church meetings." 6:40 What can leaders take away from this: How does this apply to me? How can I change and be a better disciple of Christ based on this counsel? 8:30 Rigid identification with one political party has been a long-time concern with the general leadership of the church 9:45 Polarization is complicated: we sort ourselves with like-minded people and have less interaction with people who think differently, and those interactions are increasingly hostile 11:15 Media, social media, and confirmation bias: living in an echo chamber 13:45 Be introspective and thoughtful, always questioning your own assumptions; Jesus is always challenging us 15:15 Beyond Politics: the role of politics for disciples of Christ; we need to learn how to do politics differently than the political parties do 17:00 The narratives of fear and demonizing the other 18:40 "Bishop Griffith" would quote President Oaks in a talk and instruct his ward to leave politics out of all conversations at church 21:55 Kurt's experience in a more conservative church meeting 24:40 Political views are separate from religious views; you can have widely divergent political views and be an active member of the Church 26:10 How faith should inform our political views: the purpose of politics is to help "the least of these" 28:00 One thing a leader can do is to give permission to believe differently politically 31:30 Leaders often mistake an ability problem for a motivation problem: individuals more likely lack the skills to do what they have been asked to do 32:30 Thomas' "ward meeting" after sacrament meeting: allowed him as the bishop to lead a discussion 34:30 We need to do the hard work to understand why other people can do/believe/think the things they do 35:40 Staying out of your echo chamber: read different sources and see what other people are thinking about; changing his religion and his own political views as an adult kept him from falling into demonizing the other 38:00 Bill's experience with conspiracy theories about people he knows personally 41:25 Thomas' experience working with people in Washington, D.C. The 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, 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, 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, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 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.

Saints with ADHD | An Interview with Rebecca Buffington Aug 18, 2024

Show notes

Rebecca Buffington is a credentialed ADHD coach, helping others see where Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder affects their lives and how they can create a game plan to overcome obstacles and move toward their goals. She studied at Brigham Young University and is the parent of four children—three of whom have been diagnosed with ADHD. Seeking to help her own family, Rebecca began learning more about ADHD and trained at the IACT Center in both individual and parent/family coaching. She now works to eliminate misunderstanding about this neurodevelopmental disorder and help guide others toward making lasting changes that will lead to greater success in their lives. Links RebeccaBuffington.com Adult ADHD: What You Need to Know (Russell Barkley, PhD) There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights The podcast episode delves into the topic of ADHD providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals with this disorder, especially in a church context. The discussion highlights the impact of ADHD on executive functions, time management, and task completion. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of understanding ADHD as a neuropsychological disorder rather than a character flaw. She also addresses the need for leaders to approach individuals with ADHD with compassion, patience, and a willingness to provide support tailored to their needs. The episode underscores the significance of positive reinforcement, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and fostering a supportive environment for individuals with ADHD to thrive. Additionally, the conversation touches on the role of medication and the importance of seeking professional help when necessary. Overall, the episode offers valuable insights for leaders in understanding and supporting individuals with ADHD within a religious community. 03:32 Understanding ADHD and its Impact 06:03 Difference Between ADHD and ADD 06:40 ADHD in Adults and Children 09:10 ADHD as a Superpower and Explanation, not an Excuse 11:34 Religious Context and ADHD 13:06 Diagnosis and Importance of Diagnosis for ADHD 15:11 Medication and Treatment for ADHD 17:02 Impact of ADHD on Reverence and Behavior 19:37 ADHD in Women and Girls 22:06 Dopamine and ADHD 23:57 Executive Functions and ADHD 26:28 Approaching ADHD in Leadership Roles The 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, 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, 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, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 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.

Artificial Intelligence & Latter-day Saints | An Interview with Bennett Borden Aug 10, 2024

Show notes

Bennett Borden is a lawyer and the chief data scientist of a large international law firm. He has made significant contributions to the field of AI governance and algorithmic bias testing, has extensive experience in the U.S. intelligence community, and is a trusted AI counsel to major generative AI companies and dozens of Fortune 500 companies. Bennett is a graduate of George Mason and New York Universities, and earned his juris doctorate from Georgetown University. Links Why We Married in the Temple After 20 Years in Same-Sex Relationships | An Interview With Bennett & Becky Borden Guiding Principles for The Church of Jesus Christ’s Use of Artificial Intelligence There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights This podcast features a discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the faith tradition of Latter-day Saints. Guest Bennett Borden, an AI lawyer, delves into the topic and explores the transformative nature of AI, comparing it to the advent of electricity in terms of disruption and transformation. Bennett explains the difference between classical AI and generative AI, highlighting the potential of generative AI in various applications, including education and healthcare. The conversation touches on the ethical considerations of AI, such as deep fakes, and the need for regulation to prevent misuse. The discussion also delves into the implications of AI on content creation, creativity, and community dynamics within the church. Bennett emphasizes the importance of using AI as a tool to enhance human creativity and connection, while also being mindful of its potential negative impacts on mental health and social interactions. 00:05:30 - Overview of Artificial Intelligence 00:11:38 - Understanding Classical AI vs. Generative AI 00:17:35 - Potential Impacts of AI on Latter-day Saints 00:23:52 - Church Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence 00:26:50 - Disclosure and Responsibility in AI Content Creation 00:33:34 - Discussion on Deepfakes and Their Implications 00:38:13 - Impact of AI on Content Creation and Creativity 00:43:13 - Emphasis on Community and Human Connection in Church Experience 00:45:06 - Concerns about AI Manipulation and the Loneliness Epidemic The 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, 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, 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, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 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.

How I Lead as a Young Single Adult in London | An Interview with Andy Rosas Aug 07, 2024

Show notes

Andy Rosas was born in Argentina and at age six his family immigrated in pursuit of economic stability. They lived in Utah for five years and Italy for two years before moving to Dublin, Ireland, when he was 13. Andy also served in the France Lyon mission, and speaks English, Spanish, Italian, and French. He currently lives just outside of London, England. Andy studied Business Studies at the University College Dublin (UCD) and has worked in IT and Cybersecurity, but currently splits his time between working as a first responder/ground crew for a small private airfield, and running a cleaning agency he helped create with a friend. He attends the Britannia YSA Ward in London's Hyde Park Stake and has served as a YSA ward clerk, bishopric counselor, stake high councilor, and elders quorum president. He loves to pick up basketball games in London and is slowly learning to fly at the airfield. Links God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life's Little Detours There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Andy provides insights into the Young Single Adult experience in the UK, highlighting the intimate and family-like atmosphere due to the small church community. He discusses his leadership roles in the YSA ward, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and building transformational relationships. Andy shares leadership principles and stresses the value of creating a safe and welcoming space in church, allowing individuals to share and teach in a supportive environment. He also touches on the concept of lowering expectations and focusing on building relationships rather than rigid structures in church settings. The episode concludes with a reflection on the power of giving space for others to speak and share in church settings, fostering a sense of community and connection among members. 00:03:43 - Andy Rosas' Background and YSA Experience in the UK 00:08:35 - Andy's Leadership Roles in the YSA Ward 00:26:36 - SPARC: Smile, Present, Admire, Represent, Christ 00:32:07 - Growing a Personality, Not Just a Testimony 00:42:24 - Let People Lead Themselves The 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, 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, 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, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 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.

How Can Leaders Better Talk About Sex? | An Interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife Aug 03, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife is a Latter-day Saint relationship and sexuality coach with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. Her teaching and coaching focus on helping LDS individuals and couples create greater connection and passion in their emotional and sexual relationships. In addition to her private practice, Dr. Finlayson-Fife has created five empowering and highly-reviewed online courses. Each course was designed to give LDS individuals and couples the tools requisite to creating healthier lives and stronger intimate relationships. Dr. Finlayson-Fife also offers many workshops and retreats where she teaches these life-changing principles in person. Dr. Finlayson-Fife is a frequent guest on LDS-themed podcasts on the subjects of sexuality, relationships, mental health, and faith. She is also the creator and host of Room for Two, a popular sex and intimacy coaching podcast. Links Finlayson-Fife.com Conversations with Dr. Jennifer Room for Two Dr. Finlayson-Fife's Online Courses Dr. Finlayson-Fife's Workshops and Retreats There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights In this podcast, Dr. Finlayson-Fife emphasizes the importance of normalizing sexual feelings and desires, especially among youth, and highlights the need for individuals to take ownership of their sexuality in a healthy and self-authoring manner. The conversation also addresses the complexities of sexual dynamics within marriages, shedding light on the impact of societal messages and gender roles on sexual relationships. The episode explores the concept of betrayal trauma and the nuances of sexual desire and fulfillment within relationships, offering insights into navigating differences and fostering a mutually satisfying connection. Additionally, the discussion touches on the role of Church leaders in addressing sexuality and promoting a more open and understanding approach to sexual intimacy within the Latter-day Saint community. 00:05:30 - Importance of Normalizing Sexual Feelings 00:15:37 - The Role of the Church in Healthy Sexual Development 00:25:43 - Addressing Sexuality in Adulthood 00:35:49 - Betrayal Trauma and Gender Dynamics in Relationships 00:44:18 - Gender Dynamics and Expectations in Leadership The 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, 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, 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, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 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.

When Leadership Expectations Are Exhausting | An Interview with Aaron Osman Jul 31, 2024

Show notes

Aaron Osman is a leadership coach and facilitator, hailing from Tahawai, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. He educates leaders about wellbeing and leadership principles to foster deeper thinking and insights that enhance decision-making, emotional vitality, and overall leadership capability. His joy comes from participating with a leader in their wrestle with complex issues and witnessing them grow as a result of their effort. Aaron believes true empowerment and effectiveness are achieved when people align their thinking and behavior with correct principles.. Aaron has graduate diplomas in Sport & Leisure Studies from the University of Waikato and in Digital Media from Natcoll Design Technology, and is completing a bachelors degree in Organizational Psychology from Massey University. He has served in the Church as a branch president and counselor, a stake high councilor, in a bishopric, as stake and ward Young Men president, and as a Gospel Doctrine and Primary teacher. Links Leader Expectation Pain | An Interview with Jody Moore Connect with Aaron Osman on LinkedIn There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights In this conversation, Aaron and Kurt talk about managing expectations as leaders and the importance of surrendering to God's will. Aaron emphasizes the need to focus on what truly matters in leadership, such as strengthening relationships with Christ, making and keeping covenants, and prioritizing time with family. He shares personal experiences as a branch president, highlighting the importance of surrendering to God's will and trusting in His guidance. The conversation also touches on the principle of agency and accepting the consequences of others' choices. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights on leadership, faith, and the power of surrendering to God's will in navigating challenges and responsibilities as a leader. 00:02:18 - Introduction to Aaron Osman from New Zealand 00:09:33 - Understanding Expectations as a New Leader 00:15:24 - It Always Works Out 00:25:31 - Surrendering to God's Will 00:34:40 - Thy Will Be Done 00:45:31 - Overcoming Overwhelm and Surrendering to God's Will The 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, 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, 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, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 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.

What Type of Leader Should I Be? | An Interview with Elder Clate Mask Jul 28, 2024

Show notes

Clate W. Mask Jr. served in the U.S. Army Reserve before attending Brigham Young University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish, then worked in construction sales in Los Angeles, California. He taught early-morning Seminary and loved it so much he chose to leave his job to work full-time for the Church Educational System. He later earned his master’s degree in education from California State University, Northridge. He helped establish Institute classes in Spanish in Arizona and Southern California and loved bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to life for his thousands of “star students” over the years. Elder Mask was a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy. Prior to his call, he and his wife, Carol, were mission leaders of the Spain Barcelona Mission. Following his release as a general authority he and Carol served as president and matron of the Guatemala City Guatemala Temple. He has also served as bishop, branch president, stake Sunday School president, and high councilor. Clate and Carol are the parents of six children and 28 grandchildren and spent much of their married life in Arizona. They both served as missionaries in the Central American Mission and have a life-long love for the people and culture of Central America. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Elder Clate Mask, emeritus general authority, shares insights and experiences from his time as a Seminary and Institute teacher and a mission president in Spain. He reflects on his journey of teaching youth and missionaries, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself and following the guidance of the Spirit. Elder Mask discusses his approach to teaching Seminary, focusing on inspiring youth to emulate Christ and develop a desire to serve others. He also shares anecdotes from his time as a mission president, highlighting the challenges faced by missionaries and the strategies he employed to uplift and motivate them. Through object lessons and storytelling, Elder Mask instilled in his missionaries the importance of perseverance, optimism, and looking for the good in people, drawing parallels to the teachings of Christ and the examples set by prophets like Brigham Young, Spencer W. Kimball, Howard W. Hunter, and Joseph Smith. By incorporating these principles into their daily lives and interactions, Elder Mask encouraged his missionaries to overcome discouragement, stay focused on their goals, and strive to become more Christlike in their actions and attitudes. 00:02:23 - Elder Mask's Background and Career as a Seminary Teacher 00:11:11 - Call to Serve as a Mission President 00:18:30 - Leadership and Connection with Missionaries 00:26:55 - Overcoming Discouragement and Developing Christlike Attributes 00:36:43 - Teaching the Pollyanna Principle and Other Object Lessons The 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, 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, 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, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 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.

Involving Women in Sunday School Leadership | An Interview with Garret Shields & Monica Fell Jul 24, 2024

Show notes

Garret Shields has a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s degree in Religious Education, and is currently working on a Ph.D. in History, researching issues and questions related to race and the priesthood in Brazil. He works in the Church Educational System as a Seminary teacher. Garret served in the Brazil Rio de Janeiro Mission and has since served in many callings in the Church including ward mission leader, high councilor, elders quorum president, bishopric counselor, Sunday School president, and nursery leader. He currently serves as a priest quorum advisor. Garret lives in Spanish Fork, Utah, with his wife and four energetic, adorable, and amazing children. Monica Fell has worked as a registered nurse for almost 20 years, where she has had the privilege of loving and serving in many capacities from hospital settings to home health and hospice, and working with struggling youth in group homes. At church, Monica has also served in many callings, including nursery leader, librarian, Relief Society counselor, girls camp director, Primary president, Young Women president, and currently as a Young Women 1st counselor. She served as a "teaching advisor" while Garret was Sunday School president in their ward, working alongside the presidency to support teaching both in the home and at church. Monica is a single empty nester who calls Spanish Fork home. She had the privilege of raising two boys and identical twin girls, is grateful for a son- and daughter-in-law she loves like her own, and can't believe how much fun it is to be a "Nana" of an adorable, spirited, 3-year-old granddaughter. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Recognizing that most gospel teaching at home and even at church in their ward was done by women, Garrett decided to include women in the Sunday School presidency. Monica, one of the teaching advisors in the presidency, highlights the success of their approach, especially in addressing the challenges faced by women in implementing Come Follow Me at home. The podcast delves into the structure of their meetings, the proactive nature of their leadership, and the emphasis on Teaching in the Savior's Way. The dynamic and collaborative nature of their presidency meetings fostered a strong bond among the members and led to better teaching in the ward as a whole. 00:03:06 - Garret's Background and Role as Sunday School President 00:07:40 - Monica's Perspective on Serving in the Sunday School Presidency 00:10:19 - Structure and Dynamics of the Sunday School Presidency 00:14:10 - Importance of Being a Difference Maker in Leadership 00:19:22 - Implementation of Teacher Council Meetings for Parents 00:25:13 - Emphasizing Christ-Centered Teaching 00:29:05 - Structure of Teacher Council Meetings for Parents and Teachers 00:34:11 - Importance of Building Relationships and Camaraderie in Leadership 00:36:38 - Proactive Approach to Leadership and Ministry The 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, 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, 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, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 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.

How Google Helps People Join Us at Church | An Interview with Paul McHardy Jul 20, 2024

Show notes

Paul McHardy was raised primarily in Columbus, Ohio, and moved to Utah to earn a bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism from Brigham Young University and eventually a master's degree in Professional Communication from Weber State University. Paul has managed multiple omni-channel marketing teams (SEO, PPC, email, social, and affiliates), and has experience with branding, market research, user experience, and product development. In 2021 he took the opportunity to specialize in search engine optimization by joining Church employment as the Head of Global SEO. Paul currently lives in Eagle Mountain, Utah, with his wife, Aleta, and three young daughters. He loves athletics, collecting trinkets, music, and BYU sports. He has served in various callings over the years, but has spent most of his adult life as either a Sunday School teacher or in a Sunday School presidency, and currently serves in his stake Sunday School presidency. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights This conversation delves into the importance of search engine optimization (SEO) in ensuring accurate and positive information about The Church is easily accessible online. Paul explains how The Church's shift from using the term "Mormon" to has impacted their online visibility and search rankings. The conversation also explores the intricacies of local search optimization for Church buildings, including the transition from using the Angel Moroni icon to a cross icon on map listings. Paul details the challenges of managing phone numbers for Church listings and the efforts to improve data accuracy and visibility for local congregations. He also emphasizes the significance of engaging with online reviews and maintaining consistent and up-to-date information across various platforms to enhance The Church's online presence and accessibility for individuals seeking to connect with local congregations. 00:02:07 - Discussion on SEO and Church Communication 00:17:44 - Importance of Local Search Optimization for Chapels 00:22:02 - Various Platforms for Local Listings 00:28:03 - Transition from Angel Moroni to Cross Icon on Listings 00:35:18 - Importance of Reviews and Responses for Listings 00:40:55 - Integration of Meetinghouse Locator with Local Listings The 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, 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, 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, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 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.

Women, Priesthood, & Church Leadership | An Interview with Barbara Morgan Gardner Jul 17, 2024

Show notes

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in November 2019. Barbara Morgan Gardner is an associate professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University, and the author of The Priesthood Power of Women. Her research interests focus primarily on women in religious leadership, international education, and religious pedagogy. She holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Foundations and a PhD in Instructional Psychology, and did post-doctoral work at Harvard University. Barbara was Institute director in Boston, Massachusetts, serving more than 100 universities and colleges in the area and acting as chaplain at Harvard and MIT. She continues to serve as the chaplain-at-large in higher education for The Church, and on the BYU Interfaith Outreach Council. She and her husband, Dustin Gardner, live in Highland, Utah. Links The Priesthood Power of Women: In the Temple, Church, and Family Grounded Podcast with Barbara Morgan Gardner Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 05:40 - Why was the book written? To help women and men understand what priesthood is. 09:25 - Barbara realized that many members and leaders didn’t separate the hierarchical structure of the priesthood and the patriarchal structure of the priesthood. She wanted to help women to understand the prophet has been asking us to learn more about the priesthood. 10:00 - Barbara became more frustrated with women who are not interested in learning about the priesthood than those who are and who may even be unhappy. 11:45 - Is this information on the priesthood power of women new, or would someone historical like David O. McKay be aware of it? 13:00 - Are we shoehorning this doctrine into today’s culture because more women are asking questions? 14:45 - Russell M. Nelson has been asking women to study and know this doctrine. 16:50 - What is the difference between the hierarchical and patriarchal structure of the priesthood? 19:10 - Why don’t we talk about the patriarchal structure of the priesthood? 21:05 - Elder and Sister Renlund’s notions of Big Earth and Little Earth priesthood ties in 23:40 - What are priesthood keys and who holds priesthood keys? 28:50 - How are keys different relating to the hierarchical and patriarchal priesthoods? Who is “in charge” in a family? What does presiding mean in a family vs the church structure? Who has keys in a temple? In a mission? 38:55 - What does it mean that keys will be revealed? 39:20 - General priesthood keys vs keys of presiding 41:15 - What priesthood keys do women have? 43:10 - What can a key holder do in a ward to highlight and enable the priesthood power and authority of women? 48:20 - List of questions that are found in the book 49:30 - Who outranks whom when men and women have disagreements at church? 50:35 - Someone has to preside, right? 53:00 - One way priesthood holders diminish authority of women in their homes 55:00 - How can we better understand and improve the revelatory process of submitting names for callings? 1:02:10 - Women of this time have been prophesied about 1:03:00 - It’s never a competition. Men can do more in partnership with women to save souls than they could alone. The 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, 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, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, and many more in over 700 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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected