Church of Jesus Christ Laguna

In his stake conference address, President Evanson unpacks what it truly means to be a peacemaker, a charge given by both President Nelson and President Oaks. Through personal stories, including law school friendships and a close colleague's marriage, plus the Old Testament account of Abigail, President Evanson shows how covenant devotion and Christlike love can coexist without compromise. He speaks candidly to parents whose children have stepped away from the Church, names a subtle trap that turns love into a strategy, and offers real, practical steps for loving family who choose a different path, all without ever losing sight of the truth we've covenanted to uphold.

What You'll Take Away:

• What can I actually do to become a better peacemaker with the people I love?
• 6 ways to become a better peacemaker

• What does it mean to stand firm in our covenants while loving those who live differently, especially our own children?
• What can the Old Testament story of Abigail teach us about defusing anger and choosing peace?

• What does the Savior's own example teach us about holding truth and love together?

Timestamps:

(00:00) Peacemaking: A Call From Two Prophets

(02:31) Loving Classmates Without Judging Their Choices

(04:37) The Dual Effort: Standing Firm While Loving Fully

(05:49) The Savior's Perfect Example of Truth and Love

(06:27) Abigail: Peacemaking in Action

(07:24) When Family Tests Our Peacemaking Most

(08:35) The Lie That We Must Choose Between Covenants and Our Children

(09:42) The Father of the Prodigal Son

(10:12) The Temple's Power to Help Us Love

(10:55) Six Ways to Become a Better Peacemaker

(12:55) The Trap: Loving Someone Just to Bring Them Back

(14:21) A Question to Test If Our Love Is Truly Pure

(15:40) A Promise to Every Parent Carrying This Burden

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This inspiring message from Matt Bushman was shared during the adult session of our stake conference. He shares how his experience playing in the NFL taught him important lessons that apply to becoming a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ.

This beautiful message from Kourtney Harrison was shared during out Laguna Niguel Stake Conference on January 18th, 2026. She shares wonderful personal experiences about how her discipleship has looked different in various seasons of life, and how her life has been immensely blessed by her seemingly imperfect efforts towards being a disciple of Christ.

An excerpt from the adult session of our most recent stake conference, held on January 18th, 2026. President Evanson shares a beautiful message about allowing our hearts to be changed. He explains that commandments are opportunities to change our hearts, and that great joy comes from yielding our hearts to God.

An excerpt from the adult session of our most recent Stake Conference, held on January 17th, 2026. President Evanson shares an inspiring message about strengthening the rising generation through our testimonies and our examples. He challenges us to demonstrate true Christian discipleship and to make sure the youth hear and see our living, breathing testimonies of Jesus Christ.

An excerpt from the general session of our most recent Stake Conference, held on June 8th, 2025. President Evanson shares an inspiring message about the parable of the Ten Virgins and what each of us can do to keep our lamps filled.

An excerpt from the general session of our most recent Stake Conference, held on January 19th, 2025. President Evanson shares a wonderful message about the purpose of the restoration, covenants, the temple, and "hesed" - God's covenantal love for His children.

An excerpt from the adult session of our most recent Stake Conference, held on January 18th, 2025. President Evanson shares a powerful and important message about repentance, and we hope each stake member will internalize his message. Additionally, we hope you will consider how you can share the principles of repentance with the rising generation and encourage them to access the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Hank Smith is a professor of religion at Brigham Young University and author of several books. On October 27th, 2024 Professor Smith spoke to youth and parents of the Laguna Niguel Stake about our divine identity as children of the covenant.

Barbara Morgan Gardner is a professor of Church history and doctrine at Brigham Young University and author of the book, "The Priesthood Power of Women." On October 27th, 2024 Professor Gardner spoke to members of the Laguna Niguel Stake about the Priesthood power that comes from keeping our covenants.