Restorative Circles – Creating Gospel Discussions Where Every Voice Matters

Meaningful gospel discussions don't happen because we ask more questions—they happen because we create a space where people feel safe to share.

In this episode of Deny Us Not Scripture Study, we explore how the principles of restorative circles can strengthen gospel learning in Sunday School, youth classes, quorum and Relief Society meetings, ward councils, and family scripture study. Rather than focusing on solving problems, restorative circles create opportunities for every learner to be seen, heard, and valued.

You'll learn practical ways to build trust, encourage respectful participation, and invite every member of your class into the conversation. Drawing on both educational research and gospel principles, this episode demonstrates how intentional community-building prepares hearts for the Holy Ghost to teach and testify.

When every voice matters, learners become more than passive listeners—they become a true gospel learning community, united in seeking Jesus Christ together.

Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson

Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected]

You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here

Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show:

Venmo: @rcthompson88

All content of this podcast represents the opinions of the producers and do not represent official teachings or positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Great gospel discussions don't happen by accident—they happen when people feel safe enough to participate.

In this episode of Deny Us Not Scripture Study, we explore why building community is one of the most important responsibilities of every gospel teacher. Before learners will share their thoughts, ask sincere questions, or testify of their faith, they need to know they belong.

Drawing on principles from education, implementation science, and the Savior's ministry, this episode examines how creating a culture of trust, respect, and connection prepares hearts for the Holy Ghost to teach. You'll discover practical ideas for helping every member of your class, quorum, council, or family feel seen, heard, and valued.

Whether you teach Sunday School, Primary, Young Men, Young Women, Relief Society, elders quorum, or lead family scripture study, you'll leave with simple strategies to strengthen relationships and create gospel learning experiences where every voice matters.

Because before we teach the lesson, we teach the people.

Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson

Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected]

You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here

Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show:

Venmo: @rcthompson88

All content of this podcast represents the opinions of the producers and do not represent official teachings or positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

What if the most important part of your lesson is the last two minutes? In this episode of Deny Us Not Scripture Study, we explore The Launch, a powerful strategy adapted from the Capturing Kids' Hearts framework that helps learners move beyond discussion and into discipleship. Discover how ending a lesson with a purposeful invitation can help learners identify meaningful next steps and apply gospel principles in their daily lives. Whether you're teaching Sunday School, leading a youth class, facilitating a ward council, or guiding family scripture study, this episode will provide practical tools for closing lessons with intention and helping learners answer one transformative question: "Because of what I learned today, what will I do?" Great gospel teaching doesn't end with understanding—it launches learners into action.

Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson

Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected]

You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here

Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show:

Venmo: @rcthompson88

All content of this podcast represents the opinions of the producers and do not represent official teachings or positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Why do so many discussions begin with a great question and end in awkward silence? In this episode of Deny Us Not Scripture Study, we explore one of the simplest and most effective engagement strategies available to teachers, leaders, and families: Think, Pair, Share. Drawing from proven educational practices, we'll discuss how giving learners time to think, opportunities to discuss, and confidence to share can dramatically increase participation and improve the quality of gospel discussions. Whether you're teaching Sunday School, leading a youth class, participating in a ward council, or conducting family scripture study, this powerful strategy can help move learners from passive listeners to active participants. Discover how intentional engagement can create better discussions, deeper understanding, and greater opportunities for the Spirit to teach and testify.

Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson

Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected]

You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here

Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show:

Venmo: @rcthompson88

All content of this podcast represents the opinions of the producers and do not represent official teachings or positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

What if the key to better gospel teaching isn't more discussion, but greater clarity? In this episode of Deny Us Not Scripture Study, we explore the power of learning targets—simple, intentional statements that help teachers and learners stay focused on what truly matters. Drawing from educational research and gospel teaching principles, we'll discuss how learning targets can improve Sunday School lessons, family scripture study, councils, and other learning settings. Discover how defining a clear purpose for your lesson can create more meaningful discussions, stronger engagement, and greater opportunities for the Spirit to teach and testify. Because effective gospel teaching begins with knowing where you're trying to go.

Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson

Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected]

You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here

Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show:

Venmo: @rcthompson88

All content of this podcast represents the opinions of the producers and do not represent official teachings or positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

#jesus​ #christ​ #jesuschrist​ #bookofmormon​ #mormon​ #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints​ #lds​ #scriptures​​ #josephsmith​​ #god​ #faith​ #christian​ #temple​ #temples​ #ldstemple​ #ldstemples​ #ldshistory​ #d&c #doctrineandcovenants #comefollowme #priesthood #restoration #sacrament #sundayschool #education #teaching #learning

What happens when we bring the best principles of education into our gospel teaching? In this episode of Deny Us Not Scripture Study, we explore the connection between church and education and challenge the idea that preparation and planning somehow limit the Spirit. Meaningful discussions don't happen by accident—they happen when teachers intentionally prepare, understand their learners, ask purposeful questions, and create opportunities for engagement. We'll discuss practical strategies for planning lessons, councils, and family discussions that invite participation, deepen learning, and make room for the Holy Ghost to teach and testify. Faithful teaching isn't about choosing between planning and the Spirit—it's about using preparation to create the conditions where inspired learning can flourish.

Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson

Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected]

You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here

Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show:

Venmo: @rcthompson88

All content of this podcast represents the opinions of the producers and do not represent official teachings or positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

#jesus​ #christ​ #jesuschrist​ #bookofmormon​ #mormon​ #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints​ #lds​ #scriptures​​ #josephsmith​​ #god​ #faith​ #christian​ #temple​ #temples​ #ldstemple​ #ldstemples​ #ldshistory​ #d&c #doctrineandcovenants #comefollowme #priesthood #restoration #sacrament #holyweek #easter #christmas

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Get Dr. Thompson's new Christmas Advent Book: Tell Me The Stories Of Christmas

The purpose of this podcast is to help provide a short introduction and supplement to your weekly study of the Doctrine and Covenants.

Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson

Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected]

You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here

Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show:

Venmo: @rcthompson88

#jesus​ #christ​ #jesuschrist​ #bookofmormon​ #mormon​ #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints​ #lds​ #scriptures​​ #josephsmith​​ #god​ #faith​ #christian​ #temple​ #temples​ #ldstemple​ #ldstemples​ #ldshistory​ #d&c #doctrineandcovenants #comefollowme #priesthood #restoration #sacrament #holyweek #easter #christmas

December 15–21: “The Family Is Central to the Creator’s Plan”

Get Dr. Thompson's new Christmas Advent Book: Tell Me The Stories Of Christmas

The purpose of this podcast is to help provide a short introduction and supplement to your weekly study of the Doctrine and Covenants.

Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson

Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected]

You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here

Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show:

Venmo: @rcthompson88

#jesus​ #christ​ #jesuschrist​ #bookofmormon​ #mormon​ #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints​ #lds​ #scriptures​​ #josephsmith​​ #god​ #faith​ #christian​ #temple​ #temples​ #ldstemple​ #ldstemples​ #ldshistory​ #d&c #doctrineandcovenants #comefollowme #priesthood #restoration #sacrament #holyweek #easter #christmas

December 1–7: “The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead”

Doctrine and Covenants 137–138

Get Dr. Thompson's new Christmas Advent Book: Tell Me The Stories Of Christmas

The purpose of this podcast is to help provide a short introduction and supplement to your weekly study of the Doctrine and Covenants.

Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson

Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected]

You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here

Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show:

Venmo: @rcthompson88

#jesus​ #christ​ #jesuschrist​ #bookofmormon​ #mormon​ #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints​ #lds​ #scriptures​​ #josephsmith​​ #god​ #faith​ #christian​ #temple​ #temples​ #ldstemple​ #ldstemples​ #ldshistory​ #d&c #doctrineandcovenants #comefollowme #priesthood #restoration #sacrament #holyweek #easter #christmas

November 24–30: He “Has Sealed His Mission and His Works with His Own Blood”

Doctrine and Covenants 135–136

Get Dr. Thompson's new Christmas Advent Book: Tell Me The Stories Of Christmas

Book Recommendation:

American Crucifixion: The Murder of Joseph Smith and the Fate of the Mormon Church by Alex Beam

The purpose of this podcast is to help provide a short introduction and supplement to your weekly study of the Doctrine and Covenants.

Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson

November 3–9: “A Voice of Gladness for the Living and the Dead”

Doctrine and Covenants 125–128

Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected]

You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here

Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show:

Venmo: @rcthompson88

#jesus​ #christ​ #jesuschrist​ #bookofmormon​ #mormon​ #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints​ #lds​ #scriptures​​ #josephsmith​​ #god​ #faith​ #christian​ #temple​ #temples​ #ldstemple​ #ldstemples​ #ldshistory​ #d&c #doctrineandcovenants #comefollowme #priesthood #restoration #sacrament #holyweek #easter #christmas