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

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

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

00:02:31 – The Challenge of Offering Comfort in Trials

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

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

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

00:02:40 – Discussion on Elders Quorum Engagement

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

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

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

00:04:00 – Stephan Taeger’s Background and Teaching Focus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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