Leading Saints Podcast

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

Links

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

Elders Quorum Service Coordinator

Movers & Shakers Squad

Soup Patrol in Elders Quorum

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

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

Key Insights

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leadership Applications

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

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

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

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

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

07:10 - Handbook Reference and Magnifying the Calling

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

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

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

11:50 - The Spirit of Service and Emotional Connection

13:00 - Organizing Moves with the "Movers and Shakers Squad" (M&S)

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

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

20:15 - Distinguishing Service from Ward Maintenance

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

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

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

26:45 - The Concept of "Soup Patrol"

28:35 - Integrating Service with Ministering Brothers and Sisters

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

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

33:50 - Rotating Service to Involve More Quorum Members

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

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

43:50 - Proactively Seeking Out the Poor and Needy

47:15 - Focus on Coordination Over Execution

48:35 - Using Service Opportunities for Spiritual Development

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

52:10 - Avoiding Competition with Ministering Assignments

56:05 - How the Role Fosters Better Discipleship

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

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

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

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

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

Links

Leading with Faith: Timeless Lessons from Spiritual Giants

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

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

Key Insights

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leadership Applications

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

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

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

00:06:00 - Leadership Styles Overview

00:08:00 - The Communicator: Gordon B. Hinckley

00:10:00 - President Nelson as a Leader

00:12:00 - The Builder: Brigham Young

00:16:00 - The Peacemaker: Nephi

00:18:00 - The Exemplar: King David

00:24:00 - The Servant Leader: Gail Halverson

00:30:00 - The Disruptor: Spencer W. Kimball

00:35:00 - Identifying Your Leadership Style

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

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

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

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

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

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

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

Key Insights

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leadership Applications

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

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

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

00:03:00 - Experience with Sacrament Meeting Planning

00:05:00 - Involvement of Bishopric Wives

00:06:00 - Unique Sacrament Meeting Formats

00:08:00 - Navigating Involvement and Expectations

00:10:00 - Hyper-Awareness as a Bishop's Wife

00:12:00 - Setting Boundaries with Congregation

00:14:00 - Protecting the Bishop's Time

00:16:00 - Delegation Strategies for Bishops

00:18:00 - Balancing Family and Church Responsibilities

00:20:00 - Navigating Relationships with Ward Members

00:22:00 - Supporting a New Bishop

00:24:00 - Seeking Guidance and Blessings

00:26:00 - The Role of the Bishop's Wife

00:28:00 - Addressing Feelings of Loneliness

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

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

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

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

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

Links

Autism in Christ's Church

Church Disabilities Help

Disability Specialist in the Handbook

Navigating Autism as a Church Leader | An Interview with Michele Portlock

Why Your Ward Needs a Disabilities Specialist | A How I Lead Interview with Anna Rast

Leading Those with Special Needs | An Interview with Stan Beagley

Creating a Culture of Inclusion and Acceptance

Meeting the Needs of our Special Needs Children

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

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

Key Insights

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

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

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

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

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

Leadership Applications

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

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

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

00:04:11 - Origin of the Book "Autism in Christ's Church"

00:04:54 - Robert's Expertise in Special Education

00:06:28 - Resources for Latter-day Saints and Autism

00:07:15 - Structure of the Book: Stories and Experiences

00:08:48 - Liberty's Background with Autism

00:09:36 - Robert's Journey into Special Education

00:10:23 - Understanding the Autism Spectrum

00:12:16 - The Importance of Inclusion in Church

00:13:11 - Gathering Insights from Families

00:14:35 - The Role of Disability Specialists

00:15:25 - Qualities of an Effective Disability Specialist

00:17:05 - The Need for Support Beyond the Individual

00:18:10 - The Role of Parents and Leaders

00:19:32 - Proactive Approach to Disability Specialists

00:21:02 - Revelation and Leadership in the Church

00:22:19 - Youth as Disability Specialists

00:23:09 - The Importance of Councils in Support

00:24:33 - Communication and Collaboration

00:26:05 - Engaging Individuals with Autism in Activities

00:27:10 - Highlighting Personal Stories from the Book

00:29:05 - Utilizing Strengths and Service Opportunities

00:31:16 - Navigating Autism Across Different Ages

00:39:07 - Young Single Adults and Autism

00:45:58 - Mission Experiences for Individuals with Autism

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

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

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

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

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

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

Links

Being an Essentialism Bishop | An Interview with Greg McKeown

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

GregMcKeown.com

One-Minute Missionary Work videos

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

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

Key Insights

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

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

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

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

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

Leadership Applications

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

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

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

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

00:02:40 - Essentialism and Its Impact

00:03:44 - Greg's Leadership Journey

00:05:06 - Adapting to COVID in Leadership

00:06:57 - The Power of Small Changes

00:09:06 - Celebrating Small Victories

00:10:24 - Family History Made Simple

00:12:12 - Overcoming Overwhelm in Family History

00:13:50 - The Importance of Small Steps

00:15:07 - Engaging with Family History

00:16:39 - The Reality of Change vs. Progress

00:18:30 - The Role of Empathy in Leadership

00:19:04 - Understanding Universal Suffering

00:20:10 - Building Relationships in Leadership

00:22:35 - The Challenge of Fixing Others' Problems

00:24:37 - The Complexity of Bishopric Responsibilities

00:27:23 - The Need for Honest Communication

00:29:44 - Current Callings and Expectations

00:30:55 - The Importance of Family Relationships

00:32:34 - The Long-Term Impact of Parenting

00:34:06 - Defining Success in Parenting

00:36:05 - The Role of Agency in Relationships

00:37:42 - Measuring Success in Family Time

00:39:50 - The Challenge of Guilt in Parenting

00:42:02 - The Importance of Asking for Feedback

00:44:02 - The Power of Small Incremental Changes

00:46:01 - Overcoming Overwhelm in Life

00:49:15 - Navigating Uncertainty and Fear

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

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

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

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

Links

@HelloSaints on YouTube

@Hello.Saints on Instagram

Fitting in With Other Christian Churches | A Discussion with Jeff McCullough

When a Pastor Explores The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | An Interview with Jeff McCullough

Allowing Our Pain to Turn Us to Christ | An Interview with Joy McCullough

A Latter-day Saint Bishop Sits Down with Four Evangelical Pastors

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

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

Key Insights

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leadership Applications

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

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

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

00:02:30 - The Dynamic of Content Creation

00:03:35 - Mr. Rogers and Early Influences

00:04:31 - Pastor Jeff's Journey with Hello Saints

00:05:46 - Understanding the Latter-day Saint Paradigm

00:08:06 - Advice to Early Content Creators

00:10:23 - Theological Shorthand Explained

00:12:23 - Engaging in Interfaith Dialogue

00:16:46 - Addressing Skepticism from Both Sides

00:19:00 - The Financial Aspect of Ministry

00:24:55 - The Importance of Heart in Ministry

00:28:09 - Future Content Ideas for Hello Saints

00:31:49 - The Role of Evangelical Churches in Utah

00:36:30 - Navigating Church Visits as a Latter-day Saint

00:40:09 - Advice for Visiting Evangelical Churches

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

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

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

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

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

Links

A Case for the Book of Mormon

God’s Compelling Witness: The Book of Mormon

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

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

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

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

5:50 His approach to personal study

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Links

EFY: Especially for Youth

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

Overview

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

Key Insights

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leadership Applications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Links

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

Highlights

Overview

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

Key Insights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

00:01:36 - Kicking Off: The "Open-Ended" Nature of the High Councilor Calling

00:04:04 - Overcoming Insecurity and Magnifying the Calling

00:06:06 - Advice on Equality and Being a Visible Representative

00:09:38 - The Role of the Spirit vs. Experience in Calling

00:11:23 - Key Role: Training and Teaching Ward Leaders

00:13:07 - Strategies for Stake Engagement: Ward Reporting and Training

00:14:44 - Unique Assignment: Attending Cross-Ward Leadership Meetings

00:16:37 - Close Relationship with Stake Presidency and Financial Duties

00:18:38 - Tactical Tip: Using a High Councilor Text Group for Logistics

00:20:32 - Speaking Assignments: Including Youth and Missionaries as Companions

00:22:31 - Reiterating the High Councilor's Role as Spiritual Guide

00:24:52 - Speaking Mandate: Testify of Christ and Use GA Talks

00:25:50 - The "Awkward" but Necessary Expression of Stake Presidency Love

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Links

Pudding on the Moon

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

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

00:02:55 - Honoring Dantzel White Nelson

Discussion on the life and legacy of President Nelson's first wife.

00:04:28 - Marjorie's Book: Putting on the Moon

Introduction to Marjorie's children's book inspired by her mother.

00:05:41 - Marjorie's Early Memories

Marjorie shares her early memories of her mother and family traditions.

00:08:11 - Dantzel's Background

Details about Dantzel White Nelson's upbringing and education.

00:09:50 - Courtship of Dantzel and Russell Nelson

The romantic story of how Dantzel and Russell Nelson met and fell in love.

00:10:36 - Family Life and Traditions

Insights into the family dynamics and traditions created by Dantzel.

00:12:32 - Family Olympics and Celebrations

Description of unique family events and celebrations organized by Dantzel.

00:14:19 - Creating Special Memories

Marjorie's reflections on how her mother made family gatherings memorable.

00:16:26 - Navigating a Large Family

Challenges and dynamics of growing up in a family with many daughters.

00:19:00 - Father's Medical Career

Insights into the life of being the daughter of a surgeon and its impact on family life.

00:22:26 - Church Callings and Choir

Discussion of Dantzel's involvement in church callings and her time with the Tabernacle Choir.

00:25:23 - Singing Legacy

Marjorie's connection to her mother's musical legacy and family singing traditions.

00:30:11 - Becoming an Apostle

Marjorie's experience learning about her father's call to be an apostle.

00:32:04 - Adjusting to New Roles

How Dantzel adapted to her new role as the wife of an apostle.

00:33:31 - Mother-Daughter Relationship

Reflections on Marjorie's relationship with her mother as a young adult.

00:35:05 - Dantzel's Calm Demeanor

Stories highlighting Dantzel's patience and temperament as a mother.

00:39:10 - Coping with Loss

Marjorie's thoughts on her mother's sudden passing and the support received.

00:41:44 - Legacy and Remembrance

The importance of sharing stories and memories of Dantzel with others.

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

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

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