Teaching Restored

What if assessing your teaching was as insightful as the lesson itself? In this episode, we dig into what makes a class genuinely successful—and how we can actually know if we’re doing it well.

We talk about what it means to teach the restored Gospel, not just from a script, but as a shared, exploratory experience with those we teach. We break down the essential role of engagement, the impact of authentic (and sometimes uncomfortable) questions, balancing preparation with flexibility, and then how to evaluate your own teaching. Some of the key points we cover:

• How lively, unscripted dialogue transforms an ordinary lesson into meaningful learning
• The difference between asking for participation and truly cultivating it
• Five core question types that unlock deeper conversation (binary, factual, explanatory, introspective, transformative)
• Why most faith-based lessons lack introspective questions—and what happens when we add them
• The power and potential pitfalls of using data and feedback (even with AI!) to evaluate and improve our teaching

______________

Subscribe for more free YouTube episodes: https://www.youtube.com/teachingrestored?sub_confirmation=1

Find all episodes: https://teachingrestored.com

Ask a question for us to answer on our podcast: https://teachingrestored.com/contact-us/

Join us on:

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachingrestored

✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachingrestored

✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teachingrestored

✅ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teachingrestored

What happens when two teachers have very different approaches to sharing the gospel in the same classroom? In this episode, we have an open conversation about co-teaching, evaluating our own teaching styles, and the sometimes sensitive dynamics that come with working together.

We share stories and practical examples about the challenges of creating a unified classroom culture, especially when teaching responsibilities are split. The discussion highlights real struggles—like how to give feedback to a co-teacher and the importance of self-evaluation versus shared evaluation. Major points we cover include:

• How differing teaching patterns shape classroom experience
• The value and vulnerability of using tools like the Chess Timer Challenge
• Navigating difficult conversations and fostering mutual purpose
• Building a consistent, student-centered learning environment as co-teachers
• The spiritual and practical “pre-work” required to approach these conversations with genuine intent

Our takeaways focus on the importance of intentional communication, starting with honest reflection and a shared vision. No matter your teaching context—church, seminary, or even home—these lessons help turn sensitive conversations into opportunities for unity, growth, and more effective gospel teaching.

______________

Subscribe for more free YouTube episodes: https://www.youtube.com/teachingrestored?sub_confirmation=1

Find all episodes: https://teachingrestored.com

Ask a question for us to answer on our podcast: https://teachingrestored.com/contact-us/

Join us on:

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachingrestored

✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachingrestored

✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teachingrestored

✅ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teachingrestored

Teaching the restored gospel means wrestling with spiritual polarities, not avoiding them. Both faith and doubt, structure and flexibility, obedience and relationship—all can coexist. The question: Can two opposite things be true at once? Can I have faith and still feel doubt? Can another church inspire the Spirit and mine be true? Scripture says “all things must needs be a compound in one.” Justice and mercy, love and law—neither can stand alone.

Practical challenge: In church, with kids, or in life, lean into these tensions. Ask: can both be true? Identify pain points, challenge your assumptions, and sit with the discomfort.

This is the sacred space where personal revelation lives. Don’t seek the easy way out by picking sides—find the crux and let it change you.

______________

Subscribe for more free YouTube episodes: https://www.youtube.com/teachingrestored?sub_confirmation=1

Find all episodes: https://teachingrestored.com

Ask a question for us to answer on our podcast: https://teachingrestored.com/contact-us/

Join us on:

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachingrestored

✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachingrestored

✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teachingrestored

✅ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teachingrestored

Something big is about to change how gospel teaching happens, and we’re feeling the impact. We share our honest reactions and dig into what these adjustments actually mean for us, our homes, and our wards/branches.

This episode is driven by real questions: what’s the difference between a tiny tweak and blowing up the old ways? We discuss what “lifelong discipleship” means and why the leaders keep repeating it. You’ll hear our debate about how the new home-centered approach affects ordinary wards, why some feel like it’s a radical shift while others see more of the same, and how leaders see things from a global perspective that most of us never experience. Key topics include:

• Whether the change is a “blow up” or just a small tweak
• The focus on lifelong discipleship and what it signals
• Pressure and challenges for families and teachers at home
• How local wards and stakes differ in adapting to church-supported, home-centered principles
• The pain and reality of people leaving, and how these adjustments might help

We hash out what we see, what we feel, and what might be coming next, emphasizing the ongoing tension between church and home, between tradition and meaningful change.

Something big is about to change how gospel teaching happens, and we’re feeling the impact. We share our honest reactions and dig into what these adjustments actually mean for us, our homes, and our wards/branches.

This episode is driven by real questions: what’s the difference between a tiny tweak and blowing up the old ways? We discuss what “lifelong discipleship” means and why the leaders keep repeating it. You’ll hear our debate about how the new home-centered approach affects ordinary wards, why some feel like it’s a radical shift while others see more of the same, and how leaders see things from a global perspective that most of us never experience. Key topics include:

• Whether the change is a “blow up” or just a small tweak
• The focus on lifelong discipleship and what it signals
• Pressure and challenges for families and teachers at home
• How local wards and stakes differ in adapting to church-supported, home-centered principles
• The pain and reality of people leaving, and how these adjustments might help

We hash out what we see, what we feel, and what might be coming next, emphasizing the ongoing tension between church and home, between tradition and meaningful change.

Looking to become a more effective gospel teacher for your class, family, or friends? This episode dives into the importance of using variety in teaching—which keeps students engaged, sparks curiosity, and invites the Spirit into every lesson, whether at home or in the classroom. Marie Owens shares practical, doable strategies like changing up your physical setup, incorporating multimedia and technology (including music and art), and using active learning activities to make gospel principles memorable and meaningful. The hosts and guest emphasize that small changes—like switching rooms, trying new types of questions, or letting students create—can have a big impact. You’ll also get tips for finding new ideas and balancing creativity with solid doctrine, all while keeping your focus on bringing others closer to Christ.

1. Mix Things Up: Small adjustments in classroom setup, technology use, and lesson activities can engage learners and make every lesson fresh and exciting.

2. Involve Everyone: Let students participate in teaching, discussion, and creative activities—they’ll remember and feel the gospel more deeply.

3. Stay Centered on Christ: Whatever methods you use, the goal is always to help others feel the Spirit and draw nearer to Jesus Christ.

Many miss out on the full impact of General Conference by only listening passively, but viewing the talks with a "teacher mindset" brings deeper inspiration and understanding. Kevin and Julie share practical ways to dive into topics, ask meaningful questions, and prepare to teach, whether at church or in your own home. Applying this approach will transform your Conference experience and make gospel teaching and learning more exciting and relevant.

1. Approach General Conference talks with a teacher’s perspective—search for topics and questions you can discuss and teach, not just information to absorb.

2. Focus on real discussions about gospel topics and invite genuine questions, instead of just “teaching a lesson” or covering content.

3. Use study and discussion tools (like the Gospel Library app) to link conference topics, deepen your preparation, and involve others in meaningful gospel learning.

Struggling to make scripture study meaningful (or even possible) with your family? You’re not alone! Join Kevin, Julie, and guest Kristen Walker Smith as they get real about the trials and triumphs of teaching faith at home. Learn practical, flexible strategies like the "One Minute Scripture Study," the SWORD method for scripture engagement, plus tips for working with busy, neurodiverse, or resistant family members. This episode is filled with encouragement and wisdom for every gospel teacher or parent—because when it comes to bringing the gospel home, every effort counts.

1. Focus on Feelings, Not Just Format: Shift the goal from the “perfect” scripture study routine to creating a positive, meaningful experience—even a single verse, hymn, or heartfelt discussion counts.

2. Adapt to Your Family’s Needs: Use ceiling and floor goals, adjust for neurodivergent or reluctant children, and lean on practical tools like the SWORD method to engage everyone.

3. Emphasize Patterns and Personal Application: Consistency and personal connection to the scriptures are more important than length or depth—help kids build their own spiritual habits and see themselves in God’s word.

Is it sometimes difficult to see Jesus Christ in certain chapters of the Old Testament? In this episode, we examine why Christ is present throughout scripture—even in passages where he seems invisible—and how to strengthen our ability to recognize him, both in the text and in our everyday lives.

We talk about how types and shadows work and why everything God gives bears record of the Savior. By practicing with everyday objects and familiar stories, we show how spiritual muscles can be developed to find Christ everywhere—including pens, power chargers, and even McDonald's drive-thrus. The conversation covers:

• Definitions and differences between types and shadows
• Practical methods for teaching these concepts in classrooms and at home
• Cautions against overcomplicating or forcing symbolism that isn’t there
• The importance of explicitly connecting principles and experiences back to Jesus Christ
• How seeing Christ in scripture transforms personal relationships with him

Our discussion encourages a shift from merely identifying connections to deepening our ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ. We share practical tips, memorable stories, and honest reflections about how to make gospel study more transformative for ourselves and those we teach.

Ever wondered how to tackle tough gospel questions with love and clarity? Join us as Jasmin Rappleye shares her inspired approach to teaching the gospel on social media, embracing curiosity and empathy! Discover tips for asking deeper questions, balancing faith and facts, and connecting with God amidst the challenges. Plus, practical resources that empower you to grow and help others on their faith journey.