Are you nervous about holding a First Sunday Council Meeting? Have you been holding them and they aren't going as you hoped? We are here to help.

A new change to the 2018 Come, Follow Me Curriculum for Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society classes is the addition of a First Sunday Council Meeting. This is a departure from the old way of having a lesson selected at the Presidency's discretion. If you aren't careful, you might fall right back into that old way.

I invited Kurt Francom of Leading LDS to join us because he recently shared 6 Tips for First Sunday Council Meetings. We expound of each of his points and how you can incorporate them to lead an effective First Sunday Council Meeting. Kurt mentions a helpful resource called 7 Unbreakable Rules of Church Meetings.

For reference the 6 tips are:

No lessons, videos, quotes, talks, or books

Set Rules & Expectations

You need a clear vision statement

Obsess over the room setup

Send topics ahead of time

Stimulate debate

Are you looking for additional resources on how to lead a council? I'd recommend Elder Ballard's book, "Counseling With Our Councils". You can get it on Amazon or subscribers can read or listen to it for free on BookshelfPlus by Deseret Book.

If you are looking for more way to improve your teaching skills, Kurt will have a virtual summit coming up called, "Teaching Saints." Keep an eye out for it.



 

Pin This Episode

When faced with hard trials, how do you Move Forward with Faith?

We go out on location to discuss Chapter 25: Move Forward with Faith from the Gordon B. Hinckley Manual. It brings an end to the Third Hour of Power podcast series, but also allows us the freedom to broaden the range of what we produce for the podcast for you and how it can enhance our mission.

The end of this lesson features President Hinckley pleading with the Lord to increase of the faith of the Latter-day Saints. It was from a General Conference talk in 1987. You can view it here. It might be good to share with your class. Start the video at 15:32.

I invited my friend Mario to join us for this episode. Mario's story in remarkable. I remember when when he first showed up in a polo and shorts. Then I remember how he gave a talk in Sacrament Meeting about being homeless in a local park. He shared how he was about to take his life and was pleading with God to give a him sign that he should not carry out his plan. It was then that two missionaries asked him, "Who are you talking to?"

Mario shared some more details from his conversion during our conversation in the park, the very park he met the missionaries in. We talk about how he was able to turn to God at his lowest moment. While this did not remove all his trials, it did allow him to endure them.

You can read more of his story in his book, "Where Was God? by Chris" now available on Amazon.

They were many that were a Light in Mario's conversion to the Church. If you would like to be a Light to others, you need to add the #LightTheWorld calendar to your phone.

 



 

Pin This Episode

Christmas is the perfect time to remember the impact of the Atonement of Jesus Christ: Vast in Its Reach, Intimate in Its Effect

We are reaching the end of the Gordon B. Hinckley Manual, Chapter 24: The Atonement of Jesus Christ: Vast in Its Reach, Intimate in Its Effect. This is a tent pole lesson. I recommend you find a way to fit it into your teaching schedule if you are behind.

There is going to be a lot of emphasis on the Nativity during December, but we should also take time to focus on the Atonement. The Lesson quotes President Hinckley;

There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter. The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection.

I brought on Ryan Shupe to be my guest for this lesson. He provides some powerful insights as he joins us right from attending a funeral. While Christmas can be a time of joy, it can be very hard for those who have lost their loved ones. The Atonement has the power to heal that hurt.

We can participate in the healing as we use Christmas as an opportunity to #LightTheWorld! That is what Ryan Shupe is doing this Christmas.

Ryan has a series of shows coming up for Christmas as part of #LightTheWorld. He is encouraging fans to go out and serve like the Savior would. Then post about it with a hashtag for your location. Lucky winners will be selected from each of his tour dates come and see a concert as Ryan's guest.

There is so much going on for #LightTheWorld and we want to help you get engaged. We created a Google Calendar with the daily #LightTheWorld prompts to help you easily find them. Not only will you find the content from Mormon.org, but you will also find content from over 20 collaborators. We've all banded together to help you #LightTheWorld.



 

Pin This Episode

What do you do to receive the blessings of the Holy Temple?

I found that living so close to the temple hasn't increased my attendance. It still takes an concerted effort to attend regularly and partake in the blessings of the Holy Temple.

I am joined my son Garren to discuss Chapter 23: The Blessings of the Temple. Garren is a Deacon now and he shares some of his feelings when it comes to going to the Temple.

If you need more help in getting more from the Temple, we share 4 Tips to Get More From the Temple. In fact there was a time I was struggling with something, and I went to the Temple for help. When the Church announced policy on the children of same sex parents I had concerns. You can read about what happened when I took my concern to the Lord and went to the Temple.



 

Pin This Episode

Are you reaching out with love to new converts and less-active members?

Being a new convert to the Church or returning after an absence can be hard. In this episode we talk about how to make that transition a joy for those making it. We are discussing Chapter 22: Reaching Out with Love to New Converts and Less-Active Members from the Gordon B. Hinckley Manual.

Converts who join the Church give up a lot, sometimes even family. When Al Carraway joined the Church she lost her relationship with her father for many years. She recounts it in her book, "More Than the Tattooed Mormon". Read our review here. Hearing about her experience at Cafe Rio caused me to check how I treat people who might not look like they 'fit the mold'.

Less-active members can also have a difficult transition back to the fold. My sister Summer had such a journey. You can watch the interview I did with her about her experience. It was such a blessing for me to be able to help her during this time.

In this episode, Kristie is here and we discuss the 3 things every new convert needs.

With the ever-increasing number of converts, we must make an increasingly substantial effort to assist them as they find their way. Every one of them needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with “the good word of God”.

We shared a way to be able to build a stronger ward by building connections. Kristie is excellent at this. She loves hosting parties and inviting people over and celebrating friends. Check out some of her fun parties that she has done.

 

Pin This Episode

How has The Latter-Day Miracle of Missionary Work impacted you?

I often say that if your last significant spiritual experience was on your mission, you might have missed the point. Perhaps we can extend that your last missionary experience too. Now in full disclosure, I am pretty sure my last significant missionary experience was on my mission. This lesson is meant to help people like me take part in The Latter-Day Miracle of Missionary Work.

Member missionary work can be a challenge and this episode is meant to help you get some ideas and inspiration for sharing the gospel. I loved the Apostolic promise that Elder Anderson gave in his talk, "It's a Miracle".

This is why the missionaries need your referrals. Otherwise they do stuff like this all day.

My wife Kristie joins us and shared some of the things she does to help our kids prepare to serve missions some day. Her website, Our Kerrazy Adventure, is a great resource for families. She just posted a fun way to thank heroes during Veterans Day.

When I was a missionary there were a lot of influential experiences. One of the ones that always stood out was the final conversation I had with my Mission President. You should read the 5 Things I Wish My Mission President Told Me Before I Went Home.

 

 

Pin This Episode

How do you Fellowship with Those Who Are Not of Our Faith?

We have some great ways to help you get more from Chapter 20: Fellowship with Those Who Are Not of Our Faith from the Gordon B. Hinckley Manual. There are some great examples from the life of President Hinckley of great ways for us to learn how to connect with our community.

This episode I am joined by my little sister Summer. We served together on the Public Affairs Committee for our Stake during Mormon Helping Hands. There was a shift one year on how we did executed it, and we didn't really agree with it at first.

Summer is a blogger and YouTuber with Elevate Everyday. She writes about fashion, motherhood, and beauty. She was on the podcast before and I interviewed her about her return to the Church during Easter.

I wrote an article about how to create strong ties in a ward. It works just as well for wanting to fellowship with those who are not of our faith.

Opening Hymn: You Can Make a Pathway Bright

Closing Hymn: Have I Done Any Good in the World Today

 

Pin This Episode

Ever wonder what happens when the Prophet isn't able to function fully? How about how the Apostles make decisions? Let's talk about Priesthood Leadership!

General Conference is here! We are excited to talk about Chapter 19- Priesthood Leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ from the Gordon B. Hinckley Manual.

This lesson does a great job at sharing some of the insights to First Presidency and Twelve Apostles. It was really interesting to read about the times when President Hinckley was the only healthy member of the First Presidency. We are seeing some of that today with President Monson participating in Conference from home.

Heather of LDS Youth Leadership joins us again. She just wrote a great article for Suicide Awareness Month and you should read it to learn the signs of depression and how you can help. Heather's article, "What Everyone Should Know About Teen Suicide Prevention" can help you be a first-responder when it comes to mental health.

With General Conference coming up, I found a really cool #LDSconf printout just for young men. My son is super excited for it and you can see the video of his reaction. I also created a fun Jeopardy game that has quotes, videos, and trivia to help youth get prepared for General Conference. My Deacons seemed to really like it.

Opening Hymn: Come, Listen to a Prophet's Voice

Closing Hymn: We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

 

Pin This Episode

We are learning about Virtue because it is so much more than just a Young Woman Value

I invited my wife to be my guest to talk about this sensitive and important topic. Chapter 18 of the Gordon B. Hinckley Manual is entitled: Virtue—a Cornerstone on Which to Build Our Lives

In this episode we deal with the topic of Pornography. I think it is essential as a teacher, you must assume that someone in your class is struggling with this issue. If you have a class of 15-20, I assure you, one or more are dealing with this. The last section does a wonderful job at offering hope to those who have made mistakes.

Kristie and I had "the talk" with our son last night. Kristie wrote a great article for Our Kerrazy Adventure, Talking to our Kids About Sex. You don't want your child learning these things from anyone but you. If you have hesitated to have this talk, read her article and do it! If it has been a while since you had "the talk," read it and have it again. "The talk" should "the talks."

September 19th is a day we look forward to! Talk Like A Pirate Day is a big deal in our home. (not to be confused with Talk Like A Sailor Day". Kristie always plans a Treasure Hunt and we dress up and get free food at Ling John Silvers and Krispie Kreme. You gotta dress up, but we have you covered with a great Pirate Hat Printable. Find out how to have your own Treasure Hunt on her site!

A lot of people ask me about the tools I use for photo editing, email follow up, and monetizing my blog. I shared a list with some of my favorite Online Tools. Check them out and comment with some of your favorites I might need to checkout.

Opening Hymn: As Zion's Youth in Latter Days

Closing Hymn: More Holiness Give Me

 

Pin This Episode

How have you continued in the great process of learning since you ended your formal education?

Have you ever gone back to school to get more education? We discuss both formal and informal education in the episode as we talk about lesson 17 from the Gordon B. Hinckley Manual "Continue in the Great Process of Learning".

We often think about learning so we can get a degree and get a great job and support a family. That is certainly part of it. We also discus great resources for informal learning. There are some great quotes of why women need to continue in the great process of learning. (hint: it isn't in case their husband dies) I mention a great article by my wife, and recent guest, on how to get your kids to read.

An article was just published by Elder Kim B Clark on Learning for the Whole Soul. I didn't read it before we recorded so it isn't referenced in the episode, but it is so powerful that I had to add it to the show notes. Elder Clark talk about obtaining "Deep Learning" of both temporal and spiritual education. There are some great quotes and supporting scriptures on the great process of learning.

 Deep learning applies to every kind of knowledge, whether spiritual or secular. Learning is deep when it increases your power to do three things: (1) to know and understand; (2) to take effective, righteous action; and (3) to become more like our Heavenly Father.

-Elder Kim B. Clark

Ben Bernards is back on the Podcast. He is an excellent author and speaker. He actually has a new book out, Terra Firma Academy: How to Survive This Adventure Called Life. Over at BenBernards.com you can find his other ways to help get more from the Gospel with teaching helps and inspiring messages. You can also have Ben speak to your Youth and YSA. He always has amazing slides...

Ben and I are closely aligned in our goals. I mentioned in the episode that my mission for This Mormon Life is to help you find joy in the journey. Part of the way we do that is through this Podcast. With Curriculum changing for 2018 and the end of Teachings of the Presidents of the Church, we need your help. Go over to our announcement and get the full context and then tell us how the podcast can continue to help you next year.

Opening Hymn: Help Me Teach With Inspiration

Closing Hymn: Teach Me To Walk In The Light

 

Pin This Episode