Should Church Be Entertaining? | An Interview with Meagan Kohler

Garth Pedersen grew up in Elk Grove, California, and Mesa, Arizona, and served a mission to Brazil. He holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting and is a small business owner. Garth has served as a ward clerk, Sunday School president, bishopric counselor, elders quorum president, and Primary worker (his favorite calling, along with being a dad). He and his wife have three daughters and two sons, and live in San Tan Valley, Arizona. Links Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Garth Pedersen shares shares innovative approaches his elders quorum has used to improve ministering. He shares his journey in leadership over the past three years, focusing on creating a culture of ministering that avoids shame and fosters genuine relationships. Garth emphasizes the need for leaders to model ministering behaviors rather than simply assigning tasks, advocating for a supportive environment where members feel empowered to engage in meaningful connections. He outlines three key principles for effective ministering: praying for those they serve, communicating with them, and genuinely loving and serving them. Garth also addresses the challenges of ministering in today's society, where social interactions can feel awkward and disconnected. To combat these challenges, Garth introduced the concept of "ministering night," held every fourth Sunday, where members are invited to visit families together. This initiative not only encourages participation but also helps build relationships in a low-pressure setting. Garth shares inspiring stories from these visits, illustrating how simple interactions can lead to meaningful connections and a renewed sense of community. He emphasizes the importance of agency, reminding listeners that while they can invite and support others, ultimately it is up to individuals to choose their paths. The episode concludes with a call to action for leaders to focus on love and service, fostering a culture of ministering that reflects the teachings of Christ. 04:39 - Garth's Background and Current Role 06:09 - Cultural Disconnect in Ministering 07:03 - Building a Culture of No Shame 10:42 - Principles of Ministering: Overview 17:14 - Three Key Principles of Ministering 23:14 - Serving When Help is Not Obvious 27:27 - Understanding Agency in Ministering 30:20 - The Importance of Personal Experience 34:00 - Avoiding Shame in Leadership 38:03 - Strategies for Effective Ministering 42:00 - Implementing Ministering Night 47:37 - Logistics of Ministering Night Visits 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. 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, 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 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 700 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.

If you want to join us for the Leading Saints Experience on the BYU Cruise do the following: Visit https://byucruise.com/ Register using promo: LEADINGSAINTS This is an experience within an experience. You will have access to all the BYU Cruise entertainment and also a unique Leading Saints experience as well (including the live podcast interview with Coach Sitake).

Stephan Taeger is an assistant professor in Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University. He received a PhD from BYU in Instructional Design and Technology in 2018. 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. Links Religious Educator: "Using Elements of Narrative to Engage Students" StephanTaeger.com RVVL Podcast Ears to Hear: Mini Sermons That Make You Think Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 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. 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, 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 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 700 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.

David Geens is a convert of 13 years, currently serving a "five year mission" as a bishop in the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders, Belgium. He previously served as a branch missionary leader, branch presidency counselor, elders quorum president, high counselor, and national communications director. A computer engineer and entrepreneur, David is active now as a business angel. He and his wife Isabel are the parents of Laurens (21) and Lucas (19). Links geenszins.info dekastvanmormon.info Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights David discusses his unique calling as a bishop, which he describes as a "five-year mission" that allows him to serve while remaining at home with his family. He shares his journey to baptism, which began with his wife's childhood fascination with the church, leading to their eventual conversion. David provides insights into the challenges and dynamics of church life in Belgium, emphasizing the secular nature of Western Europe and the difficulties of maintaining active membership. Throughout the episode, David shares valuable leadership principles he has learned during his time as a bishop. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive tone in communication, focusing on what can be done rather than what cannot. He also discusses the significance of understanding that the gospel's two basic rules—loving God and loving one's neighbor—should guide the interpretation of the Church's handbook, which he views as a tool to help bring people closer to Christ. Additionally, he addresses the issue of disappointment among members, noting that many inactive members cite feelings of disappointment as a primary reason for their absence from church. David highlights the importance of listening to members' concerns and building trust, sharing personal anecdotes that illustrate his approach to leadership. He concludes by reflecting on how his leadership experiences have deepened his faith and understanding of Christ's teachings, emphasizing that true leadership is rooted in service. 04:57 - David's Background and Language Skills 05:35 - Discovering Leading Saints 06:18 - David's Calling as Bishop 07:25 - Unique Setup of David's Five-Year Mission 08:16 - David's Conversion Story 10:18 - Church Dynamics in Belgium 12:35 - Cultural Differences in Discussing Religion 13:05 - David's Approach to Sharing Faith 14:15 - Characteristics of David's Ward 16:28 - Youth Group Dynamics in the Ward 18:25 - Church Building and Attendance 19:22 - Temple District and Upcoming Brussels Temple 20:57 - Characteristics of the Ward and Ministering 23:04 - Leadership Principle: Positive Communication 29:16 - Leadership Principle: The Gospel's Two Basic Rules 33:01 - Leadership Principle: Avoiding Disappointment 38:08 - Final Thoughts on Leadership and Service 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. 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, 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, 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, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill and many more in over 700 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,

Brad Lowder is a senior vice president at FamilySearch International. He has experience across media, marketing, advertising, and communications industries, and is an accomplished television producer and screenwriter. Prior to working for FamilySearch, Brad’s career included working in newspaper, radio, and satellite broadcasting where he produced live sporting events. He was also managing partner of two advertising agencies, chief marketing officer of a national franchise, and vice president of marketing and sales for an electronics company. Brad also owned a broadcasting company that created and produced a globally-syndicated radio program. Brad's church callings have included serving in a YSA Bishopric (twice), as a stake and ward Young Men president, on his stake high council, as a deacons and teachers quorum advisor, and stake director of public affairs. Brad served in the Germany Munich Mission and has a BA in Advertising from Brigham Young University. His interests include travel, cross country motorcycle trips, hiking, skiing, beekeeping, and spoiling his grandchildren. Brad is married to Marjorie Nelson Lowder and between them they have seven children and thirteen grandchildren. Links The Life of Sister Dantzel White Nelson | An Interview with Marjorie Nelson Lowder FamilySearch Get Involved Ordinances Ready "How family stories help children weather hard times" "The 'Do You Know?' 20 Questions About Family Stories" Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Brad shares insights into his role at FamilySearch, where he focuses on engaging the rising generation in family history work. He explains how the increasing number of temples worldwide necessitates a greater effort in record acquisition and indexing to support members in their temple work. Brad emphasizes the significance of integrating family history into the lives of youth, encouraging leaders to empower young people to take the lead in gathering Israel on both sides of the veil. He introduces practical tools such as the "Get Involved" app and the "Ordinances Ready" feature, which make it easier for youth to participate in temple work. The episode also delves into the psychological benefits of knowing family history, citing research that shows how understanding one's ancestry can enhance resilience and a sense of identity among youth. Brad encourages leaders to create a culture where family history is a natural part of worship and community activities, rather than a separate event. He shares strategies for incorporating family history into existing programs, making it fun and engaging for the rising generation. The episode concludes with Brad's enthusiasm for the potential of family history work to bless individuals and families, reinforcing the idea that this work is not just a task but a joyful and meaningful experience that connects generations. 04:11 - Personal Story: Asking for a Daughter's Hand in Marriage 08:34 - Day Job: Senior Vice President at FamilySearch 10:06 - Impact of Temple Building on FamilySearch 12:36 - Challenges of Record Acquisition in New Temple Districts 15:14 - Introduction to the Get Involved App 17:00 - AI and FamilySearch: The Future of Genealogy 18:03 - Engaging the Rising Generation in Family History 20:10 - Starting with the Savior: The Foundation of Family History 21:38 - Using Ordinances Ready for Temple Work 22:32 - Adding What You Know: Building Your Family Tree 25:00 - The Experience of Converts in Family History 27:17 - Family Name Assist: Helping Converts Prepare for the Temple 29:10 - Integrating Family History into Church Culture 30:18 - The Importance of Family Stories for Resilience 36:12 - Making Family History a Natural Part of Worship 44:08 - Sharing Family History with Non-Members: A Personal Experience The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top in...

This is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired in November 2019. Mark Mathews was born in Houston, Texas. He served a mission in Guatemala and met his wife at Brigham Young University. He later earned a Ph.D. in Education from Utah State University and has been involved with Seminaries and Institutes for 20 years. Mark has been a favorite attraction teaching at BYU Education Week for many interested in learning about the temple experience. Links Understanding Priesthood Keys in Leadership | An Interview with Mark Mathews ChurchofJesusChrist.org: Prepare for the House of the Lord ChurchofJesusChrist.org: Prophetic Teachings on Temples Seek Learning by Faith, by Elder David A. Bednar Understanding and Embracing the Temple Endowment, by Mark Mathews Prepared to Obtain Every Needful Thing, by Elder David A. Bednar Holiness and the Plan of Happiness, by President Henry B. Eyring God’s Plan for Families, by Mark Mathews Trust in the Lord, by President Dallin H. Oaks Spiritual Treasures, by President Russell M. Nelson Follow Mark Mathews on Facebook Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Scriptures Referenced The Book of Moses Exodus 40:12-13 Doctrine and Covenants 88:74-75 Doctrine and Covenants 109:21 2 Nephi 2:25 Doctrine and Covenants 132:19 Doctrine and Covenants 131 Doctrine and Covenants 109:22 Highlights 2:50: Mark’s BYU Education Week presentation was on the temple, motivating Leading Saints to have a podcast on how best leaders can prepare members to attend the temple for the first time. How does Mark as a bishop help members have a positive first-time experience? 5:00: Members have a natural desire to better understand the temple. Early chapters in the Book of Moses are an excellent template and place to start when studying the endowment ceremony. 6:45: Experiencing the endowment by viewing the video combined with the attendance of the Holy Ghost is akin to having a vision. Joseph Smith did the same for the early saints when the endowment ceremony was acted out. 7:45: The “practical” approach of reviewing the worthiness standard, explaining what can be shared about temple clothing, is still very vague. 8:33: Elder Bednar’s talk Seek Learning by Faith: “The most important learnings of life are caught—not taught.” Speaking at or telling people what to do or how to prepare may not be fully absorbed. Providing members with materials that they can read over time and with the attendance of the Holy Ghost is far more effective in helping them “catch” and discover truth for themselves. (See “Links” section above.) 10:30: How we can better understand what leaders can say about the temple. 13:08: Quoting Elder Bednar: “Two basic guidelines can help us achieve the proper understanding emphasized by President Benson. “Guideline #1. Because we love the Lord, we always should speak about His holy house with reverence. We should not disclose or describe the special symbols associated with the covenants we receive in sacred temple ceremonies. Neither should we discuss the holy information that we specifically promise in the temple not to reveal. “Guideline #2. The temple is the house of the Lord. Everything in the temple points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ. We may discuss the basic purposes of and the doctrine and principles associated with temple ordinances and covenants.” 14:40: Preventing members from feeling uncomfortable about temple worship after their initial experience. Help members understand that “the ultimate purpose of the temple endowment is to bring us into the presence of God.” 19:37: How to come into the presence of God: one must be prepared through ancient ritual, instruction, and covenant—all of which are part of the endowment ceremony. Washing and anointing Symbolism of “pouring” Temple garments and other sacerdotal vestments Covenants Law of Obedience

Trevor Farnes is the author of The Conquer Code and the CEO and Co-Founder of MTN OPS, an energy and nutritional product company focused on the outdoor industry, in Fruit Heights, Utah. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Full Sail University. Trevor's focus and mission at MTN OPS is that of improving the lives of individuals and families through transformational products and a community built to inspire individuals to conquer more in life. MTN OPS was recently recognized as one of Utah’s Fastest Growing Companies, one of Utah’s Best Places to Work, and Trevor was recognized as Utah Business CEO of the Year. After many years of facing hunger issues themselves, Trevor and his wife Jenna founded the MTN OPS initiative, Operation Conquer Hunger, to conquer hunger within the most vulnerable households in Utah, throughout the country, and Malawi, Africa. From every MTN OPS order the company donates a meal to a child or family in need. Within just a few short years, they have donated millions of meals and are committed to conquering hunger, one order, one meal, one child at a time. Above all, Trevor is devoted to his faith, husband to his beautiful wife of over 20 years, and the proud father to their four incredible children. He currently serves in the Church as stake Young Men president and member of his stake high council. Trevor has previously served as a bishopric counselor, ward Young Men president, Young Men advisor, ward mission leader, and in his elders quorum presidency. Links The Conquer Code MTN OPS Information about Camp Helaman Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights The discussion begins with an overview of Trevor's leadership style, which is deeply rooted in his experiences of overcoming business failures and the importance of faith. Trevor emphasizes the significance of core values in both business and church leadership, sharing how MTN OPS has cultivated a culture of trust and connection through its core values, including the unique principle of recognizing God. He explains that these values serve as decision-making guardrails that guide the organization toward its mission of improving lives. The conversation then shifts to the Children and Youth program of the Church, particularly focusing on the four goal quadrants: physical, spiritual, mental, and social. Trevor shares insights on how to effectively engage youth leaders in utilizing this quadrant to set meaningful goals without overwhelming the youth. He recounts a successful initiative where young men from his stake participated in a series of experiential activities designed to help them recognize their strengths and set personal goals. This approach not only fosters accountability but also creates a deeper connection between youth and their leaders. Trevor also discusses his role as the stake Young Men president, detailing how he transformed the mission preparation process by moving it to a more engaging environment and incorporating interactive elements. By inviting returned missionaries to share their experiences and providing a supportive atmosphere, he has seen increased participation and enthusiasm among the youth. The episode concludes with Farnes encouraging leaders to live by their core values, celebrate successes, and create a culture of accountability that inspires youth to grow spiritually and personally. Overall, this episode is filled with practical ideas and inspiration for leaders looking to make a positive impact on the rising generation. 04:10 - The Conquer Code: Background and Purpose 06:09 - The Importance of Core Values in Leadership 10:03 - Building a Trustworthy Brand Culture 12:12 - Core Values as Decision-Making Guardrails 14:08 - Focusing on Core Values Monthly 20:30 - The Youth Quadrant: Engaging Youth Leaders 22:12 - Creating Meaningful Youth Experiences

ToriAnn Perkey has served as ward or stake choir director, as well as ward or stake music coordinator for most of her adult life in the Church. She has also served as a Primary counselor and a Young Women secretary. ToriAnn earned a bachelor's degree in Classical Studies with History and Editing minors from Brigham Young University. In addition to raising four kids and homeschooling them for their entire education, she has also owned an online recruiting company and worked as an online business manager. She is now the executive director and English program director for a private educational company that provides a la carte classes for secondary homeschool students. ToriAnn has been happily married to her husband for 27 years and lives in Orem, Utah. Links SacredSheetMusic.org (not sacredsheetmusic.com) Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights ToriAnn shares her insights and experiences in leading ward and stake choirs and emphasizes the need for effective leadership in choir settings, particularly in revitalizing choirs that may have dwindled in participation. Throughout the episode, she outlines several key principles for successfully leading a choir. She stresses the importance of asking questions and gathering feedback from potential participants to understand their hesitations and preferences. This approach not only helps in addressing concerns but also fosters a sense of community and involvement. She advocates for proactive marketing strategies to ensure that choir activities are well-publicized and that members feel invited and excited to participate. ToriAnn also emphasizes the necessity of making participation easy and straightforward, ensuring that logistical details are well-organized to minimize barriers to attendance. Moreover, she discusses the significance of making choir practices spiritually enriching, suggesting that each session should include moments of reflection and testimony sharing to enhance the overall experience. ToriAnn shares personal anecdotes that illustrate the profound impact choir participation can have on individuals, including fostering connections and providing a sense of belonging. The episode concludes with ToriAnn encouraging choir directors to seek inspiration and guidance from their leadership, ensuring that the choir aligns with the broader goals of the ward or stake. Overall, this episode serves as a valuable resource for choir directors and leaders, offering practical advice and heartfelt insights into the transformative power of music and community within the church. 05:37 - Tori Ann's Background in Choir Directing 06:55 - Demographics and Dynamics of Choir in Different Areas 09:02 - Initial Challenges and Leadership Expectations 11:34 - Principle 1: Ask Questions and Get Feedback 14:10 - Importance of Feedback in Leadership 15:37 - Principle 2: Market Like Crazy 18:32 - Engaging New Members and Building Interest 20:03 - Principle 3: Make It Easy and Simple to Participate 23:14 - Reducing Barriers to Participation 23:45 - Principle 4: Make It Worth Their Time 28:15 - Creating a Spiritual Experience in Choir 30:11 - Building Relationships Through Choir 30:29 - Working with the Bishopric and Stake Presidency 35:42 - Practical Tools and Resources for Choir Directors 39:11 - The Impact of Choir Leadership 41:04 - Reflection on Leadership and Following Christ The 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. 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, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton,

Rich Hanks is an author, investor, and adviser to both start-ups and established businesses. He has served as a board director of numerous profit and non-profit companies and organizations, and as a mission president in Birmingham, Alabama. His book, To Be a Friend of Christ, draws on previously unavailable primary sources—journals, correspondence, notebooks, and recordings—to share the first and only authorized biography of his father, Marion D. Hanks, who served for nearly 40 years as a General Authority. Links To Be a Friend of Christ: The Life of Marion D. Hanks Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Rich shares personal anecdotes about his father, highlighting his early calling as a General Authority at just 31 years old and the unique challenges that came with it, including the absence of an emeritus status at the time. Rich elaborates on Marion D. Hanks' contributions to early morning seminary programs and the establishment of the Christus as a symbol of the Church, emphasizing his efforts to make the Church more relatable and accessible to the public. The discussion also touches on Elder Hanks' mission presidency in England, where he worked to reform the culture of missionary work, focusing on genuine conversion rather than mere numbers. Rich recounts how his father prioritized the spiritual well-being of missionaries and the importance of service, drawing parallels to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Throughout the episode, Rich reflects on the leadership principles exemplified by his father, including the importance of being a voice for change while maintaining respect for Church authority. The conversation concludes with Rich sharing how his father's legacy has influenced his own approach to leadership as a mission president, emphasizing the need to focus on the individuals being served rather than solely on baptism numbers. Overall, the episode provides a rich exploration of Marion D. Hanks' life and the enduring impact of his leadership philosophy within the Church. 02:05 - Who Was Marion D. Hanks? 02:52 - Elder Hanks' Influence and Legacy 03:42 - Rich Hanks' Personal Connection to His Father 04:05 - Marion D. Hanks as a General Authority 05:39 - The Emeritus Status and Its Impact 07:25 - Growing Up with a General Authority Father 08:56 - Marion D. Hanks' Teaching Innovations 10:51 - The Christus Symbol and Its Origins 12:47 - Elder Hanks as Mission President 16:55 - Addressing the Baptism Culture in England 20:55 - Leadership Principles from Elder Hanks 22:15 - The Importance of Service in Leadership 25:01 - The Dynamics of Being a General Authority 27:40 - Navigating Leadership Disagreements 30:12 - The Role of Revelation in Leadership 32:37 - The Legacy of Service and Community Engagement 39:09 - Personal Reflections on Leadership Principles 43:24 - Applying Elder Hanks' Principles in Modern Leadership The 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. 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, 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, 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, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary,

Mark Castillo was raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and baptized at age 10. He attended Brigham Young University, served a mission in Venezuela, and has had a career in business and human resources. Mark lives in Highland, Utah, with his wife and three sons, and currently serves as a Sunday School president. Links Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Mark emphasizes key leadership principles such as conversion, embracing one's teaching style, and the importance of personal stories in teaching. He highlights the need for consistent effort in spiritual growth and the significance of inviting others to act on what they learn. 02:41 - Mark's Background and Church Journey 06:39 - The "Sunday School Zealot" Nickname 09:02 - Tips for Ward Librarians 12:14 - Insights on a Typical Utah Ward 13:41 - Sunday School Structure in Highland Ward 16:07 - Teacher Council Meetings Overview 19:45 - Importance of Conversion in Leadership 24:18 - Embracing Your Teaching Style 27:21 - Choosing to Put Heavenly Father First 29:51 - Practical Tools for Teaching 31:06 - The Impact of Personal Stories in Teaching The 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. 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, 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, 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, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill and many more in over 700 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.