ANNOUNCEMENT: Leading Saints at Sea

John Bushman served as a bishop for 6.5 years, as a member of many bishoprics, and currently serves as a Gospel Doctrine teacher. He has been a Seminaries and Institutes of Religion coordinator, Institute instructor, and is now a Seminary instructor. He has also taught EFY and FSY for 20 years. John loves hiking and going on adventures of most any kind. Links King Before Kingdom Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights John Bushman explores the necessity of a “faithful revival” centered on Jesus Christ rather than the institutional church. He argues that while the restored church is essential, members and leaders often mistake the “kingdom” for the “king,” leading to a checklist-based faith. The discussion focuses on transitioning from a culture of “legalism” to one of genuine “regeneration” through a relationship with the Savior. 00:04:04 – Importance of Collaboration in Leadership 00:05:39 – The Most Important Part of Sacrament Meeting 00:08:06 – The Concept of Revival in the Church 00:10:57 – Spiritual Sleep in the Church 00:12:16 – The Challenge of Routine in Worship 00:13:04 – The Importance of Understanding “Why” 00:14:28 – The Purpose of Church Services 00:19:00 – Faith vs. Knowledge in the Gospel 00:24:01 – The New Covenant vs. Old Covenant 00:27:25 – The Role of Jesus in Salvation 00:28:47 – The Shift Towards Jesus-Centered Worship 00:30:35 – The Importance of Personal Conversion Stories 00:32:51 – The Relationship Between Church and Christ 00:36:20 – The Role of Church Leaders in Focusing on Jesus 00:39:21 – The Concept of Legalism in Faith 00:44:50 – Moving Beyond Legalism to Grace Key Insights The “King” vs. the “Kingdom”: Bushman emphasizes that the church is the vehicle (the kingdom), but Jesus Christ is the destination (the king). A faithful revival occurs when the focus shifts from just belonging to the organization to surrendering to the Savior. Conversion vs. Testimony: A testimony often focuses on the truth of facts (e.g., Joseph Smith was a prophet), whereas true conversion is the decision to stop doing things one’s own way and surrender life to Jesus. The New Covenant of Faith: Bushman clarifies that “faith” in the New Testament is better understood as “trust” or “reliance,” similar to the trust one places in a surgeon. It is an internal change of heart rather than just an outward performance of commandments. Avoiding “Spiritual Autopilot”: Routines, such as the sacrament or repetitive church meetings, can lead to a “spiritual sleep” where members go through the motions without emotional or spiritual connection to God. Regeneration Over Prohibition: True change (regeneration) happens when a person no longer desires to do evil because their heart has been changed by grace, which is more effective than “prohibition” or simply following a list of “don’ts”. Leadership Applications Pattern Interrupts in Meetings: Leaders can revitalize routine ordinances by adding brief, 60-second “pattern interrupts”. For example, a bishop might briefly challenge the ward to think of one specific way to remember the Lord during the upcoming week just before the sacrament is administered. Shifting the “Why” of Meetings: Leaders should evaluate if their meetings are designed to increase knowledge (factoids) or to facilitate a “worship service” that connects individuals with divinity. Focusing on Redemption in Interviews: When working with members on repentance or baptism, John suggests focusing on the member’s commitment to follow Jesus for the rest of their lives rather than just confirming they believe the Church is true. 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.

Find out more information about this LDS Cruise at SeaSaints.com Use code LEADINGSAINTS to be part of our onboard experience.

Find out more information about this LDS Cruise at SeaSaints.com Use code LEADINGSAINTS to be part of our onboard experience.

Join Kurt Francom and other fantastic speakers and entertainers for the Sea Saints Alaskan Cruise. Find all the details and book your cabin at SeaSaints.com Use Code: LeadingSaints to be included in exclusive Leading Saints experiences onboard.

Join Kurt Francom and other fantastic speakers and entertainers for the Sea Saints Alaskan Cruise. Find all the details and book your cabin at SeaSaints.com Use Code: LeadingSaints to be included in exclusive Leading Saints experiences onboard.

Dustin Peterson is the founder and president of Proof Leadership Group, a leadership consultancy that works with organizations to train leaders and help develop their company culture. He is also an author and recently published his fourth book, Meant for More: Waking Up to the Life You Were Sent to Live. He currently serves as the stake president in the Friendswood Texas Stake and has served as a seminary teacher, branch president, stake presidency counselor, and counselor in the Texas Houston South Mission. He lives in Houston with his wife and four children and loves bacon and Dallas sports teams. Links Meant for More: Waking Up to the Life You Were Sent to Live When Leaders Accidentally Limit Their Effectiveness | An Interview with Dustin Peterson Clarifying Purpose to Guide Your Calling, Work, & Family Life | An Interview with Dustin Peterson Leading with Your God-Given Talents | An Interview with Dustin Peterson Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights The conversation centers on the importance of purpose in leadership and personal development. Key Insights Purpose as Motivation: Purpose serves as a powerful source of motivation, helping individuals overcome challenges and find fulfillment in their roles, whether formal or informal. Crucibles of Experience: Personal trials and challenges often reveal one’s purpose. Reflecting on difficult experiences can lead to insights about how to serve others and make a positive impact. The Importance of “Why”: Understanding the deeper reasons behind actions and assignments is crucial for effective leadership. Leaders should help others grasp the “why” behind their responsibilities to foster engagement and commitment. Simplicity in Purpose Statements: Effective purpose statements should be short, bold, and idealistic, guiding individuals toward meaningful goals without being overly complex. Individual Purpose: Each person has a unique purpose that can be discovered through reflection on past experiences and aspirations for the future. Leadership Applications Fostering a Purpose-Driven Culture: Latter-day Saint leaders can create an environment where members feel empowered to explore their individual purposes, encouraging them to share their experiences and insights. Utilizing Reflection Exercises: Leaders can implement activities like journey mapping to help individuals identify their highs and lows, facilitating discussions that uncover personal purposes and motivations. Encouraging Open Dialogue: By prioritizing conversations about purpose and the “why” behind church activities, leaders can enhance engagement and inspire members to take meaningful action in their callings. 00:04:14 – Overview of Meant for More Book 00:05:08 – The Importance of Purpose in Leadership 00:10:07 – Purpose vs. Motivation in Leadership 00:12:13 – Understanding the Why Behind Ministering 00:15:14 – The Role of Purpose in Church Leadership 00:18:23 – Finding Personal Purpose Beyond Formal Roles 00:20:09 – The Three Components of Purpose 00:25:05 – The Impact of Crucibles on Purpose 00:30:07 – Creating a Purpose Statement for a Stake 00:34:51 – The Importance of a Rallying Point in Leadership 00:38:07 – Finding Purpose Outside of Formal Leadership 00:40:39 – Activity: Creating a Journey Map for Purpose 00:42:24 – Conclusion and Reflection on Growth Through Crucibles 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.

Join Kurt Francom and other fantastic speakers and entertainers for the Sea Saints Alaskan Cruise. Find all the details and book your cabin at SeaSaints.com! Use Code: LeadingSaints to be included in exclusive Leading Saints experiences onboard.

Steven W. Shields, CMHC, CETII, CECII, is passionate about helping others regain their freedom by healing their root trauma. One of his greatest moments with clients is when he fires them. His hope is to help clients access that inner healing as quickly as possible so they can stop spending time and money in therapy, live the adventure, and experience the joys that life has in store for them. Steven loves dirt biking, Christian rap, and playing Pokémon with his kids. Links Is Mental Health Healing Possible? | An Interview with Steven Shields [ACCEPTED] Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights Steve discusses the importance of community and authenticity within Latter-day Saint congregations, and how to foster genuine connections and address the challenges of secrecy and shame in church settings. Key Insights Community vs. Secrecy: Steven emphasizes the distinction between confidentiality and secrecy. While confidentiality involves honoring individuals’ stories, secrecy can hinder authentic connections and healing. Authenticity in Leadership: Leaders are encouraged to model authenticity by sharing their own experiences and struggles, which can create a safe space for others to do the same. The Role of Therapy: Therapy serves as an artificial container for healing, providing tools and support that individuals may not find within their community. However, true healing often occurs through genuine relationships and community support. Cultural Challenges: Many members feel isolated or disconnected in their wards, often due to fear of judgment. Steven argues that this leads to a culture of silence, where individuals keep secrets rather than seeking connection. Building Connections: Leaders should actively work to create environments where members feel safe to share their struggles, thus fostering a sense of belonging and support. Leadership Applications Encourage Vulnerability: Leaders can promote a culture of openness by sharing their own challenges and inviting members to do the same, which can help break down barriers of shame and secrecy. Facilitate Small Groups: Organizing smaller gatherings or discussion groups can help members connect on a deeper level, allowing for more meaningful conversations and support. Model Authenticity: By being transparent about their own journeys, leaders can inspire others to engage authentically, ultimately strengthening the ward community and enhancing overall unity. 00:03:43 – The Importance of Community 00:04:16 – Current Trends in Therapy 00:05:40 – Managing vs. Healing 00:08:10 – The Role of Worthiness 00:09:50 – The Journey of Repentance 00:11:32 – Addressing Pornography in Leadership 00:12:25 – Confidentiality vs. Secrecy 00:14:05 – The Nature of Confidentiality 00:15:10 – The Need for Vulnerability 00:18:25 – Creating Safe Spaces in Church 00:19:28 – The Power of Authenticity 00:21:11 – Building Connections in the Ward 00:23:29 – The Role of Community in Recovery 00:25:17 – The Importance of Sharing Stories 00:27:39 – Overcoming Fear and Shame 00:29:10 – The Cost of Speaking Up 00:30:57 – The Role of Therapy in Healing 00:32:19 – Building Community in the Church 00:34:06 – The Future of Healing and Community 00:35:17 – The Role of Therapy as an Artificial Container 00:37:14 – The Need for Organic Healing 00:40:10 – Therapy and Community The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

As a culture change enthusiast with hundreds of presentations under her belt, Dr. Christy Kane transforms audiences when she speaks. Her message is based on the belief that embracing mental health as a positive is essential to thriving.   All of Dr. Kane’s work has one goal: to help people care for their brains and live better lives. By incorporating brain-based research, storytelling, and a thought-provoking delivery, she makes difficult topics engaging and memorable.​   Dr. Kane has a Doctorate in Psychology and a clinical license (CMHC) in addition to being a successful business owner and leader. Dr. Kane has provided mental health corporate consulting, corporate training, and professional development training for school districts in multiple states.  Links KaneCounselingServices.com Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights Dr. Kane discusses the complexities of mental health within the context of church leadership. The conversation focuses on how leaders can better understand mental health dynamics, set appropriate boundaries, and support members effectively. Key Insights Understanding Mental Health Trends: Dr. Kane highlights the rise of “gray divorce,” where older couples are increasingly seeking divorce after decades of marriage, often due to lack of growth and connection in their relationships. Boundaries in Leadership: Leaders must establish clear boundaries to protect their mental health and avoid overstepping into roles that require professional training, such as therapy. This includes recognizing when to refer members to mental health professionals. Curiosity Over Judgment: Leaders should approach conversations with curiosity rather than jumping to conclusions. Asking open-ended questions can help members feel safe and understood, allowing for more effective support. Recognizing Mental Health Issues: Leaders need to differentiate between spiritual struggles and mental health issues. Persistent feelings of disconnection from the spirit may indicate underlying mental health concerns that require professional intervention. Communication with Professionals: When referring members to therapists, leaders should ensure that proper releases of information are signed, allowing for effective communication between the therapist and the church leader. Leadership Applications Establishing Clear Expectations: Leaders can set the tone for their interactions by clarifying that they are not therapists and that they will refer members to professionals when necessary. This helps manage expectations and reduces the risk of burnout. Promoting Open Dialogue: By fostering an environment of curiosity and openness, leaders can encourage members to share their struggles without fear of judgment, leading to more meaningful support and connection. Utilizing Resources Wisely: Leaders should leverage available resources, such as mental health professionals, to assist members effectively while maintaining their own well-being. This includes participating in training sessions to better understand mental health dynamics and how to address them. 00:02:00 – Mental Health Trends: Gray Divorce 00:04:00 – Dynamics of Empty Nesters and Relationships 00:05:30 – Vision for Mental Health Content Creation 00:06:00 – Importance of Understanding Mental Health for Leaders 00:08:00 – Navigating Shame, Guilt, and Godly Sorrow 00:10:00 – Boundaries in Leadership Roles 00:12:00 – Comparing Bishop and Therapist Roles 00:14:00 – Recognizing Depression vs. Spiritual Issues 00:16:00 – Setting Boundaries in Conversations 00:18:00 – Importance of Curiosity in Leadership 00:20:00 – Referring to Professional Therapists 00:22:00 – Communicating with Therapists: Best Practices 00:24:00 – Managing High-Risk Conversations 00:26:00 – Maintaining Trust in Confidentiality 00:28:00 – Addressing Secrets in Relationships 00:30:00 – Importance of Self-Care for Leaders 00:32:00 – Strengthening Family and Ward Culture 00:34:00 – Addressing Feelings of Loneliness Among Women 00:36:00 – Upcoming Topics for Mental Health Discussions 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.

Jeff Strong worked nearly 30 years in the consumer products industry as a senior executive at Procter & Gamble and global president and chief customer officer at Johnson & Johnson. He then taught in the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University and worked as an advisor to the Church before serving as a mission leader in the Arkansas Bentonville Mission. Jeff has since spent several years doing research on why people are leaving the Church. He recently published the book Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn from Them. Jeff lives in Midway, Utah, and stays busy with a little lavender farm, some business consulting, and enjoying family. Links Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn from Them What to Say When Loved Ones Leave the Church | An Interview with Jeff Strong and Joseph Grenny The Data Behind Church Culture | An Interview with Jeff Strong TornByJeffStrong.com Instagram: @tornbyjeffstrong Facebook Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights 00:02:42 – Competing Narratives in Church Growth and Disaffiliation 00:04:22 – Personal Connection to Disaffiliation 00:06:36 – The Journey to Understanding Disaffiliation 00:09:05 – The Role of Data and Personal Experience 00:10:54 – The Complexity of Disaffiliation 00:12:11 – The Challenge of Measuring Disaffiliation 00:15:09 – Research Methodology and Findings 00:17:29 – Understanding the Audience for “Torn” 00:19:30 – The Importance of Accurate Understanding 00:20:36 – Celebrating Strengths While Facing Challenges 00:22:03 – The Impact of Local vs. Global Growth 00:25:41 – The Role of Missionary Work [CORRECTION: Jeff’s rough estimate of 275,000 baptisms per year is the GLOBAL number. The U.S. number is a portion of that.] 00:27:06 – The Need for a Balanced Perspective 00:29:26 – The Misconception of Resurgence Among Young People 00:31:03 – The Data on Disaffiliation 00:35:02 – The Four Waves of Disaffiliation 00:40:53 – Wave One: Lifestyle and Depletion 00:43:17 – Personal Anecdote on Depletion and Church Experience 00:44:19 – Wave Two: Doubt and Disbelief 00:46:05 – Wave Three: Cultural and Social Factors 00:48:12 – Wave Four: Institutional Issues 00:50:00 – The Importance of Understanding and Addressing Disaffiliation Key Insights Competing Narratives: The church is experiencing growth in certain areas, such as baptisms and missionary work, but disaffiliation remains a significant concern, with many individuals quietly stepping away from their faith. Personal Connection: Jeff shares his personal journey of grappling with his son’s disaffiliation, highlighting the emotional impact and the need for a deeper understanding of why individuals leave the church. Research Findings: Jeff’s research indicates that approximately 40% of active members have disaffiliated since 2000, with various reasons categorized into “waves,” including lifestyle challenges and deeper faith crises. Cultural Dynamics: The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing the cultural pressures within the church that may lead to feelings of depletion rather than spiritual fulfillment for some members. Engagement vs. Disaffiliation: While many active members report strong engagement and purpose, a significant portion of young adults are less affiliated with organized religion, indicating a complex relationship with faith. Leadership Applications Fostering Understanding: Leaders can benefit from understanding the reasons behind disaffiliation to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for those struggling with their faith. Encouraging Open Dialogue: By promoting open conversations about faith challenges, leaders can help bridge the gap between those who feel fulfilled in their faith and those who are struggling. Addressing Cultural Pressures: Leaders should be aware of the cultural dynamics that may lead to feelings of depletion among members and work to create a more nurturing and understanding community that supports individual spiritual journeys. The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.