Know Who We Teach Before We Know What We Teach

What if learners became the teachers? In this episode of Deny Us Not Scripture Study, we explore the Jigsaw Strategy—a simple way to move gospel learning from passive listening to active discovery. Learners study in small groups, become “experts,” and then teach one another. We’ll explore how Jigsaws can work in Sunday School, youth classes, quorums, Primary, ward councils, and family scripture study. Because sometimes the best way to learn the gospel is to teach it to someone else. 📖 “That all may be edified of all.” — D&C 88:122 Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected] You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show: Venmo: @rcthompson88 PayPal: @rcthompson88 Zelle: [email protected] All content of this podcast represents the opinions of the producers and do not represent official teachings or positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

What happens when we combine faithful gospel teaching with intentional preparation, meaningful engagement, and thoughtful learning strategies? In this episode of Deny Us Not Scripture Study, we step back from specific instructional strategies to explore the why behind the podcast. Why should we care about lesson planning, engagement, discussion, and learning strategies when our ultimate goal is to invite the Spirit? We'll explore how intentional teaching practices can help create learning environments where more voices are heard, learners become active participants, and the Holy Ghost has more opportunities to teach and testify. These strategies aren't meant to replace the Spirit—they're designed to help us prepare the ground for Spirit-directed learning. At the heart of this episode is the idea of creating a deeper well for the Spirit to draw from. When teachers prepare with both study and faith, build meaningful relationships, ask thoughtful questions, and create space for discovery and participation, we can move beyond simply delivering lessons toward creating sacred learning experiences. Ultimately, this isn't about becoming better presenters. It's about becoming better disciples and helping those we teach come closer to Jesus Christ. Plan with purpose. Engage with intention. Trust the Spirit. Point everything to Christ. Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected] You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show: Venmo: @rcthompson88 PayPal: @rcthompson88 Zelle: [email protected] All content of this podcast represents the opinions of the producers and do not represent official teachings or positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

How can we help learners move beyond simply reading the scriptures to truly discovering the truths they contain? In this episode of Deny Us Not Scripture Study, we conclude our three-part series on discussion strategies by exploring practical ways to make scripture study more engaging, interactive, and Christ-centered. Rather than relying on teachers to explain every principle, we'll discuss how to help learners become active investigators of the scriptures—searching for patterns, promises, invitations, and insights through the guidance of the Holy Ghost. You'll learn simple techniques that can be used in Sunday School, Primary, youth classes, Relief Society, elders quorum, ward councils, family scripture study, and personal gospel study to encourage meaningful participation and lasting spiritual growth. We'll also tie together the principles of Notice, Wonder, Connect and The Power of Better Questions into a practical framework that transforms passive reading into shared discovery. When learners know how to study the scriptures—not just what was studied—they leave with skills that will strengthen their testimony and bless them for a lifetime. Join us as we explore how searching the scriptures together can create richer discussions, deeper conversion, and greater opportunities for the Spirit to teach. Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected] You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show: Venmo: @rcthompson88 PayPal: @rcthompson88 Zelle: [email protected] All content of this podcast represents the opinions of the producers and do not represent official teachings or positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The quality of a gospel discussion is often determined by the quality of the questions we ask. In this episode of Deny Us Not Scripture Study, we explore how thoughtful, Christ-centered questions can transform Sunday School, Primary, youth classes, quorum and Relief Society meetings, ward councils, and family scripture study from passive conversations into meaningful experiences of discovery and revelation. You'll learn a practical framework for asking four types of gospel questions—observation, interpretation, reflection, and application—and discover why open-ended questions invite deeper participation, richer testimony, and greater opportunities for the Holy Ghost to teach. We'll also discuss the importance of wait time, effective follow-up questions, and creating discussions that feel like invitations rather than quizzes. Join us as we learn from the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ, whose inspired questions invited people not just to think differently, but to become different. Great gospel teaching doesn't begin with having all the answers—it begins with asking better questions. Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected] You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show: Venmo: @rcthompson88 PayPal: @rcthompson88 Zelle: [email protected] All content of this podcast represents the opinions of the producers and do not represent official teachings or positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

What if the key to deeper scripture study isn't finding better answers—but asking better questions? In this episode of Deny Us Not Scripture Study, we explore Notice, Wonder, Connect, a simple yet powerful instructional strategy that transforms scripture reading into meaningful gospel study. Instead of rushing to interpretation, learners are invited to slow down, observe carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and connect what they discover to Jesus Christ and their own lives. Whether you're teaching Sunday School, Primary, youth classes, Relief Society, elders quorum, leading a ward council, or studying the scriptures with your family, this framework helps create richer discussions where the Holy Ghost can guide personal discovery. Join us as we learn how becoming more observant, more curious, and more intentional in our scripture study can deepen testimony, strengthen discipleship, and help us truly feast upon the words of Christ. Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected] You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show: Venmo: @rcthompson88 PayPal: @rcthompson88 Zelle: [email protected] All content of this podcast represents the opinions of the producers and do not represent official teachings or positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The Savior didn't simply teach crowds—He invited individuals to participate, ask questions, and discover truth. In this episode of Deny Us Not Scripture Study, we explore practical strategies for creating gospel learning environments where every voice is welcomed and every learner has an opportunity to contribute. Whether you're teaching Sunday School, Primary, Young Men, Young Women, Relief Society, elders quorum, or leading a ward council or family scripture study, you'll learn how intentional discussion structures can move classes beyond a handful of frequent commenters and invite meaningful participation from everyone. Discover how creating a culture of belonging, listening, and shared learning not only strengthens discussions but also provides a deeper well for the Holy Ghost to draw from as learners teach, testify, and minister to one another. When every voice matters, gospel learning becomes more than a lesson—it becomes a Christ-centered community of disciples learning together. Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected] You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show: Venmo: @rcthompson88 PayPal: @rcthompson88 Zelle: [email protected] All content of this podcast represents the opinions of the producers and do not represent official teachings or positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Restorative Circles – Creating Gospel Discussions Where Every Voice Matters Meaningful gospel discussions don't happen because we ask more questions—they happen because we create a space where people feel safe to share. In this episode of Deny Us Not Scripture Study, we explore how the principles of restorative circles can strengthen gospel learning in Sunday School, youth classes, quorum and Relief Society meetings, ward councils, and family scripture study. Rather than focusing on solving problems, restorative circles create opportunities for every learner to be seen, heard, and valued. You'll learn practical ways to build trust, encourage respectful participation, and invite every member of your class into the conversation. Drawing on both educational research and gospel principles, this episode demonstrates how intentional community-building prepares hearts for the Holy Ghost to teach and testify. When every voice matters, learners become more than passive listeners—they become a true gospel learning community, united in seeking Jesus Christ together. Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected] You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show: Venmo: @rcthompson88 PayPal: @rcthompson88 Zelle: [email protected] All content of this podcast represents the opinions of the producers and do not represent official teachings or positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Great gospel discussions don't happen by accident—they happen when people feel safe enough to participate. In this episode of Deny Us Not Scripture Study, we explore why building community is one of the most important responsibilities of every gospel teacher. Before learners will share their thoughts, ask sincere questions, or testify of their faith, they need to know they belong. Drawing on principles from education, implementation science, and the Savior's ministry, this episode examines how creating a culture of trust, respect, and connection prepares hearts for the Holy Ghost to teach. You'll discover practical ideas for helping every member of your class, quorum, council, or family feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether you teach Sunday School, Primary, Young Men, Young Women, Relief Society, elders quorum, or lead family scripture study, you'll leave with simple strategies to strengthen relationships and create gospel learning experiences where every voice matters. Because before we teach the lesson, we teach the people. Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected] You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show: Venmo: @rcthompson88 PayPal: @rcthompson88 Zelle: [email protected] All content of this podcast represents the opinions of the producers and do not represent official teachings or positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

What if the most important part of your lesson is the last two minutes? In this episode of Deny Us Not Scripture Study, we explore The Launch, a powerful strategy adapted from the Capturing Kids' Hearts framework that helps learners move beyond discussion and into discipleship. Discover how ending a lesson with a purposeful invitation can help learners identify meaningful next steps and apply gospel principles in their daily lives. Whether you're teaching Sunday School, leading a youth class, facilitating a ward council, or guiding family scripture study, this episode will provide practical tools for closing lessons with intention and helping learners answer one transformative question: "Because of what I learned today, what will I do?" Great gospel teaching doesn't end with understanding—it launches learners into action. Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected] You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show: Venmo: @rcthompson88 PayPal: @rcthompson88 Zelle: [email protected] All content of this podcast represents the opinions of the producers and do not represent official teachings or positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Why do so many discussions begin with a great question and end in awkward silence? In this episode of Deny Us Not Scripture Study, we explore one of the simplest and most effective engagement strategies available to teachers, leaders, and families: Think, Pair, Share. Drawing from proven educational practices, we'll discuss how giving learners time to think, opportunities to discuss, and confidence to share can dramatically increase participation and improve the quality of gospel discussions. Whether you're teaching Sunday School, leading a youth class, participating in a ward council, or conducting family scripture study, this powerful strategy can help move learners from passive listeners to active participants. Discover how intentional engagement can create better discussions, deeper understanding, and greater opportunities for the Spirit to teach and testify. Host: Dr. Ryan Thompson Connect with Dr. Thompson through email at [email protected] You can check out Dr. Thompson's author page here Deny Us Not Scripture Study is a value-for-value podcast. Please consider donating to the show: Venmo: @rcthompson88 PayPal: @rcthompson88 Zelle: [email protected] All content of this podcast represents the opinions of the producers and do not represent official teachings or positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.