Prioritizing Music in our Worship | An Interview with Brett Stewart

Dr. Brett Stewart is a conductor, composer, pianist, and vocalist. He has taught music to youth and adults for nearly three decades and—together with his brother—founded Millennial Choirs & Orchestras. He is also a composer-in-residence for MCO, having composed and arranged well over one hundred works for the organization, including the full-length oratorio Messiah in America, and the full-length patriotic work To Be American. Brett received a doctorate degree in Choral Conducting with cognate studies in Composition from the University of Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music, a master’s degree in Choral Conducting from California State University, Long Beach, and a bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from Brigham Young University. Extremely active and busy with his family and religious life, Stewart devotes his career time exclusively to MCO and other composing projects. Brett and his wife, Mindy, are the parents of seven children and live in northeast Texas. Links Millennial Choirs and Orchestras MCO on YouTube Messiah in America on YouTube "Savior, Redeemer of My Soul" There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon 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.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in March 2020. DeAnna Murphy is a former stake Relief Society president in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the Chief People and Culture Officer for Thrivin, with a twenty-seven-year international career as an organizational psychologist, expert learning and development practitioner, and executive coach. She is also an internationally-known keynote speaker, Top 100 Global Coaching Leader, and author. DeAnna has shared her expertise and inspiration in many Leading Saints articles, podcasts, and events. Her personal time is joyfully spent loving and lifting her family and friends, and helping each person she meets to recognize how valuable and important they are. Links Shift Up! Strengths Strategies for Optimal Living Choose to See You Read the transcript of this podcast There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 0:00:03 Introduction of DeAnna Murphy 0:00:48 Her deepest desire has just been to be a great mom; her best leadership training has come in that arena. Professionally, she’s an executive leadership coach. 0:03:44 Great leaders don’t just ask “what we are trying to accomplish?”, but also, “what is important about it?” 0:04:07 When we start a meeting establishing the purpose of the meeting, it creates power. 0:04:20 Beginning a 13-14 Sunday School class by establishing the purpose 0:05:43 “Of all the things you’re trying to accomplish with this summit, what’s the most important thing you’d hope they’d learn and they’re longing to hear?” 0:06:00 (Kurt) Hope people walk away with a deeper ability and motivation to run a meeting 0:06:50 We meet to unify. We meet to connect. We meet to multiply our resources together. D&C 43:8-9 – When we meet, we should instruct and edify one another 0:08:08 To “instruct and edify together” implies that each participant holds a piece – no one person holds all the pieces 0:11:06 Each person in a council has a unique strength and a unique perspective. 0:13:23 DeAnna’s experience with a leader having a diametrically opposed viewpoint – she might have a difficult time understanding his perspective. She sometimes had a difficult time communicating with him. It helped them to understand how the other viewed situations. 0:15:29 Feelings of self-consciousness, uncertainty, and fear led to defensiveness. Granting herself grace allowed her to grant others grace, and remove the defensiveness. 0:16:05 Citing Ether 12:27 (weakness that they may be humble); DeAnna focuses on Ether 12:37 (because you see your weakness, you’ll be made strong) 0:16:35 DeAnna’s weaknesses were not made strong by becoming like her Stake President. Instead, they learned from each other, they became stronger in each other, and were unified in the Savior. 0:19:00 Identify what is important about the meeting 0:19:18 Identify “how” we will be together: (1) There’s always room for the Savior (2) Recognize we see things differently 0:20:30 Three or four questions always help to create clarity: (1) “What are you noticing…” or “I’m noticing…” (2) “What’s important about that?” (3) “What does it mean?” (4) “Now what do we do about it” (“Why?When?How?”) 0:22:58 What do you do when you’re in a meeting and you realize that you’re not tracking what is being said? Many remain silent. 0:24:00 Feeling confusion in a meeting may be a spiritual prompting that others are confused. Consider that speaking up will likely help others in the room, not just yourself. 0:24:35 Going into meetings, agree about how we are going to “be” together. Set up ground rules for how we will conduct the meetings and participate. 0:26:17 Google experiment: The number one thing contributing to high-performing teams – cohesive and agile – was psychological safety. 0:27:17 There’s nothing more intimidating that being one of three women in a room with 15 men in their suits.

Meagan Kohler is a Latter-day Saint convert and has a double BA in Philosophy and French from Brigham Young University. She writes for the Latter-day Saint Voices column at Deseret News, but her main (and favorite) gig is taking care of her husband and four boys. Meagan has served as a secretary in the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary, and has taught both Sunday School and Relief Society. Links The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? "The case for ‘low-production’ church" There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon 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.

Rebecca Woolf was raised in Provo, Utah, the daughter of John and Shawna Edwards, with four brothers. She met her husband Landon at Brigham Young University. After graduation they lived in four different states as Landon studied and trained to become a pediatric anesthesiologist, and Becca studied and trained to become a mother of four incredible boys. They have now settled in Spokane, Washington. Becca has served in the Church as a counselor in Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society, as a Sunday School teacher, and as a Relief Society and Young Women president. Links When Being Released Hurts There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Becca vulnerably shares her experience as a Relief Society president in a new ward where the sisters embraced each other and she grew by striving to love as Jesus did. Highlights coming soon 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.

Robert Ferrell recently returned from serving with his wife Lori Ann as mission leaders in the Peru Lima Central Mission. Prior to that service he was a dental surgeon/periodontist for 25 years in Ogden, Utah. He is currently a partner at [ACCEPTED], a full-service mental health clinic, and president of "Awaken”, a humanitarian foundation providing service at home and around the world for businesses, schools, families and youth. Robert's church leadership experience as a young single adult bishop, YSA stake president, and mission president—along with his professional careers—has given him unique experience and perspective to inspire young adults through some of the most important moments and difficult challenges of their lives. He has been a mentor/coach to thousands of young adults, a professional and inspirational speaker with over 500 presentations, and a presenter at BYU Education Week since 2017. Links Aspire: Discovering Your Purpose Through the Power of Words Seekers Wanted There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Robert Ferrell discusses the importance of fostering a culture of trust and open communication, encouraging leaders to help those they work with to focus on strengths and talents rather than their weaknesses. He shares anecdotes about his interactions with missionaries, emphasizing the need for leaders to be approachable and to create an environment where it is safe to discuss struggles and failures. Throughout the episode, Robert reflects on the significance of connecting people to Jesus Christ, advocating for a shift in focus from mere mechanics to building genuine relationships with the Savior. He urges leaders to learn from those who struggle rather than solely focusing on those who succeed. The discussion also touches on the importance of time, training, teamwork, traditions, and theology in effective leadership. Ultimately, the conversation reminds us of the need for compassion, understanding, and a focus on personal growth in both leadership and discipleship. 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.

Devin Pope was raised in Springville, Utah, and studied Economics at Brigham Young University before earning a PhD in Economics from University of California, Berkeley. He worked at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and is now a professor of Behavioral Science and Economics at the University of Chicago. Devin and his wife Linda have four children and have held a variety of callings in the Church. He is currently the bishop of the Hyde Park 2nd Ward in Chicago. Links The Power of Everyday Missionaries Rallying the Ward Around Sacrament Meeting | A How I Lead Interview with Ryan Webb There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Bishop Devin Pope leads the fastest-growing and most-baptizing ward in North America, located in Southside Chicago. He discusses his experiences and innovative approaches to missionary work, particularly in a diverse and densely-populated area with over a million residents. Devin recounts his journey from serving as a ward mission leader to becoming bishop, emphasizing the importance of community engagement through events that welcome families into the church without a proselytizing agenda. He describes various successful community events, such as movie nights, indoor carnivals, and a popular haunted house that attracts thousands of attendees each year. These events aim to create a sense of belonging and familiarity with the church, ultimately leading to increased interest in church attendance. He also addresses the challenges of retaining new converts, highlighting the need for the church to provide meaningful support and assistance to families, particularly single mothers and migrants, who often face significant struggles. Devin emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment during sacrament meetings and adapting the format to engage attendees better. He shares strategies for making church services more dynamic and inclusive, such as varying the types of talks and encouraging participation from all members, regardless of their background. The discussion culminates in a focus on the recent influx of migrants to Chicago, with Devin advocating for compassion and support for these new neighbors, regardless of political views. This conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the church's mission to love and serve all individuals, fostering a sense of community and belonging within the church. 00:02:39 - Introduction with Bishop Devin Pope 00:04:57 - Devin's Background and Calling 00:06:40 - Missionary Work and Community Dynamics 00:08:43 - Community Events: Engaging the Local Population 00:11:45 - Creative Community Event Ideas 00:14:40 - No Proselytizing Zone: Building Relationships 00:16:04 - Frequency and Planning of Community Events 00:17:22 - Popular Community Events: Haunted House and More 00:20:01 - Utilizing Church Facilities for Community Engagement 00:21:02 - Learning from Failed Events 00:22:10 - Involvement of Missionaries and Ward Members 00:23:56 - Budgeting for Community Events 00:24:34 - Shifting Focus to Community Outreach 00:25:29 - Organic Growth: Inviting People to Church 00:27:18 - Pizza Nights: Informal Introductions to the Church 00:29:39 - The Role of Missionaries in the Ward 00:30:00 - Retaining New Converts: Importance of Community 00:31:04 - Enhancing Sacrament Meetings for Engagement 00:34:22 - Providing Value to New Members 00:36:14 - Long-Term Welfare Support for Families 00:39:25 - Balancing Welfare Needs and Community Support 00:40:17 - Creating a Welcoming Church Environment 00:44:19 - Addressing the Needs of Migrant Families 00:45:40 - Engaging with Local Migrant Communities 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 bette...

Greg Trimble is the Founder of Lemonade Stand, an Inc. 5000 company and one of the fastest-growing digital marketing agencies in the United States. He also founded Build Then Bless®, a fintech platform that improves the world through one micro-interaction at a time, and Yalla, a team management and collaboration tool that is 100% dedicated to helping companies and organizations work better together. Greg is an author of five books and has served on the editorial board for BYU Studies, the Board of Directors of Faith Matters, the Advisory Board for Scripture Central, the Board of Directors for Millennial Choirs & Orchestras, the Board of Directors for Gifted Music School and assists many other faith-based organizations in their various missions to improve families and strengthen faith in God. He currently serves as a bishop in his ward and as a service missionary working with the General Young Men Presidency with his wife Kristyn. Most of all, Greg enjoys spending time with his family while surfing, skiing, golfing, and playing almost every other sport imaginable. Links Having a Game Plan for Sunday School | An Interview With Greg Trimble Millennial Choirs & Orchestra: Millennial.org Faith Matters The Future of Missionary Work In The Church There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Greg shares his experiences over nearly four years of serving as a bishop in a Utah ward, highlighting the unique approach he has taken to engage youth in missionary work. 00:03:00 - Greg's Background and Experience as a Bishop 00:06:00 - Insights from Four Years as a Bishop 00:08:00 - The Unique Demographics of the Ward 00:09:00 - Engaging with the Youth Program 00:10:00 - Preparing for a Typical Sunday as a Bishop 00:12:00 - Greg's Involvement with Millennial Choirs and Orchestras 00:14:00 - The Future of Missionary Work Article 00:16:00 - Creating a Mini Mission in the Ward 00:19:00 - Benefits of Ward Missionaries 00:22:00 - Structure of the Ward Missionary Program 00:23:00 - Connection with Ministering Efforts 00:24:00 - Building Connections in the Ward 00:26:30 - Expectations for Youth in Missionary Work 00:28:00 - Long-Term Vision for Missionary Preparation 00:42:00 - The Importance of Service in Missionary Work 00:45:00 - Integrating Service Principles into the Program 00:47:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Missionary Work 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.

Find tickets for the movie Faith of Angels HERE Joshua Dennis works as a designer for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the For the Strength of Youth Magazine and the Gospel Living App. He graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting and Drawing. He has served as a bishop and currently as a stake president. Josh lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife Johana and their four children. Links The Best Five Years | A How I Lead Interview with Kirby Heyborne There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Joshua Dennis shares his remarkable story of being lost in an abandoned mine as a young boy and miraculously found. Joshua, now serving as a stake president, reflects on the experience and the impact it has had on his life. The conversation also touches on the upcoming movie "Faith of Angels," which portrays Joshua's story and the miraculous events surrounding his rescue. Joshua emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus Christ, being the person you want others to become, and maintaining a loving and kind demeanor in leadership roles. He shares insights on the challenges and blessings of serving as a stake president, drawing on personal experiences and lessons learned from his journey. 00:06:15 - Joshua Dennis recounts being separated in the mine 00:13:20 - Reflections on his experience and the role of angels 00:19:10 - Experience of the story resurfacing 00:21:05 - How the story became a movie 00:23:40 - Where the movie title came from 00:27:05 - Sealing of the mine after his rescue 00:28:00 - Serving a mission in Honduras when his story was told in a conference talk 00:30:46 - Sharing experiences with others 00:34:30 - Service as a stake president 00:36:30 - Service in a Spanish-speaking ward in Utah 00:40:00 - Focus on Jesus Christ in leadership 00:42:10 - Be the person you want others to become 00:44:20 - When you don't know what to do, be loving and kind 00:46:10 - Reflections on the first year as a stake president 00:51:00 - Perspective on tragedy and the absence of miracles 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.

Taysom Hill is an American professional football utility player and quarterback for the NFL's New Orleans Saints. He is the youngest of four children and grew up in Pocatello, Idaho, where he lettered in football, basketball, and track. Taysom served a mission to Sydney, Australia, and played college football at Brigham Young University where he was a starting quarterback. He married his wife Emily while at BYU and their family now splits their time between New Orleans and Provo, Utah. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Taysom shares insights from his experiences in football and leadership, drawing parallels between sports and church leadership. He discusses the impact of his mission on his life, the importance of routines, and the power of belief and empowerment in leadership. Taysom reflects on his role as a captain at BYU and how he approached leadership in the locker room, emphasizing the need for consistency and resilience in challenging situations. He also highlights the significance of being genuine, available, and empowering in leadership roles, both on and off the field. Taysom's experiences offer valuable lessons on leadership, faith, and personal development in various contexts, showcasing the importance of belief, empowerment, and consistency in effective leadership. 02:50 - Taysom Hill's Unique Career Journey 05:25 - Taysom's Faith Development 10:20 - Taysom's Mission Experience 16:20 - The Importance of Routines 22:18 - Balancing Family Life and a High-Demand Career 26:54 - Taysom's Experience as a Church Member in the NFL 30:34 - Insights on Connecting with Youth 32:28 - Impactful Leadership Lessons from NFL Coaches 39:34 - Taysom's Experience as a Captain at BYU 42:33 - Taysom's Leadership Approach in the Saints Locker Room 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, 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.

In March 2024, Jacob Hansen joined us on the Leading Saints Podcast to talk about how we can combine values and people’s interests to create a great experience. He believes this is a powerful way to build Zion by creating community and human connection between the saints. Jacob is back with a conversation about interest-based groups in the Long Beach East Stake, where they are changing the game in bringing together the Lord's children both inside and outside the Church. In this rebroadcast of a recent Thoughtful Faith podcast, Jacob talks with leaders from that stake about what they are doing to literally gather Israel. Links Part 1: Changing Church Culture by Gathering the Saints | An Interview with Jacob Hansen Thoughful Faith on YouTube The original video about stake activity groups: "Could This Revolutionize The Church?" Stake Activity Group Linktree (Note that the “Scripture Buddies” groups are open to men and women anywhere in the US.) Stake Bulletins Talent & Interest Survey There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Jacob Hansen is back with a follow-up to his previous podcast interview about interest-based groups at Church. In this podcast episode, Jacob talks with leaders from the Long Beach East Stake and emphasizes the value of connecting individuals with similar interests to strengthen relationships and combat loneliness. The stake has successfully implemented over a dozen interest-based groups, ranging from yoga classes to scripture study groups. These groups have provided a platform for members to bond over shared passions and activities, fostering a sense of community and friendship. The stake has seen significant success in organizing these groups, with members actively participating and engaging in various activities. The conversation highlights the grassroots approach taken by the stake leadership, allowing members to initiate and lead these groups based on their interests. The episode also addresses concerns about control and the necessity of providing a framework for organizing these activities within the Church. Overall, the podcast showcases the positive impact of interest-based groups in building relationships, promoting unity, and creating a sense of belonging within the Church community. 03:10 - Impact of interest-based groups in strengthening relationships 07:05 - Formation and success of a yoga group in the stake 10:05 - Involvement in various interest-based groups 12:40 - Organizing groups in the stake 17:04 - Importance of shared interests in building relationships 22:19 - Organizing groups through surveys and communication 26:04 - Overcoming initial hesitations to start groups 29:38 - Benefits of interest-based groups in reducing loneliness and isolation 34:07 - Encouraging grassroots initiatives for groups 36:42 - Building relationships through shared interests 40:42 - Utilizing stake resources to promote interest-based activities 44:35 - Participation and success of groups in the stake 47:24 - Balancing top-down guidance with bottom-up initiatives 50:18 - Emphasizing the importance of individual talents and interests 52:13 - Gathering saints through shared values and interests 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,