LeadingLDS Podcast

Mark Coffey was raised in an LDS family on the coast of southern Ireland, and has lived in Dublin, Ireland, since he was 12 years old. He works as an IT Manager. Mark met his spouse as a teenager and they have been married 22 years. He was a missionary in the Canada, Winnipeg mission, has served in many ward callings including as a bishop, and is now part of a stake presidency. Episode Highlights * How his call in the stake presidency came about (16:15) * Transition from being Bishop to being a counselor in the stake presidency (18:30) * Helped to have been a bishop and know what he needed from his counselors * Different characteristics of the Church in Ireland (19:45) * Missionary work is at the top of their minds all the time * A lot of non-national members and recent converts, making it very multicultural * Meeting approaches as a bishopric and stake presidency (22:45) * Temple recommend interviews (25:20) * Home and Visiting Teaching approaches for spread-out units (26:20) Five Leadership Principles Have a clear view of God’s vision for you and your calling (27:15) Home teaching example: Channel your inner President Monson Learn the difference between the traditions and the doctrine in the principles of your calling (32:15) Find out the core of what you’re trying to do, don’t cut out the things that work, but cut out the unnecessary Enable those around you to see and achieve their potential (36:10) Give direction and allow others to run with it Embrace change: This is God’s work and he will change you to make you fit for purpose (38:20) Look for criticism “Leadership in the Church is not about directing others but your willingness to be directed by God.”—President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (40:00) Be in tune and find a way to make sure you’re doing what the Lord wants you to do How has serving as a leader made you a better disciple of Christ? (42:10) Links: Good, Better, Best by Elder Dallin H. Oaks This Week in Mormons Tie Tracker

Jeremy is a renowned keynote and motivational speaker and conducts leadership and teamwork seminars and lectures for corporations and groups across the map. He is also a sought-after presenter for firesides, school assemblies, public events, expos, and tradeshows. Jeremy served his mission in the San Pedro Sula, Honduras mission, currently resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is a member of the Willow Creek 1st Ward. Be sure to listen to the attached interview with Jeremy where he talks more about his leadership and coaching experience. Enter Jeremy… Leadership Under Fire On February 13, 1945, “I” Company from the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division’s Third Battalion and “D” Company from Second Battalion were ordered to attack Mt. Bijang, a hill overlooking Manila, that allowed Japanese forces to shell the city. The battle lasted all day long with attacks and counter-attacks, and as D Company’s commanding officer, Steve Cavanaugh said, “The action was pretty bad up there…” In all the commotion of the battle, a lone figure crept up to Cavanaugh’s side, firing away with his M-1 Garand rifle when Japanese machine gun fire burst into their ranks and a voice cried out, “Steve, I’ve been hit!” Cavanaugh glanced over with concern that turned to surprise. “Carrico!” he shouted. “What are you doing up here?” The wounded paratrooper was my grandfather, 1st Lieutenant Andrew J. Carrico, III. Despite the pain he was in, Grandpa obediently responded to his CO, “I had to be with my men.” You see, Cavanaugh had ordered Grandpa to rest that day and to stay behind the fighting line since he had experienced front line combat for over a month. But Grandpa couldn’t do that. Why did Grandpa place himself in such danger? Why did he seek out those who were in such precarious circumstances on that South Pacific hillside? The purest answer that can be given is that he did it out of love. Champion Leaders You learn a lot of things when you’re coaching athletes who are hurtling themselves down icy tracks at over eighty miles an hour in fiberglass and metal rockets. You come to appreciate perspective and the wider viewpoint that comes from experience. You come to respect guidelines and safety measures even more when you are in charge of organizing and running a semi-experimental program. You learn that every athlete learns differently and comes to the table (I mean, ice) with their own mindsets and goals and emotional energies. When I was the head coach for the U.S. Adaptive Bobsled Team, I felt a kinship to my grandfather, who demonstrated such courage and compassion for his men and for the future of the free world. While I will never match his level of sacrifice and bravery, I wanted to honor his example as I sought to help develop some of the world’s first adaptive bobsled athletes. As I thought about the way he led his men, I could not help but think of the Savior and the way He leads. Indeed, His example is the ultimate case study on leadership and if we sincerely desire to make a difference in the lives of those around us, we would do well to study His life and follow His pattern. If we are but willing to do this, then we will be able to follow the invitation of President George Albert Smith who said, “It is your duty first of all to learn what the Lord wants and then by the power and strength of your holy priesthood to so magnify your calling in the presence of your fellows that the people will be glad to follow you” (The Church News, 7 Sept 1968, p.15.) To that end, here are three principles of what I call Gold Medal Leadership, which I have observed from the Savior’s life and teachings in the scriptures. 1. Know Who You Lead Whether you are a leader in combat, in business, in sports, or in a Sunday School classroom, understanding that those you lead are unique children of our Father in Heaven is key.

Brett McKay founded The Art Of Manliness in 2008 while he was attending law school. It has grown into one of the largest men’s magazines on the web. Brett has also published several books and eBooks. He also hosts the popular podcast, The Art of Manliness. These podcasts cover a wide variety of topics, all centered around helping men. Brett grew up in the LDS Church and served a mission in Tijuana, Mexico. He has served in many capacities in the Church including Sunday School President. He is currently serving as the elders quorum president in his ward. Brett, his wife Kate, and their two children reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Episode Summary & Highlights What I learned as Sunday School President (16:31) * The importance of good teachers (16:50) * Discuss with your bishop the importance of calling the best teachers (18:03) * Model what good teaching looks like and encourage good class discussion (18:25) Why more women are attending church vs. men * The gender disparity in church and why more women are actively attending vs. men (21:30) * How dating behavior changes among men and women. See Date-onomics: How Dating Became a Lopsided Numbers Game (23:25) * Millennial dating is affected by gender ratios (26:05) * How men express their spirituality (29:54) * Ward Council: The relationships between the people in the ward (33:45) * Introverts and extro`verts express their spirituality differently (35:40) * Ways the Elders Quorum can serve on Sunday (39:33) * Train future leaders during Elders Quorum (41:16) Resources and Sites: The Art of Manliness website The Art of Manliness Facebook page Brett McKay’s Books and eBooks The Art Of Manliness Podcast Why Men Hate Going to Church, by David Murrow Manhood In The Making, by David Gilmore Date-onomics, by Jon Birger

Join Us Starting April 22, 2017 I wanted to invite all the podcast listeners to join me starting this Saturday, April 22, for the free session of the Motivating the Minister Virtual Summit. We are all leaders, but do we know how to motivate? At LeadingLDS the number one question we receive from elders quorum presidents, relief society presidents, or any leader called to serve is, how can I motivate those I lead? They won’t home teach, they won’t do family history, they won’t share the gospel, they won’t even bake a casserole for the sick neighbor down the street. How can leaders motivate those they lead to accomplish the goals that are set before us? Thank goodness this big question is being answered during a virtual online summit called, Motivating the Minister: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Home/Visiting Teachers. LeadingLDS has gathered some of the sharpest mind on motivation: Brad Wilcox, Paul Gustavson, DeAnna Murphy, Scott Newman, Steve Shallenberger, and more. Over 8 hours of content! These leadership experts will all instruct us on building the skillset to be leaders that motivate. Join us starting April 22 when the keynote session will be free for 7 days. To attend you need to visit LeadingLDS.org and put your name on the list. Let’s start a journey together to become leaders that can motivate! Click HERE for details.

Born in Southern Idaho and now living in Hurricane, Utah, Dr. Gary Taylor spent his career of more than 40 years working as a clinical psychologist. Now retired, he and his wife have served two senior missions, first in Europe and most recently in the South Pacific. Working with mission presidents and missionaries to offer mental health advice and assistance, Brother Taylor began to see patterns emerge of the common struggles that missionaries have. The experiences have become the basis for his book, Serve Strong and Stay Sane: 10 Mistakes that will Ruin Your Mission and Your Life. Brother Taylor continues to learn new things in his work with missionaries, emphasizing that as he would work with them he could feel the love and concern that Heavenly Father has for them. He also emphasizes that while the transition from teenager to missionary can be a difficult one, the struggles experienced may not always be mental illness-related, but rather the normal added stress that comes with being a missionary. For some missionaries this can be an unexpected and difficult process to deal with. In this episode, Brother Taylor discusses a number of common mistakes and offers prospective missionaries, parents, and leaders tips and counsel as they prepare for—or assist others in preparing for—effective missionary service. Episode Highlights * Many of the tools that are generally recommended to those suffering stress and anxiety (i.e. going for a run, reading a novel, talking to a friend) are not available to missionaries. Other methods must be utilized. (10:00) * Tips and counsel for leaders meeting with prospective missionaries – become familiar with the 10 common reasons why missionaries struggle (12:00) * Having unrealistic expectations (13:00) * Mission service isn’t going to necessarily solve any existing personal problem(s) – in many cases it actually makes them more difficult to solve * Expecting it to be a non-stop spiritual experience * With enough faith and effort baptisms will happen (if that is the measure of success, as defined by the missionary) * Be more prepared for an “Aaron experience” rather than an “Ammon experience” * Failing to see the big picture – why they’re there and what it’s really all about (19:00) * Bishops and Stake Presidents can help prospective missionaries to set realistic expectations * Help them be able to answer the questions “When things aren’t working out, how can I stay motivated to do the right thing?” and “What are the reasons to be here when it doesn’t look like anything productive is happening?” * Worrying about things that are beyond the missionary’s control (23:45) * Mission related things * Things happening back home * Have prospective missionaries inventory their worries (write them down), then take each one and ask, “Is this something I can control?” If not, then decide not to worry about it. If it is, then I need to come up with a plan to do what I can to resolve the worry or concern. * Sometimes it’s unclear if the worry is beyond control or not. Parents and leaders can be a resource to go to to understand if there is something I can do to overcome it. * ADD (Awareness, Decision, Distraction) technique: When we are aware of a thought, worry, temptation, etc, we make a decision to not go there and then immediately distract ourselves away from the thought that is causing the anxiety * Be wary in thinking and speaking in absolutes, or “all or none” thinking (29:30) * Avoiding thinking in terms of “have to” (versus “want to”) * Sets ourselves up for stress and anxiety if the “have to” does not come to pass * Listen for that type of thinking and reframe it to something positive that motivates us to act

Jason Hewlett was born in Park City, UT and now lives in Daybreak, UT. He is a former convention performer and now spends his time as a professional keynote speaker for corporate events as well as speaking at youth fireside and mentoring other entertainers. In this episode Jason shares his journey with us from being bullied in priest quorum to having his mission president call him out the second he stepped of the plane to performing in every casino in Las Vegas. Jason share best practices for public speaking that apply to speaking in church or teaching a class. Episode Highlights: * 5:33 Childhood/youth * 7:00 Getting bullied in priest quorum and why he kept coming back. * 10:40 What is your advice to leaders regarding bullying at church? * 11:33 Full time missionary service * 22:19 When and how did you decide to become an entertainer? * 28:00 How did you get involved in mentoring entertainers? * 30:27 Tell us about the book you authored. * 38:30 How do you prepare to speak at these corporate events? * 42:00 Why set a goal when you can make a promise? * 47:23 What advice would you give to a leader who has 10 minutes to fill at the end of a meeting? * 56:45 How do people contact you for a youth fireside? * 58:20 How has being a presenter made you a better disciple of Jesus Christ. Links: Jason Hewlett’s Website Jason’s Youtube Channel Hank Smith

Jeff Schooler is a Branch President of the Lake Region Branch in Devils Lake North Dakota. In this episode he tells about his conversion story and sheds some light on what it’s like to be the president of a small LDS branch with large geographic boundaries. Episode Highlights * Jeff tells his conversion/reactivation story 6:00 * Expanding on how easy it is to fall into inactivity 9:14 * Most famous Mormon Jeff has ever met 10:25 * First General Conference talk that comes to mind 11:00 * If asked to speak in General Conference, what would the talk topic be? 11:14 * What makes Jeff a unique Mormon 11:55 * Callings that he has served in 12:28 * Which past Branch Presidents do you resemble? 12:23 * Story of how he was called to be the Branch President 14:28 * Challenges of serving as the Branch President in such a small unit 16:25 * LDS Video (Personal Video Conferencing) 17:47 * A typical Sunday in the life of a Branch President 19:50 * Are you as a leader ever worried about the Branch being dissolved? 24:10 * Supporting members who struggle to balance their families needs vs Branch needs. 25:16 * Home & visiting teaching solutions with letters, email & video conferencing. 12:26 * Loving those you lead 29:30 * Follow the Spirit, make a phone call at anytime 30:25 * Speaking assignments & 5 minute talk 31:44 * Transferring from two blocks to three 32:45 * Give the benefit of the doubt, everyone is doing the best that they know how. 34:10 * Read, read, read! 36:44 * A favorite book: Hearing the Voice of the Lord 37:47

Sara Walker currently lives in Amity, Oregon. She served in the Chicago Illinois North mission, met her husband at BYU-Idaho, and has a been striving to improve her marriage and help her husband overcome his addiction to pornography. Enter Sara… Dear Bishop, Thank you for your service as a bishop in the Church. I believe you were called of God to your calling for such a time as this. We need people who are willing to be on the front lines in the battle for families and individuals against sexual addiction. I am hoping to give you some insight into what women with husbands involved in sexual addiction (SA) need from you as an ecclesiastical leader. I have talked with many women who are dealing with this in their lives, and their stories are varied and poignant. All the women who shared their insight did so knowing that I would be submitting this to you. Out of respect for them and the battles they continue to fight, I won’t use names or specific details. The feelings and thoughts expressed in this letter are my own, although not every item listed has been applicable to me and my situation. It is my hope that you will use this letter—as well as the spirit of discernment—when counseling with individuals and couples, as each situation is somewhat unique. There are, however, a number of similarities between them as well. I will be attempting to address those. I feel like it’s important to begin this by sharing with you some attitudes and attributes of the addict. Many of those who come to you with SA will be men—although not exclusively. Therefore, I will use the term addict and husband interchangeably. When a man comes to you admitting he has looked at pornography, please consider the following: * Most men do not fully confess everything the first time, or the second, or the third… * They may say they don’t have an addiction, that it was just a here-and-there problem. * They have likely struggled for years, and are only coming to you because they got caught. * They have lied to themselves and to their spouse for so long that they believe many of their own lies. * They are so programmed to hide everything that it usually takes a “hitting rock bottom” moment before full confession happens, and sometimes not even then. * Often there are things like masturbation and infidelity that they are not talking about. As a bishop, please consider asking the difficult questions. Be specific. Ask: Do you masturbate? Have you had virtual relationships or physical relationships? Do you go to strip clubs or porn shops? How often? For how long? Do you use your phone or tablet? Do you call hotlines? And so forth. They do not need to be graphic in the details of what they do, but they do need to be accountable. Many of these men have a distorted sense of time. They will say the last time they looked was a few months/weeks ago. In reality, it was likely sooner and for longer than they would admit. They are most likely in something referred to as “addict brain” or “addict mode.” Unless they have been actively working at recovery, they are in addict brain. It gives them a distorted sense of reality. (For more in-depth discussion of addict brain, see the book, Like Dragons Did They Fight.) Dealing with someone who lives much of their life in addict brain is difficult. When we—the women dealing with this—come to you for help, we often have no one else to turn to. Begin to educate yourself about the nuances of SA. Each of the below items is just a brief overview; this is meant as a starting point and not a comprehensive document. Please consider the following as you seek guidance in counseling us: 1. Do not imply or flat out say that if we would give our spouse more time sexually he wouldn’t have this problem This is probably the number one source of depression,

Paul Gustavson studied Organizational Behavior at Brigham Young University, where he was on Coach Lavell Edwards’ first football team at the school. Today he is president of the consulting firm Organization Planning and Design. He has authored two books about team building and leadership—including one with Coach Bronco Mendenhall: Running into the Wind: 5 Strategies for Building a Successful Team, and A Team of Leaders: Empowering Every Member to Take Ownership, Demonstrate Initiative, and Deliver Results. After the passing of Coach Edwards last year, Paul wrote an article for the Deseret News, “Three Key Leadership Qualities Lavell Edwards Exhibited Early On as Head Coach That Could Benefit Any Leader.” He has also served as a bishop of a young single adult ward. Episode Highlights * 5:00 His history playing football, serving a mission, and attending/working with BYU * 8:36 How the article about Coach Edwards came about * 9:29 Interviewed Coach Edwards about things he had witnessed as a player * 10:00 Being a bishop had an enormous influence on Coach Edwards and his coaching * 12:34 He was always clear about the strategy * 13:45 He was a principle-based coach * 15:23 Coach Bronco Mendenhall was humble and willing to learn the principles of team-building * 17:00 Referred him to the article, “What is Strategy?” by Michael Porter, HBR * 19:06 Choosing “team members” inside a ward * 22:00 Why/how Paul got involved in team building in college * 23:50 Five smooth stones: strategy, processes, design, knowledge, capturing hearts and minds * 26:39 Application of these principles as a bishop * 28:26 Managing by councils: Five stages * 31:35 Having a framework helps * 33:20 Excellence comes through performance models and repeating best practices * 36:40 Steps to reach stage five in ward leadership * 37:52 How it happened with home/visiting teaching * 41:50 Shared stories of how they were blessed or blessed others as home/visiting teachers * 43:18 Ward theme: “We care for and bless one another”; D&C 82:10 * 44:30 What leaders talk about is what people do * 46:14 Where his books and research are available * 47:38 Discipleship and team leadership: engaging people to take action and become more Christlike Links: Organization Planning and Design A Team of Leaders Website Running into the Wind: 5 Strategies for Building a Successful Team A Team of Leaders: Empowering Every Member to Take Ownership, Demonstrate Initiative, and Deliver Results “Three Key Leadership Qualities Lavell Edwards Exhibited Early On as Head Coach That Could Benefit Any Leader,” Deseret News “What is Strategy?” by Michael Porter, Harvard Business Review

GR Gordon-Ross served as bishop for 6 years in Lawrence, Kansas. He was raised in Kearney, Missouri and was converted to the Church in 1994 because of his influence from a childhood friend. He served a mission in Russia and later married his wife whom he met at LDS Institute. He is self-described as a non-orthodox bishop which he credits to much of his success. Leadership Principles * The Power of Delegation (32:13) * Allow those you call to exercise their own leadership talents * How to help auxillairy leaders to exercise autonomy in their callings (34:23) * Setting Expectations (37:33) * Leadership requires personal sacrifice (39:40) * You cannot come together as a cohesive unit if there is a belief or view that one person does all the work * Willingness to Serve (42:00) * Arrive early and be willing to stay late to clean up after every church activity * Be a leader and not a calling (45:30) * Listen (45:53) * Make sure that all opinions in a council setting are heard and valued * Be Yourself and Don’t Be Afraid to Adapt to Local Needs (49:10) * Be yourself, be human, don’t be afraid to make mistakes Links: Making Right Choices, by Elder Richard G. Scott

Mark Francis is the Director of LDS BSA Relationships, where he has worked for the past 5 years. He also serves on the High Council in his stake, where he is responsible for working with the Young Men and assists in all things Scouting. Mark was previously interviewed on LeadingLDS in January, 2015. Mark’s position with the Boy Scouts of America has its roots in President David O. McKay’s request to the BSA that an employee be based in Salt Lake City and work with the Church. Episode Summary & Highlights: How is Scouting the activity arm of the Priesthood? Why do we do varsity and venturing? (10:32) “Activity arm of the Priesthood” is no longer in any handbook There are other activities, not just Scouting Varsity (Teachers Quorum) and Venturing (Priests Quorum) allow the boys to take over as the leaders Five Fields of Emphasis High Adventure/Sports Service Personal Development Advancement Special Programs & Events Varsity & Venturing is where shadow leadership really comes to life Funding channels (19:10) These are sacred funds and we need to be wise stewards. Handbook 2 directs funding for activities (8.13.7) as follows: From ward budget If ward budget insufficient, we can ask particpants to pay for part or all Fundraising Much too often we start with fundraising Scouting Handbook Is Committee Chair a separate calling from Primary President? (22:10) See Scouting Handbook section 4.3 Tips for maintaining continuity of records with consistent changes in leadership (24:50) See Scouting Handbook sections 3.1, 4.1 and 4.3 Who are members of the committees? Fathers and mothers – he recommends at least one parent of each scout be on the committee Those of other faiths A member of the bishopric See Scouting Handbook section 4.3 If you have a functioning committee that is aware of what the boys want to do, the parents know since they are members of the committee. Managing advancements, service projects, campouts, etc.? (30:00) ScoutBook Commissioner Tools Available via the my.Scouting portal. Online applications are coming! Friends of Scouting (35:50) When: each council choosing when to do it (the majority of councils in the U.S. do this during the springtime) Goals (36:43) are established through LDS-BSA Relationships Committee working with the Council Many Councils now changing approach to invite all households to participate How: Take it to the Ward Council and discuss Funds raised stay within the local Council Council Executive Board determine how to distribute funds–salaries, camps, training, etc. If you feel frustrated, speak with your priesthood leader (51:30) Mark related that President Owen, Young Men General President, has identified the following three priorities: We need to be with the boys Connect the boys to heaven Let the boys lead Links:

W. Durrell Nielsen served as a mission president of the Oklahoma Tulsa mission from 2003-2006.  He was born and raised in Brigham City Utah and currently resides in Bountiful Utah. As a young man he served a mission in Scotland and attended the University of Arizona where he received a Law degree.  He practiced law for the United States Treasury Department, for his own private law practice and also as estate planning lawyer.  He met his wife while attending college and has 5 kids and 12 grandchildren.  In this episode he shares his experiences as a mission president and ways to help guide and teach others as a leader. Episode Highlights 11:00 Experience being called as a bishop 13:20 Experience being called a mission president 14:45 Appointment with President Boyd K. Packer 17:45 Appointment with President James E. Faust 19:30 Mission call as president to Oklahoma Tulsa mission 21:00 Surprises as a newly called mission president 27:00 Unwritten Order of Things- talk by President Boyd K. Packer 27:30 Teaching zone and district leaders- teaching how to time talk 35:00 Follow the brethren- for example do they comment on talks at the end of General Conference? 36:00 Correct principles and governing self 40:30 Being a great shepherd- attending to the one 41:00 The key to attending to the one as a mission president 42:00 Demonstrating love is so important as a shepherd- know their names 47:30 Teaching the Doctrine 51:15 How to connect with former missionaries Links: Beware of Pride, by Ezra Taft Benson The Unwritten Order of Things, by Boyd K. Packer How to Remember Names

Scott Koenig of Arlington, TX was recently released as bishop after serving for over five years. He has a love and a testimony of the addiction recovery program. Upon his release he asked his stake president what he could do to help spread its inspired and healing message. Listen in as Scott tells us about his experiences with the addiction recovery program as a bishop and now as the co-chair of the program and his stake. (2:20) Getting to know Scott (4:15) What lessons did you learn while serving as a bishop? (6:00) Getting involved with the addiction recovery program. (7:49) Kurt tells us about his first day as serving as a bishop. (8:24) What was your understanding of the addiction recovery program when you were first called as a Bishop? (10:25) Was pornography addiction the most common addiction you encountered as a bishop? (12:05) Inviting Ward Council members to help the bishop counsel addicts. (15:34) The keys to success with the addiction recovery program. (21:28) How does your stake structure it’s addiction recovery program? (24:45) Implementing a successful youth addiction recovery program. (26:40) Kurt’s first experience attending an ARP class. (28:13) Scott meets with and introduces the Bishops of his stake to the ARP. (30:50) Scott shares a sacred experience… The importance of family and spousal support. (39:57) How did serving as a bishop transform you? Links: LDS Addiction Recovery Program

Toby Eborn was called as an Elder’s Quorum President in July 2016 in his Midvale, Utah-area ward. He was born and raised in Montpelier, Idaho, and was called to serve in the Minnesota Minneapolis Mission. Upon his return, he attended Utah State University for a time as well as culinary school before heading east and meeting his future-wife while living in Ohio. He has served as a primary and Sunday school teacher, a counselor in the Young Men’s presidency, ward executive secretary, co-ward mission leader, and most recently as a counselor in the Elders Quorum presidency. His approach as an Elders Quorum President is centered on helping people to get to know one another better (32:00). He looks for ways to get people together in a fun and relaxing atmosphere and has seen success in his quorum growing in their relationships with one another through these activities (46:00). In this podcast, he discusses five principles of leadership that he follows in his callings, as well as his approach to home teaching and quorum lessons. Principles of Leadership: 1. Love (35:00) * It is easier to do things for people you love. By cultivating that type of brotherhood in the quorum, brethren understand that they are not alone in their struggles. * President Eborn tries to have personal contact with each member of his quorum prior to the quorum meeting in the third hour block by greeting them with a handshake as they arrive for sacrament meeting. 2. Stewardship (37:30) * Everyone has a stewardship, even if it is in our own family or even our own life. We can’t neglect the responsibility we’ve taken upon ourselves as priesthood holders to be the Savior’s representatives. * We must make ourselves available to our stewardship and build that relationship with them. * If we are good stewards it strengthens our priesthood power. 3. Faith (38:45) * Are we remembering to encourage those experiencing a crisis of faith to do the “primary answers” – studying the scriptures daily, regular personal and family prayer, attending church – as a means of watering and nourishing the seed of testimony? * Are we constantly working on our own faith? If we are, and we are conscious of the struggles of those in our stewardship, we are more equipped to assist them. 4. Accountability (40:55) * We have agreed to and accepted callings to serve our stewardship and have made covenants to serve and follow through. * Work to change our mindset from “it’s easier to not do the right thing” to “I really need to hold myself accountable to what I’ve committed to do.” 5. Discipline (42:15) * How many days in a week are we “on the plan?” individually and as a family? * Failure to be consistent in doing these things leads to lasting results and consequences. Turning Lessons into conversations (51:00) * Improved quorum meeting attendance and participation has been a direct correlation to the brethren becoming friends and getting to know each other better. Approach to Home Teaching (52:00) * Did not intend to talk about home teaching every week, but finds himself doing so. * Avoids taking the “hey everyone, it’s the last week of the month, everybody get out and do your home teaching…” approach and then not saying anything for another month. * Doesn’t talk about it because of a concern for numbers, but because he knows there are individuals and families in his quorum that need to be home taught. * Focuses on the individual and helping the brethren to understand that people have struggles and need to be home taught – and that the home teachers can provide that strength. * Just because someone is at church every week doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling. We don’t know and can’t help until we get to know each other and are able to open up s...

Duane Miller is an Anglican Christian and the author of Living Among the Breakage: Contextual Theology-Making and Ex-Muslim Christians, which covers a few reasons why Muslims are being converted to Christianity. He has a B.A. in Philosophy, an M.A. in Theology, a diploma in Arabic, and a Ph.D. in Divinity.  During the interview, Kurt talks to Duane about how, as Christians, we can reach out to Muslims in love. Episode Highlights: * The reason for candles in the Catholic Church (6:21) * Duane explains how he became interested in understanding the conversion of Muslims to Christianity (7:45) * Social media stories about Muslims converting: #ExMuslim (9:15) * How many Muslims are converting? Global Census of Believers from a Muslim background (10:16) * Religious conversion is both a turning away from something old and turning to something new (11:28) * One reason why Muslims are attracted to Christianity is because of the non-violent example of the Savior (13:00) * Are people leaving Islam and then becoming agnostic? (14:36) * Muslims believe in Jesus, as a prophet (16:00) * Do Muslims convert in order to seek asylum? (18:10) * Are Muslims converted because people reach out to them or because they reach out? (19:24) * Quest for truth (20:22) * Sharing the gospel through interpersonal relationships (22:40) * Getting to know your Muslim friends and co-workers (24:17) * How did the research change you as a person? (25:52) * The best way to reach out to a Muslim? (30:15) * The Quran is not like the Bible (31:50) * Duane helped Nazareth Evangelical Theological Seminary (35:06) Links: * Global Census of Believers from a Muslim background * LDS church provides place for displaced Muslim community to pray * Living among the Breakage: Contextual Theology-Making and Ex-Muslim Christians * Duane Miller’s Blog