LeadingLDS Podcast

Jenn Mabie lives in Moseley, Virginia. She is a full time mom of four children, an aspiring photographer, and served in her ward as a Relief Society President. Jenn grew up in Virginia and later attended the LDS Business College. She met her husband at a singles ward in Virginia and they were sealed in the Washington, D.C. Temple. Episode Highlights: * Tools you use as a presidency (15:06) * Be moved with Compassion (17:48) * Work as a team in your presidency (20:34) * By small and simple things great things come to pass (21:31) * How did you plan Enrichment Activities? (24:45) * What are your thoughts about visiting teaching? (25:20) What preparation did you do prior to being sustained? (8:07) * Jenn was called into the Relief Society presidency first, then extended the call a little while later as the president. Jenn said that lots of prayer and learning about compassion helped prepare her for serving as Relief Society president. What’s your ward like? (10:40) * Mostly married families, but a large growing ward with a mix of single women. Worked closely with the primary and young women presidents, with council prior to ward council and going to visit women and families within the ward. Planned with the young women president to help get the moms and daughters to the temple together. How did meeting with the other auxiliary presidents come about? (13:00) * They wanted to help the Laurels transition to Relief Society, and coordinated lessons to help the YW feel more comfortable. Worked with graduating Laurels and new Beehives to help the transition. Tools you use as a presidency (15:06) * Printed out from My Computer is My Canvas. Planners cover topics and keeps you organized as a presidency. Kept in touch by email to make sure all thoughts were in the covered from each presidency member. Be moved with compassion (17:48) * Followed the example of her bishop, a proactive leader who “wanted to know before their house burnt down” to help families before a crisis came. Communication is key for helping those who need extra attention within the ward, work with the bishop to plan visits for the week. Work as a team in your presidency (20:34) * Get to know each other’s strengths and talents to support each other. Corinthians scripture about being one body. They held presidency meetings every other week and would return and report. By small and simple things great things come to pass (21:31) * The presidency had small check-ins with the sisters about visiting teaching, very quick talks to see how it was working for companionships. The president also emailed sisters to get responses about how visiting teaching was going and how companionships were doing. Small changes helped with planning for larger changes in the future. As a Relief Society president she would visit ward sisters with the Young Women or Primary president depending on the situation. How did you plan Enrichment Activities? (24:45) * Small activity groups such as play group, beach group, craft groups to reach out to sisters with various interests. These helped create unity as sisters found they had common interests. What are your thoughts about visiting teaching? (25:20) * Each presidency member took stewardship over their district to make sure that women were getting visited. Instead of printing the assignments from the computer, she would include the information of the sisters that were the visiting teachers. How has serving as Relief Society president made you a better disciple of Christ? (29:37) * Learned to love on a deeper level, receiving promptings for service helps you understand th...

Justin Hale is a Master Trainer at VitalSmarts, a corporate training company in Provo, Utah, that teaches leadership principles. Justin has had the opportunity to apply the principles he teaches in his church callings, previously as an Elder’s Quorum President and currently as a member of a Young Single Adult ward bishopric. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, he served a mission in the Philippines and earned his undergraduate degree from BYU in Social Psychology. It was through those studies that he became interested in understanding why people do what they do. Episode Highlights: What is VitalSmarts? (3:40) How he was called to the YSA bishopric (9:00) VitalSmarts Leadership Principles Helpful in the Bishopric (13:00) Being Clear Up Front About How Decisions are Made in a Group * Explain which of four types of decisions will be made: a consult, a vote, a command, or a consensus A bishop wants ward council members to contribute because he values their opinions (15:30) The Six Source Model (17:20) Answers the question “Why do people do what they do?” A variety of reasons why people don’t follow through (19:00) Ability vs. motivation Factors such as social skills and environment Helps pinpoint where a problem is (24:00) Prevents us from oversimplifying Accountability in Church Callings (26:00) Starts with specific expectations Establish an environment where it’s okay to discuss difficulties (31:00) Invite the Differences (33:20) Ask the question after sharing your opinion: The measure of a good question is the degree to which it invites difference How Teaching These Principles Have Made Him a Better Disciple of Jesus Christ (37:15) Learning how to show forth an increase in love: before, during, and afterwards Links: * Crucial Conversations * Crucial Accountability * Influencer * Change Anything * Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness * 6-Source Model for Home Teaching * VitalSmarts Interviews on LeadingLDS * Behavioral Science Videos from VitalSmarts

You’ll probably recognize Kyle Morey from a How I Lead interview I did with him about his experience being the public affairs specialist in his stake. Kyle had some remarkable ideas about using technology to spread the gospel and mentioned an in depth article series he wrote that goes into detail about his strategies. I encourage you to spend some time reading the four part series (see links below) or listen to the attached podcast episode and hear it from Kyle himself; definitely an episode to share with your ward mission leader and public affairs specialist. You may want to continue following Kyle’s family’s adventures as they jump around the country. Kyle Morey’s four part series of inviting others to Christ through your digital device Part 1: Invite others to host the missionaries for dinner and a discussion Part 2: How to bump opinion leaders into the gospel through chapel tours Part 3: Will you help me with my talk? Part 4: Involve the youth in missionary with social media

Tom Tolman teaches leadership to future military officers as the director of the Army ROTC program at James Madison University. He has served in two branch presidencies, as an elders quorum president and as a missionary in Japan. During his military career he has led and served in a variety of units including the 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Special Operations Command, British Army Headquarters and the United States Military Academy at West Point.  He has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Tom lives in Harrisonburg, VA with his wife Erin and four kids – Emma, Mary, Bennett, and Connor. Be sure to listen to the attached interview where Tom and Kurt talk in detail about what led up to Tom giving this talk in sacrament meeting.  Enter Tom… I like to run.  A few years ago I was training for a marathon.  Every Saturday I’d go for a long run – sometimes as long as 20 miles.  After the run, I had a particular craving for and would usually eat a large bowl of ramen soup.  After one run, a friend pointed out that the raman soup I was eating was terrible and contained high levels of sodium increasing my risk of high blood pressure and other problems.  I stopped eating the soup. As it turns out, because of the long runs and the physical activity, my body actually needed the extra salt. Thomas McConkie, author of Navigating a Mormon Faith Crisis, used a similar metaphor to talk about our spiritual needs.  He wrote: We have similar cravings spiritually. They feel counter-intuitive because in our mind, we know what we need for spiritual nourishment. Our culture has taught us what a proper diet looks like: read scriptures, go to church, pray, lose yourself in service to others. Repeat. Of course there is true sustenance in this formula. In Mormonism, it’s a bit like the spiritual food pyramid. And yet, we know more about developmental nutrition now than ever before. There are modifications in our diet that can lead to exhilarating growth spurts. There are different kinds of nutrients that we crave during different phases of our spiritual becoming. There are foods we need that we might not realize just how much we need. We all need different food. We all know members of the Church who aren’t attending regularly.  Or at all.  A close friend.  A family member.  Well over half the members of our branch don’t attend and that’s pretty normal across the Church.  Why is this?  Sometimes we are quick to propose reasons – perhaps they were offended; maybe they wanted to sin; maybe they were misled by some anti-mormon material or they just weren’t diligent enough in their scripture study and prayer. Perhaps, in some cases, despite our best efforts, everyone doesn’t find the spiritual nourishment they need at church.  When we, in well-meaning ways, attempt to force others to follow the diet that has always worked for us sometimes the consequences aren’t what we hoped. Now, I’m not speaking in some hypothetical or theoretical sense.   I’m going to be very candid.  About two years ago I had what we often call a crisis of faith.  Many of the things that I had regarded with great certainty I was no longer able to view the same way.  I had questions about seer stones and polygamy.  And dozens of others.  Nothing seemed to quite make sense. In the midst of my questioning, I felt alone and like I was suffocating.  Although I sat on the stand each week and was surrounded by loving and well-meaning friends and family I felt like my questions weren’t appropriate.  That my questions might be contagious and cause others to doubt – an outcome I didn’t want to inflict on anyone.  That my questions, if verbalized, would cause others to question my dedication or worthiness.

Maria Eckersley lives now lives in Draper city, but was born in Illinois and raised in Blackfoot Idaho. She is the designer and creator of Meckmom.com.  The blog started out as a blog for mom tips, and has now transitioned it to a blog designed to make “Mom-life easier.”  The site has great ideas and principles for family home evenings and scripture study.  She also has a Youtube channel designed to help with object lessons and ideas improve teaching.  Maria currently serves in her ward as the gospel doctrine teacher. Episode Highlights * 7:10  Shares the experience of having her husband called to be the bishop. * 9:14  Advice for Bishop’s and their wives, “Although he can’t share specific details.. he can come home and tell you how he is changing through the process.”  “What did you learn today?” * 11:22 Turning the bishop’s office into a classroom. * 12:14 Maria was a partner with Sugardoodle.net and created the youtube channel to help her husband teach lessons * 13:10 Teaching people not lessons * 13:45 When teaching Primary kids, have as many visuals as possible.  They love object lessons, surprises, and using as many senses as possible. Break lesson into three basic points. * 15:28 When teaching the Youth be authentic.  Tell your own stories and experiences.  Use simple object lessons that relate to things they use or see everyday.  Guide them to resources and tools that they can use.  Use LDS.org and Mormon.org to answer difficult questions. (17:53). * 19:08  When teaching adults tell stories.  Adult’s need time to think and relate to the stories you are telling.  Direct the students to the stories in the scriptures.  Ask more questions then information and be vulnerable. Object Lessons: * 23:54 Teaching adversity to primary kids by using dice. * 25:30 Teaching adversity to the youth by using a piano. * 27:08 Teaching adversity to adults by using the allegory of the olive tree Jacob 5: 21-22. * 28:12 Teaching primary kids how to resist temptation by using a fishing lure and bait. * 29:28 Teaching youth how to resist temptation by using a wooden spoon, “Stirring the harts of men.” * 31:07 Teaching adults how to resist temptation by using the Lehonti principle “poisoned by degrees” (Alma 47). * 33:36 Teaching Primary kids about repentance by using cotton candy. * 35:16 Kurt’s magic trick * 37:07 Teaching teens about repentance by using a $10 bill. * 39:25 Teaching adults about repentance by using wheat. * 40:40 Teaching how to understand and feeling the Holy Ghost, by asking primary kids to rub their hands together. * 41:45 Teaching teens how to understand the Holy Ghost by relating it to Wifi. * 43:00 Teaching adults how to understand the Holy Ghost using Moroni’s promise. Links:

Eric Allen was raised in Bountiful, Utah and currently lives in Centerville, Utah, and has served as a scout master many times for many years. He served a full-time mission in Florida. He met his wife in an awkward fashion but it has turned out to be a wonderful marriage. Even thought Brother Allen didn’t earn his Eagle as a young man, he has benefited from his experience mentoring young men in the scouting program to achieve the rank of Eagle. His soft spoken manner is based around strong leadership principles that has brought him success. * Empower the boys (10:00) * Value all ideas (18:10) * State needs forcefully (20:50) * Become and Instant Expert (25:05) * Own your failures (26:45) Brother Allen also discusses his approach to Friends of Scouting and effectively and kindly gathering donations for the Boy Scouts of America program (32:00). Links: Don’t Kill the Little Birds, President Kimball

In this episode we speak with Matthew Grow, Director of Publications at the LDS Church History Library. Brother Grow graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in History before completing a Masters and Ph.D in American History at the University of Notre Dame. Currently serving as an elders quorum president in his Salt Lake City-area ward, Brother Grow’s responsibilities at the Church History Library include supervising the publications of historical church documents, the Joseph Smith Papers project, the history section of LDS.org and other documents. He is a descendant of Parley P. Pratt and co-authored the biography, Parley P. Pratt: The Apostle Paul of Mormonism. (10:20) Leadership Traits of Parley P. Pratt for leaders today: Bold in his beliefs Tireless in service but balanced in service in the gospel and time with his family (13:20) Introduction to the Council of Fifty (Administrative Records, Council of Fifty, Minutes, March 1844-January 1846 published as part of the Joseph Smith Papers) (21:20) Principles by which Joseph Smith oversaw a council: Councils are where revelation should come It is the duty of every member of a council is to speak candidly – all are expected to participate Agree to disagree long enough to think through, debate and deliberate through an issue Take our councils seriously – returning and reporting at subsequent meetings Go through the process, do our part to work to find a solution and then expect the revelation to come (33:15) Resources to assist leaders in helping individuals with historical concerns: Don’t dismiss the question – take the question/questioner seriously ( Can’t testify the question away Leadership portal on LDS.org – synopses of gospel topic essays available As a leader, know the gospel topic essays ourselves History section of LDS.org – Pioneers in Every Land History section of LDS.org – Revelations in Context (also available in print) (42:00) Which leadership principles do we sometimes overlook? Church history in its totality is more faith affirming than faith troubling Receiving revelation takes work, no matter what our calling is. It is a misconception to some to think that when you reach a certain level of leadership that revelation comes easier or in a different manner Links: Parley P. Pratt: The Apostle Paul of Mormonism Administrative Records, Council of Fifty, Minutes, March 1844-January 1846 An Evening with Elder M. Russell Ballard 2016 address to CES Instructors www.history.lds.org Gospel Topic Essays Revelations in Context  

Marshall married his high school sweetheart, who happened to be a member of the church. While Marshall didn’t join right away he eventually joined the church at 38 years old, served in many different callings and has gained leadership experience. Marshall made a commitment to go to church after a diligent home teacher asked him, he started attending as he saw how his family loved him being there and the difference the gospel made in his own life. Home teachers need to teach the gospel to make sure that true doctrine is being taught to those who may need to hear it. The talk entitled Beware of Pride by Ezra Taft Benson was a turning point in Marshall’s conversion and after baptism he was quickly included in the Elder’s Quorum and given responsibilities that helped him see the gospel in action first hand. After attending the temple he was asked to serve as the ward mission leader. After moving and a few other callings, he was called as the elders quorum president and a few years later as a bishop. Principles of Leadership: Love your flock and let them know it (18:13) Slow down, listen, and be observant (22:00) How would you restructure bishopric meetings? (25:34) Communicate and teach communication (27:19) Make your office inviting and your presence wanted (33:19) Always Teach (36:32) Balance (42:38) What stands out the most from your EQP experience and serving as a bishop? Marshall truly learned to love and receive revelation. Through training with the stake president he learned about interviewing and leading people to Christ. Serving as a bishop was a highlight of his church service. Love your flock and let them know it Having a loving heart and letting people know that you love them. When you learn about the people and pray for them, you enrich your relationship with them and the Savior. Show love by telling them, praying for them, and praying that they can feel the love. Don’t be afraid to show emotion as you lead. When people know you love them, you’ll be able to help them, especially when you ask them to do hard things on their path to exaltation. Slow down, listen, and be observant The work of the Lord sometimes requires us to work slowly. When you have a leadership situation that requires council, make sure you’re taking the appropriate time to think about the council you can give them. Make sure to ponder decisions and mentally slow down to communicate with the Lord. (See D&C 61) How would you restructure bishopric meetings? Marshall suggests to be more structured and focused. Make sure that people are on task and that tangents are held to a minimum. Communicate and teach communication Each relationship is different and have different dynamics. Effective communication is important as you counsel individuals. It’s important that individuals aren’t making decisions off a misunderstanding from your communication. Make sure that everything makes sense to the individual. Improve your communication with your Father in Heaven as well. Make your office inviting and your presence wanted Whether you’re in your office or someone’s home, people have difficult situations and you want them to like to see the bishop. Having a comfortable environment helps keep a dialogue going to help them with their problems. Always Teach Teach the doctrine and teach it everywhere. Teach in interviews, teach in homes, teach and minister while you’re administering. When you teach you prepare everyone to make covenants and then after they’ve made the covenant, you’re teaching them how to keep their covenants. Balance Delegate and let others lead. Don’t micromanage, let others minister as you want to minister too. Just because they aren’t doing something they way you would do it does...

Ben Bernards author of Faith and a Life Jacket: 7 Truths for your Eternal Mission. Ben also teaches at Especially For Youth conferences. Ben served his mission in the Fiji Islands mission, serving mainly in New Caledonia, the mission experience enriched his testimony in unique and challenging ways. He shares unique mission experiences that show tender mercies from Heavenly Father. Episode Highlights: * Mission prep book that also ties into leadership qualities for LDS leaders. * What advice can you give ward leaders to help reach out to youth? * Try to bridge the age gap and connect on their level. Make sure that you understand the secular culture that they are living in so you can converse with them about things they are interested in. Being real and genuine with the youth can help connect with them and build relationships. * Ward leaders should strive to help those preparing for a mission understand that it will be difficult. As you team up with Heavenly Father and inspired leaders, you will find success. We’ve been asked to take His yoke upon and and not our own. * Ben Bernard’s book discusses 7 Truths that also apply to leadership within the ward. * It’s going to be harder than you think but it’s possible with God’s help. * Leadership is hard but it’s possible with God’s help. * Social media is fine but don’t compare someone’s highlight reel with your behind the scenes. * Your faithfulness and obedience that isn’t a guarantee of a smooth road. 100% obedience and hard work doesn’t mean that leadership or missionary work is going to be easy. Don’t let it get you down, let your faith help you keep going. * Evil is real but God is more powerful. * The reality of how difficult things can be, when the adversary tries to throw you off your path. Hold on to the fact that God’s power can cast out the darkness and bring light to everyone around us. * Miracles happen and are unlocked by the patient obedient The Lord will reward and work best with those who are willing to follow His principles. * How are you going to show love to those you lead? * What ways can you serve the people you are leading in their everyday lives? Be willing to genuine and real with those that you serve. Try to become a minister of Christ in your interactions. * What was helping for leadership development during your mission? * Make the scriptures familiar with yourself and can apply the different stories and teaching to real life situations. Keep a record of scriptures that you continually use to help, write them down and keep them in an easily accessible location. Focus on bringing people to Christ at their own speed. * Focus on the progress of the people and not the statistical aspect of the gospel. There is wisdom in helping those begin their journey and not rushing them through gaining a testimony. Timing is in God’s hands and success is sometimes measured in qualitative ways, this helps you see this as a people’s church and not a race for numbers. Putting standards on yourself is difficult as a leader and as you learn to set that aside and just love people, you’ll find success and joy in serving. The small progress that people make can be counted as success and it’s just as important as the large steps. * When we set aside the best things for our lives and work in God’s vineyard that we see the miracles and blessings happen. Let God direct the work. * Now Go Out There and Teach Someone. Links: Faith and a Life Jacket Book BenBernards.com

In this episode of the How I Lead segment we talk to Adam Ellsworth. Adam is currently serving as the president of his elders quorum in Maryland. Both Adam and his wife were raised in Southern California but did not meet until they attended the same student ward at Brigham Young University. After receiving his bachelors degree at BYU, Adam graduated law school from Pepperdine University after which he took a job in Washington D.C. as a patent attorney. Adam and his family have called D.C. home for the last 10 years. Adam also shares with us his five leadership principles accompanied with an effective and unique approach to home teaching. He and his presidency have effectively changed the culture of home teaching in their quorum. 5 Principles of Leadership: * Exercise inspired judgment and allow others to do the same (46:30) * Focus on Christ (47:23) * Lead with Christ’s authority in the manner that he instructed (49:00) * If you want something done, talk one on one (52:57) * Be one, build unity by communication. Episode Highlights: * What was your childhood like? (4:00) * Did you serve a full time mission? (4:51) * How did you meet your wife? (6:20) * What is the first general conference talk that comes to mind? (7:48) * What other callings have you had? (12:20) * How were you called as elders quorum president? (13:04) * HOW DO YOU APPROACH HOME TEACHING? (14:00) * Five Principles of Leadership (40:37) Links: * DOWNLOAD the Home Teaching document from Adam’s stake * The Power of a Strong Testimony, by Elder Richard G. Scott * DeAnna Murphy Episode * The Weightier Matters of the Law: Judgment, Mercy, and Faith, by President James E. Faust * Essentialism Episode  

Beckie Hennessy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has years in counseling. In this episode we talk about how a clinical counselor organizes their counseling appointment in a way that helps their clients progress and benefit from the counseling provided. Bishop or Stake Presidents can learn from their systems and hopefully help individuals they are spiritually counseling feel more loved. Episode Highlights * What should a bishop expect when working with a professional counselor? (7:05) * Thoughts on the LDS Addiction Recovery Groups (14:40) * Elder Dallin H. Oaks – Recovering from the Trap of Pornography * How should bishops work as a team with the professional counselor? (15:42) * How can bishops best organize and track their own progress when counseling with members? (19:45) 5 Ways to Stay Organized as a Spiritual Counselor * Embracing Technology (22:05) * TheraNest (for professional counselors) * Google Docs * Evernote * OneNote * Organize with F.H.E. (How to keep notes during your meetings) (33:26) * Focus – describe in notes the reason why they wanted to meet along with your thoughts about additional areas of focus * Help – what did you advise them to do, what was your commitment to help them? * Expectations – what are the specific actions required of the bishop and of the individual * Be Present or Postponing (40:45) * What do to and say when your are called with an urgent matter during personal time * Become familiar with local crisis lines and resources * Follow Through (53:00) * Timely follow through expresses care, love and genuine concern Links: * Bricks Family Counseling * Cobalt Counseling

2016 has been the largest growth year for LeadingLDS yet! It’s exciting to see more leaders in the Church discover the content and gain from the knowledge of other leaders. We had close to 200,000 unique podcast downloads and almost 100,000 unique visits to the website. We are truly making a difference and I am excited to see the progress that is made in 2017. If you are new to LeadingLDS or want to look back on 2016 to discover the most popular content on LeadingLDS, here you go! Most Downloaded Episodes of 2016 1. What I Learned About Leadership When My 2nd Counselor Left the Church An incredibly real discussion about leaders perspective on those that leave the Church and why. I interviewed one of my bishopric counselors that recently left the Church. Listen here 2. Loving Our LGBT Brethren & Sisters | An Interview with Bishop Carl Hull Bishop Hull had a remarkable journey to better understand the LGBT community and most importantly how to love them more fully as a bishop. Listen here 3. Being an Essentialism Bishop | An Interview with Greg McKeown I am so happy to see that this interview got so much traction. Every busy bishop or church leader needs to listen to this multiple times and then read Bishop Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism: The Disciplined Persuit of Less. It has changed my approach to what I focus on and how I can more effectively lead by doing less. Listen here 4. The Art of Significance in LDS Leadership | How I Lead: Bishop Dan Clark This was probably one of the more fun interviews I did. Dan Clark is a riot to be around and that fact that I was able to visit him in his home and ask him deep leadership principles was awesome. This interview will leave any leader motivated to change the world through their calling. Listen here 5. How to Support Transgender Members In Your LDS Ward The General Authorities have not said much about the issue of Transgener Mormons. I am sure more is to come but this was a fantastic interivew where I sat down with Brigit Pack, who is affiliated with North Star, and we discussed her experience of having a spouse that is transgender. It was an enlightening interview and I have had a new perspective ever since I was apart of it. Listen here 6. Home Teaching During Tragedy | The Story Behind Elder Holland’s #LDSconf Talk More details about Elder Holland’s story about the heartwrenching story of the loss of Austen Russell can be found in this interview. I chatted with Troy Russell, Austen’s father, and his home teacher, John Manning. There was a sweet spirit present as we did this interview an...

Robert Gordon is from New Zealand and currently lives in Brisbane, Australia. He has served as bishop, stake president, and in several mission presidencies. He also served a mission in Brisbane, Australia as a young man. In this interview he shares of his experience in leading and has many great stories to go along with it. 5 Leadership Principles * Love the people (13:45) * Build unity, starting with the presidency (16:43) * Turn the keys of priesthood authority (23:58) * Have a vision people can embrace and be careful with goals that don’t mean anything. (28:28) * Have competent people do the administering and don’t sweat the small stuff (35:51) Episode Highlights * Robert’s background (02:39) * How did it come to be that you were called as Stake President? (06:13) * What’s the process of getting called to a mission presidency? (09:20) * Principle 1: Love the people (13:45) * Principle 2: Build unity, starting with the presidency (16:43) * What can a presidency to do establish presidency? (21:17) * Principle 3: Turn the keys of priesthood authority (23:58) * Principle 4: Have a vision people can embrace and be careful with goals that don’t mean anything. (28:28) * What was your process of setting goals? (31:37) * Principle 5: Have competent people do the administering and don’t sweat the small stuff (35:51) * Any in your area that created a unique challenge? (39:07) * How has your time in leadership made you a better disciple of Jesus Christ? (43:43)

Dr. Gregory Prince was born and raised in Southern California. He served a mission in Brazil. After his mission he became a Dentist and later received a Ph.D in pathology. As a young elders quorum president in Washington DC he began researching and writing about the history of the priesthood in the LDS Church and produce a book called, Power from on High: The Development of Mormon Priesthood. He later met a mission president in Washington DC that would soon become a friend and change the course of his life. That mission president was Robert Wright who Dr. Prince co-authored David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. This book project led Dr. Prince to meet the daughter of former Church Historian, Leonard Arrington, who asked him to write Leonard’s biography. In this episode Dr. Prince discusses the role of history as it relates to doctrine of the Church. We also discuss what the realities of inspiration look like and how perfect revelation is received through mortals that can make mistakes. We also discuss how leaders can mentor lay members who struggle with some aspects of Church history. Episode Highlights * How did the path of becoming an author begin for you? (03:21) * Power from on High, The Development of Mormon Priesthood (05:55) * Being asked to become David O. McKay’s biographer (06:37) * What did you learn from your research on the Priesthood that would help an Elders Quorum President to lead more effectively? (08:33) * How Sidney Rigdon influenced the doctrine of the Priesthood? (11:26) * Priesthood Authority vs. Priesthood Power (14:23) * The significance of the temple endowment and missionaries (17:23) * A brief synopsis of David O. McKay’s biography and the Leonard Arrington biography (23:48) * What comprises inspiration for our Church leaders? (30:23) * Why should leaders feel comfortable saying “I don’t know?” (33:13) * Recognizing hyperbole in Church leadership inspiration (37:32) * “Don’t they realize we’re just human beings doing our best?” (43:01) * How different leaders see the relationship between truth and history (44:38) * History can inform testimony but it is not testimony (48:56) * What would you say to a leader that wants to use history to bring someone out of doubt? (50:27) * How can a local leader get ahead of these historical data points so that people learn of sticky Church history from their bishop rather than online? (54:13) * What can you tell us about Leonard the person that would encourage people to read his biography? (56:36) * Would you agree that Leonard was a person that had a different viewpoint but still stayed in the Church and found room? (59:58) * What about leadership to these two biographies teach us the best? (01:02:24) * Over your time studying the history of the Church and researching some of the mistakes of prophets and seers, how have you become a better disciples of these prophets, seers, and revelators? (01:06:01) Links: Power from on High: The Development of Mormon Priesthood David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism  Leonard Arrington and the Writing of Mormon History PBS Mormon Documentary President Kimball’s talk where he mentions plateaus

Amy Durham lives in Salt Lake City, Utah and is the Director of Production for Deseret Book. She was recently released as Relief Society president in her ward and has also had experience working in the Young Women program. In this episode we discuss how she led as Relief Society president, including what were the unique dynamics she faced as a single Relief Society president in a traditional family ward. She shares some incredible tips on how she handled Church welfare requests, and how she ministered to the many different demographics in her ward. 5 Leadership Principles * Assess your own strengths as a leader (13:05) * Delegate (16:30) * Provide opportunities, not obligations (30:59) * Sometimes it  is a jungle gym! (39:06) * This is His gig! (42:17) Episode Highlights * Rapid Fire Questions (04:09) * What is your best advice for Young Women leaders? (07:50) * How were you called as RS president? (09:05) * “I don’t have the Relief Society voice.” (10:42) * What processes did you go through to prepare to be RS Pres? (12:07) * Principle 1: How did you assess your own strengths as a leader? (13:05) * What are the demographics and unique challenges of your ward? (15:08) * Principle 2: Delegate (16:30) * What were you focusing on and not delegating to others? (18:28) * What was your ward welfare process like and how did you approach it? (19:51) * How did you tell people no? (28:23) * Principle 3: Provide opportunities, not obligations (30:59) * Why plan a weekly Relief Society activity? (36:27) * Principle 4: Sometimes it’s a jungle gym! (39:06) * Principle 5: This is His gig! (42:17) * What unique challenges did you face as a single Relief Society president? (45:55) * What was your approach to visiting teaching? (51:08) * As you have served as a Relief Society president, how has that made you a better disciple of Jesus Christ? (53:41) Amy’s Food Order Packet * Food Order Process Explanation * Food Order Sample Menu * Food Order Blank Menu * For serving size menu see the Food Order Reference Guide Links: Like a Broken Vessel, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland