LeadingLDS Podcast

Jon Ogden is the author of When Mormons Doubt: A Way to Save Relationships and Seek a Quality Life, as well as an Op-ed for the Salt Lake Tribune: “Belief in ‘Sad Heaven’ hurts relationships in era of Mormon doubt.” Interview Highlights * How our perspective of the afterlife can hurt our family relations with those who disagree with us. (3:38) * When relationships are defined by difference, it’s unhealthy. 5:40 * Where did the concept of a “Sad Heaven” come from? 5:50 * Reconsidering what constitutes success. 7:00 * Will family relations be the way we think they will in Heaven? 8:00 * Mr. Rogers & Pascal’s wager, “I love you just the way you are.” 10:10 * Becoming closer to God by loving those as they are.  13:30 * “You are worrying about the wrong problem. You just live worthy of the celestial kingdom, and the family arrangements will be more wonderful than you can imagine.” The Hope of Eternal Family – President Henry B. Eyring August 2016 Ensign 14:33 * Finding common ground between believers and doubters. 18:10 * Doubting is wrestling at an intellectual level. 19:20 * Finding beauty, goodness and truth in the church and appreciating it. 20:25 * Being open to uncomfortable historical facts of our church. 23:46 * Finding and embracing beauty all around. 28:52 * When I followed my religion, I became the man I want to be.  31:49 * Why do we worry when people leave the church? 34:10 * What if they don’t return to our church? 39:00 Links: The Hope of Eternal Family—President Henry B. Eyring

In this episode of “How I Lead” we head back to Edmonton, Canada to speak with Danica Forsyth. Danica has been married for 7 years and is the mother of a 3 year old little daughter. Sister Forsyth was born and raised in Fort Macleod, Alberta before school took her to Edmonton where she met her husband. Through out her interview Danica discusses with us the challenges and blessings of serving in the primary for 7 years and most recently as the primary president. Danica is a registered nurse who works hard at putting her family first while continuing to magnify her calling. Not only is she a primary president but she is also a missionary…Danica shares with us how she introduced a life long pen pal from Japan to the restored gospel. 5 Leadership Principles: * First calling first * Communication * Children are people too * Go and Do * Have fun Links: Interview with Danica’s bishopric Wendy Ulrich Interview  

Michael Goodman is a member of the faculty in the Church History and Doctrine Department at BYU where he teaches various classes including Marriage and Family and Mission Prep. He describes his experience teaching at BYU as a “sheer delight.” Brother Goodman joined the Church at 18 and served a mission a year later in Bangkok Thailand. He served again in Thailand as a mission president 13 year later (at 33-years-old) where he served as presiding authority for the majority of the country. After his time has mission president Michael served as bishop of a BYU singles ward. Brother Goodman has spoken at BYU Women’s Conference and at a BYU Devotional on the topic of seeking help during times of doubt. His counsel includes many gems and some of the key take-aways are:  help those who doubt to find answers through proper preparation (reading essays on LDS.org, etc.), recognize the extreme fear being experienced by the doubter as their entire belief system is crumbling. Questions and Points Addressed: How can we include those who doubt or have questions? First, create an environment of love and safety. We are all experiencing the gospel at our own pace and in our own way so steer toward a common ground and work from there. How do we build a safe environment? Ask those who may threaten safety to help you create it. Make sure everyone knows that you do not fear questions. What are the dangers of doubt? We tend to go to extremes and villainize or lionize doubt–both are hurtful. Doubt can be either beneficial or harmful. If the object of the doubt is false, doubt can be helpful. If the object of the doubt is true then doubt is typically more harmful. Either way, doubt is part of the belief spectrum and needs to be understood (doubt → hope → belief). Doubt does have consequences. Does a change in policy mean that the policy was wrong? Change does not equate to error. Just because something has changed does not mean that it was wrong before and is now right. If you want to know something is a doctrine, check for these three things and the likelihood the thing is doctrine is higher: Is it eternal (unchanged from dispensation to dispensation)? Is it being taught by a united First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve Apostles? Is it have to do with our salvation? Great Quotes and Notes: “People don’t grow if they don’t have hope…which is the gospel of Jesus Christ.” “People want to help.” “You can’t solve a problem you aren’t aware of.” An admonition to believe is not an attempt to make those who doubt to feel guilty. “Belief and doubt are living attitudes, and involve conduct on our part. Our only way, for example, of doubting, or refusing to believe, that a certain thing is, is continuing to act as if it were not.” -William James “One of the surest ways of creating doubt in current prophets is to judge past prophets as having been in error.” We follow living prophets because God is infallible and He is using the imperfect prophet to accomplish His work. Heavenly Father wants us to use our agency. He wants us to learn truth and He is THE source of all truth and we need to involve Him in finding that truth. Links: BYU Speeches: Become a Seeker: The Way, the Truth, and the Life BYU Devotional: “The Truth Shall Make You Free” BYU: Bio – Michael Goodman Daily Universe: BYU religion teacher’s conversion, missions and life shaped by optimism

Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to give back after a long weekend of Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday steals. The holidays are an exciting time and there are many loved ones finding the perfect gift for you. But on #GivingTuesday, you have the opportunity to give back to a cause you believe in. At LeadingLDS we encourage you to consider the many ways you can serve those around you and possibly contribute to a non-profit organization. There are many valiant non-profit organizations that are digging wells, providing clean water, or helping the homeless. But in a time when society puts too much weight on who is leading our country and doesn’t consider the local lay leaders we interact with on a daily or weekly basis. If we want to change the world we must start with the leadership closest to us. For this reason LeadingLDS was created; to enhance the lay leadership ability of those asked to lead beyond their capacity. Those asked to handle situations beyond their communications skills. Those that feel alone because they were asked to lead, but they don’t know where to start. On this #GivingTuesday we ask you to help us with our mission in making leadership possible for those not prepared to lead. If we enhance our local leadership, our society is more likely to succeed, and if we all succeed we can then help those around the world needing so much more. It all begins with LEADERSHIP.  

In October 2016 General Conference, Elder Holland told a story about the tragic death of Troy Russell's son, Austen, and how he was helped out of despair by a "home teacher extraordinaire," John Manning. In this interview we talk with Troy and John as they give more background to the story and the tender mercies that the Lord bestowed upon the Russell family and their surrounding community. Troy shares how it was ward leaders, ward friends, and community that didn't know what to do, but still showed love to their family, that really made the different and helped them through this tragic time in their life. John Manning talks about the friendship that was established long before the the passing of Austen that made it possible to be there for John as his home teacher, but most importantly, as his friend. The early morning basketball games gave Troy something to do and to get active again. Now the basketball group wears a jerseys that proudly displays Austen's logo in his memory. The Christlike love and service that came out of this story has truly honored Austen and will inspire all that listen to be a true home or visiting teacher. Transcript available.

Kyle Morey is from Indianapolis Indiana and served as his stake’s public affairs representative during the open house and dedication of the Indianapolis Indiana temple. He also recently wrote the book Ask God: My 30-Day Experiment with Prayer and Its Potential to Answer Yours. Kyle and his family of 7 are currently in Omaha, Nebraska as they travel and tour on a 3 year personal service mission. Episode Highlights This episode explores the calling of stake public affairs representative and Kyle’s experience in that calling. * Kyle’s book- Ask God: My 30-Day Experiment with Prayer and Its Potential to Answer Yours (8:45) * Public affairs in the LDS Church Handbook (14:15) * LDS public affairs in Utah (15:00) * Focusing on building bridges instead of baptizing Connecting with community leaders to give them a positive opinion of our church and sharing that Mormons are all about Christ How Kyle Morey was called as public affairs representative (17:00) * Separating missionary work and public affairs (26:00) * Public affairs during Joseph Smith’s time (29:00) * How public affairs helped defend the church during the building of the Indianapolis Indiana temple (31:30) * Kyle’s experiences as public relations representative during the open house of the Indianapolis Indiana temple (33:00) Kyle’s 5 Leaderships Principles (52:00) * Prepare each day * Be willing to be vulnerable * Remain teachable * Be patient and understanding * Teach and lead more by what I do, not by what I say Links: Starting and Growing My Business (LDS Resource) Ask God: My 30-Day Experiment with Prayer and Its Potential to Answer Yours Kyle’s Family Blog The Power of Everyday Missionaries, by Clayton Christensen The Power of Vulnerability (TED Talk) How to Invite Others to Christ Using Your Digital Device Geoff Thatcher Interview About Public Affairs  

Debbie Marriott Harrison is currently the Global Culture Officer and a member of the Board of Directors for Marriott Hotels and is the daughter of J.W. Marriott Jr. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a major in History and a minor in French and is the mother of five children. She has served in numerous leadership callings, including more than 33 years in the Young Women program, as well as Stake Public Affairs director. She and her husband served as mission president of the Belgium Brussels Mission from 2000-2003. Upon her return, after more than 25 years as a stay-at-home mother, Sister Harrison re-entered the workforce working in the Government Affairs Department for Marriott Hotels. In this interview Sister Harrison discusses lessons she has learned from her professional career that she has applied in her church callings as well as ways church service has prepared her for and continues to help her succeed in the business world. How have callings or assignments in the church prepared her for success in the business world? (15:45) * Learning to stand and speak or present to groups of people from an early age * How to effectively run a meeting * How to get along with people * Learning at above all love and relationships of trust are key in both settings * As a missionary, and then as a lobbyist, learning to listen to someone else’s point of view learning from rejection Lessons learned from her father, J.W. Marriott Jr (18:25) * No job is worth sacrificing your health * Be fully committed * Learn how to say no * Experience builds resilience * Human touch matters Human Touch Matters (20:10) * We must have a human touch and express compassion to those whom we serve * Number one leadership quality is to be a good listener * “What do you think?” – the four most important words, as learned from experience with President Eisenhower Learning How to Say No (22:20) * Realize we can’t be everywhere and everything to everybody all at once * We should take joy in what you’re doing and be present in the moment * Must step back and take stock of our lives to examine if we are in balance * Must occasionally so no and we shouldn’t feel guilty about it * When we overextend and are out of balance we risk burnout Focus on the Individual (24:45) * Love the people you work with and serve * Pray over them by name and get to know them individually * When they know you care about them they will do anything for you * Second important key is to have fun with them rather than only serving out of duty Help others to see the vision (30:30) * Train, train, train – the church as numerous great training programs * Know the limitations of people and do your best to help them * Is it a good fit? Is it something that’s going to help this person perform? * Sometimes they just don’t know how to do it. Once they do, they become motivated to do it How Sister Harrison feels leadership callings have made her a better disciple of Jesus Christ (33:00) * “Do I really believe in this?” * Through our service and our love toward those whom we serve we come to better emmulate the Savior * We learn Christ-like characteristics as we serve and support one another despite our weaknesses and we try not to judge Additional Links: What This Working Daughter Learned from her Working Father by Debbie Marriott Harrison

In this episode of the How I Lead segment, we head down to Austin, Texas to speak with Michelle Kaley. Michelle is from Southern California who is a mother of four and has been a dance instructor for over 22 years. If life isn’t busy enough being a mother and working she is also serving as the young women president in her ward. In her early teens Michelle was a victim of sexual abuse by multiple abusers. This lead to promiscuity, partying and being disfellowshipped before she was 16 years of age. She met her future husband at the age of 17 and introduced him to the Gospel. He was baptized soon after and they were eventually sealed in the temple for time and eternity. Michelle’s trials with sexual abuse did not end there. She was later raped by a coworker. Michelle’s experiences with sexual abuse has given her a unique perspective in regards to the atonement and how to teach sexual purity to the youth of today. She discusses her approach to talking to her young women about the law of chastity and repentance and how bishops and other leaders can approach youth who might feel that their value and Virtue is lost or diminished. 5 PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP * Love them as he would, treat them as he would. * Be a coach, not a boss. * Teach them to lead. * Make it about them. * The gospel is designed for the individual. * Always have a Plan B and C and D and maybe even an E.  

Gary Rhoads grew up in Pocatello, Idaho and received his undergraduate degree and MBA from Idaho State University. He holds a PhD in Marketing from Texas Tech University and is currently the Stephen Mack Covey Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Brigham Young University. He has taught at Brigham Young University for 25 years. Rhoads teaches an executive MBA course focused on his method of Stop Think & Lead which helps leaders dealing with critical situations. Recently at BYU Education week Dr. Rhoads taught his Stop Think & Lead approach—teaching how to make a point without making an enemy. He’s an expert in how to deal with critical situations and how to avoid conflict. In this episode he shares his great knowledge how we as leaders (and even just people in any relationship) can best deal with conflict and not make enemies in the process. Episode Highlights Introduction to Stop Think & Lead approach (11:45) 3 types of people in conflict: * Robotic- following the manual, stating the facts * Pooh Bear- avoiding the situation * Dish Out- makes a point but makes an enemy Learn skills without having regrets (13:30) Similar to diving certification- Stop Think Breathe (15:00) Stop– don’t react, do no harm- most people fail to do this Stopping tactic- acknowledge concern (17:00) Think– What outcomes do I want? (17:30) Lead– Take action Examples of the Stop, Think, Lead Approach Example 1: Bishop vs. Sister Stone (19:00) There are multiple outcomes in situations (25:00) U turn stopping tactic (28:40) If you feel angry, say the kindest thing you can say. Calming tactic (30:00)- This is how I see it… Example 2: Conflict between husband and wife (33:00) Keep walking and come back with a plan (41:00) Help to a bishop dealing with conflict (43:00) Tactic that works the best dealing with conflict in the church (45:00) Example 3: Pinewood Derby conflict (46:00) Example of U-turns (53:30)- truthful kind words help you gain back control Links: Stinkomojo Website

Lisa Gregory currently serves as a Stake Young Women Secretary in the Washington D.C. area. She has previously served as a counselor in her ward Relief Society and Primary presidencies and served a mission in Japan. She is the oldest of six children and grew up in a traditional LDS home. She attended and graduated from Brigham Young University and later earned her Master’s degree. She met her future husband at the age of 36 and they were sealed in the Washington D.C. temple a little more than a year later. They have now been married approximately 5 ½ years. As a young single adult in the Church, Lisa spent time in Boston, Virginia, New York and Atlanta before returning to the Washington D.C. area. It was there that, now as a mid-single adult, she was called by her stake president to assist in organizing and serving as co-chair of the first mid-single adult program on the East coast; a calling she would serve in for nearly four years. In this interview Lisa shares her perspective on some of the struggles that single individuals in the church face and how her stake has worked to address those concerns, specifically among the mid-single adult population, by establishing a “Mid-Singles Emphasis Ward.” In Lisa’s opinion, one of the most difficult aspects about being single in the church is judgment (16:30) * Judgment of self – Is it me? * Judgement from others * Real judgment * Perceived judgement What leaders did to help Lisa and those that worked with her feel more connected to the family culture of the church in her calling working with other Mid-Single Adults (21:30) * Leaders valued input. They didn’t assume to know what was best for singles in the stake. * Stake leaders leaned on and expressed confidence in the Singles leadership that had been called. * They listened to and followed input from the Singles leadership * Made the focus on serving singles in the stake a partnership between the Singles leadership, the stake presidency and the Lord. Structure and parameters of a Mid-Singles Emphasis Ward (24:30) * One ward in the stake designated as the Mid-Singles Emphasis Ward * Anyone in the stake between the designated ages can transfer their records into the Emphasis Ward (an existing normal family ward) * If an individual transfers their records in they are expected to attend and be active in that ward * Individuals must be willing to receive a calling and assignments (including home and visiting teaching assignments) in that ward * A Mid-Singles Gospel Doctrine class is created but singles are fully integrated into Sacrament Meeting and Relief Society and Priesthood quorum meetings * Separate Mid-Singles Activity committee (in addition to any ward-level activities committee) * Once a month Saturday activity and once a month mid-week activities held (to accommodate singles who choose to remain in their home ward) * Regional and multi-stake Mid-Single Adult conferences and institute classes also held Leadership Principles * Clear delegation – follow up and gratitude are critical for any leadership calling in the church (36:00) * Other’s blessings can be “short-circuited” when we don’t allow them to serve and become involved * Leaders are in danger of losing sight of the ministry of their calling when they overwhelm themselves taking on too much * Leaders can help others develop as leaders as responsibilities are delegated to them * By following up and holding individuals accountable we show them that their contributions matter * Helping others see the vision and showing gratitude for their efforts is a key to this process * Be clear with yourself and others around what the Lord is calling you do administer and what ministry he is calling you to do (43:00)

Update: In this episode mormonsandgays.org is mentioned, but recently the LDS Church changed this resource to mormonandgay.lds.org Carl Hull was raised in Heber City, UT and later attended high school in Orem and college at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. He served a mission in Chile and currently serves as Bishop of a ward in Highland, Utah. Melody is from Carlsbad, California and has held many positions in the Church serving and loving others. Carl’s journey of understanding started in 2014 when he was serving on the High Council in his stake and the Stake President arranged to have Joseph Stith speak about his experience with same-sex attraction. (Joseph is President of North Star and has been on LeadingLDS previously—How to Support Transgender Members In Your LDS Ward and How to Support Gay Members In Your LDS Ward – Part 2.) Prior to this experience, Carl viewed those who identified as gay as “just plain evil” but during Joseph’s presentation Carl started to view him with compassion. As a result of this experience, Carl wrote a post on Ben Schilaty’s blog titled The Eyes of My Understanding Were Opened and created a presentation on loving and accepting those who struggle with SSA, which he gave to his ward—adults and youth separately—with the goal of creating greater openness and understanding. Carl’s change of heart is one focused on loving others and founded on the teachings of the Savior and modern-day prophets and will help you to be a better, more loving disciple of Jesus Christ. Links: Mormon and Gay (LDS Church Sponsored) North Star

DeAnna Murphy serves as a Stake Relief Society President in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She also runs Strength Strategy where she consults businesses, coaches, and individuals.

In August of 2015 I was released as bishop, but my second counselor didn’t show up to be release. I was concerned about what he was going through. A few months before that meeting Heath, my 2nd counselor, disclosed to me the faith struggle he was experiencing. He had been striving to put his doubts to rest and gain a new level of conviction to the Restored Gospel. I was even more shocked when he and his family removed their names from the roles of the Church. . Thankfully my friendship with Heath has continued. We have had many uplifting conversations over lunch. These discussions were so uplifting that Heath suggested I interview him for my podcast. He was mainly joking, but I liked the idea. It turned out to be a special experience for me. I have learned so much about faith and testimony, and what leaders need to be aware of when members in their ward doubt. . I strongly encourage you to listen to the episode above and then share it with a leader and a friend. Episode Summary Heath is an immigration attorney in Salt Lake City, UT. He completed his undergraduate work at Brigham Young University-Idaho before graduating from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University. He became active in the LDS Church as a Junior in high school and later served a mission to Ecuador. He has served as Elders Quorum President and most recently as Second Counselor in the bishopric when Kurt (podcast host) served as bishop. He, his wife and their three kids stopped attending church the day the bishopric was dissolved and in June 2016 chose to remove their names from church records. . In this podcast Heath tells his story of the doubts he had, his struggles with uncertainty, the day he finally got an answer and how he has begun to feel more at peace since discovering others like him who are struggling with similar issues but who believe in the church and are still able to serve. . Kurt also explores one of the most difficult questions facing leaders in the church: How to encourage individuals who are struggling in their faith—in their quest for certainty—without discouraging them or putting too much pressure on them to get there? Podcast Summary with time marks (Transcript Available Below): * Began to have concerns about certain aspects of church history in 2006 as a student at BYU-I (8:30) * Began reading Rough Stone Rolling, a biography of Joseph Smith by author Richard Bushman * Took a class in law school entitled “Joseph Smith and the Law” that caused further doubts on what he had read (11:20) * Soon after law school, took a job at a non-profit in Salt Lake City and was called to serve as Elders Quorum President (13:45) * Became consumed with the goal of extinguishing all doubts in order to feel like a more effective leader * Continually prayed, fasted, attended the temple and did all of the things he was taught to do in order to receive the testimony he desired * Feelings of uncertainty intensified when he was called as Second Counselor in the bishopric, as he felt he was supposed to know all of the answers whenever there was a question posed to him * Desired to have the kind of testimony Elder Holland speaks of, one that is able to warm the hands of others, but got to a point where he could no longer say that Joseph Smith was a prophet. * As he wanted to know more and more if Joseph was a prophet, and feeling like he couldn’t get an answer or couldn’t recognize it, he became increasingly depressed. Questioned if the problem was him. Was he not good enough? (24:00) * Received an answer one Sunday afternoon that provided relief for a time. That relief was gradually replaced with thoughts of, “if it’s not true then what’s the point...

Ladean Anderson is a stake primary president in Ithica, Michigan. In this interview we discover how she approaches her calling in the unique area where she lives. What is your typical approach on Sundays and what do you ask of your counselors? (13:30) * Goal is to have monthly contact with ward Primary Presidencies (call / email / text / personal visit) How can we better support ward Primary Presidencies and help them to lead beyond week-to-week administrative tasks? (15:00) * You are not alone * Reach out to priesthood leaders and other members of your Ward Council How the Savior and the Church provide a way for our children to be strengthened (19:12) * “The world will teach our children if we do not, and children are capable of learning all the world will teach them at a very young age. What we want them to know five years from now needs to be part of our conversation with them today. Teach them in every circumstance; let every dilemma, every consequence, every trial that they may face provide an opportunity to teach them how to hold on to gospel truths.” Rosemary Wixom – Stay on the Path – October 2010 General Conference * Nursery is taught, “I am a Child of God” * Junior Primary taught how to choose the right * Senior Priary taught how to be valiant in keeping their covenants Be a student of Handbook 2, Chapter 3 – Leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ (21:05) * Study in Presidency meetings. * Two phrases I live by in preparation and planning (21:52) * Preparation = Revelation * The introduction to Handbook 2 begins by saying, “The Lord admonished, “Let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence” (D&C 107:99). Church leaders seek personal revelation to help them learn and fulfill the duties of their callings. Studying the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets will help leaders understand and fulfill their duties. The Lord has admonished leaders to treasure up in their minds continually the words of God so they will be receptive to the influence of the Spirit (see D&C 84:85).Leaders also learn their duties by studying the instructions in Church handbooks. These instructions can facilitate revelation if they are used to provide an understanding of principles, policies, and procedures to apply while seeking the guidance of the Spirit.” * “It might be wise to look at the handbooks and even the scriptures not as checklists or detailed scripts, but rather as opportunities to prepare our minds and hearts to receive divine inspiration for our responsibilities”

Dr. Mark R. Grandstaff, PhD., a former Presidential Advisor and Fellow of numerous leadership think-tanks, is President and CEO of Renaissance-Thinkers, an educational consulting firm.  He is a Certified Master Practitioner in the field of Jungian Depth Typology.  His work on strategic leadership and the role of individuation and archetypal awareness has been cited as a refreshingly new approach to self-awareness and creativity by leaders like Bronco Mendenhall and Stephen Covey.  An emeritus associate professor of History and Institutional Leadership at Brigham Young University, he has lectured at UC Berkeley, UCLA, Oxford, the London School of Economics, The University of Victoria, New Zealand and The University of Maryland, College Park.  He assists people in getting to know themselves better through tying their work into their larger life journey — hence, finding a renewed sense of calling and mission, excitement, and satisfaction in their careers and lives.  His Church assignments have spanned Ward, Stake and Area callings.  He and his spouse, Amy L. Dixon, Esq., reside in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA and have recently returned from a mission to Frankfurt, Germany. Enter Mark… The Journey Back:  Vision, Crises, and the Role of God in Our Lives. We are all on a journey — A journey back to God who gave us life.  And as religious leadership, we are here to provide vision and work with people so that they might develop their God-given attributes.  As President Lorenzo Snow explained, “Our spirit birth gave us godlike capabilities.  We were born in the image of god our Father; He begot us like Himself. There is the nature of deity in the composition of our spiritual organization; in our spiritual birth our Father transmitted to us the capabilities, powers and faculties which He Himself possessed. . . .”  (The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, comp. Clyde J. Williams, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1984, p. 4). Indeed, as it is recorded in D&C 4 and 2 Peter 1, we are one with the Divine Nature.  Our leadership calling is to help people understand this.  We are not earning the celestial kingdom, as I once heard, rather we are returning after having recognized that it is our internal, external, and eternal home.   In my 40+ years in the Church (I was a twenty-year old convert) — most of them in some kind of leadership position — I learned that yes, the Saints need Jesus personally, but usually what they need is for another person to be a Christ to them.  I often have had to ask myself what does it mean for me “to be Jesus” in my work, my relationships (especially with family), my ward and the world. Most of my time was taken up in calling, encouraging and pointing out the hand of the Lord in a given person’s life.  I usually started by reviewing Christ’s sojourn.  A careful reading of Matthew 3, 4 and 10 demonstrates that Christ was baptized, acclaimed of God and then tested, proved and taught while in the desert.  When he was proved, he went out and called twelve others to be his inner council and students.  Those whom he called recognized that Christ offered them a vocation (a way and purpose in life) which went beyond what they did as a job.  Who better to show them the way than a man who was able to overcome the world through His own series of crises by continually choosing God’s purposes for His life.  Times of testing Christ’s sense of vocation included the desert and the cross.  And the Lord’s time in the Garden demonstrated to God again that, despite the Savior’s pain, He was willing to have the Father’s will be done.  He chose God and His ultimate purpose — to overcome death and atone for mankind’s sins.   I do not know of many Mormons who overcame the world without at some time reaching a crisis point in their Church life.