LeadingLDS Podcast

This was a fun interview! I had the chance to chat with Kalee and Neal Mortensen, both Arizona natives, who have been living in São Paulo, Brazil for the last 2 years. They have had a unique experience as newly weds in a foreign country while also attending a familiar church. Neal, who served his mission in Brazil, has served as ward clerk and is currently in the bishopric. Kalee is the Young Women president and has learned Portuguese since she has been there. As we learn about their leadership experience we also learn about the status of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil and how their culture influences the day-to-day life of a Latter-day Saint in Brazil. We talk about some of the ramifications sensitive policy changes has had in Brazil, what apps are helpful for Brazilian leadership, and what it’s like speaking in stake conference in a 2nd language. Listen in. Links “Things As They Really Are,” Elder David A. Bednar Same-Sex Marriage in Brazil Why Youth Leaders Need to Use Snapchat WhatsApp Slack

Guest Post: Brigham Rupp Brigham Rupp is a full-time seminary teacher in Gilbert, Arizona. He’s served as elders quorum counselor, executive secretary, stake Sunday School, and currently serves as bishop. He served a mission in Chicago, Illinois and share many of his scriptural thoughts at The Silver Grey.  Also be sure to listen to Brigham’s How I Lead interview. Enter Brigham… One of the things I love (and sometimes hate) about teaching is that a teacher never “arrives.” No matter how well you teach, you can always do better next time. It’s no secret that teaching in the Church has room for improvement (as John Milton wrote, sometimes “the hungry sheep look up but are not fed”), nor is there a shortage of material meant to help us do better. In the spirit of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s plea that we “revitalize and re- enthrone superior teaching in the Church,” here are five preparation tips that will take your teaching to the next level. There are hundreds of valuable teaching tips (see links below). These five are focused on common mistakes we make in our approach to teaching in the Church. While easier said than done, remembering these will make our teaching easier, more enjoyable, and most importantly more powerful. 1. Focus on teaching people, not lessons Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. – John 21:17 I know this sounds like a meaningless gimmick, but following this simple maxim changes the entire approach to teaching. Because teaching for most of us is such an anxiety-inducing activity, our natural tendency is to focus on ourselves from the onset. “How am I going to use up the time? What am I going to do? What am I going to say? How am I going to be received?” The danger is to give our lesson all the attention instead of the students. This tendency is manifest when we teach well prepared “lessons” that are not relevant to our students, when we rush past questions because we need to “get back to the lesson,” or when our minds are blank after a meaningful comment because while they were talking we were thinking about the lesson plan to which we are so rigidly attached. As we pray for charity and focus on our students, we empower the Spirit to direct us in ways that will bless those we teach. Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught, “A gospel teacher will never be satisfied with just delivering a message or preaching a sermon. A superior gospel teacher wants to assist in the Lord’s work to bring eternal life to His children.” 2. Determine what to teach before you plan how to teach. And again, the elders, priests and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon – D&C 42:12 This one is harder than it sounds. Again, because we are so often focused on ourselves, we have a natural tendency to jump straight into how we’re going to teach when we sit down to prepare. This is a huge mistake and it makes preparation very difficult. Powerful teaching usually comes from knowing what specific principles and doctrines you want to emphasize. I don’t just mean “I know I’m teaching the Gospel Essentials lesson on Prayer” or “I’m teaching the Sunday School Lesson on 2 Nephi 32-33.” This is not enough. In any given Church class, you generally have enough time to effectively cover one or two specific principles. These should be identified so specifically and clearly that someone could ask,

A few years ago a close friend was over at my house visiting with my wife (we will call her Ashley). As I entered the room Ashley said she wanted to tell us about a conversation she had with one of her longtime friends. Ashley’s friend called the day before to let her know she experiences same-sex attraction. They had a good talk about the gospel and what this means for her spiritual journey going forward. Ashley was touched that this person felt comfortable enough to share this information with her. Ashley said it was remarkable how much compassion she felt towards her friend because she cared about her so much. Ashley then said, “It’s just been on my mind all day, I had to share this experience with someone.” A subtle bishop smile came to my face as I said, “Imagine if people told you this sort of stuff every week and there is nobody you can share it with.” Bearing Other’s Burdens–A Form of Christ As I pondered on this conversation I had with Ashley, it made me reflect on some of the experiences one has as a bishop that many don’t experience as often. This process of someone coming to you with a huge burden they carry, looking for someone else to assist in the carry. Suddenly the stakes of the baptismal covenant become reality, and you aren’t sure you are “willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they be light.” (Mosiah 18:8) Throughout the scriptures there are many forms of Jesus Christ mixed into each story. His atonement is the central message of the gospel and is represented in all things therein. When one is asked to stand and bear the burden of others, it is simply a form of Christ. Psalms 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Alma 24:21 Yea, and in the valley of Alma they poured out their thanks to God because he had been merciful unto them, and eased their burdens, and had delivered them out of bondage; for they were in bondage, and none could deliver them except it were the Lord their God. The Burden of Leadership (Available to All) In Numbers chapter 11 Moses pleads with the Lord because of the burdens of his people that he is called to carry (another form of Christ). These verses sound like they are coming from the lips of every bishop of the church. (emphasis added) 10 Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased. 11 And Moses said unto the Lord, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? 12 Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers? 13 Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat. 14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.  Bishops find themselves bearing others’ burdens more often than they may want to (like Moses), but this “burden-carrying-blessing” is available to all, regardless of leadership title. From time to time, one will experience (as did my friend Ashley) the feeling of representing Christ and bearing other’s burdens when they need it most. The atonement of Jesus Christ does not fall from the sky in the form of magic pixie dust; it generally comes through people–other servants called at that time to give a hug or an open ear.

Greg Trimble is a very popular blogger that produces great content around LDS culture (see gregtrimble.com). Part of that content includes leadership articles, teaching articles, and some inspiring words for those serving full-time missions. I had the opportunity to interview him for the LeadingLDS podcast about leadership and what inspires him to write about leadership. It turned out to be a great discussion and I look forward to sharing with you his perspectives about being a stake Sunday School president (spoiler alert: it’s more than ringing the bell). Leadership Articles by Greg: What Every Leader Should Learn About True Leadership What To Do If You Don’t Want to Sustain A Church Leader The One Thing Every Missionary Should Learn Before They Leave You Know… It’s Alright to Smile at Church Other Links: Greg Trimble’s Blog “Lift Where You Stand,” President Uchtdorf “The Greatest Leaders Are the Greatest Follower,” President Stephen W. Owens “Teaching in the Saviors Way” Elder Ballard’s CES Talk Mosiah 5 Game Plan Pro  

Disclaimer: When I first wrote this article I was naive to the strong negative opinions some parents and church leaders have against Snapchat. I hope to get all your concerns recorded so we only offer the best guidance on LeadingLDS. Until we do so, please read the following article with an open mind and know that the author is not trying to recommend anything that would harm youth or put them in inappropriate situations.  It should also be noted that the LDS Church recently created a Snapchat account and is doing a great job connecting with youth through this popular social media platform. You can follow the Church @ldschurch on Snapchat.   You have seen the youth in your Sunday class giggle as they all take a silly group selfie on Snapchat. You allowed such silly behavior before the lesson starts, but you never considered participating. Snapchat appeared immature and only for the youth. Well, times are changing. Now is the day that you, as a LDS youth leader, need to be on Snapchat. I know, you never anticipated this day to come, but it’s no longer an option. If you really want to connect and form bonds with your youth, they need to see you on Snapchat. Here are 6 reasons why… 1. It’s Not What You Think It Is Early on, Snapchat earned the stigma of being a naughty app. Pictures shown on Snapchat disappear after viewing them, which led to the idea it was perfect for sexting and trading inappropriate pictures. This was the practice of some users but it is definitely not allowed on the platform. About 1% of photos shared on Snapchat are sexually explicit and they won’t randomly show up in your account unless you voluntarily connect with Snapchatter that do so. It is against the terms and conditions of Snapchat to post “content that contain pornography, graphic violence, threats, hate speech, or incitement to violence.” (Snapchat Terms) This content should be reported and the account producing inappropriate content will be suspended. So, no, it isn’t an evil app, but it can be used for evil just as much as other popular platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Google. 2. Youth Are Fleeing Facebook Adult leaders probably feel pretty hip now that they have their own Facebook account. Sorry to tell you this, but that was totally last decade! Facebook has a problem, and they know it. The youth are bored with Facebook and many don’t even bother to check their feed regularly. Apps like Snapchat provide a more dynamic experience that appeals to the youth. So if you only have a Facebook account to stay in touch with your youth, it might be time to join the world of 2016. 3. It Humanizes You As a Leader A recent University of Michigan study revealed that Snapchat brings more happiness than Facebook. Facebook is built on idealism. Don’t we all have those friends on Facebook that appear to always be on vacation or finishing their third marathon of the week? That’s because people only put their best of the best on Facebook. The way that Snapchat is set up causes people to be real. You can only view the photos and messages shared in the last 24 hours on Snapchat. S0, you get what you get. No constant bragging about your trip to Europe that you took 6 months ago. By participating in Snapchat you show your youth the real day-to-day of your life. Sitting at work. Watching your kid play soccer. By the next time you see each other they will have various cli...

Like any Mormon boy who was raised going to a church with an indoor gymnasium, I love playing basketball. It was one of the focuses of my teenage years and it taught me many life lessons. One of the great things about basketball is you can learn so much about the character and personality of individuals that are on the court. A manager would have an easier decision about whom to hire by watching them play a pick-up basketball game compared to a sit-down interview. The only problem is, this would require each person you interview to have fundamental basketball skills. Many would look like confused rodeo clowns if you pushed them onto the hardwood. I digress… Many articles could be written about the personal human characteristics which are manifested by playing team basketball. However, I would like to discuss a theory that comes from my time playing hundreds of church ball games. Most people find it beneficial and appropriate to be a good teammate by showing good sportsmanship to the other players on their team. This is why you see many high-fives, pointing at one another after a big play, and even yelling “GOOD JOB” after a teammate makes a good play. Cheering after a play is culturally normal. The loudest part of a game is when a player makes a basket. In my years of playing basketball, whenever I try to shout my congratulations to a teammate immediately after his big play, all the other noise, coming from players, coaches, and the crowd, would drown my voice out. But if I waited 5 seconds for the noise to dissipate then my praise was more likely to be heard. This same principle is applied in LDS leadership. Imagine sitting through a sacrament meeting talk that is downright remarkable. After the meeting, you—along with others—approach the speaker and thank him or her for the remarkable job. This is fine and very encouraging. I can think of many times I have given a talk and people have thanked me after the meeting. It feels good and encourages me the next time I am asked to speak. However, there is something magical that happens when we delay the recognition. The pause should be much longer than the basketball analogy of 5 seconds—more like 5 hours or 5 days. When someone accomplishes something great and their leader calls them (or writes a letter) a few days after, the praise is received with more impact; it is heard more clearly because the noise of other superficial acknowledgements have diminished. The next time you are impressed by the performance of someone in your life, especially someone you lead, give them a quick pat on the back and then delay your words of recognition until it will be heard more clearly.

Sesily Lee is an inspiring Relief Society president in Las Vegas, Nevada. If you are an avid listener to this podcast you might remember her husband, Trent Lee, when I interview him prior. It was a fantastic episode and this one might be a little better.

In this podcast, we talk to a 3 Term Senator that just became a Mormon. Senator Larry Pressler from South Dakota, Retired.  He was baptized in April 2016. While Senator Harry Reid helped him along the path, he first read part of the Book of Mormon in a Marriott.  He served with many in senate and house that were Mormon and has had a lot of feelings and run-ins with members along the way.  It’s been a 30 year journey. Senator Pressler confirmed that Harry Reid has a stack of Books of Mormon to give out in his office, he openly talks about the church. Senator Pressler currently teaches Sunday School-his first calling in the church, and is an Elder. Clayton Christensen baptized him, and was introduced by Harry Reid.  Clayton once shared Moroni’s prayer with Senator Pressler. He shared that he wishes he had listened to his inner voices earlier in life. General leadership guidance he’d give: You can be a leader in any capacity-parents, etc. Leadership by example is the most important thing. He’s still learning, searching. Links: Larry Pressler’s Books

Jeff Case is a clinical psychologist, former elders quorum president, return missionary, and gay Mormon. In this interview we primarily focus on the basics a ward leader need to understand about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, personality disorders, suicide, and other mental illnesses. It’s a fascinating discussion with best practices of how to help these individuals find a place in the walls of the church and really feel apart of the ward. We take a few minutes at the end of the episode to discuss what life is like being a gay, married (to a woman), active Mormon. Listen in. Links: North Star Elder Holland’s talk on depression David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism Voices of Hope: Jeff Case Watch extended version HERE.

Ross Richey is originally from North Ogden, Utah. He is currently serving as a high priest group leader in South Salt Lake, Utah. In this episode Ross shares his 5 principles of leadership and other unique perspectives on leadership. 5 Key Leadership Principles * Be excited * Show Up * Have a system * Identify the Sheep * Take advice and wisdom from everywhere Links: Getting Things Done Doctrine & Covenants 93:30 C.S. Lewis Doodles

Dan Clark is an award winning motivational speaker and best selling author. He has traveled to 59 countries in the world motivating the masses to create a life of significance. He has also served as a Young Single Adult (YSA) bishop (twice). I first came across Dan’s speaking ability when I listened to his BYU Devotional. It inspired me to be a better leader in the Church and it inspired me to get him on the podcast as soon as possible. After a few miraculous encounters, I was able to meet Dan and he willingly agreed to sit down with me for an interview. This is definitely one of the top 3 interviews I have done on LeadingLDS and I am excited to share it with you. We discuss his young football career at the University of Utah, how he became a motivational speaker, his time teaching public speaking at BYU, how he was called as a YSA bishop, what he learned from that calling, how to run a linger-longer, how to increase the rate of marriage in a YSA ward, how to increase the quality of teaching in a ward, the power of stories and how to record them, and other basic guidance for public speaking in church. Transcript is available below. Links Dan’s 21st book, The Art of Significance Dan’s BYU Devotional Address Book: The New Drug DanClark.com   Interview Transcript: Kurt Francom (LLDS): I had the opportunity to be be invited to Dan Clark’s home and— how are you Dan? Dan Clark (DC): I’m great Kurt. How are you, Bishop? LLDS:Good. Well, you know I appreciate— you’ve been kind of on my bucket list of interviews for a while and I think my first initial introduction to you was when (remove the I)you gave a devotional address at BYU and I think I’d probably been familiar with some of your work before, but that was sort of one of those moments I was like, “Wait, that guy is Mormon?” [laughter] So— and I really enjoyed them and I thought, “I’ve got to track him down and see if I can interview him,” and we randomly ran into each other at an event and I said, “Hey! Would you mind if I interviewed you?” and you were so gracious to say, “Yeah, come on over and we’ll do it,” so I appreciate that. DC:Oh thanks, you just— your comment reminds me of my mentor, Zig Ziegler- he used to always say, “If somebody has to ask if you are a Christian, you must be doing something wrong,” so I apologize that you didn’t know that I was a Mormon. [laughter] LLDS: Obviously I didn’t have too much experience with you to make a moral judgement on your background but … DC: On on funny note, I’m a public speaker so I’m usually on a huge stage. Most of my audiences are about four to ten thousand folks and there is always kind of like a follow spot . Back in the day I used to have the craziest comments. People would come up and go, “Are you a Mormon?” and I’d just look and them and smile, and I’d say something like, “Why, do I glow?” and they would say, “Oh no, I saw your garment mark on your suit pants,” and I’m like, “Are you serious?” That’s just funny. LLDS: Well, all the way from the top tier and they can pick you out? DC: Oh yeah, that’s funny, so— proud to be Mormon, proud to be a Latter-day Saint. LLDS: Nice, now many people may know you as an author. You’ve written twenty one books, right? Just finished your twenty first book.

The following conversation might sound familiar to many bishops: Bishop: So you are struggling with pornography addiction? Brother Neveragain: Well, Bishop, it has happened a few times but believe me it won’t happen again. Nooooo way! I can’t believe I did such a thing when so much is at stake! From here on out it will NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN! Regardless of the sin, bishops hear claims like this all the time. Brother Neveragain is very convincing. He said it with determination in his eyes. He said it with a clinched fist. He PROMISED! But then he left the comfortable bishop’s office; the sound of hymns are no longer fresh on his mind; the feeling to be better is distant. Now he’s in a dark basement all alone with his computer. Brother Neveragain then becomes Brother Relapse. What you have just witnessed is the willpower trap. So many addicts leave it to personal willpower to lift them from addiction. The real problem with Brother Neveragain is that he is blaming his addiction on his lack of willpower. The authors of Change Anything call this tragically wrong: It’s wrong because it’s incomplete. And it’s tragic because it gives us nowhere to go when we struggle to change our own bad habits or improve our lot. When people believe that their ability to make good choices stems from nothing more than their willpower—and that willpower is a quality they’re either born with or they’re not—they eventually stop trying altogether. The willpower trap keeps them in a depressing cycle that begins with heroic commitment to change, which is followed by eroding motivation and terminated inevitably by relapse into old habits.(Change Anything, chp 1) If you allow Brother Neveragain to keep thinking he will succeed because of willpower, he will continue to fail and he will begin to think he can’t change because he “just wasn’t born with the willpower that success requires.” The problem isn’t that he doesn’t have the willpower; the problem is that he is blind to those things that are encouraging the addiction. Brother Neveragain may go home and listen to hymns all day but he doesn’t consider the fact that his gloomy marriage is playing a major role in his addiction. The next time you have Brother Neveragain in your office make sure he doesn’t walk out relying on his willpower. To further understand the willpower trap check out the book Change Anything. How have you handled the willpower trap?

I first came across Bishop Bumbaugh’s name when I read his article called, What Happened When I Quit Home Teaching. I thought it was a fantastic story and I was pleased to see he was serving as a bishop in Huntsville, Texas. I reached out to Bishop Bumbaugh and he agreed to do an interview with me and talk about how he leads. In this episode we discuss his conversion to the Church and what guided him to a career teaching high school German. He’s shares with us how he was called to be the bishop and how accepting the call was a very difficult decision to make. He also shares how he has led best by serving, thinking outside the box, and focusing on the little things. Links: What Happened When I Quit Home Teaching Interview with Aggieland Mormons  

I had the opportunity to attend the Utah Coalition Against Pornography Conference in February where I met the owners of Router Limits, a hardware company looking to help families control content coming into their home. Their stuff is cutting edge and they are experts in the field. I set up a time to visit their Layton, Utah office and interview their CEO, Skylar Walker. In this interview Skylar gives bishops and families a few tips to do a tech audit on their home at no expense. I’ve posted some screen shots below that give you a visual of how to protect devices from negative content. Promotional Offer for the LeadingLDS Audience CLICK HERE to get 2 MONTHS FREE and support LeadingLDS by using Router Limits.   VidAngel – Rent Filtered Movies for $1 Screen Shots Google SafeSearch YouTube Restricted Mode NetFlix Rating Restrictions Apple iOS Parental Controls Android Parental Controls

Scott Hall lives in Taylorsville, Utah and was recently released as bishop after a call to serve in a stake presidency (with my brother). He is a successful real estate agent and is supported by a wonderful wife and 6 children. We talked about his few years serving as bishop and most importantly, how to stay awake in church when everyone is watching you. He talks highly of the examples he has had in his life and the many leadership lessons they have taught him. 5 Leadership Principles: * Stop Trying to Fix It * Personal Worthiness * Example (Father, Husband) * Learning the Names of Members * My Wife Links: How to Remember Names Interview with Chad Francom LDSCallings.com