Fostering Vulnerability Through Anonymity in Quorum Meetings

Adam Broderick served a mission in Kyiv, Ukraine. He went on to earn a PhD in Chemical Engineering, and is a devoted husband and father of four. Adam was recently released as an elders quorum president, has previously served as a counselor in the bishopric, ward mission leader, and stake Young Men counselor, and has just been called as stake Sunday School president. Adam enjoys outdoor adventures like peak bagging, rock climbing, backpacking, ice climbing, and canyoneering. A runner and cyclist, he also enjoys playing the piano. Links The Art of Gathering, by Priya Parker Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Adam reflects on his three years as elders quorum president, recalling the initial challenge of revitalizing a stagnant quorum after the pandemic. His quorum includes a diverse mix of young adults and seniors, which made fostering meaningful connections essential. To lead effectively, Adam prioritized creating a safe space for open discussions, believing connection must come before impactful gospel instruction. He shares practical strategies, such as beginning meetings with personal check-ins and setting ground rules to encourage trust and honesty. These efforts helped members feel heard and valued. The discussion shifts to ministering, where Adam stresses the importance of building personal connections during interviews. Instead of administrative check-ins, he promotes genuine conversations about members' lives to create a culture of support and vulnerability. Adam also introduced interest-based activities outside regular meetings, which strengthened camaraderie. Additionally, informal tools like WhatsApp have kept members connected and supported between gatherings, enhancing the sense of community. 04:10 - Adam's Location and Temple Proximity 05:17 - Adam's Profession and Role 06:02 - Adam's Experience as Elders Quorum President 07:06 - Challenges of Reintegrating After COVID 08:02 - Demographics of the Quorum 08:59 - Meeting Locations and Challenges 09:46 - Initial Steps as Elders Quorum President 10:50 - Focus on Ministering Assignments 12:05 - Building Connection and Unity 13:10 - Moving from Ideal to Reality in Lessons 18:30 - Importance of Vulnerability in Discussions 20:12 - Engaging Different Groups in Lessons 24:51 - Real-Life Example: Discussing Blessings 30:01 - Connection Precedes Meaningful Instruction 30:44 - Creating Ground Rules for Safety 35:03 - Connection Outside Sunday Meetings 39:58 - Interest-Based Micro Groups 40:33 - Managing Activities and Engagement 41:22 - Using WhatsApp for Communication 44:40 - Ministering to the Ministers 47:51 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.