Navigating Church Engagement

Devin Pope was raised in Springville, Utah, and studied Economics at Brigham Young University before earning a PhD in Economics from University of California, Berkeley. He worked at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and is now a professor of Behavioral Science and Economics at the University of Chicago. Devin and his wife Linda have four children and have held a variety of callings in the Church. He is currently the bishop of the Hyde Park 2nd Ward in Chicago. Links The Power of Everyday Missionaries Rallying the Ward Around Sacrament Meeting | A How I Lead Interview with Ryan Webb There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Bishop Devin Pope leads the fastest-growing and most-baptizing ward in North America, located in Southside Chicago. He discusses his experiences and innovative approaches to missionary work, particularly in a diverse and densely-populated area with over a million residents. Devin recounts his journey from serving as a ward mission leader to becoming bishop, emphasizing the importance of community engagement through events that welcome families into the church without a proselytizing agenda. He describes various successful community events, such as movie nights, indoor carnivals, and a popular haunted house that attracts thousands of attendees each year. These events aim to create a sense of belonging and familiarity with the church, ultimately leading to increased interest in church attendance. He also addresses the challenges of retaining new converts, highlighting the need for the church to provide meaningful support and assistance to families, particularly single mothers and migrants, who often face significant struggles. Devin emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment during sacrament meetings and adapting the format to engage attendees better. He shares strategies for making church services more dynamic and inclusive, such as varying the types of talks and encouraging participation from all members, regardless of their background. The discussion culminates in a focus on the recent influx of migrants to Chicago, with Devin advocating for compassion and support for these new neighbors, regardless of political views. This conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the church's mission to love and serve all individuals, fostering a sense of community and belonging within the church. 00:02:39 - Introduction with Bishop Devin Pope 00:04:57 - Devin's Background and Calling 00:06:40 - Missionary Work and Community Dynamics 00:08:43 - Community Events: Engaging the Local Population 00:11:45 - Creative Community Event Ideas 00:14:40 - No Proselytizing Zone: Building Relationships 00:16:04 - Frequency and Planning of Community Events 00:17:22 - Popular Community Events: Haunted House and More 00:20:01 - Utilizing Church Facilities for Community Engagement 00:21:02 - Learning from Failed Events 00:22:10 - Involvement of Missionaries and Ward Members 00:23:56 - Budgeting for Community Events 00:24:34 - Shifting Focus to Community Outreach 00:25:29 - Organic Growth: Inviting People to Church 00:27:18 - Pizza Nights: Informal Introductions to the Church 00:29:39 - The Role of Missionaries in the Ward 00:30:00 - Retaining New Converts: Importance of Community 00:31:04 - Enhancing Sacrament Meetings for Engagement 00:34:22 - Providing Value to New Members 00:36:14 - Long-Term Welfare Support for Families 00:39:25 - Balancing Welfare Needs and Community Support 00:40:17 - Creating a Welcoming Church Environment 00:44:19 - Addressing the Needs of Migrant Families 00:45:40 - Engaging with Local Migrant Communities The 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 bette...