The Eternal Connection: Genealogy as a Path to Family Bonds

Brad Lowder is a senior vice president at FamilySearch International. He has experience across media, marketing, advertising, and communications industries, and is an accomplished television producer and screenwriter. Prior to working for FamilySearch, Brad’s career included working in newspaper, radio, and satellite broadcasting where he produced live sporting events. He was also managing partner of two advertising agencies, chief marketing officer of a national franchise, and vice president of marketing and sales for an electronics company. Brad also owned a broadcasting company that created and produced a globally-syndicated radio program. Brad's church callings have included serving in a YSA Bishopric (twice), as a stake and ward Young Men president, on his stake high council, as a deacons and teachers quorum advisor, and stake director of public affairs. Brad served in the Germany Munich Mission and has a BA in Advertising from Brigham Young University. His interests include travel, cross country motorcycle trips, hiking, skiing, beekeeping, and spoiling his grandchildren. Brad is married to Marjorie Nelson Lowder and between them they have seven children and thirteen grandchildren. Links The Life of Sister Dantzel White Nelson | An Interview with Marjorie Nelson Lowder FamilySearch Get Involved Ordinances Ready "How family stories help children weather hard times" "The 'Do You Know?' 20 Questions About Family Stories" Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Brad shares insights into his role at FamilySearch, where he focuses on engaging the rising generation in family history work. He explains how the increasing number of temples worldwide necessitates a greater effort in record acquisition and indexing to support members in their temple work. Brad emphasizes the significance of integrating family history into the lives of youth, encouraging leaders to empower young people to take the lead in gathering Israel on both sides of the veil. He introduces practical tools such as the "Get Involved" app and the "Ordinances Ready" feature, which make it easier for youth to participate in temple work. The episode also delves into the psychological benefits of knowing family history, citing research that shows how understanding one's ancestry can enhance resilience and a sense of identity among youth. Brad encourages leaders to create a culture where family history is a natural part of worship and community activities, rather than a separate event. He shares strategies for incorporating family history into existing programs, making it fun and engaging for the rising generation. The episode concludes with Brad's enthusiasm for the potential of family history work to bless individuals and families, reinforcing the idea that this work is not just a task but a joyful and meaningful experience that connects generations. 04:11 - Personal Story: Asking for a Daughter's Hand in Marriage 08:34 - Day Job: Senior Vice President at FamilySearch 10:06 - Impact of Temple Building on FamilySearch 12:36 - Challenges of Record Acquisition in New Temple Districts 15:14 - Introduction to the Get Involved App 17:00 - AI and FamilySearch: The Future of Genealogy 18:03 - Engaging the Rising Generation in Family History 20:10 - Starting with the Savior: The Foundation of Family History 21:38 - Using Ordinances Ready for Temple Work 22:32 - Adding What You Know: Building Your Family Tree 25:00 - The Experience of Converts in Family History 27:17 - Family Name Assist: Helping Converts Prepare for the Temple 29:10 - Integrating Family History into Church Culture 30:18 - The Importance of Family Stories for Resilience 36:12 - Making Family History a Natural Part of Worship 44:08 - Sharing Family History with Non-Members: A Personal Experience The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top in...