Tyler Johnson, an oncologist and former YSA bishop, discusses his book 'When Church is Hard'. He emphasizes the value of different types of testimonies and the importance of community inclusivity. Tyler highlights how pain in church experiences can lead to deeper understanding and empathy, advocating for critical listening and support for those in distress. He shares personal anecdotes illustrating the harmony of struggle and beauty in faith, encouraging listeners to embrace both elements in their spiritual journeys.
01:13:48
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Testimony as a Seed
Spiritual knowledge isn't always a one-time 'trophy' experience.
It's often more like a growing seed, requiring ongoing nurturing and patience.
insights INSIGHT
Diverse Testimony Types
Not everyone receives a 'knowing' testimony, and that's okay.
'Believing' and 'hoping' are valuable gifts that strengthen the body of Christ.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Welcoming Doubt
Leaders should acknowledge members with doubts and uncertainties.
Create a welcoming space where everyone feels valued and loved.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
My friend Dr Tyler Johnson (former YSA Bishop, oncologist, clinical assistant professor at Stanford University) joins us to talk about his new book published by Deseret Book called “When Church is Hard”.
Tyler talks about how different testimony types (“I know”, “I believe”, “I hope”, etc) actually are a good thing—helps us extend the tent of Zion and bring more people to Christ. He also talks about how not every Latter-day Saint will have a “I know” testimony and how that person shouldn’t feel like a second-class citizen—but a valued/needed member of our community.
In the second part of the book, Tyler also talks about supporting those (and us) when God is silent.
In the third part of the book, Tyler shares better ministering skills to support those with church generated pain or the pain they see in others. He talks about what do we do (in ourselves and helping others) when our “hearts breaks at Church”. Tyler talks about specific examples and the importance of validating pain—and how pain is a good thing as it should create attention to a problem—which is exactly what our body is signaling with physical pain.
If you are looking for a book to help you (or better help others) navigating difficult church experiences, please read Tyler’s book. It is a book I wish I had read decades ago before becoming a parent or having church leadership callings. Thank you, Tyler, for your great work in our community. You are someone who I deeply admire and respect.
Deseret Book: www.deseretbook.com/product/6020541.html
Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/1639931821
Episode 591: soundcloud.com/user-818501778/episode-589-tyler-johnson-navigating-complicated-church-topics-extended-the-tent-of-zion
Listen, Learn & Love Hosted by Richard Ostler