Elder Clark G. Gilbert on the expansive Church Educational System and the power of involving the Lord in learning
Feb 20, 2024
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Elder Clark G. Gilbert serves as a General Authority Seventy and commissioner of Church education, overseeing an expansive Church Educational System. He discusses the vital role of education as a spiritual duty in empowering individuals. The conversation features transformative initiatives like BYU Pathway, highlighting its impressive growth in Africa. Gilbert shares inspiring stories of students achieving remote jobs and the impact of faith-driven education on personal transformation, community engagement, and leadership development.
Education is viewed as a spiritual responsibility in the Church, empowering individuals to serve effectively in their communities and homes.
The Church Educational System focuses on enhancing spiritual leadership and creating opportunities for transformative experiences through education, especially in Africa.
Deep dives
The Role of Education in Discipleship
Education is emphasized as a crucial aspect of discipleship within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as articulated by President Russell M. Nelson. It is viewed not only as an academic pursuit but also as a spiritual responsibility that empowers individuals to lead in their homes, churches, and communities. The church educational system has around a million students globally, each receiving unique opportunities to grow spiritually and academically. The system's success is attributed to its unified focus on creating spiritually mature disciples who can serve effectively in various capacities.
Priorities of the Church Educational System
The Church Educational System is currently focusing on four key priorities designed to enhance educational offerings and spiritual growth. These priorities include operating as a unified system, embedding BYU Pathway into church programs, expanding the reach and impact of seminaries and institutes, and enhancing spiritual leadership with BYU as the flagship institution. Each educational program within the system has distinct roles, with efforts made to ensure they amplify their unique strengths. For instance, BYU serves as an ambassador for the church’s educational mission while other institutions tailor their offerings to meet specific regional needs.
Gathering and Gratitude in Africa
A significant movement within the church's educational programs is taking place in Africa, marked by unprecedented gathering and retention of students. With over 20,000 enrolled in BYU Pathway alone, the program is transforming lives and creating opportunities for students in economies with limited job prospects. The students express deep gratitude for their newfound education and how it allows them to contribute to the church and their families, showcasing a spirit of service and community. Their stories reflect transformative experiences with education that lead them not only to employment but also to improvements in their spiritual lives.
Grace: Transformative Power of Christ
The transformative impact of Jesus Christ is evident in the lives of students engaged in church education, as they experience significant personal changes through their faith. Many students, initially drawn to programs for educational purposes, find deeper spiritual fulfillment and connections to the gospel. Stories of transformation, like that of a woman who joined the church after attending an institute class, emphasize the grace experienced by individuals. This narrative illustrates how church educational programs foster both educational growth and spiritual enlightenment, allowing participants to develop a profound understanding of their faith.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “obtaining an education and getting knowledge are a religious responsibility,” said President Russell M. Nelson. Charged with taking education to Latter-day Saints and others in the world is Elder Clark G. Gilbert, a General Authority Seventy and commissioner of Church education. He joins this episode of the Church News podcast to discuss the expansive Church Educational System, the enlightening power of education and involving the Lord in learning.
The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Host Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and executive editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.
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