Leading Saints Podcast

When Clapping Happens at Church | A How I Lead Interview with Devin Pope

Sep 11, 2024

Devin Pope, a Behavioral Science and Economics professor at the University of Chicago and bishop of the Hyde Park 2nd Ward, shares his journey of innovative community engagement in Southside Chicago. He discusses transforming traditional church activities into welcoming events like movie nights and haunted houses to attract families. Devin highlights the importance of creating a sense of belonging, especially for diverse populations, and outlines his strategies for effectively integrating new members into the church community.

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Devin Pope

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Quick takeaways

Bishop Devin Pope emphasizes the importance of community events in fostering connections and creating a welcoming atmosphere within the church.

Engaging diverse congregants through culturally tailored services enhances the worship experience and promotes inclusivity and acceptance.

Successfully retaining new converts requires creating an inviting environment that addresses their holistic needs and fosters a sense of belonging.

Deep dives

Stimulating Class Discussion

Effective methods for stimulating class discussion are essential for engaging participants, particularly during sensitive teaching moments. Techniques that encourage interaction can include thoughtful questioning strategies designed to provoke interest and dialogue. Such strategies allow teachers to listen actively to responses while also considering how to guide the conversation in a productive direction. The focus is on fostering an environment that invites participation and values the contributions of all attendees.

Intro

5min

Aspirations and Achievements in Teaching and Church Leadership

2min

Community Engagement in Chicago's Hyde Park

15min

Engaging Community Through Church Activities

17min

Navigating Church Engagement

5min

Welcoming New Neighbors: Community Support in Southside Chicago

16min

Empowering Leadership Through Shared Experiences

2min

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...