Leading Saints Podcast

Bringing the Hard Questions to Relief Society | A How I Lead Interview with Kristy Wheelwright Taylor

Apr 23, 2025

Kristy Wheelwright Taylor serves as the board secretary for the Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation and is an author with a master's in Humanities. She delves into her family's ties to Wilford Woodruff and the significance of his writings. Kristy emphasizes fostering unity among Church leaders and open discussions about challenging topics in Relief Society. She shares insights on leadership experiences, the importance of inclusivity, and integrating Christ-centered teachings into lessons, while encouraging collective solutions to tough questions within the church.

46:51

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Episode guests

Kristy Wheelwright Taylor

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The Wilford Woodruff Papers project provides valuable insights into effective leadership practices and the historical context of church dynamics.

Creating unity and fostering open discussions among church leaders enhances collaboration, empowering members and enriching community connections.

Deep dives

Navigating Relationships After Faith Transitions

Experiencing loved ones leaving the faith often leads to awkwardness in relationships, creating emotional challenges for those remaining in the church. Families, like the Packards, grapple with these dynamics, where communication styles can either hinder or foster connections. They express regret over certain interactions but also highlight positive responses from siblings that helped to rebuild relationships. Ultimately, the emphasis is on maintaining love and understanding, underlining the importance of accepting and supporting one another amidst differing beliefs.

Intro

5min

Connecting to History: The Woodruff Legacy

4min

Exploring Leadership in Relief Society and Missionary Stories

2min

Leadership and Inclusivity in the Church

15min

Fostering Christ-Centered Conversations

15min

Collaborative Solutions for Tough Questions in the Church

2min

Exploring Church History and the Plan of Salvation

3min

Embracing Leadership Through Shared Experiences

2min

Kristy Wheelwright Taylor serves as the board secretary for the Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation and helps with transcription and writing on the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project. Her book, Prepare Me for Thy Use: Lessons from Wilford Woodruff’s Mission Years, will be published on May 12 by Deseret Book and BYU’s Religious Studies Center. Kristy has a masters degree in Humanities from Brigham Young University and has worked as an English Instructor at Purdue University, a copy editor, technical writer, travel writer, and historical researcher and writer. She has enjoyed serving in a variety of callings in Primary, Young Women, Relief Society, family history, and the stake communications council; she currently serves as the stake Relief Society president in Trophy Club, Texas.

Links

Prepare Me for Thy Use: Lessons from Wilford Woodruff’s Mission Years
Developing Wilford Woodruff as a Leader | An Interview with Steven Wheelwright
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Highlights

This discussion highlights the Wilford Woodruff Papers project, which aims to compile and make accessible all writings related to Woodruff. Kristy shares her family’s connection to this project and her experiences as a stake Relief Society president in Texas.

Kristy emphasizes the importance of unity among Church leaders and fostering doctrinal confidence among women. She encourages open discussions about challenging topics, such as garments and temple recommends, to help leaders feel prepared. By sharing personal stories and insights from Wilford Woodruff, Kristy illustrates how sincere testimonies can strengthen relationships within the Church. She highlights the beauty of the plan of salvation and the joy it brings to those who follow Jesus Christ.

05:03 – Connection to Wilford Woodruff
06:56 – The Wilford Woodruff Papers Project
09:08 – Overview of Kristy’s Book
10:00 – Kristy’s Role as Stake Relief Society President
11:07 – Support from Stake Leadership
11:47 – Changes in Stake Leadership Sundays
12:47 – Demographics of the Stake
12:49 – Engaging with the Wards
14:31 – Building Relationships with Ward Leaders
15:38 – Common Challenges in Relief Society
19:29 – Unity in Leadership
20:36 – Importance of Sincere Testimonies
22:42 – Fostering Doctrinal Confidence
27:26 – Encouraging Open Discussions
29:49 – Addressing Hard Questions
32:24 – Collaborating with Other Leaders
36:21 – Normalizing Difficult Conversations
40:36 – The Role of Problem Solving in Leadership

The award-winning 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 better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.