Part 1: Changing Church Culture by Gathering the Saints | An Interview with Jacob Hansen
Mar 23, 2024
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Learn from expert Jacob Hansen about changing church culture by gathering the saints based on shared interests and values. Explore building community through engaging activities and revitalizing elders quorum culture. Emphasizes the importance of human connections and civil discourse in shaping a positive church environment.
Good leadership starts with being a good follower and having empathy towards others.
Connecting with individuals through shared passions fosters genuine human connections.
Effective leadership promotes understanding, unity, and a culture of empathy and love.
Deep dives
Emphasis on Empathy and Understanding Leadership
Being in a leadership position has provided Jacob with more empathy towards leaders and the realization that good leadership starts with being a good follower. Reflecting on impactful leaders, he strives to emulate those who set a positive example, akin to the Savior's leadership. Ultimately, leadership points back to Jesus Christ as the greatest example to follow.
Promoting Community and Connection through Shared Passions
Jacob emphasizes the power of connecting with individuals through their passions and interests. Drawing from personal experiences, he highlights the transformative effects of finding common ground with people based on what they are passionate about. By fostering connections centered around shared interests, genuine human connections are established, enriching lives and strengthening relationships.
Vision of Building Relationships and Human Connections
The vision Jacob advocates for focuses on building relationships and creating meaningful human connections. By understanding that individuals have unique passions and interests, the approach is centered on connecting with people at a personal level. Highlighting the importance of empathy, kindness, and genuine connections, the ultimate goal is to mirror the example set by Jesus Christ in fostering love and unity among individuals.
Encouraging Creativity in Implementing Effective Programs
Jacob encourages creativity and innovation in implementing effective programs that resonate with individuals on a personal level. Emphasizing the need for leaders to think outside the box and adapt to changing societal dynamics, he stresses the importance of finding practical solutions to challenges. By exploring new ideas and approaches, leaders can create engaging activities that foster community, connection, and positive interactions among participants.
Leadership as a Catalyst for Positive Change and Growth
Embracing leadership as a catalyst for positive change and personal growth, Jacob emphasizes the role of leaders in facilitating connections, promoting understanding, and fostering unity. Through inspiring examples and practical insights, he demonstrates how effective leadership can transform communities, strengthen relationships, and promote a culture of empathy, inclusion, and love.
Jacob Hansen grew up immersed in and passionate about ideas about the world. He grew up near Sparks, Nevada, in a blue-collar family with parents who now serve as a State Senator and in the Nevada State Assembly. He served a Church mission to Argentina and attended both Brigham Young University and BYU-Hawaii, graduating with a degree in Operations/Supply Chain Management. He then partnered with another recent-grad to start a company that continues to grow. Jacob married his college sweetheart, Erica, and they have four children. He loves just about anything that takes him on an adventure.
Find the follow-up to this podcast here: Part 2: Changing Church Culture by Gathering the Saints | Jacob Hansen and the Long Beach East Stake
Links
Part 2: Changing Church Culture by Gathering the Saints | Jacob Hansen and the Long Beach East Stake
YouTube @thoughtfulfaith2020
"Creating Genuine Belonging: Could This Revolutionize the Church?"
Thoughtful-Faith.com
Facebook Thoughtful Saints group
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Highlights
1:40 Introduction to Jacob Hansen, the creator of Thoughtful Faith YouTube channel.
3:10 A part of Jacob’s YouTube channel are formal debates. Listening to Christian vs Atheist debates saved Jacob’s testimony.
6:30 Contrast is what creates clarity. That’s why Jacob likes to talk to people that disagree with him and have debates.
7:30 Should most people debate? Formal debate is a skill set and not recommended for everyone. It’s not a good way to minister to someone.
10:00 Although argument doesn’t create conviction and belief, a lack of argument destroys the climate where belief can flourish.
11:30 Interest-based programs. Why are they important in the Church? We can combine values and people’s interests to create a great experience.
17:00 Ministry should happen at a ward level but when it comes to interest based activities you can do them at a stake level. Stop forcing people to go to activities they have no interest in.
20:30 We need to gather in these sub-interest groups for community and human connection between the saints. It’s not about entertainment.
22:00 How can Relief Society presidents and elders quorum presidents begin to implement interest-based activities? It can happen at the ward level but it’s easier for stake leaders because there are lots of people.
26:45 More people will engage in these interest-based activities because it’s actually something they are interested in. It’s also something that non members will show up to. Activities are a much better way to do missionary work.
29:30 These activities are not a ploy to get people baptized but we are bringing the Spirit into someone’s life and then they can decide what they want to do with it. We are facilitating opportunities and loving people.
34:00 Ultimately life is about being one with God and one with each other. The most valuable thing that we have in our lives is our relationships. That's why we do what we do. That’s why we are building community and groups.
35:50 What about the budget? Start with activities that you don’t need a budget for, such as a yoga night or jujitsu night.
38:00 Why not just do these activities outside the church entirely?
38:30 What if your idea isn’t supported by the bishop or other leaders?
40:30 Liability for these activities. How do we deal with it? Create a simple waiver.
42:30 The point is not the activities themselves. It’s about the vision.
48:00 Thoughts on being a leader
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 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,
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