Preach My Gospel Podcast

Emily Wright joins Sean, Brian, and John to discuss the essential doctrine found in  Lesson 3: The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  In addition to discussing the doctrine, they answer the questions: "why is it important to follow up with the commitments your friends have made?" and "when should I invite my friend to be baptized?"  Enjoy! Thank you for joining us!  If you know anyone who is considering serving a mission, their leaders, and families please help us by sharing this with them. This podcast can be found on most any platform where podcasts are offered.  The Preach My Gospel Mission Prep Podcast is offered by the Utah Valley Institute of Religion and is not monetized. To learn more about how you can receive Institute Credit for listening, see our link here or find it on our Instagram page preach_my_gospel_podcast. Talk with your local seminary principal about the possibility of using this podcast to receive Seminary Make-up credit. 

Kelly Mills, the Administrative Director of the missionary training centers throughout the world, joins Sean, Brian, and John to help listeners understand what they can expect from their MTC experience.  If you have ever had questions about the MTC, you won't want to miss this episode!

In this episode John, Brian, and Sean discuss the breathtaking doctrine of the Plan of Salvation as taught in Lesson 2.  Episode Highlights: 1:35- The Plan of Salvation answers the questions of the soul 2:10 The Story of Sean's friend Abraham: the missing puzzle pieces 5:00 Why does this lesson resonate with people? 7:40 The Plan is not just a blueprint about locations we travel to.  It's about salvation through the Atonement of Jesus Christ 10:58 Teach the Plan using scriptures.  The power of the word! 14:18 Advice from Sister Kayley Carson (California Long Beach Mission) about teaching the Plan simply. 15:50 The Pre-mortal life 23:20 The Creation 25:05 Agency and the Fall of Adam and Eve 31:40 Our life on earth: The two obstacles and the challenges of mortality that cause us to need the Savior. 34:45 The Atonement of Jesus Christ 42:45 The Spirit World 46:15 The Resurrection, Salvation and Exaltation 48:44 Judgment and Kingdoms of Glory Follow us on Instagram at Preach_My_Gospel_Podcast

In this episode, M'Shelle Dixon joins Sean, Brian and John to discuss the Complexity of Obedience. M'Shelle served as a Mission Leader from 2016-2019 and is a member of our podcast team. We believe this episode is a must for anyone considering serving a mission, or wanting to better understand why obedience is important to God. Working through the principles of obedience can make the difference between a frustrated mission or life experience and a joy-filled one. Note: This topic runs longer than our usual episodes, feel free to listen in two segments. The topic of Obedience begins at 12:00. 2:10 Introduce guest, Preach My Gospel social media manager, & contributor,  M'Shelle Dixon 3:55 How we use our Instagram page as a mission preparation tool @preach_my_gospel_podcast 6:30 The unique and special relationship between Mission Leaders and their missionaries. 12:00 Why obedience to the mission standards and to our covenants is such an important part of Missionary work? 15:35 Why is our quest for obedience important to Jesus Christ? 22:10 EXACT obedience is often misunderstood. 25:15 What do I do when I mess up and am disobedient? 26:35 Understanding “Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ” as a  replacement for the former Missionary Handbook of Instructions. Why is there a standard? 35:06 Commandments vs. Mission Rules. What if I do not completely understand or even agree with a mission standard? 35:50 The MOTIVE behind our obedience matters. 44:25 Elder Bednar’s Transactional Obedience vs. Transformational Obedience explained. 48:43 Labeling ourselves and others as “disobedient” or “obedient” is missing the mark. 52:25 Obedience is so much more than qualifying us for blessings. 55:00 Using clear language when setting our Goals. “But if not” goals 57:25 Patience with young and inexperienced leaders learning to motivate and help other missionaries remain obedient. 59:00 Dealing with the EXTREME of Rebellion 65:53 Dealing with the EXTREME of Perfectionism. 69:10 The Physiological Battle vs. The Spiritual Battle: Understanding Scrupulosity. 70:25 The Adversary uses these extremes to stop us and this work from progressing. 71:30 How understanding the principles of consecrated obedience help you transition home and throughout your life. Thank you for joining us!  If you know anyone who is considering serving a mission, their leaders, and families please help us by sharing this with them. This podcast can be found on most any platform where podcasts are offered. The Preach My Gospel Mission Prep Podcast is offered by the Utah Valley Institute of Religion and is not monetized. To learn more about how you can receive Institute Credit for listening, see our link here or find it on our Instagram page preach_my_gospel_podcast. Talk with your local seminary principal about the possibility of using this podcast to receive Seminary Make-up credit.

Chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel outlines the five main lessons missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints teach. In this episode Sean, Brian, and John discuss the powerful doctrine found in lesson 1 and discuss insights on how to share this important message. 1:00 What is our message?-- the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is defined. The Doctrine of Christ is the way back, a way that was lost, distorted and forgotten through apostacy. 9:00 Principle #1: God is Our Loving Heavenly Father. A correct understanding of who God, the Father is. Connecting with God the Father to His children through prayer. Why does it matter? 15:00 The role of the companion when the other is teaching.  16:50 Principle #2 The Gospel Blesses Individuals and Families. Creating a vision for people what the Gospel of Jesus Christ can do for them and for their family. Our message is that all individuals are part of God's family and that families can be united now and in eternity. A home established on gospel principles will be a place of refuge and safety.  23:15  Principle #3 Heavenly Father Reveals His Gospel in Every Dispensation.  24:00 The pattern of God calling prophets in different dispensations and each falling into apostacy. 27:10 Why we need prophets and why they teach repentance. 30:00 Principle #4 The Savior's Earthly Ministry and Atonement* 31:15 The Savior Jesus Christ is central to our message. Christ organizes and establishes His church on the earth with a purpose. 31:50 Principle #5 The Great Apostacy. After the death of Jesus Christ and His apostles, a universal apostacy occurred; the doctrine was corrupted, and unauthorized changes were made in Church organization and priesthood ordinances. Evidence of an apostacy were present then and now.  36:00 The important role of agency in the Lord's plan. 40:00 Principle #6 The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith   41:50 Sharing the story of the First Vision of the prophet Joseph Smith. 44:30 The restoration of Priesthood keys on the earth. 45:15 What did Joseph Smith learn from the First Vision? 46:19 Principle #7 The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ* The Book of Mormon becomes the evidence of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 47:10 A missionary must love and treasure the Book of Mormon. 47:30 Let the Book of Mormon speak for itself.  48:50  An invitation to read the Book of Mormon 49:18 Principle #8 Pray to Know the Truth through the Holy Ghost.* Helping someone to understand that they can speak the feelings of their hearts in prayer.  50:00 Missionaries set the expectation and the example at the beginning of the lesson. 55:00 The privilege of sharing this message with people they teach and helping connect them with Heaven. *These concepts and others are shared in more depth in other parts of Preach My Gospel and in other episodes. Thank you for joining us for this episode, please share with anyone who may have interest in serving a mission, their parents, and leaders. Be sure to follow and like for more! Also, follow us on Instagram @preach_my_gospel_podcast and on Facebook for additonal tools, tips, and ideas.

John, Brian, and Sean introduce the listeners to Chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel and discuss what they are to study and teach.  They talk about teaching in the Preach My Gospel way (from the heart after paying the price in preparation). They discuss the proper pacing of lessons and go over the various features found in each lesson such as the red and blue boxes and purple headings.  This episode will help listeners learn some principles and tips that will help them prepare to teach any of the 5 lessons. Episode Highlights: 1:00 Study, believe, love, live and THEN teach 3:43 The 5 lessons in Chapter 3 5:10 Teaching in the Preach My Gospel Way (from the heart after paying the price in preparation). 10:25 Memorization (powerful lines, scriptures, sequential headings) 13:40 Pacing lessons.  How long should a lesson go? 17:35 The significance of the "Your Purpose" box at the beginning of each lesson (Baptismal interview questions and invitations) 24:20 The purpose of the blue "Scripture Study" boxes and the value of using the scriptures in your lessons. 29:30 Invitation: Memorize the purple sequence headings and study the objective of lesson 1

Emily Wright and Rob Dixon join Sean, Brian, and John to discuss the important question: Is a mission right for me? They break down President Russell M. Nelson's April 2022 statement regarding missionary service in order to better understand what the Lord is asking. Episode Highlights: :40 Introduction of Guests Emily Wright: Mission Prep Teacher at Utah Valley Institute of Religion and Rob Dixon: former MTC Instructor, current Seminary Teacher and FSY Teacher on this topic. 3:15 What is behind the question, "Is A Mission Right For Me?" What makes this question relevant? 6:40 Emily Shares her story to emphasize learning the language of revelation, receiving confirmation, and trusting the Lord's timing. 12:50 The team discusses the impact of a mission. 16:10 The 2012 Announcement by President Thomas S. Monson regarding the change of age for young missionaries and the impact that had upon the Church, families, and individuals around the world. 20:15 The unselfish service of young missionaries is extraordinary to the world. 23:40 A marvelous work and a wonder is about to come forth 26:50 The 2022 Announcement by President Russell M. Nelson. The team breaks down this announcement to understand what the Lord is asking?  30:00 Worthy, Able, and Willing? 33:10 Asking "Why am I serving?" can be helpful. 37:42 For Young Men and Young Women the question is the same, "What is it that God wants me to do?" 38:18 Am I worthy? 44:08 Am I able? 48:29 The blessing of Church Service Missions. Not just where God wants me to serve, but how? 52:40 Concluding thoughts by Emily, Regardless of your decision, focus on the temple. 53:40 Concluding thoughts by Rob, Our ministry begins with our baptismal covenant. Begin now in your circle of influence.

The Lord said, "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed."  Sean, Brian, and John discuss the principles of effective study as a way to light your spiritual fire, obtain knowledge, develop skills, and prepare to help your friends progress in the gospel.  Episode Highlights:  1:00 First, seek to OBTAIN my word 8:30 The ability to teach with power will improve as we fall in love with the word of God 11:30 What can I do right now?  12:20 What are my doctrinal “gaps”?  14:28 Guides for study in each chapter of PMG  15:05 Use of a study Journal  16:30 What to study?  21:10 Two greatest resources  22:05 How to ignite the “flame of faith” to fight adversity  32:00 What does a missionary’s morning study schedule look like?  35:30 Why daily planning before personal study?  41:42 Companionship study- practice and prepare  46:30 Prepare to teach simply for understanding  54:00 Concluding thoughts & suggestions.

Many missionaries wonder if they are being successful.  Sean, Brian, and John use Preach My Gospel Ch. 1 and the scriptures to talk about how to measure success in the mission field.

After a brief introduction of the hosts, Brian and Sean have a conversation about the missionary purpose found in Chapter 1 of Preach My Gospel. They discuss how the missionary purpose fits into the mission of Jesus Christ. Episode 1: Ch 1 Our Missionary Purpose :50 Introductions of John Gonzalez, Brian Patterson, and Sean Dixon 10:30 Podcast Background 11:45 Why does God exist? What is His purpose? Does He have a mission statement? 16:00 This is God's work (David & Goliath) 18:50 Why do we exist? What is the purpose of a missionary? 26:30 Where does our purpose come from? Our commission to teach the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Understanding the Power & Authority of your calling. 34:30 The Doctrine within the Missionary Purpose This is called The Doctrine of Christ or the Gospel of Jesus Chrirst. 43:35 Helping others make commitments: Invite and Help 52:28 Inspired Summary: Teach Repentance & Baptize Converts. The Door to Faith Repentance. P. 8 PMG 59:20 Role Play - Use your purpose to make decisions regarding what you can and should do. 1:02 Missionaries have many reasons why they serve a mission. but no matter what their reasons, their purpose is the same.