Church News

Join Paul V. Johnson, the new Sunday School General President, along with his counselors, Chad H. Webb and Gabriel W. Reid, as they discuss the upcoming 2025 curriculum. They explore how studying the ongoing Restoration can enrich testimonies of Jesus Christ. The trio highlights the importance of the Doctrine and Covenants and its relevance in today’s world, especially post-pandemic. Listeners will learn about the significance of prophetic legacies and the transformative role of youth in church leadership, combined with personal insights on spiritual growth.

Matt Grow, managing director of the Church History Department, dives into the often-misunderstood history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He sheds light on Brigham Young's commitment to peace and addresses the historical portrayal of the church in popular media, particularly in a recent Netflix series. The discussion highlights the challenges of early Latter-day Saints' interactions with Native Americans and emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and accurate historical narratives in fostering understanding and peacemaking.

Elder Alvin F. Meredith III became the 18th president of Brigham Young University–Idaho on Aug. 1, 2023. In his inaugural speech, he reinforced the university’s mission of “building disciples of Jesus Christ” by reminding students, “We must, with great resolve and intentionality, remain a Christ-centered, prophetically directed university.” That resolve and intentionality are exemplified in the lives of President Meredith and his wife, Sister Jennifer Meredith, through their Church and family service. The Merediths join this episode of the Church News podcast to share the importance of education, personal revelation and supportive environments in becoming disciples of Christ.  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 Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of The Church News, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and 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.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints works to be a good steward of the earth — believing that caring for the earth is a sacred responsibility entrusted to all of God’s children. Therefore, the Church makes an effort to prioritize environmental sustainability in many ways around the world, from increasing energy efficiency to conserving water and reducing waste. Church News reporter Mary Richards hosts this episode of the Church News podcast, interviewing Jenica Sedgwick, the Church’s sustainability manager who operates under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric. They discuss the importance of integrating environmental stewardship into Church operations as well as in individual daily lives.  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 Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of The Church News, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and 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.

Tamara W. Runia and Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, counselors in the Young Women General Presidency, share insights on the For the Strength of Youth (FSY) conferences. They discuss how FSY helps youth deepen their faith and form meaningful connections, emphasizing the joy and belonging found through gospel living. The counselors reveal transformative experiences from past participants and the benefits of mentorship as they prepare for the 2025 youth theme, "Look unto Christ," which encourages youth to trust in Him during challenging times.

Steven J. Lund, Young Men General President, and Emily Belle Freeman, Young Women General President, delve into the 2025 youth theme ‘Look unto Christ.’ They discuss how this theme fosters faith and lifelong discipleship among youth. Expect practical tips for integrating Christ into daily life and overcoming doubt and fear through spiritual resilience. They highlight the healing power of covenants and the sacrament, emphasizing connections with the Savior. The conversation inspires the upcoming activities and resources designed to uplift young members.

2024 has been a historic year for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; from the 100th birthday of Church Prophet and President Russell M. Nelson to the dedication of the Church’s 200th temple, many milestones marked the year as significant. In this 2024 year-in-review episode of the Church News podcast, Deseret News executive editor Doug Wilks and former Church News editor and current Deseret News editor Sarah Jane Weaver share their observations from the year in politics, peacemaking, missionary work and the strength of youth of the Church. 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 Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of The Church News, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and 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.

Each Christmas season since 2000, the sacred musical drama “Savior of the World: His Birth and Resurrection” has been performed at the Conference Center Theater on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. The two-act show — produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — follows the scriptural accounts surrounding Jesus Christ’s birth and Resurrection. On this episode of the Church News podcast, members of the 2024 production share their experiences while crafting performances: director Paul Walstad; Troy Hanks, who plays the apostle Peter; and Karli Welch, who portrays Mary, the mother of Jesus. They talk about how a team of hundreds of performers, production and technical crews present the musical as a testimony of Jesus Christ and His divine mission as the Savior and Redeemer of the world.  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 Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of The Church News, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and 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.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Elder Clark G. Gilbert, Church Commissioner of Education, dive deep into the Church Educational System's impact on spiritual and educational growth. They highlight the surge in youth participation in programs like seminary, emphasizing the need for safe environments to foster faith amidst modern distractions. The conversation also explores personal connections in education, the Holy Ghost’s guidance, and the church's commitment to support young adults on their spiritual journeys.

In an April 2022 general conference talk, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said, “The gospel of Jesus Christ has never been needed more than it is today.” Impelled by that need, the Church’s Missionary Department has developed new resources, tools and invitations to reach God’s children on this earth. This expansion includes integrating service missionaries into teaching missions, a new edition of “Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ” and the most recent announcement of expanded opportunities for senior single missionaries.  On this episode of the Church News podcast, Church News reporter Mary Richards is joined by Elder W. Mark Bassett, a General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Missionary Department, and David N. Weidman, managing director of the Missionary Department, to discuss how “if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work.”  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 Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of The Church News, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and 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.