Church News

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.

Laurel Day, President of Deseret Book, shares her inspiring journey and insights on faith and personal revelation. She discusses the power of divine guidance in navigating life's challenges and the importance of individual agency. Day emphasizes amplifying women's voices within the church and fostering unity in diversity. She also reflects on the legacy of influential leaders and the need for inclusivity in spiritual communities. Listeners will discover how embracing faith can lead to unexpected blessings and fulfillment.

FamilySearch International is celebrating its 130th anniversary this month, growing from its start in 1894 as the Genealogical Society of Utah to what now has become the world’s largest genealogical organization. While helping people worldwide interested in family history, FamilySearch has created a collaborative online family tree with more than 1.5 billion people in its branches, currently with 18 billion searchable historical records and images. On this episode of the Church News podcast, reporter Trent Toone interviews Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, a General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Family History Department for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch. They discuss this historic milestone and how technological advances, inspiring experiences and growing interest in genealogy truly help nourish temple 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.

Scott Hales and James Perry, historians from the Church History Department, celebrate the release of 'Saints, Volume 4'. They delve into the Church's global growth from 1955 to 2020, emphasizing the role of personal narratives in faith. The evolving significance of temples is highlighted, sharing stories of support through covenants. Perry reflects on the challenges and triumphs of gathering impactful stories, like that of Willy Benigni from the Congo, showcasing faith amidst adversity. They encourage listeners to explore the series for a deeper faith journey.

Within a period of about 10 days in September and October 2024, two hurricanes made landfall back-to-back in the southeastern United States. Since then, more than 20,000 volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have donated their time to provide relief to thousands of impacted families in the area. In the process, they have seen miracles, witnessed the power of prayer and experienced joy because of this Christ-centered service. In this episode of the Church News podcast, reporter Mary Richards interviews Elder Quinn S. Millington, an Area Seventy in the Church’s North America Southeast Area, who serves as head of the Area Disaster Response Committee. 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.

Forty years ago, in 1984, Brigham Young University's football team was second to none. Against all odds, the Cougars finished the season undefeated and were named national champions after a series of big wins and nail-biting victories. This legacy of excellence continues decades later as BYU is having another winning season. Church News reporter Mary Richards interviews Deseret News sports columnist Dick Harmon and slice-of-life columnist Lee Benson on BYU football's incredible 1984 season and how the football program advances the mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   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.

Justin Dyer, a BYU Professor specializing in religious education, shares insights on the connection between temple attendance and mental health among Latter-day Saint youth. He reveals how regular engagement in religious practices like family prayer and scripture study significantly boosts mental wellness, reducing depression and anxiety. Dyer emphasizes that nurturing spiritual growth begins at home and highlights the vital role of community support in addressing mental health challenges. His findings underscore the positive effects of faith on youth well-being.

As The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints nears the bicentennial of its founding in 1830, the Church History Museum and The Center for Latter-day Saint Arts have come together to celebrate nearly 200 years of the rich doctrines, history and culture in artwork. In the new exhibit entitled “Work and Wonder: 200 Years of Latter-day Saint Art,” a wide variety of works are presented, having been created by individuals connected to the faith around the world over two centuries.  In this episode of the Church News podcast, we take you behind the scenes of the exhibit, which includes 118 pieces of art, organized not in chronological order but thematically. Together, we discuss with organizers and artists the many ways faith and testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ are represented through art.  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.  

In this insightful discussion, President Russell M. Nelson, the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasizes the urgent need for Latter-day Saints to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He reflects on themes of love, hope, and personal responsibility in discipleship. The conversation highlights the transformative power of Christ and the importance of embodying his teachings. Nelson also encourages spiritual exploration and the impactful roles of youth in the Church, urging them to build a strong foundation of faith.

The new voice of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Derrick Porter, started his role as executive producer, principal writer, and presenter of the weekly “Music & the Spoken Word” broadcast in June 2024. Porter, a 42-year-old bishop in Bountiful, Utah, took on this highly visible role from 34-year veteran Lloyd Newell, with the support of his wife, Rebecca, and their six children. Now, he joins the Church News podcast to talk about where he has come from and where he sees Music & the Spoken Word going as it nears its 100th season with the goal of delivering peace, hope, and joy through Jesus Christ to audiences worldwide.  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.