Leading Saints Podcast

Frank Schwartz, longtime church leader and CEO of F3 Nation with a background in psychology, talks about engaging men through simple gatherings. He describes how workouts, food, and shared activities build brotherhood. He emphasizes transformational experiences, warming men before vulnerability, and practical ways to start local men’s groups.

Eric Richards, a seminary and institute teacher and current bishop, brings decades of ward leadership and curriculum experience. He discusses practical frameworks for empowering members, techniques for gentle but honest counsel, guiding others to personal revelation, ways to foster hope and connection, and creative callings and meeting structures that help people draw closer to Jesus Christ.

Stephan Taeger, BYU Ancient Scripture professor and researcher in homiletics and narrative instruction, joins to unpack justification and sanctification. He explains how covenant standing and the sacrament shape faith and growth. Conversations cover perfectionism, bishops’ protective restrictions, mental health, sexual development, and teaching models that motivate faithful obedience.

In this insightful discussion, guests Kevin Jones, an experienced gospel-teaching practitioner, and Julie Hillyard, an educator, explore the innovative concept of 'flipped learning' in gospel study. They advocate for transforming traditional church meetings into interactive labs where members actively apply gospel principles. The duo emphasizes the importance of family engagement in the home-centered approach and provides practical strategies, like using specific Come, Follow Me prompts, to enhance discussion and personal testimonies.

Ernesto Quintanilla, co-host of Santos en Liderazgo and a former bishop, discusses the need for Spanish-language leadership resources in the Latino community. He shares insights on the hunger for effective leadership training and highlights grassroots initiatives, like a medical mission program, gaining traction across Central America. Ernesto contrasts cultural dynamics of Spanish wards in the U.S. with those in Latin America and offers advice on fostering cultural integration. He also previews inspiring interviews with diverse leaders addressing key community challenges.

This lively discussion dives into the importance of music in worship, highlighting innovative ideas for Christmas programs. Participants share tips on making music accessible, involving youth, and structuring ward programs. They explore organ training options, from practical advice on pedal use to opportunities for temple organists. The conversation also emphasizes creating a reverent atmosphere and advocating for music's priority in church meetings. Plus, learn about interfaith outreach through music and strategies for engaging congregants with new hymns.

Robert Smith, a trauma and addictions therapist with personal recovery experience, shares profound insights on supporting others in mental health without compromising one's own well-being. He emphasizes the crucial balance of empathy and boundaries for effective leadership. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, the journey of seeking help, and the challenge of sitting with pain rather than jumping to quick fixes. With practical advice for leaders, Smith illustrates how to create an environment of authenticity while navigating the complexities of individual and collective care.

Adam Treadwell, a facilitator and volunteer with Leading Saints, dives into the evolving landscape of church leadership. He discusses the North Star Conference and its significance for leaders. Adam reflects on his journey with Leading Saints and shares key accomplishments from 2025. The conversation also covers the new Zion Lab, a community platform designed for collaborative leadership. Additionally, they explore the importance of cultural development in leadership and the plans for outreach in 2026, including expanding language accessibility.

Lani Hilton, an author and educator known for her Christ-centered Easter traditions, shares her passion for enriching the Easter season. They discuss transforming Easter from a single day into a meaningful season, highlighting the importance of Palm Sunday celebrations. Lani emphasizes simplifying traditions for busy families and encourages starting preparations early, preferably in January. She also details how to involve youth in events and adapt existing church activities to create a communal focus on Christ, extending the celebration beyond Easter Sunday.

John Hilton III was born in San Francisco and grew up in Seattle. He served a mission in Denver, and got a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University. While there he met his wife Lani and they have six children. They have lived in Boise, Boston, Miami, Mexico, Jerusalem and China. John has a Master’s degree from Harvard and a Ph.D from BYU, both in Education. John is a professor of Religious Education at BYU. John has published several books with Deseret Book, including Considering the Cross: How Calvary Connects Us with Christ. He’s the author of the new course “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.” Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Links ScriptureCentral.org Scripture Central on YouTube Finding Christ in the Old Testament Newsroom: New Guidance on Bible Translations for Latter-day Saints Handbook: 38.8.40.1 Editions and translations of the Holy Bible YouVersion Bible App page (Apple app here) Keeping Jesus as the Center of Leadership | An Interview with John Hilton III Connecting Others to Jesus Through the Cross at Calvary | An Interview with John Hilton III Bearded Bishops, Rated-R Movies, & the Honor Code | An Interview with John Hilton III Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights In this episode, John discusses the recent changes in the Church’s approach to Bible translations and how these changes can enhance understanding of the scriptures, particularly the Old Testament. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accessibility and comprehension in scripture study. Key Insights The Church’s handbook now states that while members should generally use a preferred or church-published edition of the Bible, other translations may also be used, reflecting a shift towards inclusivity and understanding. Many individuals struggle with the King James Version due to its higher reading level, which can hinder their engagement with the scriptures. Simpler translations can provide clarity and accessibility. Various Bible translations, such as the English Standard Version (ESV) and New International Version (NIV), can help bridge the gap for those who find the King James Version challenging, making the scriptures more relatable and understandable. The discussion highlights the importance of using different translations in teaching settings to enhance comprehension and engagement, particularly for youth and those unfamiliar with the King James Version. Leaders are encouraged to create an inclusive environment in classes where all translations are respected, fostering a space for discussion and learning. Leadership Applications Leaders can promote the use of various Bible translations in their classes to help members better understand scriptural principles, especially for those who may struggle with traditional texts. By being aware of the reading levels of different translations, leaders can guide individuals to resources that suit their comprehension needs, ensuring that everyone can access the teachings of the scriptures. Encouraging open discussions about different translations can help create a welcoming atmosphere in church settings, allowing members to feel comfortable sharing their insights and questions without fear of judgment. 00:02:44 – Guest Introduction: John Hilton III 00:03:26 – Classroom Applications of Bible Translations 00:04:08 – John Hilton’s Projects with Scripture Central 00:04:50 – Changes in Church Handbook Regarding Bible Translations 00:08:34 – Discussion on Handbook Changes 00:14:33 – Historical Context of Bible Translations 00:19:07 – Addressing Concerns About Modern Translations 00:21:18 – Recommendations for Bible Translations 00:24:31 – Using Different Translations for Comprehension 00:26:04 – Importance of Accessible Translations for Youth 00:28:01 – Anticipating Classroom Dynamics with Various Translations 00:30:21 – Creating a Respectful Classroom Environment 00:32:51 – Teaching Strategies for Engaging with Scriptures 00:41:18 – The Role of Listening to Scripture 00:44:10 – Speculation on Future Translations of Church Scriptures 00:47:44 – Encouraging Leaders to Support Comprehension in Others 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. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. 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, Benjamin Hardy, 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, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, 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. 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