Leading Saints Podcast

Kurt Francom, the executive director of Leading Saints, shares his thoughts on the challenges and responsibilities of leading a nonprofit organization within the Latter-day Saint community. He reflects on the need for support, the complexities of church culture, and the importance of individual leadership in building the Kingdom of God. Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Links “I’m Not the Gatekeeper, I’m the Welcoming Committee” | An Interview with Kurt Brown Being an Advocate for Those You Lead | An Interview with Robert Ferrell Rallying the Ward Around Sacrament Meeting | A How I Lead Interview with Ryan Webb Getting the Youth to Do Hard Things | A How I Lead Interview with Tanner Pursley Young Men Can Do Hard Things | A How I Lead Interview with Skylar Haws Zion Lab: LeadingSaints.org/Zion Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights Funding Challenges: Kurt discusses the difficulties of securing funding for Leading Saints, emphasizing the need for both small and large donations to sustain the organization’s mission. Cultural Issues in the Church: He highlights the complexities of church culture, including the struggles of church leaders and members with faith crises, LGBT issues, and the need for a supportive community. The Role of Individual Leadership: Kurt stresses that effective leadership is crucial for fostering a positive church culture, which can help individuals navigate their faith journeys and challenges. Transformational Experiences: He believes that rather than providing formal training, Leading Saints focuses on creating transformational experiences that empower individuals to lead and make a difference in their communities. Call to Action: Kurt invites listeners to engage with Leading Saints through initiatives like Zion Lab and becoming Zion Builders, emphasizing the collective effort needed to build Zion. Leadership Applications Encouraging Community Support: Latter-day Saint leaders can foster a culture of support by actively seeking and encouraging contributions from their communities, similar to how fans rally around a sports team. Promoting Individual Initiative: Leaders should empower members to take initiative in their callings and personal faith journeys, recognizing that everyone can contribute to building the Kingdom of God, regardless of their formal position. Creating Transformational Opportunities: Leaders can focus on providing experiences that inspire and uplift their congregations, rather than relying solely on traditional training methods, to cultivate a more engaged and resilient community. 00:01:08 – The Journey of Leading Saints 00:02:25 – The Role of an Executive Director 00:04:14 – The Need for Funding 00:05:57 – Articulating the Problem in Church Leadership 00:07:34 – The Complexity of Church Culture 00:09:11 – The Importance of Individual Action 00:10:51 – The Law of Consecration 00:12:19 – Building Zion and Community 00:14:10 – Connection to BYU Football 00:16:20 – Community Support for Leaders 00:17:01 – The Call for Support and Funding 00:19:14 – The Role of Leading Saints in Cultural Issues 00:21:23 – Transformational Experiences and Leadership 00:23:12 – Call to Action: Join the Zion Lab 00:25:00 – Becoming a Zion Builder 00:26:25 – Sponsoring Others and Seeking Larger Donors 00:29:11 – The Impact of Positive Culture in the Church 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, John Hilton III, 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. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Ward conferences get a refreshing makeover as leaders discuss moving beyond traditional methods. They argue for the importance of genuine member feedback to enhance the experience. Innovative strategies like pre-conference events help engage the community. The emphasis shifts from meeting procedural requirements to nurturing spiritual unity. Leaders explore how to address both local needs and broader stake goals, fostering candid communication to strengthen relationships. Ultimately, the goal is to make each ward conference meaningful and uplifting.

Jenn Curtis, President of North Star, shares her journey reconciling her same-sex attraction with her commitment to the Latter-day Saints faith. She emphasizes the value of community support, describing how North Star creates a safe space for dialogue and understanding. Jenn advocates for curiosity over judgment in church discussions around LGBT topics, and highlights the transformative power of connection through conferences. Her honest reflections on marriage and personal choice illustrate the complexities many face within faith and identity.

Roy Zwahlen, Chief Strategy Officer at the Eshelman Institute and author of Race to Innovation, dives into how innovation can transform church leadership. He argues that creativity should thrive within local wards and offers five principles to unlock potential among members. Roy shares insights on balancing structural constraints with innovative ideas, empowering diverse perspectives, and the importance of recognizing individual contributions. He also discusses how innovation can deepen discipleship and urges leaders to foster an environment where creativity flourishes.

Ajax Trueblood, a dedicated elders quorum service coordinator in Utah, shares his passion for service that transcends traditional roles. He emphasizes the transformative power of selfless service and its impact on both the community and the volunteers. Ajax discusses his innovative initiatives like the "Movers and Shakers Squad" for quick help and the heartfelt "Soup Patrol" to connect with members during tough times. He highlights the importance of fostering a culture of proactive outreach and encourages collaboration with the Relief Society to avoid silos.

Daniel Johnston, a Major in the U.S. Air Force and author of *Leading with Faith*, shares insights on leadership styles influenced by scriptural and historical figures. He explores six distinct leadership styles, highlighting the communicator leadership of Gordon B. Hinckley and the builder vision of Brigham Young. Johnston illustrates how disruptors and servant leaders, exemplified by Joseph Smith and the Candy Bomber, contribute to transformative change. He emphasizes self-assessment in leadership and adapting styles to enhance growth and effectiveness.

In this lively discussion, a panel of bishop's wives share their unique experiences and insights. They tackle the emotional challenges of loneliness that often come with their roles, emphasizing the importance of setting healthy boundaries. Strategies like the '24-Hour Rule' for responding to non-urgent queries are highlighted to maintain balance. They also discuss the need for delegation and how to protect their husbands' time amidst church demands, providing valuable tips for navigating their responsibilities with grace and strength.

Liberty Kepford, a youth Sunday School teacher and curriculum writer, teams up with her father, Robert Johnson, a retired K-12 special education teacher and behavior analyst, to delve into autism within church communities. They discuss their book, which sheds light on creating inclusive environments for Latter-day Saints. Topics include the autism spectrum, the need for disability specialists, and how to foster participation and belonging for individuals with autism. They share personal stories and practical advice for leaders to enhance support and understanding in their wards.

Greg McKeown, the author of "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less," shares insights on fostering essential change within organizations. He emphasizes that small, consistent steps are more effective than overwhelming efforts. Greg discusses his own leadership experiences, the importance of recognizing universal suffering among members, and the power of tiny habits in enhancing family and church engagement. He encourages leaders to identify what they're underinvesting in and to implement manageable changes to inspire a greater commitment.

Jeff McCullough, an ordained minister with over 25 years in ministry and creator of the Hello Saints YouTube channel, discusses fostering respectful interfaith conversations. He shares insights on navigating doctrinal shorthand between faiths and the importance of tone in discussions. Jeff addresses skepticism about his intentions and highlights the diversity of evangelical churches in Utah. He emphasizes prioritizing the gospel over cultural values while exploring the need for individuals to either convert or stay and build bridges within their traditions.