Leading Saints Podcast

Aaron Bujnowski is a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Chile Concepción Mission and has served as a bishop, stake high councilor, stake Sunday School presidency member, and Seminary teacher. He’s currently his ward’s elders quorum president (for the fourth time) and is an ordinance worker in the Dallas Texas Temple. Aaron works as a healthcare consultant. He has bachelor and master of science degrees in Chemical Engineering from Brigham Young University Provo, a Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Texas at Austin, and is currently a candidate to receive a Doctor of Science degree in Healthcare Leadership from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He and his wife, Julie, are the co-authors of Discovering Your Temple Insights. They have two adult children and live in Frisco, Texas. Links Ministering is Love Discovering Your Temple Insights Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Highlights 02:40 Kurt introduces Aaron and their discussion on approaching and shifting elders quorum culture through simple, thoughtful questions. 04:45 Aaron introduces himself and shares his leadership experience. He wrote an article recently on ministering. 06:20 Ministering should be something natural and normal. How can we make it simple and show love for our God and neighbor? Ask questions about how they show love in the ward and how they need to be loved. Do this instead of asking if they need anything. 10:15 Great questions for ministering interviews In what ways did your families need love over the last quarter? How did you find ways to show those families love? 11:00 Typical answers that Aaron hears as he does ministering interviews and asks about how people show love and connect with the families they serve 17:00 By changing our questions and having more authentic concern and love, the minister's heart changes and the person who is being ministered to changes also. We want to actually get to know people and not just check the box. 18:30 The best success you can have is just to show up for people. Be there for them. There is a cultural shift that happens when we consistently show up for people. Can people trust that you are going to be there for them? 22:00 Creating an equally-yoked elders quorum and Relief Society. Set the standard that the elders quorum knows the needs of the ward just as much as the sisters do. Meet with the Relief Society president outside of ward council to talk about the needs of the ward. 24:50 Helping the bishop focus on the youth, and how Aaron as elders quorum president supports him by taking care of the adult concerns in the ward along with the Relief Society president 27:00 Other leaders in the ward can create relationships with the members to take the burden off the bishop. Instead of calling the bishop, people feel more comfortable to go to their Relief Society president, elders quorum president, or ministering brothers and sisters. 29:00 Approach to elders quorum meeting every other week. Before the lesson they have a council to discuss needs in the ward. 33:40 Inviting people to the table. Ask people that don’t come as often or don’t participate very much to give prayers and other small things. 37:30 Aaron and his wife wrote a book about the temple. It’s about how to learn from the temple. 38:30 Aaron’s testimony on leadership and what he has learned from it The 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. 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,

Steven W. Shields, ACMHC, CETII, CECII is a therapist, podcast host, speaker, executive coach, husband, and father who is adamant that true healing is possible and can happen now for everyone. He founded [ACCEPTED] to help clients struggling with addiction, trauma, depression, and anxiety. Through one-on-one1 therapy, groups, intensives, and workshops, clients experience healing. Steven founded Unashamed Unafraid because he believes everyone’s story matters and each individual can be a beacon of hope. Unashamed Unafraid is a non-profit (501.3c) that shares recovery stories of hope, offers scholarships for resources, and creates community for those in recovery for sexual addictions and their families. He also serves on the executive team for Warrior Heart Ministries, a non-profit (501.3c) that runs spiritual retreats nationally to help men restore their hearts and connect with God. Steven knows you can truly be healed and move forward because he's experienced it. While living the picture-perfect life with his beautiful family and serving in church leadership, he had a secret dual life battling with pornography and sexual addiction. Coming forward and confronting his shame was a journey that changed his heart, his profession, and his life. Links The Therapy Buffet: Helping Individuals Heal Through Therapy Warrior Heart Unashamed Unafraid [ACCEPTED] NF: Happy There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 01:45 Introduction. Can mental illness be healed? 04:40 I’m not just a therapist but a guide. 06:10 What Steve is seeing most in his office. What are people dealing with the most? 13:00. When did we quit believing people can be healed? Why do we not believe that mental illness cannot be healed? People are led to believe that they just need to manage their mental health and it’s just something they will always struggle with. 20:20 Steve shares an experience he had working with a burned out therapist. You can’t give something that you don’t have. 26:00 As leaders we have to do things in the spirit of healing and love. We have to get back to what makes us feel alive and with the Spirit of God. You have to do your own work so you have something to give. 28:00 The weight that the bishop has to hold. Just to hold all the weight of everyone else's trauma you need God’s help and His healing. None of us are just all good. 29:30 We have example after example in the scriptures of mental health problems and the healing. Do we not believe that anymore? We don’t believe that we can be healed? It’s true that some things we have to endure but most things can be healed. 36:45 Therapy doesn’t heal you. Medication doesn’t heal you. The bishop, yoga class, friend, or a 12-step meeting don’t heal you. God does. He heals you through His son. 38:30 The bishop doesn’t have to know everything and be everything for everyone in the ward. The bishop can refer members to other leaders in the ward to support them and refer them to programs. The bishop is there to share resources and find the appropriate help. 46:30 It’s mind-blowing that we look for answers everywhere except for Christ. We look for problem solving everywhere except Christ. 47:30 How does a bishop help people find good therapy that actually leads them toward healing? There are two things that the bishop needs to do. Let people know that Christ can heal your addiction, marriage, etc. Show empathy and provide resources. If one therapist doesn’t work then try another. If one book doesn’t help then try another. 1:01:10 As a leader, the weight of everyone’s problems and unwillingness to do things is not your problem. Give it God and be yoked with Him. If people don’t want to do ministering then give it to God. It’s His church and He will deal with it. 1:04:50 Steve’s top secret tips for therapists.

Christiane Lauener was born and raised in Switzerland to a Canadian mother and a Swiss father—both the only converts in their families. She has served as a ward Relief Society president, in Primary and Young Women presidencies, Sunday School, public relations, and probably every other calling a woman can have. She is currently serving as the stake Relief Society president for the second time. Christiane served in the Canada Winnipeg mission and later earned a bachelors degree in English Literature. She is married and the mother of four grown sons, including one with severe disabilities, and works as an assistant to a patent engineer. A recurring highlight is her weekly visit to the temple, and she counts her faithfulness to God and His to her as the greatest blessing in life. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 02:30 Christiane shares her background and what the church is like in Switzerland. Navigating church with multiple languages. 07:10 Christiane was surprised to be called a second time to be stake Relief Society president. She shares her leadership experience. 09:00 Visiting the wards in her stake and how they do meetings as a stake 11:15 What are the main concerns of Relief Society presidents right now? 14:50 One of the most important principles for Christiane is personal conversion. 19:40 Stepping up and speaking in stake council. Christiane has been bold in sharing her ideas but they aren’t always well received. However, she keeps going and keeps speaking up. 23:00 Women need to be more seen in our wards and stakes. There is conflict over women leaders sitting on the stand. It’s important for not only the women to be seen but so that they can also see the ward and who might be struggling. Also having young women contribute in sacrament meeting. 27:20 There seems to be more balance seeing men and women serve in the temple than in our Sunday meetings. People visiting our church aren’t seeing the women and probably don’t know that there is a whole organization for the women in our church. 29:30 Switzerland is the motor of Europe. For many years Switzerland had the only temple in Europe. Many of the members of Switzerland emigrated to the US and the growth of the Church there has been slower. 33:30 Do members understand the depth of the changes that President Nelson has made since becoming prophet? The importance of the work of the family and home. 36:15 Christiane shares the people and books that have changed her and inspired her life. 38:45 What motherhood and leadership have taught Christiane and made her a better follower of Jesus Christ The 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. 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, 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, 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 600 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.

In this solo episode, Kurt talks about how to transform the culture in elders quorum and the entire ward by focusing on the heart of the men. Links Research about men and suicide Is Elders Quorum Working? Warrior Heart Retreats Cwic Show: The Problem with Men and Masculinity in the Church - feat. Kurt Francom Thoughtful Faith: Are We as a Church Failing Men? (With Kurt Francom) When the Bishop is Too Nice | An Interview with Dr. Robert Glover How I Lead with Priesthood Blessings | An Interview With Mike Novakovich One Couple’s Journey Through Sexual Addiction | An Interview with Chris & Autumn Bennett Former Bishop, Recovering Addict | An Interview with Evan Hathaway Wild at Heart Waking the Dead: The Secret to a Heart Fully Alive No More Mr. Nice Guy The Alter Ego Effect The Heart of Man (streaming) Questions? Want to discuss this further with Kurt? Contact him here. There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 2:40 Introduction to the episode’s topic: men at church 7:15 If we could crack the code with men to help them and strengthen them so that they can strengthen their own families. Turning to porn and other things for coping. 9:30 The media and social platforms attack masculinity and call it toxic. What does healthy masculinity look like? Does society know what to do with men? Does the Church know what to do with men? 11:50 When we unknowingly send the wrong message at church. Men hiding behind the perfect ironed suit and the huge smile. Unfortunately someone in the elders quorum is the most at risk of suicide. 14:00 How can we help men find brotherhood and connection at church? Kurt makes suggestions on things we can do. We need to offer more for men after they age out of Young Single Adult and mission programs. 17:20 If you want to fix the youth then walk down the hall and fix the elders quorum. Think of the impact that the elders quorum can have on the youth and their own children. 19:00 The nice guy vs. masculine man. Kurt dives into toxic masculinity and passive masculinity. 24:00 What does healthy masculinity look like? 27:45 What does the Church attempt to offer men? These are things that are offered on paper and with good intentions but sometimes seem more like assignments. Saving ordinances Spiritual development Community and brotherhood Service opportunities Leadership opportunities 32:15 What do men need from the church? What do they need from their quorum? While it's important to remind them of their duty and responsibility you have to start with a foundation. You have to start with heart. 34:00 There is no laziness in elders quorum, just a lack of fulfillment. How to help men turn back to their heart instead of duty. 39:50 According to author John Eldridge, every man has 3 core desires: A battle to fight An adventure to live A beauty to love 43:40 How to stimulate brotherhood We need to provide mentorship Pray together and for each other Invite people to share their story or share your own Offer men adventure. Organize activities for men to get out 50:00 Kurt shares resources: books, events, podcast talks 54:00 How has ministering to men made you a better follower of Jesus Christ? The 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. 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, 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,

Rebecca Smart is currently on her third career. She spent a decade working for the Government of Alberta in Tourism and Communications, chose to be a stay-at-home parent for several years, retrained, and is now working as a registered psychotherapist. She considers it a blessing to bring her skills together to help build the kingdom of God in many different ways. Rebecca serves as stake Primary president and was a counselor in the stake Primary presidency for almost three years prior to that call. Rebecca finds joy serving in the Church. Other callings have included Relief Society president, Relief Society counselor, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and Primary secretary. Rebecca lives in Ottawa, Canada with her husband, three children and Labradoodle. In her spare time she loves travel, baking, and spending time with family and friends. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 2:20 Rebecca talks about her area in Ottawa, Canada. 4:30 Getting called as stake Primary president. She transitioned into the position after being the first counselor in the stake Primary for three years. 6:00 Growing leaders and Primary presidents 9:15 How leadership meetings go in her stake 10:00 Working together as a presidency 11:15 The power of listening 13:20 The strength of combining personal knowledge and personal revelation 15:00 Rebecca shares her own personal experience using gospel learning and working to teach our children. 17:00 Seeking and using spiritual gifts. Bring your gifts to the people that you serve. There are a lot of spiritual gifts and it's our responsibility to seek them. 20:40 When it comes to seeking and using our gifts, it's a process and it can take a lot of time. The gifts that we need might change over time. Pray to know what gifts you need at that time. 21:50 Rebecca shares her approach to stake council meetings. 23:50 Thoughts on Primary programs. One of the most powerful things is the Primary children showing what they have learned and their testimonies. 25:30 The importance of counseling with counselors 27:50 Taking the time for needs assessments. Find out the needs of not only the adults but the children too. It’s easy to get bogged down in administration or in the way we have always done something but are those things meeting the needs? 29:15 How has being a leader made you a better follower of Jesus Christ? The 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. 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, 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, 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 600 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.

Dr. CK Bray is a cognitive behavioral researcher who specializes in change/adaption, human performance and potential, and their impact on organizations and individuals. Dr. Bray has a Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Learning, and a second Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology with an emphasis in the Cognitive Sciences (ABD). He bridges the gap between science, research, and organizations and is known for his ability to take complex research and make it understandable and applicable to clients. In the Church, Dr. Bray has served as a Young Men president, bishopric counselor, and stake executive secretary, and is currently the elders quorum president in his ward. Links The Adaption Institute The Dr. CK Bray Show How To Raise Remarkable Kids Without Talking To Them There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 04:40 Dr. Bray talks about his brain research, what he does, and why. 06:00 Brain research and how it relates to the gospel. They work together. 10:00 Where do we begin with brain science? What happens in our brain when we experience change? Threat or reward state. When we want to create change it needs to be small. 15:45 Can leaders get people to change? Change has to come internally vs externally. We can get external motivation and rewards but really the change has to come from our own wanting to do it to make it something that will last. 19:20 Doing lessons a little differently and helping people have the 'aha' moment and create change. They start with sharing wins and struggles they had that week. It opened up the quorum to help each other outside of the walls of the church. 28:50 As leaders we need to create aha moments and a community that is sharing those moments. It's really about helping people change their perception and how they show up. 32:50 We need to learn how to be more resilient in a world that is trying to tear us down. 35:45 How can a leader stimulate resilience? Helping people have a reset. Find moments of silence. Self reflection is one of the best things that we can do to become a better human. Stop focusing on doing but becoming! 42:40 This is a gospel of change. It’s about doing smaller things more regularly. Then resilience gets us through the hard times that we all have. 46:30 One thing that Chris started doing in elders quorum is to change how they do lessons. It's more of a discussion and getting to know other men in the quorum. 50:00 Feeling uncomfortable changing old processes and ways of doing things. Elders quorum needs to change for us to grow. Chris shares tips on how to create these changes. Remember it's about small changes. 55:25 Monthly men's community activities. Things that Chris’ ward does. 59:10 Once-a-week presidency ministering. They have informal visits on the doorstep that are more about getting to know people and creating friendships. 1:04:20 Let go of perfection and use your talents to do what you can. 1:06:50 Chris’ final thoughts and testimony on leadership and becoming a better follower of Christ The 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. 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, 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, 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 600 episodes.

In August of 2015 I was released as bishop, but my second counselor didn't show up to be release. I was concerned about what he was going through.

George Wootan is a retired physician living in Port Richey, Florida. He is 87 years old, the parent of 11 children, and very active in his ward. George and his wife recently served a mission in the Tampa, Florida mission office, and are currently serving as ward missionaries. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Listen on YouTube Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 2:00 Introduction. Kurt is speaking at the Zions camp retreat with a live audience and introduces guest speaker, George. 5:20 George talks about how he spent his life living outside the box while trying to convince people that he's inside the box. 7:40 George has severe dyslexia but still made it through med school and has what he calls an interesting brain that comes up with solutions. He loves creating solutions and sharing ideas, especially in his ward. 8:30 Even though George is 87 years old he still wants to be a part of leadership and have a role in the ward. He just barely retired from being a doctor last year and he still has a lot of life to give. 12:40 George’s leadership experience and the mission he and his wife went on in the Tampa mission office. 17:00 George speaks on ward unity and implementing ideas. He talks about how he organizes activities and even though it’s not technically his calling he takes initiative to plan things in the ward. 21:40 George talks about how he met his wife and the dynamic in their marriage. 27:00 Setting up a new program so that people that can’t afford to feed the missionaries can still feed them with help of the bishops storehouse. George also sets up less active families to help feed the missionaries too. 28:30 Maintaining engagement in the ward. Learning people’s names. One of the traits of leadership is that Christ knew people’s names and changed their names. 30:00 Another one of George’s ideas is baking bread for the ward with the help of the youth. Each week ministers will be assigned to deliver the bread. 31:15 Did you ever have an idea that wasn’t taken well by a bishop and how did you handle it? The difference between the gospel and church policy. 33:00 Starting a men's group for single men over 40 35:20 Advice to future leaders Focus on learning names. Use first names instead of last. We call our friends by their first names. 37:50 Reaching out and finding people who are on the records but the bishop doesn’t know about. George talks about how he is going about finding those people and reaching out to them. 40:50 How can we elevate women’s voices in our wards and stakes? 42:00 Final thoughts on leadership 45:40 How 87 years of leadership has made him a better follower of Jesus Christ. Be a disciple not just a follower. The 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. 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, 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, 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 600 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.

Georgia Travers joined the Church in 2014 and has served in ward Young Women, Primary, and Relief Society presidencies, as Primary Activity Day leader, and currently as ward Relief Society president. She holds a BSc in Physics from the University of Bristol and a PGCE and MSc in Learning and Teaching from the University of Oxford. Georgia is currently raising three small children (including twins) and working part time as a secondary school Physics teacher—teaching ages 11-18—and as a national examiner for Physics GCSE qualifications. Links This Week in Mormons There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 04:00 Introduction to Georgia Travers 07:00 Georgia’s conversion story 12:30 Getting called as Relief Society president 13:30 Bringing her unique perspective to her calling as Relief Society president 15:20 Georgia loves combining science and religion. There has to be a place for both and they are more similar than most people think. 18:25 While Georgia loves the Church, she finds it a little rigid and she feels we could do things a little differently to make the church more inclusive to all. She shares a few things that have surprised her in our church. 21:00 There are small things that we can do in our leadership that can make a big difference. Georgia shares some ideas that she has gathered and feels that are important. For example, more worship music and ways to be more inclusive. 24:40 It’s important to come as we are and be able to show up at church as our true selves. Georgia does this by being very open in her church talks about her weaknesses and experiences and this allows others to also be authentic. 28:20 Georgia talks about trying to have more community outreach in their area in England, but it’s difficult because of people’s perceptions of our church. How can we show the community that we are a Christian church and not as scary as they think? 32:20 Georgia shares ways they are doing more community outreach. 34:10 Implementing Relief Society counsels at the beginning of Relief Society meetings. 39:00 Being Relief Society president has taught Georgia perspective and that everyone has their own battle and struggles. 40:00 Georgia's final thoughts on leadership The 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. 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, 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, 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 600 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.

Stephen Jones hails from Tallahassee, Florida, and served his mission in the Brazil Porto Alegre North Mission. He is a bishop in Springville, Utah, and has previously served in various leadership callings, including ward choir director, elders quorum president, in a Young Men presidency, first and second bishopric councilor, ward mission leader, and executive secretary. Stephen holds a bachelor's degree in Physiology with an emphasis in Social Physiology and a master's degree in Public Administration, both from Brigham Young University. He's best known as an American actor, comedian, host, and educator. Stephen's entertainment journey began as a university mascot and a headlining standup comedian, and he gained nationwide attention when he starred in a viral Old Spice parody video. Stephen has cohosted the television series Random Acts and featured in other television shows and commercials. After almost a decade of teaching, Stephen is currently the director, producer, editor and host of "Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones," an original podcast on Scripture Central. Links Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 02:05 Introduction to Stephen and what he hopes to accomplish with his podcast. How to apply the principles of the gospel and stories of how people live the gospel. 04:30 Getting called as Bishop during covid and while he was finishing his master's degree 10:20 Learning how to be a bishop and getting his footing. Picking the brains of other leaders, choosing counselors, and receiving revelation. 14:15 Partnering with God to make decisions. We can’t totally rely on God to give us all the answers. We work with Him to make decisions and we have to own those decisions. 19:00 The restoration is not just about restoring the church. It’s about restoring people. God wants to build you through experience. 23:50 Stephen talks about his ward council. Meeting one to one makes ward council more effective. 30:30 How Stephen sees the bishop’s office. It can be for more than just the bishop. Other leaders can have access. 34:00 How Stephen works with the youth in his ward and the things he has learned. Inviting the youth to minister with him and take part in leadership. 40:00 We need to be better at helping people understand where repentance really is. Stephen shares how he helps people with repentance and how he teaches it. 47:15 When it comes to repentance, have more conversations and ask more questions about understanding and belief instead of focusing on the behavior. Get to the base of the problem. 51:15 Repentance is not a straight line. It’s not just a process but a constant and daily turning to God. It's a lifestyle. 59:15 Resources and where to find more about Stephen and his podcast 1:00:20 The best way to lead is to follow Him. The 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. 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, 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, 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 600 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,