Leading Saints Podcast

Dr. Susan R. Madsen, a leading scholar in women and leadership and the director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, discusses the empowerment of women in various leadership contexts. She emphasizes the importance of women identifying their unique callings and challenging societal norms. The conversation highlights the leadership skills developed through mission experiences, addressing confidence gaps, and the necessity for supportive environments for women in faith communities. Dr. Madsen encourages young women to step out of their comfort zones and integrate personal faith with their leadership journeys.

Ryan Gottfredson, a renowned leadership development author and professor at California State University-Fullerton, explores the nuances of effective leadership in faith communities. He categorizes leaders into three levels, emphasizing the importance of fostering environments over merely focusing on outcomes. The discussion highlights the need for inclusivity and the role of shared values in overcoming organizational dilemmas. Gottfredson also stresses the value of open dialogue in leadership to promote growth, urging leaders to embrace discomfort in conversations.

Christian McOmber, the founder of Missionary Universe, is on a mission to empower youth in missionary work. He discusses innovative strategies for engaging young leaders and highlights the role of modern technology in training missionaries. Christian shares personal stories from his own missionary experiences and emphasizes the need for collaboration between church leadership and youth. With insights into goal-setting and community engagement, he inspires listeners to invigorate their missionary efforts and strengthen the unity within their communities.

Leaders often grapple with how to inspire their congregations. Emphasis is placed on the role of internal motivation and mental health impacts. Historical lessons reveal the power of collaborative dialogue over guilt tactics in inspiring behavioral change. The discussion highlights participative leadership, stressing love and autonomy to engage communities meaningfully. Additionally, nurturing relationships and focusing on spiritual growth is favored over mere performance metrics, fostering a positive culture that values individual identities and personal growth.

Garth Pedersen, an Elders Quorum president from Queen Creek, Arizona, shares his unique approach to ministering with a focus on fostering support and avoiding shame. He discusses the importance of creating meaningful relationships within the community and the balance between individual agency and supportive leadership. Garth emphasizes seeking personal revelation and the transformative power of love in leadership. He also introduces the concept of 'ministering night' to enhance community connection, underscoring the divine calling of ministering.

If you want to join us for the Leading Saints Experience on the BYU Cruise do the following: Visit https://byucruise.com/ Register using promo: LEADINGSAINTS This is an experience within an experience. You will have access to all the BYU Cruise entertainment and also a unique Leading Saints experience as well (including the live podcast interview with Coach Sitake).

Stephan Taeger, an assistant professor in Ancient Scripture at BYU, discusses the nuanced art of public speaking in religious contexts. He explores the importance of storytelling in sacrament meetings, emphasizing how narratives can engage audiences. Taeger shares insights on crafting compelling messages and connecting with diverse listeners. He also highlights the delicate balance between respecting scripture interpretation and personal understanding, advocating for an empathetic approach in preaching. This engaging conversation sheds light on the transformative power of effective communication.

David Geens, a bishop from Flanders, Belgium, shares insights from his unique five-year mission and his journey as a 13-year convert. He discusses the challenges of maintaining church membership in a secular society and emphasizes the power of positive communication in leadership. David reflects on loving God and neighbor as core principles and talks about adapting to the dynamics of a small church community. His experiences shed light on the complexities of faith in a modern, urban context, showcasing the importance of empathy and trust within church life.

Brad Lowder, Senior Vice President at FamilySearch International, shares his rich background in media and marketing to engage youth in family history. He discusses the pivotal role emotional connections play in preserving genealogical records and how innovative tools can make family history exciting for the younger generation. Lowder emphasizes using technology and personal stories to forge identity and resilience while creating a deeper bond with ancestral roots. His insights highlight the transformative impact of temple work in strengthening family connections.

Mark Mathews, an educator and temple worship expert, shares insights on preparing members for their temple experience. He emphasizes the transformative nature of the temple and its connection to divine presence. The discussion covers the importance of understanding temple covenants and their ties to the plan of salvation. Mathews highlights the profound love that mirrors parental relationships and encourages openness about temple ordinances. He also explores how marriage enriches family life while navigating life's challenges with faith and trust in God's plan.