This is a follow-up conversation. Listen to the first episode here.
Jeff Strong worked nearly 30 years in the consumer products industry as a senior executive at Procter & Gamble and global president and chief customer officer at Johnson & Johnson. He then taught in the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University and worked as an advisor to the Church before serving as a mission leader in the Arkansas Bentonville Mission.
Jeff has since spent several years doing research on why people are leaving the Church. He recently published the book Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn from Them. Jeff lives in Midway, Utah, and stays busy with a little lavender farm, some business consulting, and enjoying family.
Links
Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn from Them
Part 1: What Leaders Can Learn From the People Who Are Leaving the Church | An Interview with Jeff Strong
What to Say When Loved Ones Leave the Church | An Interview with Jeff Strong and Joseph Grenny
The Data Behind Church Culture | An Interview with Jeff Strong
TornByJeffStrong.com
Instagram: @tornbyjeffstrong
Facebook
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Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community
Highlights
In this follow-up episode, Kurt and Jeff discuss the complexities of faith transitions. The conversation focuses on the four stages individuals typically experience when questioning their faith and the cultural imbalances that can affect their sense of belonging.
00:02:18 – Understanding Faith Transitions
00:05:23 – Four Stages of Faith Transition
00:09:01 – Intensive Seeking Phase
00:10:19 – Relational Breaking Stage
00:12:47 – Importance of Conversations in Faith Transitions
00:13:35 – Embracing Different Perspectives
00:18:00 – Role Play: Navigating Faith Questions
00:20:10 – The Need for New Thinking
00:24:29 – Cultural Imbalances in the Church
00:30:34 – Hard and Unyielding Soil
00:39:51 – Shallow Stony Soil: Growth vs. Sanctuary
00:44:08 – Balancing Sanctuary and Transformation
Key Insights
Four Stages of Faith Transition: Individuals often go through integrity disruption, permission to question, intensive seeking, and relational breaking. Each stage reflects a different aspect of their journey as they navigate doubts and seek understanding.
Cultural Imbalances: Jeff identifies four cultural imbalances in the Latter-day Saint community, including hard and unyielding soil versus acceptance, and sanctuary versus transformation. These imbalances can alienate individuals who feel their beliefs or experiences do not align with community expectations.
Importance of Acceptance: Acknowledging and validating the experiences of those questioning their faith is crucial. Leaders should create an environment where individuals feel safe to express doubts without fear of judgment or ostracism.
Nourishment vs. Protection: The conversation emphasizes the need for a balance between the protective aspects of church culture and the nourishing elements that foster growth and transformation. Leaders should focus on providing spiritual nourishment to help individuals thrive.
Role of Conversations: Open and supportive conversations can significantly impact whether individuals choose to stay within the faith community. Leaders should approach discussions with empathy and understanding, recognizing the importance of relational dynamics.
Leadership Applications
Foster Open Dialogue: Encourage open discussions about faith and doubts within congregations. Create safe spaces where members can share their experiences without fear of being labeled or judged.
Balance Protection and Nourishment: Strive to create a culture that values both adherence to standards and the acceptance of diverse beliefs and experiences. This balance can help retain members who may feel marginalized.
Supportive Leadership: Leaders should model vulnerability by sharing their own faith journeys and struggles. This approach can help normalize the questioning process and foster a sense of community and belonging among members.
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