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Leading Saints Podcast

Leading Saints
Leading Saints Podcast
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406 episodes

  • Leading Saints Podcast

    The Leadership of LaVell Edwards | An Interview with Dave McCann & Mark Ogletree

    09/08/2026 | 57 mins.
    Dave McCann is a veteran sportscaster, play-by-play announcer, and television anchor with decades of broadcasting experience across regional and national media. After graduating from Brigham Young University with a degree in broadcasting, he began his career as a college sports reporter for ABC’s Good Morning America before anchoring sports in Las Vegas for nearly 20 years. He later served as an evening news co-anchor for KSL-TV in Salt Lake City and became a prominent media personality for BYUtv, hosting pre- and post-game shows alongside lead play-by-play coverage for BYU football and basketball. McCann also writes sports commentary for the Deseret News and co-hosts the digital BYU sports talk show Y’s Guys. He currently serves as an elders quorum president.

    Dr. Mark D. Ogletree is a professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University and a licensed professional counselor who has worked with individuals, couples, and families for over 30 years to strengthen relationships and navigate personal challenges. After spending two decades in the Church Educational System as a Seminary and Institute teacher and director, he joined the BYU faculty in 2010, specializing in family dynamics and prophetic teachings. An accomplished author, Ogletree has published numerous books and articles on marriage, family life, parenting, mental health, and contemporary Latter-day Saint history, including recent titles such as The Leadership Legacy of LaVell Edwards, Christ’s Miracles: Yesterday and Today, Heaven Is Cheering You On, and Beyond the Honeymoon.

    Alongside his wife, Janie—with whom he shares eight children and 32 grandchildren—he hosts two weekly podcasts: Preserving Families and Stand by My Servants. In addition to his academic, clinical, and writing endeavors, Ogletree has served as a bishop in both McKinney, Texas, and Provo, Utah, and currently serves as a stake president in Provo.



    Links

    The Leadership Legacy of LaVell Edwards

    MarkOgletree.com

    Offering Transformation Through Jesus to Those You Lead | An Interview with Pastor Derwin L. Gray

    How LaVell Edwards Influenced His Team to be a Team of Leaders | An Interview With Paul Gustavson

    Love Without Works is Dead | An Interview With Chad Lewis, Former BYU Player & NFL Pro-Bowler

    From BYU Quarterback to Stake President | An Interview with Brandon Doman

    Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community

    Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

    Highlights

    Mark Ogletree and Dave McCann discuss their book, The Leadership Legacy of LaVell Edwards. They share insights gained from interviewing dozens of former players, staff, and loved ones of the legendary Brigham Young University (BYU) football coach. The conversation centers on Edwards’ unique, Christlike approach to leadership, relationship-building, delegation, and personal mentorship.

    Key Insights

    Delegation and Empowerment: Lavell Edwards believed in hiring capable experts, trusting them completely, and giving them the autonomy to execute their roles without micromanagement.

    One-on-One Relationships: Rather than focusing purely on football tactics, Lavell maintained an open-door policy and prioritized checking in on his players’ personal lives, families, and future goals.

    Seeing Unseen Potential: Lavell possessed a unique ability to identify hidden talents in individuals—often encouraging position changes, urging players to serve missions, or convincing them to stay when they wanted to quit.

    Lifting the Lost and Struggling: He repeatedly reached out to lower-string players or individuals in crisis, offering unwavering support, loyalty, and personal investment during their hardest moments.

    Innovation and Vision: Recognizing systemic limitations, Lavell embraced innovative approaches—such as pioneering a high-powered passing offense—to elevate his program to national prominence.

    Leadership Applications

    Empower Ward and Organizational Leaders: Latter-day Saint leaders can emulate Lavell Edwards by delegating real authority to presidency members, committee leaders, and council members rather than attempting to manage every operational detail.

    Prioritize Personal Ministering: Leaders should create accessible, low-pressure environments (such as open-door settings or informal check-ins) to focus on individual souls rather than just administrative tasks.

    Instill Belief in Others: Leaders can actively express confidence in those they serve, helping individuals recognize their divine potential and encouraging them toward transformative choices like missionary or church service.

    00:03:12 – Origins of the Book Project

    00:04:45 – The Impact of Lavell Edwards

    00:06:21 – Lavell’s Influence Beyond Football

    00:07:13 – The Personal Touch of Lavell Edwards

    00:08:37 – Lavell’s Unique Leadership Style

    00:10:15 – Lavell’s Unexpected Journey to BYU

    00:12:06 – Lavell’s Vision and Innovation

    00:13:09 – The Last Moments with Lavelle

    00:14:06 – Mentorship in Lavell’s Life

    00:15:33 – Lavell’s Leadership Style in the Church

    00:17:27 – Balancing Authority and Delegation

    00:19:40 – Creating a Culture of Trust

    00:20:49 – One-on-One Relationships with Players

    00:22:49 – Lavell’s Home as a Safe Space

    00:24:53 – The Importance of Team Prayer

    00:26:34 – Common Themes from Player Interviews

    00:29:03 – Humility as a Key Principle

    00:30:38 – Lavell’s Care for All Players

    00:32:25 – Encouraging Players to Stay

    00:34:00 – Promoting Missionary Service

    00:42:12 – Conclusion and Legacy of Lavell Edwards

    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.
  • Leading Saints Podcast

    Creating an Easter Walk with Jesus Experience | An Interview with Heidi Lee

    09/01/2026 | 58 mins.
    Heidi Lee serves as a stake communication director in the Mountain’s Edge area of Southwest Las Vegas, as well as in the Las Vegas West Mission office. Over the past 20 years, her Church service has including serving in four stake Relief Society presidencies as secretary, counselor, and president. Her wide-ranging calling experience spans serving as a Stake JustServe Specialist, Young Women presidency member, ward camp director, Relief Society teacher, and Primary music leader.

    Most recently, Heidi served as the lead organizer for “A Walk with Jesus,” a multi-stake Easter walkthrough event that coordinated four neighboring stakes, numerous committees, and auxiliary leaders to transform a local chapel into interactive displays depicting the Savior’s life and resurrection.

    A devoted stay-at-home mother, Heidi and her husband raised four children and now love spending time with their 16 grandchildren. In her personal time, she enjoys temple service and deep, lifelong gospel study.



    Links

    leadingsaints.org/fullpond

    A Walk With Jesus: Master Replication Guide

    Bible & Easter videos

    Read the tag comments

    Facebook: A Walk With Jesus – Southwest Las Vegas

    Instagram @walkwithjesusswlv

    Email Heidi Lee at heidillee@me.com

    YouTube: Southwest Las Vegas 2026 Walk with Jesus

    YouTube: Northwest Las Vegas 2025 Walk with Jesus

    YouTube: Northwest Las Vegas 2026 Walk with Jesus

    Highlights

    Heidi Lee talks about the successful initiative called “A Walk with Jesus,” which transformed a Latter-day Saint chapel into an immersive experience depicting the life of Jesus Christ. The project aimed to enhance the celebration of Easter and foster community engagement.

    Key Insights

    Community Engagement: The initiative was inspired by a desire to create a more significant Easter celebration, moving beyond traditional services to involve the broader community.

    Collaborative Effort: The project involved multiple stakes working together, with each stake contributing resources and leadership to create a unified experience.

    Interactive Experience: The chapel was transformed into various rooms representing key events in Jesus’s life, allowing participants to engage with the stories through self-guided tours and interactive displays.

    Youth Involvement: Local youth played a crucial role, participating in the event by dressing in costumes and helping facilitate the experience, which provided them with service hours and a sense of ownership.

    Feedback Mechanism: A comment wall was implemented to gather participant reflections, highlighting the spiritual impact of the experience and fostering a sense of connection to Christ.

    Financial Planning: The project was funded through contributions from each stake, with careful budgeting and community donations to cover costs, demonstrating the importance of financial stewardship in church projects.

    Leadership Applications

    Fostering Collaboration: Latter-day Saint leaders can encourage collaboration among different wards and stakes to create larger community events, enhancing unity and shared purpose.

    Engaging Youth: Involving youth in meaningful ways can empower them and strengthen their connection to church activities, making them feel valued and engaged.

    Creating Immersive Experiences: Leaders can consider how to transform traditional church events into more interactive and engaging experiences that resonate with members and the community, ultimately deepening faith and understanding of gospel principles.

    00:05:01 – Introduction to Heidi Lee

    00:05:34 – Origin of the Walk with Jesus Project

    00:06:42 – Concept of Transforming the Chapel

    00:08:52 – Initial Thoughts and Inspiration

    00:10:06 – Mission Statement Development

    00:12:55 – Organizing Stake Participation

    00:15:14 – Role of Decorators and Committees

    00:17:42 – Event Timeline and Structure

    00:19:45 – Room Themes and Experiences

    00:20:38 – Evening Concerts and Adjustments

    00:22:59 – Visual Examples of the Event

    00:23:10 – Chapel Usage and Event Flow

    00:25:37 – Sunday Operations and Attendance

    00:28:30 – Community Involvement and Outreach

    00:30:59 – Youth Involvement and Costumes

    00:32:13 – Red String Keepsake Initiative

    00:34:00 – Managing Finances and Budget

    00:37:12 – Donations and Support

    00:40:42 – Lessons Learned for Future Events

    00:42:32 – Social Media and Marketing Strategies

    00:44:32 – Comment Wall and Feedback

    00:46:33 – Event Impact and Attendance Growth

    00:48:14 – Reflections on the Experience

    00:50:17 – Addressing Questions and Future Planning

    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.
  • Leading Saints Podcast

    The Mid-Singles (35-50) Church Experience | An Interview with Robert Cornilles

    08/23/2026 | 57 mins.
    Robert Cornilles is an executive, author, and educator with a background in business leadership and community engagement. He serves as the Founder and CEO of Game Face, Inc., an executive training firm that has advised over 400 global brands, including more than 200 professional sports franchises. A bestselling author, he published The Sales Game Changer: How to Become the Salesperson People Love and Preparing Tomorrow’s Missionaries Today. He also shares his expertise as an adjunct professor teaching MBA candidates at the BYU Marriott School of Business.

    Rob served as a full-time missionary in Japan and has extensive experience in church leadership, having served in high councils, bishoprics, and various ward council roles. He currently serves as the bishop of the Lake Mountain Single Adult 5th Ward in the Saratoga Springs Utah Stake—a mid-singles unit he has led since it began in May 2023. In this role, he oversees a rapidly growing congregation drawn from multiple stakes, focusing on supporting mid-singles through their unique personal and spiritual journeys.

    Rob and his wife, Allison, oversaw the training of more than 40,000 volunteers for the 12-week long Saratoga Springs Utah Temple open house and dedication, the longest temple open house in Church history. They are the parents of three sons who have blessed them with three daughters-in-law and three granddaughters.



    Links

    Game Face, Inc.

    Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community

    Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

    Highlights

    The conversation focuses on the unique challenges and cultural dynamics faced by mid-singles in the Latter-day Saint community, particularly in Utah, and how leaders can better support this demographic.

    Key Insights

    Cultural Dynamics: Mid-singles often feel disconnected in family wards due to the predominance of married members in leadership roles, leading to feelings of exclusion and instability.

    Out-of-Unit Members: Many mid-singles attend their neighborhood wards while also participating in mid-singles wards, creating a challenge for leaders to maintain engagement and consistency.

    Family Influence: Family obligations can pull mid-singles away from ward activities, making it difficult for them to build connections within their ward family.

    Spiritual Focus: Rob emphasizes that the primary role of leaders is to connect members with Christ, rather than solely focusing on helping them get married.

    Meaningful Activities: Activities should be Christ-centered and relevant to the members’ lives, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

    Leadership Applications

    Encourage Engagement: Leaders should create an environment where mid-singles feel valued and included, recognizing their unique challenges and encouraging them to participate in ward activities.

    Foster Connections: Leaders can facilitate opportunities for mid-singles to connect with each other and with Christ through intentional, spiritually uplifting activities that focus on attributes of Jesus Christ.

    Communicate with Families: Leaders should engage with the families of mid-singles to help them understand the importance of allowing their loved ones the space to build their own lives and relationships within the ward community.

    00:02:30 – Cultural Dynamics in Mid-Singles Wards

    00:04:00 – Understanding the Mid-Singles Experience

    00:04:30 – Interview with Bishop Robert Cornilles Begins

    00:05:00 – Bishop Cornilles’s Calling Story

    00:07:00 – Formation of the New Mid-Singles Ward

    00:08:30 – Challenges of Serving a Mid-Singles Ward

    00:10:00 – Selecting Counselors for the Bishopric

    00:12:00 – Current Responsibilities as a Bishop

    00:13:00 – Mid-Singles Bishops Councils in Utah

    00:15:00 – The Need for Mid-Singles Wards

    00:16:00 – Cultural Challenges for Mid-Singles

    00:20:00 – Navigating Family Dynamics and Church Involvement

    00:22:00 – The Dilemma of Out-of-Unit Members

    00:25:00 – Building a Strong Ward Culture

    00:28:00 – Encouraging Engagement in the Ward

    00:30:00 – The Importance of Personal Relationships

    00:32:00 – Respecting the Needs of Mid-Singles

    00:34:00 – Connecting Members with Christ

    00:37:00 – Creating Meaningful Activities

    00:40:00 – Intentionality in Planning Activities

    00:46:00 – Monthly Themes and Attributes of Christ

    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.
  • Leading Saints Podcast

    Building Zion Thru Mentors | An Interview with Mark and Adrienne Beck

    08/15/2026 | 55 mins.
    Mark A. Beck earned a BA in Business and Japanese Language from Pacific University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Over his three-decade corporate career, he served in executive leadership at Corning Incorporated, as Executive Vice President at Danaher Corporation, and as President and CEO of JELD-WEN, guiding the company through its IPO. Today, Mark owns three manufacturing companies, co-chairs KDC/ONE, and serves as board chair for Accendra Health (formerly Owens & Minor) and IDEX Corporation. Passionate about servant leadership, he serves as faculty for the Adler Fellowship Program and has taught strategic leadership of innovation as a Visiting Professor of Practice at Cornell University.

    Adrienne and Mark have been married for 38 years. They reside in Matthews, North Carolina, and are the parents of five children and two grandchildren. Together, they navigated unique life blessings, including caring for their youngest son, Wesley, who was born with a rare health condition and expected to live only a few months. Wesley lived for 20 years through many miracles and Adrienne’s devoted caregiving. Following his passing, Adrienne resumed her educational goals and is on track to earn her bachelor’s degree later this year.

    Deeply committed to faith, family, and community, both Mark and Adrienne have spent years serving in Church leadership—Mark previously served as a stake president, and Adrienne as a stake Young Women president and two-time ward Primary president. Today, the couple serve side-by-side as branch president and YSA advisor for the Hemby Young Single Adult Branch in the greater Charlotte area. Beyond hosting regular home dinners and monthly “Friday Night Hangouts,” they pioneered a stake-wide mentorship program that connects young adults with community members to provide life guidance, career coaching, trade school support, and spiritual growth for the rising generation.



    Links

    Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community

    Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

    Highlights

    Mark and Adrienne Beck discuss their experiences as leaders of the Hemby Young Single Adult (YSA) branch in North Carolina. They share innovative approaches to building community and mentorship within their branch, emphasizing the importance of connection and support for young adults.

    Key Insights

    Community Building: The Becks highlight the significance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for YSA members, focusing on fostering a culture of acceptance and belonging.
    Mentorship Program: They implemented a mentorship initiative that pairs YSA members with older, experienced Latter-day Saints from the stake, providing guidance and support tailored to individual needs.
    Cultural Shift: The branch has cultivated a culture where members feel safe to share their struggles openly, leading to authentic testimony meetings that encourage vulnerability and connection.
    Diversity and Inclusion: The branch serves a diverse group of young adults, addressing various socioeconomic backgrounds and personal challenges, which enriches the community experience.
    Flexible Leadership: The Becks emphasize the importance of adapting leadership styles to meet the unique needs of their members, allowing for a more personalized approach to support and guidance.

    Leadership Applications

    Encouraging Mentorship: Latter-day Saint leaders can consider establishing mentorship programs within their congregations, pairing experienced members with those seeking guidance, which can alleviate the burden on leaders and provide essential support to individuals.
    Creating Safe Spaces: Leaders should foster environments where members feel comfortable sharing their experiences and challenges, promoting open dialogue and community support.
    Emphasizing Connection: By organizing regular social gatherings and informal meetings, leaders can strengthen relationships among members, enhancing the sense of belonging and community within the ward or branch.

    00:03:32 – Background of the Hemby YSA Branch

    00:04:07 – Establishing the YSA Branch

    00:06:23 – Initial Concerns and Faith in the Process

    00:08:02 – Personal Challenges and Extended Service

    00:09:07 – The Calling Experience

    00:10:00 – Passion for Serving Young Single Adults

    00:10:44 – Building the Branch Council

    00:12:06 – Creating a Positive Culture

    00:14:04 – Strategies for Inclusion and Connection

    00:15:41 – Unique Practices in the Branch

    00:18:23 – Emphasizing Community and Togetherness

    00:20:35 – Authentic Testimonies and Sharing

    00:22:28 – Diversity and Its Impact on Leadership

    00:23:30 – The Burden of Leadership

    00:26:51 – Establishing a Mentoring Program

    00:29:11 – Typical Scenarios for Mentorship

    00:30:04 – Examples of Mentorship Success

    00:31:27 – Adjusting the Mentorship Approach

    00:32:50 – The Role of Stake Leadership

    00:34:02 – Flexibility in Mentorship Pairings

    00:36:10 – Navigating Challenges and Support

    00:39:34 – The Impact of Community Support

    00:40:54 – Encouragement for Other Leaders

    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.
  • Leading Saints Podcast

    YSA Marriage, Unity, and 25-Minute Sundays [August Zion Lab Live]

    08/13/2026 | 45 mins.
    This is a recording of the monthly Zion Lab Live where Kurt Francom explores various topics discussed in the Zion Lab online community.



    Links

    Join the conversation in Zion Lab

    Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

    Highlights

    00:01:12 – Adjusting the Schedule

    00:02:06 – Importance of Participation

    00:03:29 – Changes in Zion Lab Experience

    00:04:12 – Membership Options and Sponsorship

    00:06:51 – Involving Core Members in Primary and Young Men’s

    00:10:58 – Communication Strategies for Inclusion

    00:12:57 – Ideas for Unity in Wards

    00:17:05 – New Sunday Format Training

    00:19:17 – Challenges with Training Resources

    00:24:02 – Dating and Marriage Challenges for Young Adults

    00:30:07 – Balancing Acceptance and Gospel Principles

    00:32:14 – Ideas for Building Unity

    00:35:05 – Successful Come Follow Me Groups

    00:40:00 – Experiences of Empty Nesters

    00:42:53 – Global Perspectives on Dating Issues

    Key Insights

    Involving Primary & Young Men Leaders: Leaders often struggle with keeping Elders Quorum and Relief Society members connected when they serve in youth or children’s organizations. Solutions include rotating members out briefly to lead discussions, utilizing dedicated group messaging apps, and holding casual home gatherings.

    Navigating the New Sunday Schedule: The transition to shortened 25-minute class periods brings anxiety, but leaders emphasize using official Church materials and maintaining realistic expectations while finding a new operational rhythm.

    Evolving YSA Dating Dynamics: Modern single adults face significant challenges in finding marriage partners due to shifting cultural values, delayed timelines, and differing personal or political priorities.

    Power of Informal Gatherings: Organic, non-assigned home study groups (e.g., Come, Follow Me or General Conference review groups) build deeper ward unity, psychological safety, and ministering opportunities than structured Sunday classes alone.

    Building Ward Culture: Leadership is fundamentally about culture-building. Leaders must proactively address secular cultural influences and create intentional spaces for gospel-centered connection.

    Leadership Applications

    Organize Organic Home Gatherings: Encourage members or leaders to host low-pressure home study groups (such as an empty-nester Come, Follow Me night) with snacks and informal discussion to strengthen local relationships.

    Rotate Out-of-Room Teachers: Elders Quorum and Relief Society presidencies can arrange substitutes for primary teachers once a quarter to allow them to attend adult classes or lead a discussion.

    Streamline Group Communication: Implement digital communication tools (e.g., GroupMe or Discord) to share ward event links and keep members serving in auxiliary callings informed on adult quorum activities.

    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.
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