1 00:00:00,095 --> 00:00:00,135 - 2 00:00:04,485 --> 00:00:05,655 - Have you ever tried to help 3 00:00:05,655 --> 00:00:06,855 youth with their mental health? 4 00:00:07,395 --> 00:00:09,775 Wow, that's a tricky road to travel. 5 00:00:10,375 --> 00:00:13,055 I have to tell you about an inspiring presentation we 6 00:00:13,295 --> 00:00:15,335 recorded with a one and only Jody Moore. 7 00:00:15,515 --> 00:00:17,655 Yes. That life coaching Jody Moore. 8 00:00:18,215 --> 00:00:21,735 A few years ago, she recorded a fantastic presentation 9 00:00:22,215 --> 00:00:25,375 covering topics like normalizing tough feelings with youth, 10 00:00:25,775 --> 00:00:28,295 a more positive understanding of stress, how 11 00:00:28,295 --> 00:00:31,775 to minimize shame, and mastering the skillset of empathy 12 00:00:32,195 --> 00:00:33,895 and better understanding anxiety. 13 00:00:34,495 --> 00:00:36,695 I want you to see this presentation as soon 14 00:00:36,695 --> 00:00:38,575 as you finish this podcast episode. 15 00:00:38,915 --> 00:00:41,255 You can go to leading saints.org/fourteen, 16 00:00:41,555 --> 00:00:42,975 and this will get you access 17 00:00:42,975 --> 00:00:46,575 to the entire video library at no cost for 14 days. 18 00:00:47,355 --> 00:00:49,975 Jodi's presentation is in the Mentally Healthy Saints 19 00:00:49,975 --> 00:00:52,095 Library, and you'll be a better leader 20 00:00:52,155 --> 00:00:53,655 or parent when you finish it. 21 00:00:53,945 --> 00:00:56,415 Again, go to leading saints.org/fourteen 22 00:00:56,875 --> 00:00:58,655 or check out the show notes for the link. 23 00:01:25,515 --> 00:01:28,255 Before we jump into the content of this episode, I kind 24 00:01:28,255 --> 00:01:30,455 of feel it's important that I introduce myself Now, many 25 00:01:30,455 --> 00:01:32,095 of you have been around a long time. 26 00:01:32,515 --> 00:01:34,895 You're well familiar with My Voice 27 00:01:35,115 --> 00:01:37,575 and the with Leading Saints as an organization, 28 00:01:37,995 --> 00:01:40,335 but if you're not, well, my name is Kurt Frankham, 29 00:01:40,335 --> 00:01:42,655 and I am the executive Director of Leading Saints 30 00:01:42,675 --> 00:01:43,815 and the podcast host. 31 00:01:43,955 --> 00:01:47,495 Now, leading Saints is a nonprofit organization dedicated, 32 00:01:47,495 --> 00:01:49,815 helping latter day saints be better prepared to lead. 33 00:01:50,115 --> 00:01:52,935 And we do that through well content creation like this 34 00:01:52,935 --> 00:01:55,775 podcast and many other resources@leadingsaints.org. 35 00:01:56,155 --> 00:01:59,215 And, uh, we don't act like we have all the answers 36 00:01:59,475 --> 00:02:02,415 or, uh, know exactly what a leader should do or not do, 37 00:02:02,475 --> 00:02:05,495 but we like to explore the concepts of leadership, 38 00:02:05,515 --> 00:02:06,615 the science of leadership, 39 00:02:06,615 --> 00:02:08,495 what people are researching about leadership, 40 00:02:08,715 --> 00:02:12,095 and see how we can apply them to a latter day Saint world. 41 00:02:12,475 --> 00:02:13,255 So here we go. 42 00:02:42,955 --> 00:02:44,655 Hey, welcome back to the Leading Saints Podcast. 43 00:02:44,795 --> 00:02:47,375 In this episode, I get the opportunity to sit down 44 00:02:47,565 --> 00:02:51,015 with Kemp Nichol, who is actually a bishop in Bountiful, 45 00:02:51,085 --> 00:02:54,015 Utah, but most people will probably be familiar with him 46 00:02:54,015 --> 00:02:55,455 through his Instagram 47 00:02:55,475 --> 00:02:58,175 and social media presence in declare my word. 48 00:02:58,315 --> 00:03:02,485 He has a huge audience where he shares mainly quotes 49 00:03:02,505 --> 00:03:04,765 and thoughts from general conference from our 50 00:03:04,765 --> 00:03:06,045 prophet, Sears and Revelators. 51 00:03:06,185 --> 00:03:10,245 And just a really fantastic approach on, in social media 52 00:03:10,625 --> 00:03:11,925 of declaring the word 53 00:03:12,025 --> 00:03:13,165 and getting the words of our prophet 54 00:03:13,215 --> 00:03:14,405 Sears and revelators out there. 55 00:03:14,465 --> 00:03:17,125 Not necessarily in a, in a way to convert people 56 00:03:17,125 --> 00:03:19,645 to the church, but just to give them encouragement. 57 00:03:19,645 --> 00:03:21,565 And we all know the encouraging words 58 00:03:21,565 --> 00:03:23,205 that come from, from our leaders. 59 00:03:23,745 --> 00:03:26,845 So in this episode, listen for the, uh, where he talks about 60 00:03:27,065 --> 00:03:30,285 how we can leverage social media, not out of obligation, 61 00:03:30,305 --> 00:03:32,245 but maybe if we're already using it, maybe 62 00:03:32,245 --> 00:03:35,125 how we can encourage youth, those that are on social media 63 00:03:35,225 --> 00:03:37,605 or who use social media to learn how to 64 00:03:38,245 --> 00:03:41,245 approach social media so it doesn't suck them into the abyss 65 00:03:41,245 --> 00:03:42,245 that it can sometimes be. 66 00:03:42,865 --> 00:03:45,005 And, uh, teach them to share, uh, 67 00:03:45,385 --> 00:03:48,605 and promote positive messages to people around the world. 68 00:03:48,665 --> 00:03:50,645 And then of course, we take, uh, some time 69 00:03:50,645 --> 00:03:52,125 to talk about camp's experience. 70 00:03:52,125 --> 00:03:54,365 Being a bishop has been about a year since he's been a 71 00:03:54,525 --> 00:03:56,245 bishop, but has served in some bishop Ricks 72 00:03:56,315 --> 00:03:58,725 what he's learning, some unique approaches, uh, 73 00:03:58,795 --> 00:04:03,725 more specifically, uh, how he involves youth to connect them 74 00:04:03,725 --> 00:04:06,445 with maybe individuals who aren't as active in the church, 75 00:04:06,545 --> 00:04:07,765 but to talk about their mission 76 00:04:07,945 --> 00:04:11,445 and to get mentorship about their, their mission, uh, 77 00:04:11,665 --> 00:04:13,965 as these youth are preparing to serve a mission. 78 00:04:13,985 --> 00:04:15,765 So, really good stuff. Check it out. 79 00:04:15,785 --> 00:04:17,885 Here's my interview with Kemp Nichol. 80 00:04:47,095 --> 00:04:49,485 Today, I'm here with Kemp. Nichol. How are you, Kemp? 81 00:04:49,585 --> 00:04:51,405 I'm doing good. Awesome. Happy to be here. 82 00:04:51,405 --> 00:04:53,365 Now, we've had an opportunity to sort of, uh, 83 00:04:53,415 --> 00:04:54,565 cross paths right? 84 00:04:54,665 --> 00:04:56,085 At different, uh, events and, 85 00:04:56,225 --> 00:04:58,805 and, uh, most people may be familiar with your, 86 00:04:59,035 --> 00:05:00,085 your online platform, 87 00:05:00,085 --> 00:05:01,845 but maybe not the man behind the platform. 88 00:05:01,845 --> 00:05:04,525 It's really the family behind the platform, right? Probably. 89 00:05:04,525 --> 00:05:06,045 Yeah. Yeah. So what, what's your platform like? 90 00:05:06,045 --> 00:05:07,205 Put yourself into context for us. 91 00:05:07,505 --> 00:05:10,765 - Um, so a few years ago, 2015 when I created the account, 92 00:05:10,785 --> 00:05:13,005 but, uh, most recently I created a, 93 00:05:13,025 --> 00:05:14,765 an Instagram account called Declare My Word. 94 00:05:15,345 --> 00:05:18,445 And, um, I, I did it with the intent of just, uh, 95 00:05:18,515 --> 00:05:19,725 providing it for my young men. 96 00:05:19,765 --> 00:05:21,725 I love general conference quotes. And I was in, so 97 00:05:21,725 --> 00:05:22,765 - You're serving in young men's? I was serving 98 00:05:22,765 --> 00:05:24,725 - In young men's at the time as young men's president. 99 00:05:25,265 --> 00:05:28,325 And, uh, I was, I was actually in the Bishop's office. 100 00:05:28,345 --> 00:05:29,365 We were having our core meeting 101 00:05:29,385 --> 00:05:30,445 and we're just talking about it, 102 00:05:30,465 --> 00:05:32,805 and I was like, man, social media, there's a, 103 00:05:32,805 --> 00:05:34,645 there's a lot going on here and it's not going away. 104 00:05:34,665 --> 00:05:37,365 And so in that meeting, I, I created the account Oh, really? 105 00:05:37,525 --> 00:05:39,005 . Um, just with the idea 106 00:05:39,005 --> 00:05:40,485 of I wanna create some content 107 00:05:40,825 --> 00:05:42,525 for my young men so that they see something good. 108 00:05:42,675 --> 00:05:44,285 Yeah. And then from there, you know, 109 00:05:44,285 --> 00:05:46,325 five people followed it, 50 people followed it, 110 00:05:46,325 --> 00:05:48,765 and now there's, uh, quite a few that follow it. Yeah. 111 00:05:48,825 --> 00:05:50,245 - Almost 200,000 people, 112 00:05:50,245 --> 00:05:51,245 - Right? 113 00:05:51,245 --> 00:05:52,285 Yeah. Almost 200,000 probably by the end of the week. 114 00:05:52,305 --> 00:05:56,205 And that's cool. Um, I, I just, uh, it's kind of taken, uh, 115 00:05:56,205 --> 00:05:57,375 taking control of itself. 116 00:05:57,375 --> 00:05:59,375 Yeah. You know, and people love the messages, 117 00:05:59,375 --> 00:06:00,775 and I just get excited to share the content. 118 00:06:00,805 --> 00:06:01,975 - Yeah. So starting out, like 119 00:06:02,035 --> 00:06:04,015 how long ago was this that you started it? Uh, 120 00:06:04,135 --> 00:06:05,375 - I created it in 2015. 121 00:06:05,715 --> 00:06:06,775 Oh, okay. But that was back Oh, wow. 122 00:06:06,775 --> 00:06:08,775 When you could only share 15 second clips Mm-Hmm. 123 00:06:08,815 --> 00:06:11,135 on video and trying to get a good quote. 124 00:06:11,135 --> 00:06:13,415 And so I, I created the account, didn't do much for a while, 125 00:06:13,435 --> 00:06:16,415 but then 2020, there was about 5,000 followers at the time. 126 00:06:17,035 --> 00:06:18,535 Um, and at 127 00:06:18,535 --> 00:06:20,535 that point I kinda made the decision, okay, I'm gonna do this. 128 00:06:20,565 --> 00:06:22,735 Nice. Um, with a lot more effort. 129 00:06:22,835 --> 00:06:24,135 And then ever since then, it's grown. 130 00:06:24,205 --> 00:06:27,055 - Yeah. Now, typically today, when you look at it, 131 00:06:27,205 --> 00:06:29,335 it's a lot of general conference quotes right? 132 00:06:29,475 --> 00:06:32,375 Or quotes from general authorities, apostles. Right. 133 00:06:32,555 --> 00:06:34,575 Um, was that the intent from the beginning? 134 00:06:34,595 --> 00:06:36,415 Is that what you started sharing from the beginning? Yeah, 135 00:06:36,435 --> 00:06:39,695 - It was, um, because kind of going back to my mission, I, 136 00:06:39,815 --> 00:06:41,815 I was the missionary that every time we walked into the 137 00:06:41,815 --> 00:06:43,575 apartment, I'd turn on general conference on 138 00:06:43,575 --> 00:06:44,695 the cassette player, Uhhuh. 139 00:06:44,695 --> 00:06:46,575 And anytime I could find a new general conference tape, 140 00:06:46,575 --> 00:06:48,015 you know, I, I get a recording of it. 141 00:06:48,195 --> 00:06:49,855 So I love listening to general conference. 142 00:06:49,915 --> 00:06:52,375 And so it just became something that I did naturally. 143 00:06:52,735 --> 00:06:55,135 I love sharing and reading general conference. 144 00:06:55,235 --> 00:06:57,255 And so I just started sharing those clips, 145 00:06:57,255 --> 00:06:59,175 and then all of a sudden I learned people would share these 146 00:06:59,175 --> 00:07:00,935 clips with other people, and I was 147 00:07:00,935 --> 00:07:02,055 like, I'm back to being a missionary. 148 00:07:02,055 --> 00:07:03,535 Mm-Hmm. I love this. Yeah. You know, so it's, 149 00:07:03,535 --> 00:07:04,775 it's really been a missionary effort. 150 00:07:04,805 --> 00:07:06,175 - Yeah. And so what's, 151 00:07:06,175 --> 00:07:07,775 what's it like watching general conference now? 152 00:07:07,775 --> 00:07:10,135 Are you, I obviously you're trying to listen, 153 00:07:10,195 --> 00:07:11,455 but you're like, oh, that's, I gotta, 154 00:07:11,455 --> 00:07:12,535 yeah. I gotta mark that one. 155 00:07:12,715 --> 00:07:14,535 - Yep. No, I do. Yeah. Um, it, it's, 156 00:07:14,655 --> 00:07:17,135 I don't do it anymore than I've, uh, I did before. 157 00:07:17,155 --> 00:07:18,175 Mm-Hmm. , I, I've 158 00:07:18,175 --> 00:07:19,255 always loved general conference. 159 00:07:19,295 --> 00:07:20,535 I love going to general conference, 160 00:07:20,595 --> 00:07:22,535 but now I'll hear something I was like, oh, 161 00:07:22,655 --> 00:07:23,895 I gotta make sure I write that note down. 162 00:07:23,895 --> 00:07:25,055 Mm-Hmm. Because I'm gonna do that one. 163 00:07:25,635 --> 00:07:28,575 Um, and it's, it's just fun. That's 164 00:07:28,575 --> 00:07:29,575 - Cool. 165 00:07:29,575 --> 00:07:31,855 Now, um, the reason I want to and highlight, 166 00:07:31,855 --> 00:07:33,295 and you're also currently serving as a bishop. 167 00:07:33,295 --> 00:07:34,855 Yeah. So we have, we have lots 168 00:07:34,855 --> 00:07:36,575 of directions we can go today, which is fun. 169 00:07:36,955 --> 00:07:38,615 Uh, but, you know, I think there's a lot 170 00:07:38,615 --> 00:07:40,415 of youth leaders, just leaders in general. 171 00:07:40,555 --> 00:07:43,655 And, and I, I look at it that, man, it's so, like, 172 00:07:44,075 --> 00:07:45,975 the more we can project the voices 173 00:07:46,115 --> 00:07:48,815 of living prophets right, the better, right? 174 00:07:48,845 --> 00:07:50,415 Yeah. Because sometimes there's this pressure, I'm, 175 00:07:50,415 --> 00:07:52,575 you know, obviously a content creator with social media, 176 00:07:52,575 --> 00:07:53,775 there's this pressure of like, okay, 177 00:07:53,775 --> 00:07:57,295 I gotta like get a graphic designer, a video editor, 178 00:07:57,595 --> 00:07:59,175 and, you know, do all these things, which 179 00:07:59,435 --> 00:08:00,895 to some extent that's helpful. 180 00:08:01,555 --> 00:08:04,615 Um, and, you know, and we have to create the content, 181 00:08:04,675 --> 00:08:06,335 but over reality, the content's out there, 182 00:08:06,555 --> 00:08:09,215 we can just project it from, especially from living profits. 183 00:08:09,215 --> 00:08:12,295 Yeah. Um, and we live in an influencer economy, right? 184 00:08:12,295 --> 00:08:13,655 Mm-Hmm. . And, and I think most leaders 185 00:08:13,655 --> 00:08:16,375 understand this, maybe the older generation doesn't quite 186 00:08:16,375 --> 00:08:19,535 grasp it, where an individual, whether it's youth 187 00:08:19,635 --> 00:08:22,415 or someone in their twenties or thirties, they, they're, 188 00:08:22,415 --> 00:08:23,615 they're scrolling, right? 189 00:08:23,615 --> 00:08:27,335 Yeah. On Instagram or Facebook or whatever, Twitter. 190 00:08:27,875 --> 00:08:30,215 And they're picking up that there's a, 191 00:08:30,215 --> 00:08:31,775 there's a message being delivered 192 00:08:31,775 --> 00:08:32,815 to their brain, like Mm-Hmm. 193 00:08:32,855 --> 00:08:34,975 just over and over and over again. 194 00:08:35,555 --> 00:08:39,655 And I, I sometimes wish we could, you know, 195 00:08:40,445 --> 00:08:42,415 this isn't my prerogative or powers of be, 196 00:08:42,415 --> 00:08:45,655 but you know, I, I think like, it would be great if 197 00:08:46,185 --> 00:08:48,335 Elder Nar, elder Anderson 198 00:08:48,335 --> 00:08:51,975 or whoever was, was on social media 10 times a day Yeah. 199 00:08:51,975 --> 00:08:54,855 Sharing a quick, casual, informal message. 200 00:08:55,065 --> 00:08:57,245 But for whatever reason, that's not the case. 201 00:08:57,245 --> 00:08:58,285 And, you know, we do see it. 202 00:08:58,285 --> 00:09:00,485 Maybe they're sitting in their office a 203 00:09:00,485 --> 00:09:01,485 - Little bit more now than - Before. 204 00:09:01,485 --> 00:09:02,645 Yeah, yeah. They're, they're right. 205 00:09:02,985 --> 00:09:06,245 And so, but what we can do is share the messages. 206 00:09:06,245 --> 00:09:08,245 They've already spoken, because we'll hear it at 207 00:09:08,245 --> 00:09:09,365 general conference, and Yeah. 208 00:09:09,435 --> 00:09:11,485 Then, you know, we may listen to it again, or read it 209 00:09:11,485 --> 00:09:13,445 or review it in Elders Quo Relief Society, 210 00:09:13,905 --> 00:09:16,205 but to just share the gospel that way, 211 00:09:16,205 --> 00:09:18,365 it's really a powerful way to do it. Right? 212 00:09:18,365 --> 00:09:21,245 - Yeah, absolutely. Um, the word I like to, to use is I love 213 00:09:21,245 --> 00:09:22,365 to amplify their message. 214 00:09:22,365 --> 00:09:23,885 Mm-Hmm. Yeah. Um, and I think it's great 215 00:09:23,885 --> 00:09:25,125 that people are creating their own content. 216 00:09:25,425 --> 00:09:28,325 Um, I've never really put myself on the account, um, just 217 00:09:28,325 --> 00:09:29,685 because I was posting, you know, 218 00:09:29,685 --> 00:09:31,845 quotes from general, uh, general leaders. 219 00:09:32,225 --> 00:09:34,245 But I've tried to put myself on there a little bit more, 220 00:09:34,245 --> 00:09:35,765 because I think it's important if, you know, 221 00:09:35,765 --> 00:09:38,005 if we're gonna be missionaries to find opportunities 222 00:09:38,425 --> 00:09:39,565 to share our own testimony. 223 00:09:39,565 --> 00:09:41,005 Mm-Hmm. . And so I've, I've done it a little 224 00:09:41,005 --> 00:09:45,405 bit more, um, as, as you were saying that there, there's, 225 00:09:45,405 --> 00:09:46,885 there's a hundred reasons why I created the account, 226 00:09:46,885 --> 00:09:48,805 and there's another a hundred reasons why I've done a little 227 00:09:48,805 --> 00:09:51,045 bit more, but just to highlight a few of those. 228 00:09:51,045 --> 00:09:54,485 You, you mentioned Elder Bednar in 2014 at BYU is when he 229 00:09:54,485 --> 00:09:56,405 gave his kind of his social media Yeah. 230 00:09:56,405 --> 00:09:58,965 Speech. And I was, um, I was taken by that. 231 00:09:59,165 --> 00:10:01,245 I was like, man, this is amazing. We need to flood the earth 232 00:10:01,275 --> 00:10:02,445 with positive messages. 233 00:10:02,745 --> 00:10:03,885 So that was one thing that kind 234 00:10:03,885 --> 00:10:05,805 of led into me creating the account, um, 235 00:10:05,905 --> 00:10:07,205 not thinking it would be what it is today, 236 00:10:07,305 --> 00:10:10,325 but I kind of feel like it's, it's helped accomplish that. 237 00:10:10,825 --> 00:10:11,845 Um, and, 238 00:10:11,845 --> 00:10:13,565 and when I, when I create the accountant, I, 239 00:10:13,685 --> 00:10:15,325 I post those, those quotes. 240 00:10:15,665 --> 00:10:17,485 The thing that I really love is I know 241 00:10:17,485 --> 00:10:19,045 that I'm creating content for other 242 00:10:19,045 --> 00:10:20,205 people to share naturally. 243 00:10:20,225 --> 00:10:22,285 Mm-Hmm. . Um, we 244 00:10:22,285 --> 00:10:23,405 love listening to general conference. 245 00:10:23,405 --> 00:10:24,645 We love listening to our profit, 246 00:10:25,025 --> 00:10:29,765 and I love creating a post in a way that you mentioned 247 00:10:29,765 --> 00:10:31,085 that people are just scrolling through, 248 00:10:31,385 --> 00:10:34,205 if I can create something for them to stop, listen 249 00:10:34,225 --> 00:10:36,245 to the prophet amplify his message, 250 00:10:36,665 --> 00:10:40,085 and hopefully they jump off of wherever they're scrolling 251 00:10:40,085 --> 00:10:41,445 through, and they go read the talk Mm-Hmm. 252 00:10:41,485 --> 00:10:43,325 or they jump into the scriptures, something 253 00:10:43,325 --> 00:10:44,845 that we can do to help them get 254 00:10:44,845 --> 00:10:46,045 more engaged with the gospel. 255 00:10:46,705 --> 00:10:49,005 And then there was a, a, a second talk 256 00:10:49,265 --> 00:10:51,525 by Elder Stevenson in 2017, 257 00:10:52,025 --> 00:10:53,765 and I think he was talking at Women's conference, 258 00:10:53,825 --> 00:10:56,005 but one thing that really stood out to me is he said, 259 00:10:56,845 --> 00:10:59,365 I hope you'll have the courage to swipe, 260 00:10:59,825 --> 00:11:03,285 to swipe up post tweet, blog, all those things. 261 00:11:03,345 --> 00:11:05,685 Mm-Hmm. . And, uh, I took from that we need 262 00:11:05,685 --> 00:11:06,685 to have the courage get on there. 263 00:11:06,685 --> 00:11:07,725 This is where people are at. 264 00:11:07,725 --> 00:11:09,605 People are listening to this, 265 00:11:09,605 --> 00:11:10,725 and they're spending their time here. 266 00:11:11,065 --> 00:11:12,885 And if we can be a digital missionary 267 00:11:13,425 --> 00:11:15,765 and share the gospel there, people will get engaged. 268 00:11:15,785 --> 00:11:17,165 And there's been a lot of good experiences 269 00:11:17,265 --> 00:11:18,445 and blessings that have come from it. 270 00:11:18,665 --> 00:11:20,645 - So take me just like, what advice would you give 271 00:11:20,645 --> 00:11:22,285 to the lay member who, you know, 272 00:11:22,795 --> 00:11:24,725 they've got a hundred followers, you know, 273 00:11:24,835 --> 00:11:26,085 it's just their friends and family. 274 00:11:26,085 --> 00:11:28,325 They're not looking to have an impact or things, 275 00:11:28,385 --> 00:11:31,925 but they can still amplify the amplified message, right? 276 00:11:31,925 --> 00:11:32,925 Yeah. That, that you're doing. 277 00:11:33,385 --> 00:11:35,485 Um, so how, how, what advice would you give just 278 00:11:35,485 --> 00:11:37,525 to the lay members they approach social media? Um, 279 00:11:37,645 --> 00:11:38,805 - I, I think the first thing that comes 280 00:11:38,805 --> 00:11:41,005 to mind when I read there's, you know, 281 00:11:41,005 --> 00:11:42,005 we have the church handbook, 282 00:11:42,005 --> 00:11:42,925 but there's also the missionary 283 00:11:43,085 --> 00:11:44,045 handbook that's available online. 284 00:11:44,045 --> 00:11:45,165 There's some really good things in there. 285 00:11:45,505 --> 00:11:47,685 But one thing it says, talking to missionaries 286 00:11:47,705 --> 00:11:49,045 who are doing things on social media, 287 00:11:49,385 --> 00:11:50,605 it says, don't worry about the reach. 288 00:11:50,605 --> 00:11:52,845 Don't worry about your followers. Just create content. 289 00:11:52,985 --> 00:11:55,285 And I'm paraphrasing, just create content that's good. 290 00:11:55,505 --> 00:11:56,565 You know, I can get it out there. 291 00:11:56,905 --> 00:11:58,325 And I think that's the advice that we have, 292 00:11:58,625 --> 00:11:59,925 that's being a digital missionary, 293 00:12:00,025 --> 00:12:01,125 um, that's sharing the gospel. 294 00:12:01,505 --> 00:12:04,805 Um, so rather than focusing on getting a hundred thousand 295 00:12:04,805 --> 00:12:06,845 followers, we need a hundred thousand people in the church 296 00:12:07,155 --> 00:12:08,525 sharing positive messages. 297 00:12:08,525 --> 00:12:09,725 Yeah. And I think that fulfills 298 00:12:09,725 --> 00:12:12,485 what Elder Bednar was saying, we need to flood the earth 299 00:12:12,485 --> 00:12:13,885 with positive messages. Yeah. 300 00:12:14,205 --> 00:12:18,125 - I think of somebody who has, you know, maybe isn't in Utah 301 00:12:18,125 --> 00:12:19,885 and surrounded by Latterday Saints, 302 00:12:19,885 --> 00:12:23,575 but you know, they have a following of 200 people Right. 303 00:12:23,675 --> 00:12:25,535 In their circle of influence. Right. 304 00:12:25,555 --> 00:12:28,055 And maybe half of 'em are non laar Day saints. 305 00:12:28,055 --> 00:12:30,295 Like as a missionary, if you were invited to come 306 00:12:30,295 --> 00:12:32,415 to a conference room or a church or, 307 00:12:32,475 --> 00:12:35,975 or someplace to share a message with a hundred people, 308 00:12:36,085 --> 00:12:37,855 we'd be like, this is incredible. 309 00:12:37,905 --> 00:12:39,535 Right. But now it is sort of, 310 00:12:39,535 --> 00:12:40,695 that's been skewed a little bit. 311 00:12:40,715 --> 00:12:42,975 We think like, oh, only a hundred. Come on. No. 312 00:12:42,975 --> 00:12:44,855 But like, if you were in a room with that many people, 313 00:12:44,855 --> 00:12:46,455 that would be well worth your time to do. 314 00:12:46,695 --> 00:12:48,335 Absolutely. So it's worth, again, not that you have 315 00:12:48,655 --> 00:12:50,735 to create the content, but amplifying these Mm-Hmm. 316 00:12:50,805 --> 00:12:52,735 This good, this good content online is, 317 00:12:52,795 --> 00:12:53,935 is the way to go. Right. 318 00:12:54,195 --> 00:12:56,335 - Um, a as you say that, going back to 319 00:12:56,335 --> 00:12:59,015 what L Stevenson said, another thing that stood out to me, 320 00:12:59,475 --> 00:13:02,135 and, uh, you know, that talk was in 2017, 321 00:13:02,255 --> 00:13:03,255 a lot has happened since then. 322 00:13:03,515 --> 00:13:05,615 Um, but I've recently had conversations with people, 323 00:13:06,125 --> 00:13:07,615 they're concerned about social media, 324 00:13:07,635 --> 00:13:08,815 and I have the same concerns. 325 00:13:08,875 --> 00:13:10,255 Are we spending too much time on it? 326 00:13:10,315 --> 00:13:12,015 You know, what are we consuming? 327 00:13:12,195 --> 00:13:13,295 How are we being influenced? 328 00:13:13,955 --> 00:13:17,535 Um, but Elder Stevenson at BYU in 2017, he, 329 00:13:17,535 --> 00:13:20,575 he made the comment that the benefits will outweigh, 330 00:13:20,915 --> 00:13:22,375 you know, the things that might draw us back. 331 00:13:22,375 --> 00:13:24,655 And it's, it's sometimes really hard to see Mm-Hmm. 332 00:13:24,695 --> 00:13:25,815 . But I think you just pointed out, 333 00:13:26,035 --> 00:13:27,695 if you have an opportunity to share your testimony 334 00:13:27,695 --> 00:13:30,365 to a hundred people, that's huge. 335 00:13:30,435 --> 00:13:33,045 Yeah. Um, and if we stay focused on sharing 336 00:13:33,065 --> 00:13:34,165 and doing things in normal 337 00:13:34,225 --> 00:13:36,565 and natural ways, you'll see the lift. 338 00:13:36,565 --> 00:13:38,165 And I think we're already seeing that right now. Yeah. 339 00:13:38,425 --> 00:13:41,085 So having the courage, um, to do it. 340 00:13:41,315 --> 00:13:42,965 - Cool. And this is just, again, 341 00:13:43,315 --> 00:13:45,045 more on a more practical level, 342 00:13:45,345 --> 00:13:48,205 people would just be sharing it on like Instagram 343 00:13:48,425 --> 00:13:49,645 or on Facebook, 344 00:13:49,665 --> 00:13:52,165 or like, what do they actually do if they see like 345 00:13:52,265 --> 00:13:53,325 the content you produce? 346 00:13:53,395 --> 00:13:55,765 - Yeah. Um, uh, kind 347 00:13:55,765 --> 00:13:57,085 of going back, you know, what's my advice? 348 00:13:58,205 --> 00:13:59,805 I think it's really important that we stick with 349 00:13:59,805 --> 00:14:01,045 what the prophets have said, 350 00:14:01,345 --> 00:14:03,205 do things in normal and natural ways. 351 00:14:03,365 --> 00:14:05,325 Mm-Hmm. . Um, so I, I'm not suggesting 352 00:14:05,325 --> 00:14:07,525 that people need to get on a certain platform if you're not 353 00:14:07,525 --> 00:14:10,045 currently on it, but if you are on a platform, 354 00:14:10,105 --> 00:14:11,565 if you are using Instagram 355 00:14:11,585 --> 00:14:13,565 or using Facebook, are you finding 356 00:14:13,565 --> 00:14:14,885 opportunities to share the gospel? 357 00:14:15,105 --> 00:14:17,085 Or are you just consuming? Right. 358 00:14:17,185 --> 00:14:19,205 Um, and, and that's kind of the danger that I, I'm, 359 00:14:19,205 --> 00:14:21,285 I'm afraid of if we're just on there scrolling, 360 00:14:21,305 --> 00:14:24,325 but not engaging that, that, that's a concern. 361 00:14:24,325 --> 00:14:27,285 Yeah. But if we can find opportunities in normal 362 00:14:27,345 --> 00:14:29,645 and natural ways to share things that are important to us, 363 00:14:30,115 --> 00:14:31,925 just like you would share, Hey, I went to the park, 364 00:14:32,105 --> 00:14:35,085 or my, uh, my child did this in the school play. 365 00:14:35,425 --> 00:14:36,765 We share those things on social media. 366 00:14:37,115 --> 00:14:38,485 What do you enjoy about the gospel? 367 00:14:38,585 --> 00:14:40,205 And share it in the exact same way. 368 00:14:40,515 --> 00:14:42,125 - Yeah. And, uh, this goes back 369 00:14:42,125 --> 00:14:45,085 to some advice I got from my friend, John Dye, uh, who, 370 00:14:45,145 --> 00:14:47,765 who emphasizes share moments, not messages. 371 00:14:47,795 --> 00:14:49,445 Yeah. Where it's good to, you know, 372 00:14:49,445 --> 00:14:50,645 share a general conference quote 373 00:14:51,145 --> 00:14:53,405 or clip, you know, as, as they come. 374 00:14:53,425 --> 00:14:54,925 But if that's all you're sharing, we all, 375 00:14:54,985 --> 00:14:56,165 we all have that ant, right? 376 00:14:56,165 --> 00:14:59,245 Yeah. It's like the one ant shares all political messages, 377 00:14:59,445 --> 00:15:00,685 , Uhhuh, the other t's just like, 378 00:15:01,155 --> 00:15:04,445 just fire hosing you with like general conference quotes. 379 00:15:04,445 --> 00:15:05,645 Right. And it's like, here we go, 380 00:15:05,645 --> 00:15:06,725 we're gonna really give it to 'em. 381 00:15:06,725 --> 00:15:10,605 But mixing in there like just natural moments, 382 00:15:11,075 --> 00:15:13,005 then you're going to capture, um, 383 00:15:13,155 --> 00:15:15,445 more people's attention rather than just fire hosing them 384 00:15:15,445 --> 00:15:17,125 with religious messages. Right. 385 00:15:17,125 --> 00:15:18,245 - Yeah. Um, I was actually, 386 00:15:18,245 --> 00:15:19,325 that was actually the next thing I wanted 387 00:15:19,325 --> 00:15:20,845 to say is be balanced. 388 00:15:20,865 --> 00:15:21,965 Mm-Hmm. , the normal 389 00:15:22,025 --> 00:15:23,605 and natural is what do you do naturally? 390 00:15:23,625 --> 00:15:24,725 You know, there's seven days in the week, 391 00:15:24,725 --> 00:15:25,965 and one of 'em is, we go to church, 392 00:15:26,465 --> 00:15:27,725 we should be comfortable on a Monday 393 00:15:27,745 --> 00:15:29,165 to say, this is what I did on Sunday. 394 00:15:29,265 --> 00:15:31,525 And then on Tuesday we talked about going to the play. 395 00:15:31,665 --> 00:15:34,045 But what I've learned over time is 396 00:15:34,115 --> 00:15:37,125 what messages resonate the most? Um, if I, 397 00:15:37,325 --> 00:15:38,325 - I I wanna ask you this. 398 00:15:38,325 --> 00:15:39,725 Yeah. Like, what, which ones are standing out? 399 00:15:39,945 --> 00:15:41,045 - So, um, you know, 400 00:15:41,045 --> 00:15:43,485 on certain platforms when people are really contentious on 401 00:15:43,485 --> 00:15:45,405 those platforms, you know, if I post something about 402 00:15:45,945 --> 00:15:48,925 the Temple or like baptism for the Dead, they jump in, 403 00:15:48,925 --> 00:15:50,285 you know, and it's negative, uh, because, 404 00:15:50,285 --> 00:15:52,125 because they're looking for that opportunity. 405 00:15:52,705 --> 00:15:53,845 But what I really like to do, 406 00:15:53,845 --> 00:15:56,685 and what I found is people love sharing quotes 407 00:15:56,685 --> 00:15:59,325 that talk about kindness, that talk about family. 408 00:15:59,725 --> 00:16:01,045 Hmm. That talk about parenting. 409 00:16:01,505 --> 00:16:03,165 Um, there's a lot of people out there with children 410 00:16:03,185 --> 00:16:06,045 who are struggling, and it's, they'll stop 411 00:16:06,045 --> 00:16:09,045 and they'll listen to somebody say, Hey, I've had, you know, 412 00:16:09,045 --> 00:16:10,765 these challenges, I've overcome these things, 413 00:16:11,065 --> 00:16:12,805 and this is something that provides hope for them. 414 00:16:13,385 --> 00:16:15,445 And what I've learned is if it provides hope, 415 00:16:15,995 --> 00:16:17,125 they'll want to share it. 416 00:16:17,125 --> 00:16:18,925 Mm. And so that's kind of what I go looking 417 00:16:18,945 --> 00:16:20,925 for when I listen to general conference now, is like, 418 00:16:21,285 --> 00:16:22,685 I know somebody's gonna share that, 419 00:16:22,785 --> 00:16:24,685 and so I get excited to go create that content 420 00:16:25,095 --> 00:16:27,605 where they may not have the digital tools to, to do it. 421 00:16:27,725 --> 00:16:30,705 I do. You know, and I've, I've kind of built that skill. 422 00:16:30,855 --> 00:16:31,905 Yeah. So that's my way 423 00:16:31,905 --> 00:16:33,425 to help them if I can create the content. 424 00:16:33,965 --> 00:16:36,345 Um, especially President Holland , there's, 425 00:16:36,345 --> 00:16:39,105 there's a quote, and I've posted it probably 5, 6, 7 times. 426 00:16:39,365 --> 00:16:42,985 And every time it just, it's something that goes viral. 427 00:16:43,405 --> 00:16:44,865 Uh, there's another quote about parenting. 428 00:16:44,865 --> 00:16:46,025 There's just some of these that I 429 00:16:46,025 --> 00:16:47,105 just know that will go viral. 430 00:16:47,445 --> 00:16:48,585 And so I look for opportunities 431 00:16:48,685 --> 00:16:50,305 to share the same, same messages. 432 00:16:50,415 --> 00:16:51,625 - Yeah. Yeah. And these are things, 433 00:16:51,625 --> 00:16:52,985 because I'm thinking back, like, um, 434 00:16:53,095 --> 00:16:57,265 October, 2023 conference, uh, president Oak's talk, 435 00:16:57,285 --> 00:17:01,105 you know, he, he went in deep about like the three degrees 436 00:17:01,105 --> 00:17:02,225 of glory and very, 437 00:17:02,325 --> 00:17:04,905 and a great talk, I mean, gave a lot to unpack, 438 00:17:05,525 --> 00:17:06,945 but maybe, you know, some 439 00:17:06,945 --> 00:17:09,305 of those talks were like super doctrinal focus. 440 00:17:09,335 --> 00:17:13,225 They, they may not be the type of, of, of quote you share, 441 00:17:13,325 --> 00:17:16,225 but it's more the, the hopeful encouraging, which, you know, 442 00:17:16,225 --> 00:17:18,265 those are intermixed, and sometimes that is present. 443 00:17:18,295 --> 00:17:20,025 Oaks is giving that as well. Right? Yeah. 444 00:17:20,365 --> 00:17:21,585 Um, and, 445 00:17:21,585 --> 00:17:24,945 and I'm just thinking of the, like, do you find that, um, 446 00:17:24,945 --> 00:17:28,505 even like, not, it goes viral on like, in in places 447 00:17:28,605 --> 00:17:29,865 of even non-members 448 00:17:29,865 --> 00:17:31,185 or people who don't, you don't even know 449 00:17:31,185 --> 00:17:34,225 who this Jeffrey Holland guy is, right? Yeah. Uh, 450 00:17:34,285 --> 00:17:35,285 - I'm glad you said that. 451 00:17:35,285 --> 00:17:37,305 Uh, there's a post from Lindsey Robbins 452 00:17:37,355 --> 00:17:39,785 where he talks about, um, parenting. 453 00:17:40,165 --> 00:17:43,385 And he says, you know, some of us, if we're lucky 454 00:17:43,385 --> 00:17:45,425 to have children, you know, you have an experience 455 00:17:45,645 --> 00:17:47,865 and they're obedient and is parenting 1 0 1, 456 00:17:48,325 --> 00:17:50,885 but some, some children can provide an experience 457 00:17:50,885 --> 00:17:52,845 where you're in parenting 5 0 5 . 458 00:17:53,025 --> 00:17:56,485 And he says, I hope that you'll think about it. 459 00:17:56,795 --> 00:17:59,805 That not what did you do wrong in the pre-existence 460 00:17:59,805 --> 00:18:00,965 to have to go through this experience? 461 00:18:01,385 --> 00:18:03,725 But he makes a comment. Some of these children 462 00:18:03,745 --> 00:18:06,365 who are more challenging, think of them as a blessing. 463 00:18:06,825 --> 00:18:08,485 You know, how much do you need them, 464 00:18:08,625 --> 00:18:09,685 as much as they need you? 465 00:18:10,305 --> 00:18:13,005 That's helping you become more patient, more loving, 466 00:18:13,155 --> 00:18:14,965 more kind, and becoming more like the savior. 467 00:18:15,385 --> 00:18:18,445 So he, he flips this upside down that, oh, this is a, 468 00:18:18,605 --> 00:18:20,005 a blessing, you know, to have some 469 00:18:20,005 --> 00:18:21,165 of these challenges and families. 470 00:18:21,545 --> 00:18:26,085 So to your question, um, do, do not members, you know, 471 00:18:26,165 --> 00:18:28,405 share this, that is one specific quote 472 00:18:28,455 --> 00:18:31,965 where they are taking his message, recreating the real 473 00:18:31,965 --> 00:18:32,925 and putting pictures of 474 00:18:32,925 --> 00:18:34,165 their children and their family Oh, really? 475 00:18:34,265 --> 00:18:36,045 And all these things. And I get so excited 476 00:18:36,045 --> 00:18:37,285 because I get to engage with them 477 00:18:37,585 --> 00:18:38,965 and have conversations with them, 478 00:18:39,025 --> 00:18:40,525 and they say, thank you for this message. 479 00:18:40,725 --> 00:18:42,245 I needed to hear this today. Yeah. 480 00:18:42,385 --> 00:18:46,365 And so, um, it kind of breaks that boundary of just messages 481 00:18:46,385 --> 00:18:47,885 and communication within the church 482 00:18:48,185 --> 00:18:49,765 and us being able to provide opportunities 483 00:18:49,825 --> 00:18:51,525 to share the gospel with people outside the church. 484 00:18:51,905 --> 00:18:54,245 - So, any stories, I mean, I obviously, the, the 485 00:18:54,785 --> 00:18:57,885 intent isn't purely to convert people to the church 486 00:18:57,885 --> 00:18:59,325 of Jesus Christ, latter Saints, like you said, 487 00:18:59,325 --> 00:19:02,365 just putting message of hope, encouragement, that ev I mean, 488 00:19:02,365 --> 00:19:04,285 that's the world be lit if it needs more of that. 489 00:19:04,285 --> 00:19:06,365 Right. Yeah. And if our general authorities can 490 00:19:06,365 --> 00:19:07,525 provide that, then great. 491 00:19:07,985 --> 00:19:11,845 Um, any like, stories of like, people really being impacted 492 00:19:12,025 --> 00:19:14,445 or, or turning to, to Christ in a different way? 493 00:19:14,445 --> 00:19:17,085 - Yeah. Um, the, the one that probably stands out the most, 494 00:19:17,105 --> 00:19:21,005 and this happened last year, um, I was, I, I, 495 00:19:21,025 --> 00:19:23,085 I'm from Bountiful and I was just driving through Bountiful, 496 00:19:23,085 --> 00:19:25,165 and I saw the sister missionary sitting on the corner of, 497 00:19:25,165 --> 00:19:27,525 down downtown, uh, bountiful on Main Street. 498 00:19:28,145 --> 00:19:30,605 And I, I always take the opportunity to stop 499 00:19:30,605 --> 00:19:31,765 and say, Hey sisters, 500 00:19:32,075 --> 00:19:34,725 will you share a message just like you would if you're in 501 00:19:34,845 --> 00:19:35,925 somebody's home and say, before we 502 00:19:35,925 --> 00:19:36,965 leave, can I share a scripture with you? 503 00:19:36,965 --> 00:19:37,965 Uhhuh ? I'll stop 504 00:19:37,965 --> 00:19:39,645 and I'll record them and, and post it. 505 00:19:39,945 --> 00:19:41,925 And so we walked over, uh, in front 506 00:19:41,925 --> 00:19:43,125 of the Bountiful Tabernacle, 507 00:19:43,385 --> 00:19:46,485 and they shared their message just like they normally would. 508 00:19:47,105 --> 00:19:48,405 And I posted it that night. 509 00:19:48,625 --> 00:19:50,645 And then a a few months later, I didn't hear about this, 510 00:19:50,645 --> 00:19:52,445 but I knew somebody who was in the mission presidency. 511 00:19:52,745 --> 00:19:53,765 Um, you know, he's a local 512 00:19:53,765 --> 00:19:54,885 guy, but he's in the mission presidency. 513 00:19:54,905 --> 00:19:56,645 And he said, Hey, did you hear about the baptism? 514 00:19:57,525 --> 00:19:58,725 I was like, no. He's like, oh, 515 00:19:58,725 --> 00:19:59,845 I'll tell you next time you see you. 516 00:19:59,845 --> 00:20:00,965 And I was like, no, you're telling me now . 517 00:20:00,965 --> 00:20:01,885 So I, I called him, I was like, 518 00:20:01,885 --> 00:20:02,685 what, what are you talking about? 519 00:20:03,185 --> 00:20:05,845 And he said, well, you, you, um, found some of the sisters 520 00:20:06,425 --> 00:20:08,805 in our mission, and they posted something on your account. 521 00:20:09,705 --> 00:20:14,205 And as, as I heard the story that night, there was somebody 522 00:20:14,205 --> 00:20:16,685 that they were teaching, and he was on social media, 523 00:20:16,685 --> 00:20:18,365 he was on Instagram, and he was scrolling. 524 00:20:18,505 --> 00:20:20,485 And what I was told is he was having a really bad night, 525 00:20:20,485 --> 00:20:22,125 you know, just whatever he was struggling with, 526 00:20:22,125 --> 00:20:23,205 he was having a really bad night. 527 00:20:23,425 --> 00:20:24,725 And he said, he was scrolling through 528 00:20:24,745 --> 00:20:26,845 and he said, Hey, those are my sisters that are teaching me. 529 00:20:27,945 --> 00:20:29,605 And he said, normally, I'll just scroll past that, 530 00:20:29,605 --> 00:20:30,845 but I know these sisters. 531 00:20:31,105 --> 00:20:32,525 So he looked at the account, 532 00:20:32,945 --> 00:20:34,565 and then he jumped over to declare my word. 533 00:20:34,945 --> 00:20:37,325 And whatever he was struggling with, I haven't heard, 534 00:20:37,665 --> 00:20:40,005 he was scrolling down and found a quote from, um, 535 00:20:40,175 --> 00:20:43,405 other DDF Udo that was an answer 536 00:20:43,425 --> 00:20:44,925 to whatever he was struggling with. 537 00:20:45,245 --> 00:20:48,005 Hmm. And what I was told is that night, he's like, 538 00:20:48,275 --> 00:20:50,965 there's no way that I could be scrolling through Instagram, 539 00:20:51,225 --> 00:20:54,125 see the sisters, and then go to a message from Elder Udo 540 00:20:54,125 --> 00:20:55,205 of what I needed to hear. 541 00:20:56,065 --> 00:20:59,325 And I knew that heavenly father knew who I was. Wow. 542 00:20:59,325 --> 00:21:00,845 And so the next morning he called the sisters, he's like, 543 00:21:00,845 --> 00:21:01,845 sisters, I need to be baptized. 544 00:21:02,265 --> 00:21:03,285 - That's cool. And 545 00:21:05,025 --> 00:21:06,185 - I hit so excited, because 546 00:21:06,285 --> 00:21:07,865 that's one example that I'm aware of. 547 00:21:08,485 --> 00:21:10,865 Um, there's other examples, uh, 548 00:21:10,865 --> 00:21:12,025 where people have sent me a message, 549 00:21:12,415 --> 00:21:13,665 they're not active in the gospel. 550 00:21:13,695 --> 00:21:15,705 They don't go to church. Um, but one of my favorite, 551 00:21:15,765 --> 00:21:18,025 and I wish I had it so I could actually read what he said, 552 00:21:18,765 --> 00:21:20,265 but in short, he just said, 553 00:21:20,395 --> 00:21:21,665 thank you for posting these things. 554 00:21:22,255 --> 00:21:25,865 Sometimes at night, I just sit and scroll through these 555 00:21:25,885 --> 00:21:27,865 and cry because of what I'm struggling with. 556 00:21:28,405 --> 00:21:29,465 Um, I don't go to church, 557 00:21:29,685 --> 00:21:32,905 but I love listening to Elder Holland and what he says. 558 00:21:33,645 --> 00:21:37,615 And, and that was just a testament to me that in, 559 00:21:37,675 --> 00:21:39,935 in small ways, it's, it, it doesn't take a whole lot of time 560 00:21:39,935 --> 00:21:41,255 to post it and create the content, 561 00:21:41,635 --> 00:21:43,695 but it's making an impact on somebody's life. 562 00:21:44,275 --> 00:21:46,535 Um, and I, I, I shared that. 563 00:21:46,655 --> 00:21:48,815 I took a screenshot of it and I shared it with somebody, 564 00:21:48,835 --> 00:21:51,455 and I know that message got in front of Elder Holland, 565 00:21:51,675 --> 00:21:52,695 uh, president Holland now. 566 00:21:53,075 --> 00:21:54,535 So I'm grateful that that's cool. 567 00:21:54,595 --> 00:21:57,255 Um, people are able to have these experiences 568 00:21:57,685 --> 00:21:58,855 just from seeing a post. 569 00:21:59,125 --> 00:22:02,335 Yeah. But it's more than the post it's hearing the word 570 00:22:02,335 --> 00:22:04,455 of God from prophets and apostles. Yeah. 571 00:22:05,145 --> 00:22:07,975 - Speak to me about, like, uh, for youth leaders, you know, 572 00:22:08,045 --> 00:22:10,895 obviously we've, I think we've all come to this place that, 573 00:22:10,895 --> 00:22:12,855 you know, the youth are on social media, right? 574 00:22:12,855 --> 00:22:16,575 They're, uh, not getting off even many on TikTok. Right. 575 00:22:16,575 --> 00:22:19,615 Which has a lot of negative, uh, attached to it. 576 00:22:19,615 --> 00:22:20,615 That's a whole nother podcast 577 00:22:20,955 --> 00:22:23,055 for a whole other podcast, uh, network. 578 00:22:23,595 --> 00:22:27,175 Um, how, like, how can youth leaders leverage 579 00:22:27,175 --> 00:22:29,375 what you're doing or, or stimulate some of this, 580 00:22:29,595 --> 00:22:31,055 you know, declaring the word? Yeah. 581 00:22:31,715 --> 00:22:32,975 - Um, I think it's really important. 582 00:22:33,045 --> 00:22:34,615 It's, it's kind of a hard message 583 00:22:34,615 --> 00:22:37,455 because if somebody's not on social media, I don't know 584 00:22:37,455 --> 00:22:39,055 that there's a message out there saying, Hey, 585 00:22:39,055 --> 00:22:40,135 you need to be on social media. 586 00:22:40,135 --> 00:22:41,575 Mm-Hmm. . But I think in the world 587 00:22:41,575 --> 00:22:45,135 that we live in today, in whatever way most people are, 588 00:22:45,165 --> 00:22:46,255 they, they have an account. 589 00:22:46,715 --> 00:22:47,935 And I don't wanna encourage people 590 00:22:48,035 --> 00:22:49,655 to be on there more than they need to. 591 00:22:49,875 --> 00:22:51,415 Um, I don't feel like we need to say, 592 00:22:51,635 --> 00:22:52,775 we need more content creators. 593 00:22:52,775 --> 00:22:54,215 Mm-Hmm. , we need people doing things 594 00:22:54,215 --> 00:22:55,295 in normal and natural ways. 595 00:22:55,295 --> 00:22:58,255 Mm-Hmm. . But, um, being in young men's, 596 00:22:58,255 --> 00:22:59,535 being a counselor for the last five years, 597 00:22:59,535 --> 00:23:01,575 being a bishop right now, for the most part, 598 00:23:01,765 --> 00:23:04,375 most people in my ward are on social media. 599 00:23:04,495 --> 00:23:05,975 I know we have some engagement with them. 600 00:23:06,515 --> 00:23:10,805 So what I would say is, um, going back to 601 00:23:10,805 --> 00:23:12,485 what Elder Stevenson said, you know, I, he, 602 00:23:12,505 --> 00:23:14,565 he made the comment, the benefits 603 00:23:14,565 --> 00:23:16,125 outweigh, you know, the risks. 604 00:23:16,665 --> 00:23:18,885 Um, and, and there are risks that go along with that. 605 00:23:19,825 --> 00:23:22,285 But one thing that he said is, we need people 606 00:23:22,345 --> 00:23:25,125 to teach the rising generation how to use social media. 607 00:23:25,985 --> 00:23:28,685 Um, and I think that's the role that we live in. Hmm. 608 00:23:28,745 --> 00:23:31,325 We need youth, uh, to be taught by leaders, how to 609 00:23:32,345 --> 00:23:35,645 become missionaries, how to become young men's leaders. 610 00:23:36,145 --> 00:23:37,725 And a part of that is we live in a 611 00:23:37,725 --> 00:23:38,765 world, how do we share the gospel? 612 00:23:38,905 --> 00:23:39,965 We share it with our neighbors. 613 00:23:40,625 --> 00:23:42,845 We, we don't live in a world now that we meet 614 00:23:42,845 --> 00:23:44,205 with our neighbors, you know, 615 00:23:44,205 --> 00:23:45,525 down the street as much as we used to. 616 00:23:45,525 --> 00:23:46,925 Yeah. We engage with people online. 617 00:23:47,345 --> 00:23:48,925 So the environment has kind of changed, 618 00:23:49,105 --> 00:23:50,325 and we need to be a part of that. 619 00:23:50,425 --> 00:23:53,085 So if we're on social media, I think there's a lot of things 620 00:23:53,085 --> 00:23:55,965 that we can do to teach the rising generation how 621 00:23:55,965 --> 00:23:57,325 to share the gospel, um, 622 00:23:57,705 --> 00:23:59,485 and make a difference in other people's lives. Yeah. 623 00:23:59,785 --> 00:24:01,565 - So is this something like taking a few minutes 624 00:24:01,705 --> 00:24:03,725 and priest quo or wherever and, 625 00:24:04,065 --> 00:24:05,725 and looking at some different accounts? 626 00:24:05,745 --> 00:24:07,325 Or, or Yeah. Like what 627 00:24:07,325 --> 00:24:08,325 - Does that look like? 628 00:24:08,325 --> 00:24:10,365 Um, like in Priest Corps, um, yeah. 629 00:24:10,365 --> 00:24:12,045 This is another place that I try to be really careful 630 00:24:12,145 --> 00:24:13,645 and I'll share something that, um, yeah. 631 00:24:14,085 --> 00:24:15,925 I, I, I was able to talk with an apostle, 632 00:24:15,925 --> 00:24:17,085 and I'll share that story here in a second, 633 00:24:17,625 --> 00:24:20,685 but not every one of my priest is on Instagram. 634 00:24:20,685 --> 00:24:23,985 Mm-Hmm. Um, or on social media. Some of their parents, yeah. 635 00:24:24,205 --> 00:24:26,225 Say, no. And that's, that's fine. 636 00:24:26,765 --> 00:24:29,185 Um, but I, I try to go outta my way, uh, 637 00:24:29,185 --> 00:24:30,705 because the account is what it is, 638 00:24:31,045 --> 00:24:32,545 and they know that I'm on social media 639 00:24:32,765 --> 00:24:35,265 and they know that other people in our warden doing other 640 00:24:35,265 --> 00:24:37,465 things, I do try to go outta my way to say, Hey guys, 641 00:24:37,545 --> 00:24:39,345 I made this post and here's this experience. 642 00:24:39,345 --> 00:24:40,865 The things that I've shared with you is Uhhuh. 643 00:24:40,905 --> 00:24:43,185 is what I share with them, because they may 644 00:24:43,185 --> 00:24:44,745 not be on social media right now, 645 00:24:45,205 --> 00:24:46,585 but I know that their friends are. 646 00:24:47,925 --> 00:24:49,205 Hmm. I know that their parents are, 647 00:24:49,345 --> 00:24:50,885 and some are using it the way that they should, 648 00:24:50,945 --> 00:24:52,325 and some people are struggling with it. 649 00:24:52,625 --> 00:24:56,005 But I try to find every opportunity I can just, like, uh, 650 00:24:56,005 --> 00:24:58,725 when I share, when I was on my mission 25 years ago, 651 00:24:59,085 --> 00:25:02,205 I did this last week, I had this conversation 652 00:25:02,355 --> 00:25:03,765 with somebody on Instagram. 653 00:25:03,905 --> 00:25:05,605 You know, I had this experience, you know, 654 00:25:05,605 --> 00:25:07,525 and I share that, that baptism story with them. 655 00:25:08,425 --> 00:25:10,445 I'm always trying to find ways to help teach them, 656 00:25:10,505 --> 00:25:12,645 to show them, uh, the example so 657 00:25:12,645 --> 00:25:13,845 that when they jump on social media, 658 00:25:14,155 --> 00:25:15,685 they have a picture in their mind of 659 00:25:15,685 --> 00:25:17,045 what they could do. Mm-Hmm. . 660 00:25:17,395 --> 00:25:19,725 - Yeah. I, we'll see the apostle story, . 661 00:25:19,745 --> 00:25:21,205 - Oh, um, yeah, he teased us. 662 00:25:21,545 --> 00:25:23,725 Um, going back to Elder Stevens said there, there's, 663 00:25:23,725 --> 00:25:26,525 there's quite a few, um, apostles that I think have engaged 664 00:25:26,525 --> 00:25:27,925 with social media a little bit sooner. 665 00:25:28,085 --> 00:25:29,445 I think Elder Stevenson is one of them. 666 00:25:29,985 --> 00:25:34,165 Um, but in October, 2022, I, I, I forget what quote 667 00:25:34,225 --> 00:25:36,645 or what he said, but I know he said something about social 668 00:25:36,645 --> 00:25:38,965 media that day in October 22 conference. 669 00:25:39,385 --> 00:25:41,045 And that night, I was talking to somebody else 670 00:25:41,105 --> 00:25:43,965 who has an account and I collaborate with, I was like, 671 00:25:43,965 --> 00:25:47,085 if I ever had the chance to talk to Elder Stevenson, 672 00:25:47,185 --> 00:25:48,605 I'm gonna ask him this question. 673 00:25:49,785 --> 00:25:51,965 The next morning I take my dad to go get eye surgery. 674 00:25:52,225 --> 00:25:54,085 You know, uh, I forgot what surgery it was, 675 00:25:55,025 --> 00:25:56,645 but I'm at the doctor's office. 676 00:25:56,895 --> 00:25:58,285 We're about to go out there. I'm at the stand. 677 00:25:58,285 --> 00:25:59,445 I'm filling out my dad's paperwork, 678 00:25:59,445 --> 00:26:00,845 and then somebody comes up to the left 679 00:26:01,145 --> 00:26:03,205 and grabs a mask and said, can I take one? 680 00:26:03,385 --> 00:26:04,605 And I look over there and it's like, 681 00:26:04,895 --> 00:26:06,765 other Stevenson, how are you 682 00:26:07,085 --> 00:26:08,725 - nice. And, 683 00:26:08,725 --> 00:26:10,685 - And immediately I was like, less than 684 00:26:11,755 --> 00:26:14,325 less than eight hours ago, I just sent a message saying, 685 00:26:14,325 --> 00:26:15,805 if I ever get to meet Elder Stevenson, 686 00:26:15,805 --> 00:26:17,205 I'm gonna ask him a que Well, he's, and, 687 00:26:17,205 --> 00:26:18,725 - And for those that do not live in Utah, 688 00:26:18,725 --> 00:26:19,725 this is not normal . 689 00:26:19,725 --> 00:26:21,725 We don't just run into apostles at the grocery store, 690 00:26:21,725 --> 00:26:23,845 at the, at the clinic or whatever. Yeah, yeah, yeah. 691 00:26:24,545 --> 00:26:26,125 - So, um, he was there 692 00:26:26,365 --> 00:26:28,045 'cause his grandson was having a procedure, so I didn't, 693 00:26:28,045 --> 00:26:30,085 I didn't want to interrupt, but I, I shook his hand. 694 00:26:30,085 --> 00:26:31,405 I was like, elder Steven, if you have a second, 695 00:26:31,435 --> 00:26:33,755 have a question I need to ask you. 696 00:26:34,415 --> 00:26:37,075 Um, and his son left. 697 00:26:37,075 --> 00:26:38,155 And so he was sitting there by himself. 698 00:26:38,155 --> 00:26:39,515 So I walked over, he was like, elder Stevens, 699 00:26:39,535 --> 00:26:40,915 if I ask you these questions. 700 00:26:41,535 --> 00:26:43,525 And I, I kinda asked him a flurry of questions, 701 00:26:43,585 --> 00:26:48,165 but mainly it was, I wanted to ask him in the church, 702 00:26:49,065 --> 00:26:50,805 are we supposed to be encouraging people 703 00:26:51,145 --> 00:26:52,365 to engage on social media? 704 00:26:52,985 --> 00:26:56,465 But there's also a message of, um, you know, you know, 705 00:26:56,465 --> 00:26:57,985 I've had bishops and I've had other leaders saying, 706 00:26:58,085 --> 00:26:59,385 I'm trying to do whatever I can to get my 707 00:26:59,385 --> 00:27:00,425 kids off social media. 708 00:27:00,435 --> 00:27:02,065 Right. Yeah. I'm not gonna encourage them. 709 00:27:02,165 --> 00:27:03,585 And so that was the question is, yeah, 710 00:27:03,965 --> 00:27:05,385 what's the balance there? 711 00:27:05,605 --> 00:27:07,665 Um, and I just, he, he talked to me. 712 00:27:07,705 --> 00:27:09,425 I didn't write down, but immediately afterwards, 713 00:27:09,505 --> 00:27:10,945 I just wrote down all the notes that I could. 714 00:27:11,285 --> 00:27:13,385 But some of the things that he said is, you know, 715 00:27:13,385 --> 00:27:17,345 it's a parent's prerogative to, to say if they should be, 716 00:27:17,565 --> 00:27:19,145 you know, it's a family decision if they should be 717 00:27:19,165 --> 00:27:20,345 on social media or not. 718 00:27:20,885 --> 00:27:23,345 And Bishop should have the right to say, 719 00:27:23,545 --> 00:27:24,705 I don't think you should be on social media. 720 00:27:24,725 --> 00:27:25,865 You know, for whatever reason. Mm-Hmm. 721 00:27:25,905 --> 00:27:26,865 , you know, if they might be struggling with 722 00:27:26,865 --> 00:27:29,705 something, but then he did layer in there, 723 00:27:30,045 --> 00:27:31,625 um, here are some opportunities. 724 00:27:31,725 --> 00:27:32,865 We, we can share the gospel. 725 00:27:33,525 --> 00:27:35,585 Um, the, the other thing that he shared with me, 726 00:27:35,765 --> 00:27:37,465 and he kind of got through halfway through the story, 727 00:27:37,805 --> 00:27:39,265 but then I've heard through other sources, 728 00:27:39,365 --> 00:27:40,425 you know, the rest of the story. 729 00:27:40,965 --> 00:27:43,225 But he said, you know, there was a time that 730 00:27:43,845 --> 00:27:45,465 the 12 are really going back 731 00:27:45,465 --> 00:27:47,905 and forth on what should we do with social media, you know, 732 00:27:47,905 --> 00:27:50,545 and the short story is he, he said, you know, 733 00:27:50,545 --> 00:27:54,305 we were in core meeting and half the brethren were four, 734 00:27:54,605 --> 00:27:56,705 you know, digital devices and social media, you know, 735 00:27:56,705 --> 00:27:57,825 and missionaries using them. 736 00:27:57,885 --> 00:27:59,385 And it was kinda like the other half 737 00:28:00,055 --> 00:28:01,425 were maybe opposed to it. 738 00:28:02,005 --> 00:28:03,145 But then there was a time, 739 00:28:03,145 --> 00:28:05,225 and Sister Duke kinda shares the rest of the story. 740 00:28:05,415 --> 00:28:07,905 That President Nelson, who was the president of the Quorum 741 00:28:07,905 --> 00:28:10,465 of the 12, he said, he came in, he said, we need 742 00:28:10,465 --> 00:28:13,045 to get every one of our missionaries on these devices. 743 00:28:13,145 --> 00:28:15,565 And that was right before, uh, COVID hit. Hmm. 744 00:28:15,985 --> 00:28:17,845 But he was just sharing that story with me 745 00:28:17,845 --> 00:28:20,445 that I just learned, everybody's in a different boat. 746 00:28:20,445 --> 00:28:21,845 Everybody has a different scenario. 747 00:28:22,155 --> 00:28:24,365 Bishops have their keys to work 748 00:28:24,365 --> 00:28:25,605 with their wards as they need to. 749 00:28:25,915 --> 00:28:27,765 Parents need to make making a decision. 750 00:28:28,305 --> 00:28:31,125 And so, uh, that what I learned from that is 751 00:28:31,635 --> 00:28:33,645 everybody is in a different boat, 752 00:28:33,905 --> 00:28:37,565 and I can't, you know, proclaim one message other than 753 00:28:38,105 --> 00:28:39,605 one thing I'm, I am passionate about. 754 00:28:39,705 --> 00:28:43,535 If you're on social media, we need to be influencers, 755 00:28:43,755 --> 00:28:45,255 not just with huge accounts. 756 00:28:45,745 --> 00:28:47,095 Every one of us has an influence. 757 00:28:47,195 --> 00:28:48,895 If we're on social media, we need 758 00:28:48,895 --> 00:28:50,535 to be sharing an opportunity, taking the 759 00:28:50,535 --> 00:28:52,095 opportunity to share a gospel. Yeah. 760 00:28:52,325 --> 00:28:53,455 - Love it. Love it. 761 00:28:53,915 --> 00:28:57,495 Um, anything else with, uh, declare my word as far as, 762 00:28:57,795 --> 00:28:58,935 um, things to consider? 763 00:28:59,285 --> 00:29:00,775 Stories, principles? 764 00:29:01,235 --> 00:29:03,895 - Uh, let me, let me just share this. 765 00:29:03,895 --> 00:29:06,175 It's just one thing that, that I feel important to share. 766 00:29:06,235 --> 00:29:10,535 Um, elder Marcus b Nash, uh, gave a talk a couple years ago, 767 00:29:10,565 --> 00:29:12,015 October of 2021. 768 00:29:12,675 --> 00:29:14,935 And he was talking about sharing our light. 769 00:29:15,735 --> 00:29:18,635 And I took a lot from this, there's just a section in there 770 00:29:18,635 --> 00:29:19,915 where he said, sharing the gospel 771 00:29:20,515 --> 00:29:21,955 protects us from temptation. 772 00:29:22,205 --> 00:29:23,275 Lemme see if I can read this. 773 00:29:23,275 --> 00:29:24,955 He shared a scripture and then shared a thought. 774 00:29:25,455 --> 00:29:27,275 He said, the Lord commands hold up your light, 775 00:29:27,275 --> 00:29:28,595 that it may shine unto the world. 776 00:29:28,855 --> 00:29:30,955 Behold, I in the light, which you should hold up, 777 00:29:31,225 --> 00:29:33,915 that which you have seen me do, I have commanded 778 00:29:33,915 --> 00:29:36,315 that ye should come unto me, that you might feel 779 00:29:36,415 --> 00:29:38,715 and see even so shall you do unto the world. 780 00:29:39,335 --> 00:29:42,925 And whosoever breaketh, this commandment suffereth himself 781 00:29:42,925 --> 00:29:44,125 to be led into temptation. 782 00:29:45,245 --> 00:29:46,765 I never thought of that being a commandment. 783 00:29:46,985 --> 00:29:50,125 You know, if we don't share the gospel, we're breaking and, 784 00:29:50,185 --> 00:29:51,205 and putting ourselves into 785 00:29:51,205 --> 00:29:52,205 - Temptation. 786 00:29:52,205 --> 00:29:52,765 Yeah. And make ourselves vulnerable. Yeah. Yeah. 787 00:29:52,985 --> 00:29:55,005 - So this is what Elder Nas says, choosing 788 00:29:55,065 --> 00:29:57,925 to not hold up the gospel light moves us into the shadows 789 00:29:58,375 --> 00:30:00,485 where we are susceptible to temptation. 790 00:30:01,115 --> 00:30:02,965 Importantly, the converse is true. 791 00:30:03,725 --> 00:30:06,205 Choosing to hold up the gospel light brings us more fully 792 00:30:06,315 --> 00:30:08,565 into the light and the protection it 793 00:30:08,565 --> 00:30:09,685 provides against temptation. 794 00:30:10,075 --> 00:30:13,245 What a tremendous blessing in today's world. Wow. 795 00:30:13,505 --> 00:30:15,845 So, you know, talking about what advice, 796 00:30:16,045 --> 00:30:19,765 I would just amplify what El Nas says, and he is, or, 797 00:30:19,765 --> 00:30:22,365 or was, you know, the director of missionary department. 798 00:30:22,465 --> 00:30:24,165 Oh, yeah. So I know that he's coming from, 799 00:30:24,425 --> 00:30:26,485 we need our missionaries to be sharing this message, 800 00:30:26,985 --> 00:30:28,285 but this is what I think about the youth. 801 00:30:28,745 --> 00:30:30,685 Um, we have a lot of youth that are struggling, 802 00:30:31,025 --> 00:30:33,245 but I don't know that it's because they're on social media. 803 00:30:34,295 --> 00:30:36,615 I think the struggle is how are they using social media? 804 00:30:36,695 --> 00:30:38,175 Mm-Hmm. how are the examples 805 00:30:38,285 --> 00:30:39,975 that they have using social media? 806 00:30:40,515 --> 00:30:41,855 And so that's why I always come back, 807 00:30:41,955 --> 00:30:46,015 if you're on social media, we can consume and be influenced, 808 00:30:46,765 --> 00:30:48,105 or we can hold the light 809 00:30:48,165 --> 00:30:51,345 and be influencers If you have one follower, or 10, 810 00:30:51,405 --> 00:30:53,425 or a hundred or a hundred thousand, whatever it might be. 811 00:30:54,395 --> 00:30:56,665 Internally, are we taking the time 812 00:30:56,765 --> 00:30:58,745 and having the courage to share the gospel? 813 00:30:59,485 --> 00:31:01,905 And so if we can teach our youth, here's an opportunity 814 00:31:01,905 --> 00:31:04,185 to share the gospel, it will bring them out of the shadows 815 00:31:04,755 --> 00:31:06,255 and help them feel comfortable to live, 816 00:31:06,255 --> 00:31:07,655 especially in a digital world. 817 00:31:08,055 --> 00:31:10,375 I can share the gospel and I can feel comfortable going on a 818 00:31:10,375 --> 00:31:11,655 mission and sharing the gospel. 819 00:31:11,795 --> 00:31:13,975 So I think they have a lot of opportunities 820 00:31:14,115 --> 00:31:16,535 to share the gospel earlier than they used to because, 821 00:31:17,905 --> 00:31:19,595 because, and if they're on social media. 822 00:31:19,735 --> 00:31:21,915 - That's cool. So let's make a shift 823 00:31:21,915 --> 00:31:23,235 to just your experience as Bishop. 824 00:31:23,235 --> 00:31:25,075 Yeah. It's been almost a year now. Yeah. 825 00:31:25,385 --> 00:31:26,435 That you've been called since April. 826 00:31:26,455 --> 00:31:28,075 And you were in the bishoprick before that? Bishop 827 00:31:28,135 --> 00:31:30,115 - Bur before, and young men's before that, so. 828 00:31:30,465 --> 00:31:32,275 Okay. And, and I love it. Cool. 829 00:31:32,715 --> 00:31:34,435 I don't, uh, aspire for the callings, 830 00:31:34,435 --> 00:31:36,595 but I won't turn 'em down. And I love 831 00:31:36,595 --> 00:31:37,595 - Being there with 'em. 832 00:31:37,595 --> 00:31:38,315 So, so what's the first year been like? 833 00:31:38,315 --> 00:31:40,515 Like what, uh, anything that surprised you 834 00:31:40,535 --> 00:31:41,795 or new efforts you've tried 835 00:31:41,895 --> 00:31:45,315 or established your, your flavor of culture in the ward, or? 836 00:31:46,015 --> 00:31:47,795 - No, I, I think the first impression that I had was, 837 00:31:47,815 --> 00:31:49,675 you know, being a counselor, you're there with a bishop, 838 00:31:49,815 --> 00:31:52,275 you're not in the same conversations as the bishop is. 839 00:31:52,275 --> 00:31:53,515 Mm-Hmm. . But you're just aware 840 00:31:53,515 --> 00:31:55,155 of some of the challenges of the ward. 841 00:31:55,335 --> 00:31:56,595 So becoming bishop, 842 00:31:56,815 --> 00:31:59,595 it wasn't a tremendous shock or anything like that. 843 00:32:00,055 --> 00:32:04,075 But the thing that I thought was most interesting is 844 00:32:04,865 --> 00:32:06,035 just the different way you feel 845 00:32:06,035 --> 00:32:07,715 about the members of the Ward. 846 00:32:07,715 --> 00:32:09,995 Mm-Hmm. just all of a sudden. 847 00:32:10,255 --> 00:32:13,435 And, and I love the members. I, you know, you love people. 848 00:32:13,465 --> 00:32:15,115 Yeah. But there's just something unique 849 00:32:16,015 --> 00:32:17,525 about the love that you have for people. 850 00:32:17,865 --> 00:32:19,325 Um, and that especially came out 851 00:32:19,325 --> 00:32:20,725 because I got to meet with everybody 852 00:32:20,725 --> 00:32:24,325 for tithing declaration, and all day, every day. 853 00:32:24,445 --> 00:32:25,725 I just gotta sit there all day, 854 00:32:25,725 --> 00:32:27,045 every day, all day, every time I 855 00:32:27,045 --> 00:32:29,405 - Feel like that, I bet . But 856 00:32:29,405 --> 00:32:30,885 - For hours, I just got to meet with people 857 00:32:30,945 --> 00:32:32,605 and talk about the blessings of tithing. 858 00:32:33,385 --> 00:32:36,605 And, um, that was just a very unique experience, 859 00:32:36,955 --> 00:32:38,965 just the deeper love that I have for people. 860 00:32:39,345 --> 00:32:42,005 Um, and, and people come talking about their challenges 861 00:32:42,185 --> 00:32:44,565 and just, um, compassion 862 00:32:44,565 --> 00:32:46,885 that I don't think I've ever felt before in my life. 863 00:32:47,315 --> 00:32:48,725 That was kind of a, a new feeling. 864 00:32:49,305 --> 00:32:51,725 Um, but as, as you sit there on the stand, 865 00:32:51,725 --> 00:32:54,005 and I don't need, you don't need to be a bishop to see this, 866 00:32:54,005 --> 00:32:56,725 but if you just go to church, and if you're on the stand 867 00:32:56,725 --> 00:32:58,325 and you just go down the aisles Mm-Hmm. 868 00:32:58,365 --> 00:33:00,085 , you know, that every family has this 869 00:33:00,085 --> 00:33:01,845 challenge and blessings, 870 00:33:01,845 --> 00:33:04,045 but everybody's going through some experience Mm-Hmm. 871 00:33:04,085 --> 00:33:05,125 , you know, that's a real challenge. 872 00:33:05,625 --> 00:33:07,165 And so just doing that, 873 00:33:07,165 --> 00:33:09,245 there's just a greater sense of compassion that comes. 874 00:33:09,425 --> 00:33:12,085 And I really do think it comes with the keys. Yeah. 875 00:33:12,345 --> 00:33:14,805 - Now you're in Bountiful, pretty traditional established 876 00:33:14,995 --> 00:33:16,565 Lattery saint community, right? 877 00:33:16,565 --> 00:33:18,645 Yeah. Any, any uniqueness about it that you, 878 00:33:18,645 --> 00:33:19,845 that would be worth mentioning or, 879 00:33:20,505 --> 00:33:23,045 - Um, no, I, I remember a general sorority came 880 00:33:23,105 --> 00:33:25,165 and, uh, that was actually one thing that he said. 881 00:33:25,165 --> 00:33:27,485 He was talking, he was like, you're in bountiful , 882 00:33:27,485 --> 00:33:28,485 you're in Bountiful, Utah. 883 00:33:28,625 --> 00:33:30,805 You know, thi these things don't happen in bountiful 884 00:33:31,815 --> 00:33:34,005 everywhere Saint is trying to get to people. 885 00:33:34,235 --> 00:33:35,565 Yeah. Um, and, 886 00:33:35,565 --> 00:33:36,565 and there's a lot of good things 887 00:33:36,565 --> 00:33:37,845 that happen in Bountiful in North Salt 888 00:33:37,845 --> 00:33:38,925 Lake, you know, everywhere you go. 889 00:33:39,145 --> 00:33:43,725 Um, but nobody is exempt from challenges and trials. 890 00:33:44,225 --> 00:33:46,925 But it is really nice to be in an area where people gather 891 00:33:47,305 --> 00:33:50,165 and, um, it, it is kind of a contrast. 892 00:33:50,185 --> 00:33:51,645 Uh, I'll jump into my mission. Mm-Hmm. . 893 00:33:51,705 --> 00:33:53,045 So I live in b Bountiful Utah. 894 00:33:53,325 --> 00:33:55,285 I, I grew up in Mesa, Arizona, which to me 895 00:33:55,865 --> 00:33:57,045 - Is another bountiful. Yeah. 896 00:33:57,475 --> 00:33:58,565 - It's a great place. Yeah. 897 00:33:58,705 --> 00:34:00,605 But I served my mission in Estonia. Wow. 898 00:34:00,625 --> 00:34:02,125 And that was right after, you know, the, 899 00:34:02,185 --> 00:34:03,325 the Iron Curtain came down 900 00:34:03,325 --> 00:34:04,885 and there wasn't a whole lot of members there, 901 00:34:05,425 --> 00:34:08,125 but I was, uh, in tart to Estonia, which 902 00:34:09,755 --> 00:34:13,165 very few members, and I don't think anybody knows where 903 00:34:13,165 --> 00:34:14,645 that is or, or what's there. 904 00:34:14,785 --> 00:34:16,005 And I just remember being there 905 00:34:16,305 --> 00:34:18,125 and just having 19 people come to church. 906 00:34:18,145 --> 00:34:19,205 The first Sunday I was there 907 00:34:19,665 --> 00:34:20,965 and I just picture, man, 908 00:34:20,965 --> 00:34:23,045 these saints are gathering together. 909 00:34:23,565 --> 00:34:24,685 I don't know, they had the same thought. 910 00:34:24,685 --> 00:34:26,405 Then as I think about it now, yeah, I've kind 911 00:34:26,405 --> 00:34:30,165 of filled in some blanks, but these 19 members get together 912 00:34:30,265 --> 00:34:33,705 and the strength that they are to each other, um, 913 00:34:34,085 --> 00:34:36,585 and having an experience that there was only one deacon 914 00:34:37,325 --> 00:34:39,265 12 years old who was passing aside from Wow. 915 00:34:39,265 --> 00:34:40,865 There was only one deacon in all of Estonia. 916 00:34:41,045 --> 00:34:43,025 And I just remember watching him stand there by himself, 917 00:34:43,025 --> 00:34:45,265 and I was like, man, he doesn't know what's ahead of him. 918 00:34:45,765 --> 00:34:47,425 Um, so I just think about the strength 919 00:34:48,085 --> 00:34:49,585 of 19 people getting together, 920 00:34:49,805 --> 00:34:52,065 and also the strength of people in 921 00:34:52,065 --> 00:34:53,465 Bountiful coming together. 922 00:34:53,465 --> 00:34:55,545 Mm-Hmm. when people gather in the gospel, 923 00:34:55,885 --> 00:34:57,385 it may be small numbers or big numbers, 924 00:34:57,485 --> 00:35:00,225 but there is huge strength when people get together. Yeah. 925 00:35:00,865 --> 00:35:03,545 - Anything worth mentioning as far as, you know, this effort 926 00:35:03,545 --> 00:35:06,105 to focus on the youth as a bishoprick, um, 927 00:35:06,725 --> 00:35:08,385 but also keep other things working? 928 00:35:08,585 --> 00:35:11,225 I mean, what's worked for you or not worked or, um, 929 00:35:12,445 --> 00:35:14,945 - The first thought that comes to mind is, uh, we, 930 00:35:15,005 --> 00:35:16,505 we did this a a couple years ago, 931 00:35:16,505 --> 00:35:17,865 but the stake will always come around 932 00:35:17,865 --> 00:35:20,185 and do visits to the ward, which was really good. 933 00:35:20,885 --> 00:35:24,665 Um, but one of the things that we did is we often will go 934 00:35:24,765 --> 00:35:27,785 and, and, and meet with members who may not be coming and, 935 00:35:27,785 --> 00:35:29,025 and we continue to go meet with them. 936 00:35:29,365 --> 00:35:32,185 But on this particular, uh, night, when we got together, 937 00:35:32,185 --> 00:35:35,465 instead of just going randomly, we now take the youth 938 00:35:35,465 --> 00:35:37,845 with us, with stake leaders Okay. 939 00:35:37,845 --> 00:35:42,365 And go visit homes. And we, it was such a good thing 940 00:35:43,465 --> 00:35:45,165 we had the youth and stake leaders 941 00:35:45,185 --> 00:35:46,405 and more leaders go together 942 00:35:46,625 --> 00:35:49,685 and go to the homes of people who had served missions. 943 00:35:50,065 --> 00:35:51,485 Um, some of these people served in Germany 944 00:35:51,515 --> 00:35:53,165 like a long, long time ago. 945 00:35:53,545 --> 00:35:56,405 Um, and I wanted to provide them an opportunity to meet 946 00:35:56,465 --> 00:35:58,365 and talk with these people who serve missions. 947 00:35:58,585 --> 00:36:00,605 So the youth who were preparing for missions gotta talk 948 00:36:00,605 --> 00:36:02,405 to people who had served a long time ago. 949 00:36:02,705 --> 00:36:04,645 And that just created a lot of, uh, oh, 950 00:36:04,645 --> 00:36:05,885 really a good communication. 951 00:36:06,045 --> 00:36:07,205 A lot of good stories were shared, 952 00:36:07,585 --> 00:36:08,805 but it was not only good for the youth, 953 00:36:08,825 --> 00:36:10,485 but it was also good for those adults Yeah. 954 00:36:10,505 --> 00:36:11,405 Who had forgotten about 955 00:36:11,405 --> 00:36:12,605 some of these experiences that they had. 956 00:36:12,745 --> 00:36:14,525 - And adults are possibly people 957 00:36:14,525 --> 00:36:16,205 who aren't regularly coming to church Yeah. 958 00:36:16,205 --> 00:36:19,005 Or whatever it be. And so, but you take them back there, 959 00:36:19,105 --> 00:36:21,845 say, you know, talk to the 16-year-old, 960 00:36:22,125 --> 00:36:23,445 17-year-old about your time in Germany, 961 00:36:23,665 --> 00:36:24,765 or whatever it was. And, 962 00:36:25,305 --> 00:36:27,045 - And there's a life that kinda shows up when you, 963 00:36:27,115 --> 00:36:29,085 when you have great experiences that maybe forget about 964 00:36:29,225 --> 00:36:30,925 and that light comes back into your mind. 965 00:36:30,955 --> 00:36:33,685 Yeah. Um, and you share that story. That goes a long way. 966 00:36:33,745 --> 00:36:35,245 - Wow. That's great. That's great. 967 00:36:35,445 --> 00:36:38,445 Anything else related to youth that, uh, seemed to work or, 968 00:36:38,705 --> 00:36:40,725 - Um, no. 969 00:36:40,885 --> 00:36:43,125 I, I, I think what it comes back to, if you want 970 00:36:43,125 --> 00:36:44,565 to influence the youth, provide food, 971 00:36:44,715 --> 00:36:46,325 they'll always show up for food . 972 00:36:46,765 --> 00:36:48,845 I did. Yeah. Um, if there's a donut, 973 00:36:49,025 --> 00:36:50,885 it was a much better activity. . 974 00:36:51,235 --> 00:36:54,205 - Yeah. Love it. Uh, anything else as far as like 975 00:36:54,745 --> 00:36:55,925 administrative stuff? 976 00:36:55,945 --> 00:36:59,765 How you run meetings, apps you use as a, as a Bishop break 977 00:36:59,785 --> 00:37:01,325 or anything, anything like that come to mind? 978 00:37:02,075 --> 00:37:03,365 - Well, one thing that, uh, 979 00:37:03,425 --> 00:37:06,045 we use is, uh, appointment setting. Okay. 980 00:37:06,185 --> 00:37:09,245 - Um, - You know, our secretaries do a lot of good, 981 00:37:09,585 --> 00:37:10,645 you know, in scheduling things, 982 00:37:10,985 --> 00:37:13,205 but quite often people just have a thought, I wanna meet 983 00:37:13,205 --> 00:37:15,125 with Bishop, you know, and then trying to have to go 984 00:37:15,125 --> 00:37:16,685 to the secretary and then try to find a time. 985 00:37:17,105 --> 00:37:18,965 So, uh, we use a scheduling tool. 986 00:37:19,065 --> 00:37:20,805 It just gives somebody an opportunity if they wanna meet 987 00:37:20,805 --> 00:37:22,845 with the bishop or they want to get their temple re renewed, 988 00:37:22,845 --> 00:37:24,125 or they wanna get their patriarchal blessing, 989 00:37:24,635 --> 00:37:27,205 they can just go online and get that scheduled with us. 990 00:37:27,585 --> 00:37:29,085 Um, you know, and they don't have 991 00:37:29,085 --> 00:37:30,525 to worry about coordinating it. 992 00:37:30,665 --> 00:37:31,845 And that's actually been really helpful. 993 00:37:32,285 --> 00:37:34,565 I, I kind of use it. Is it safe 994 00:37:34,565 --> 00:37:35,805 to say like, as a marketing tool? 995 00:37:35,915 --> 00:37:38,205 Okay. It's an opportunity where I can share a link and, 996 00:37:38,265 --> 00:37:41,125 and they see, oh, patriarchal Blessings Temple recommend 997 00:37:41,145 --> 00:37:44,045 or meet with whatever it might be, oh, my recommends about 998 00:37:44,045 --> 00:37:46,605 to expire, I need to go get that renewed. 999 00:37:46,745 --> 00:37:48,605 So we've had a lot of people schedule their own 1000 00:37:48,605 --> 00:37:49,965 appointments, um, to get that done 1001 00:37:50,035 --> 00:37:50,925 - Just through the link. Right. 1002 00:37:51,165 --> 00:37:53,525 - I think that's helped using modern tools Mm-Hmm. 1003 00:37:53,565 --> 00:37:55,485 to, um, allow people 1004 00:37:55,505 --> 00:37:57,085 to be better engaged with us. 1005 00:37:57,185 --> 00:37:58,205 - That's great. Awesome. 1006 00:37:58,675 --> 00:38:01,205 Alright, so as we wrap up, take us maybe to that scripture 1007 00:38:01,205 --> 00:38:03,445 that is the title of your platform. 1008 00:38:03,675 --> 00:38:06,485 Declare My Word. Yeah. What, what's the, the story? 1009 00:38:06,565 --> 00:38:07,525 I mean, obviously a powerful 1010 00:38:07,645 --> 00:38:08,725 scripture, but what comes to mind? 1011 00:38:09,115 --> 00:38:11,605 - Well, when I was thinking what should I name the account? 1012 00:38:12,195 --> 00:38:13,445 I've, one thing I noticed is 1013 00:38:13,465 --> 00:38:14,765 how often the scriptures say 1014 00:38:14,765 --> 00:38:16,805 declare, you know, declare this. 1015 00:38:16,945 --> 00:38:18,325 Um, one of 'em is declare my 1016 00:38:18,325 --> 00:38:19,605 word, but then I thought about it. 1017 00:38:19,805 --> 00:38:22,685 I think, uh, if you do a search for declare my word, 1018 00:38:22,745 --> 00:38:25,565 the scripture that's most often quoted is seek not 1019 00:38:25,565 --> 00:38:28,005 to declare my word, but for seek e to obtain my word. 1020 00:38:28,065 --> 00:38:30,085 Oh, yeah. So I thought, yeah, is that a good scripture? 1021 00:38:30,225 --> 00:38:33,125 You know, it's like the one that gets saying don't. Yeah. 1022 00:38:33,345 --> 00:38:36,125 Um, but the point is we need 1023 00:38:36,125 --> 00:38:37,565 to learn the gospel before we share it. 1024 00:38:37,565 --> 00:38:40,525 However, there are so many examples in the scriptures 1025 00:38:40,525 --> 00:38:43,365 that say, declare my word, um, declare, 1026 00:38:43,375 --> 00:38:45,405 share your testimony, get out there and do these things. 1027 00:38:45,705 --> 00:38:48,685 But one scripture that I really liked was from DNC 31 6, 1028 00:38:48,705 --> 00:38:50,285 and this is when, uh, Thomas B. Marsh 1029 00:38:50,305 --> 00:38:51,365 was being called on a mission. 1030 00:38:52,105 --> 00:38:55,005 And in the verse, 'cause going to serve remission is, 1031 00:38:55,835 --> 00:38:57,085 it's a scary thing, you know? 1032 00:38:57,185 --> 00:38:58,885 And for the youth, when you're leaving your family, 1033 00:38:58,885 --> 00:39:00,205 you're leaving what you're comfortable with. 1034 00:39:01,585 --> 00:39:03,925 It was scary for me. It was, you know, have those stories. 1035 00:39:03,925 --> 00:39:05,085 Yeah. I felt that . Um, 1036 00:39:05,085 --> 00:39:07,245 but in the scripture, he's talking to Thomas B. Marsh 1037 00:39:07,825 --> 00:39:09,805 and says, behold verily, I say unto you, 1038 00:39:10,385 --> 00:39:13,445 go from them meaning your family for only a little time 1039 00:39:13,465 --> 00:39:16,085 and declare my word, and I will prepare a place for them. 1040 00:39:16,585 --> 00:39:17,805 And I take a lot of comfort for that. 1041 00:39:18,005 --> 00:39:19,965 Heavenly Father takes care of his missionaries. 1042 00:39:20,005 --> 00:39:23,885 Heavenly Father takes care of those who share his gospel, 1043 00:39:24,385 --> 00:39:26,045 who sacrifice and do those things. 1044 00:39:26,225 --> 00:39:27,325 So that's kind of where it came from. 1045 00:39:27,505 --> 00:39:29,165 Is declare my word, 1046 00:39:29,235 --> 00:39:31,085 because if you do, I can take care of you. 1047 00:39:31,405 --> 00:39:32,965 - Hmm. That's awesome. That's awesome. 1048 00:39:33,035 --> 00:39:34,445 What, any final thoughts as like, 1049 00:39:34,445 --> 00:39:37,685 obviously we hope people follow, uh, maybe, uh, 1050 00:39:37,715 --> 00:39:39,245 make sure people know where to follow you. 1051 00:39:39,315 --> 00:39:40,525 Yeah. The, the, your platform 1052 00:39:40,585 --> 00:39:42,365 so they can hear the good messages, 1053 00:39:42,425 --> 00:39:44,605 but, uh, what should they do with the messages or, 1054 00:39:44,985 --> 00:39:46,085 or, uh, how, 1055 00:39:46,105 --> 00:39:48,565 how should they maybe consider actually jumping 1056 00:39:48,635 --> 00:39:50,445 into the scriptures Yeah. From the messages. 1057 00:39:51,105 --> 00:39:53,245 - Um, well, a lot of thoughts come from that, 1058 00:39:53,825 --> 00:39:55,125 you know, what can they do? 1059 00:39:55,385 --> 00:39:57,485 Um, I think last week at least, I was listening 1060 00:39:57,485 --> 00:39:58,845 to the podcast and remind me who it was, 1061 00:39:58,845 --> 00:40:00,365 but you had a conversation with somebody 1062 00:40:00,365 --> 00:40:02,645 who was a digital missionary in, in Oakland. Oh, 1063 00:40:02,645 --> 00:40:03,645 - Yeah. 1064 00:40:03,645 --> 00:40:05,285 Um, Clint was his name. Clint. Clint Argyle. Yeah. Clint 1065 00:40:05,355 --> 00:40:06,355 - Arga. 1066 00:40:06,355 --> 00:40:08,365 So he was talking, he was a digital missionary. 1067 00:40:08,705 --> 00:40:10,365 And I, I never thought about this, 1068 00:40:10,465 --> 00:40:12,085 but as a digital missionary 1069 00:40:12,145 --> 00:40:15,445 and he has background in marketing, what he would, uh, 1070 00:40:15,545 --> 00:40:17,485 ask people to do is go to Yelp Mm-Hmm. 1071 00:40:17,525 --> 00:40:19,965 and go to your church and write a review. 1072 00:40:20,105 --> 00:40:22,445 And if you do that, people see that on Yelp. 1073 00:40:22,505 --> 00:40:24,445 And if they say, Hey Siri, what's something 1074 00:40:24,445 --> 00:40:25,565 to do in Bountiful Utah? 1075 00:40:25,665 --> 00:40:28,045 Or, Hey Siri, what's something they do in Tar two Estonia? 1076 00:40:28,045 --> 00:40:31,285 Mm-Hmm. . If there's reviews that pops up 1077 00:40:31,285 --> 00:40:32,285 and people are showing up 1078 00:40:32,285 --> 00:40:35,365 because we're reviewing that, uh, or providing reviews. 1079 00:40:35,665 --> 00:40:37,045 And that's a way that we can share the gospel. 1080 00:40:37,225 --> 00:40:39,885 So like with declare my word, if you're on the account, 1081 00:40:40,185 --> 00:40:43,005 if there's something that you see or hear that inspires you 1082 00:40:43,345 --> 00:40:44,485 and you're comfortable sharing it, 1083 00:40:44,485 --> 00:40:45,685 please have the courage to do that. 1084 00:40:46,265 --> 00:40:49,005 Um, and that, that would just be my encouragement. Cool. 1085 00:40:49,245 --> 00:40:51,405 I try to provide content that people feel comfortable 1086 00:40:51,405 --> 00:40:54,245 sharing, and hopefully it kind of puts 'em out 1087 00:40:54,245 --> 00:40:55,765 of their comfort zone that if they're not comfortable 1088 00:40:55,765 --> 00:40:57,365 with it, they find an opportunity to do it. 1089 00:40:57,395 --> 00:40:59,565 - Yeah. Perfect. People can find you on Instagram 1090 00:40:59,585 --> 00:41:02,285 and all other major social media platforms, all 1091 00:41:02,285 --> 00:41:03,285 - Of them that I'm aware of. 1092 00:41:03,285 --> 00:41:04,285 I've tried to create an account, 1093 00:41:04,345 --> 00:41:05,885 but Instagram's the largest following. 1094 00:41:06,025 --> 00:41:09,005 Um, but wherever you're at, anything you can do to help, uh, 1095 00:41:09,005 --> 00:41:10,405 amplify the message would be great. 1096 00:41:10,405 --> 00:41:12,165 - Awesome. Well, last question I have for you. 1097 00:41:12,225 --> 00:41:14,805 As you reflect back on your time as a leader, uh, 1098 00:41:14,805 --> 00:41:15,885 in the midst of being a leader, 1099 00:41:15,945 --> 00:41:17,845 how has being a leader helped you become a better 1100 00:41:17,845 --> 00:41:19,005 follower of Jesus Christ? 1101 00:41:20,065 --> 00:41:23,765 - Oh, that's great. Um, being a leader, it's 1102 00:41:23,885 --> 00:41:25,765 provided me a lot of opportunities to share my testimony. 1103 00:41:26,185 --> 00:41:28,925 And, um, you know, especially as a bishop, just learning, 1104 00:41:28,925 --> 00:41:30,845 having more compassion for people, more love. 1105 00:41:31,345 --> 00:41:34,005 And I think the, I've learned, the more that I love people, 1106 00:41:34,505 --> 00:41:37,565 um, and find ways to serve them, the more, uh, 1107 00:41:38,025 --> 00:41:39,325 you have a relationship with the savior 1108 00:41:39,505 --> 00:41:40,765 and you know the things that he does. 1109 00:41:41,145 --> 00:41:44,005 So in being a leader and serving people 1110 00:41:44,105 --> 00:41:45,605 and loving people, you learn 1111 00:41:45,605 --> 00:41:46,765 what it's like to be like the savior. 1112 00:41:46,825 --> 00:41:48,045 And the more that we become like the 1113 00:41:48,045 --> 00:41:49,165 savior, the more that we wanna follow 1114 00:42:00,545 --> 00:42:01,545 - The end. 1115 00:42:01,545 --> 00:42:03,325 That's it for this Leading Saints episode. 1116 00:42:03,645 --> 00:42:04,965 I encourage you to check out some 1117 00:42:04,965 --> 00:42:06,725 of the most popular episodes of the podcast 1118 00:42:06,795 --> 00:42:09,085 that we list at the bottom of the show notes. 1119 00:42:09,945 --> 00:42:12,445 If you haven't listened to all of those, do so now. 1120 00:42:13,205 --> 00:42:15,365 Remember, the Jody Moore presentation about youth 1121 00:42:15,385 --> 00:42:16,645 and mental health is waiting 1122 00:42:16,705 --> 00:42:19,285 for you@leadingsaints.org slash 14. 1123 00:42:49,705 --> 00:42:52,965 - It came as a result of the position of leadership, 1124 00:42:52,975 --> 00:42:56,885 which was imposed upon us by the God of Heaven, 1125 00:42:57,065 --> 00:43:00,165 who brought forth a restoration of the gospel 1126 00:43:00,345 --> 00:43:01,605 of Jesus Christ. 1127 00:43:02,145 --> 00:43:05,885 And when the Declaration was made concerning the own 1128 00:43:05,985 --> 00:43:07,085 and only true 1129 00:43:07,085 --> 00:43:09,645 and living church upon the face of the earth, 1130 00:43:10,385 --> 00:43:13,765 we were immediately put in a position of loneliness. 1131 00:43:13,985 --> 00:43:15,725 The loneliness of leadership 1132 00:43:16,435 --> 00:43:19,285 from which we cannot shrink nor run away. 1133 00:43:20,385 --> 00:43:24,445 And to which we must face up with boldness and courage 1134 00:43:25,265 --> 00:43:25,885 and ability.