Shows
Culture-WiseWhat Has Changed and What Hasn't in LDS MinistryPastor Eldon Peterson has served at Cache Valley Bible Church (Logan Utah) for 40 years. Over that time he has learned many lessons, and seen many changes in Mormonism. As he shares his wisdom, Eldon keeps coming back to one factor in ministry that remains the same. 2024-09-3045 minCulture-WiseA Former Mormon Helps Other Former LDSRen Richardson joins us to discuss his own journey from Mormonism to atheism to biblical faith. He describes the role of the Turning Point ministry at South Mountain Community Church in his own journey, and how, as a leader, he now uses Turning Point to help others.2024-08-2447 minCulture-Wise35 Years of Gospel Work in Utah CountyScott McKinney has pastored Centerpoint Church in Orem, UT since 1989 with a vision to build life-giving community and a loving Gospel witness. Reflecting on the lessons learned nearly 35 years ago as well as just a couple years ago, Scott shares how Centerpoint has moved from a fortress mentality to a Kingdom advancing mentality. Listen in to gain from his wisdom. 2024-08-1145 minCulture-WiseLearning Latter-day Saint CulturePastor Loren Pankratz of The Bridge Community (Centerville, Utah) shares how he learned LDS culture to prepare for planting a Utah church, and the foundational ministry principles and practices that result from his reflection and experience.2024-07-2952 minCulture-WiseA Larger Perspective on Ministry in UtahUtah ministry veteran Robert Marshall of Streams in the Wasteland reflects on historical changes and current developments in Utah's religious landscape, with some encouraging implications for Christian ministry.2024-07-1443 minCulture-WiseInsights from a Former Latter-day SaintEmilie Briggs was born in an active LDS home, married in the temple and completely devoted to Mormonism. Her journey into a new, biblically rooted, faith offers tremendous wisdom on the mental and emotional processes a person goes through during a faith transition.2024-06-301h 01Culture-WiseThree Thresholds People Cross to Embrace JesusMatthew Anderson of the Plant Utah network shares what he has learned about the process Latter-day Saints navigate to come to biblical faith in Jesus, and how this observation applies to churches and Christians who hope to engage Mormons.2024-06-1652 minCulture-WiseChallenges Churches Can Overcome to Connect with LDSLong-time Utah pastor Paul Robie of South Mountain Community Church explains the missional approach and principles that led SMCC to connect with and enfold many active Mormons into a new faith identity, and how SMCC is adapting to the changing LDS culture.2024-06-0244 minCulture-WiseBuilding Relationships with LDS MissionariesStrategic approaches to reaching LDS missionaries are plentiful and diverse. Back on our podcast we have Allison Biggers to discuss her highly relational approach which has helped her build trust and gain open doors to share the Good News of Jesus. You too can proclaim truth to missionaries in a way that truly sounds like good news!2024-04-2247 minCulture-WiseWhat Grace says to Latter-day SaintsHow does the message of grace truly impact those who are transitioning out of the LDS church? How can our dependence on grace affect personal ministry and preaching ministry? Join us with Mike Packer to hear how he elevates Jesus in his life and the life of the church at Southeastern Christian Church.2024-04-0845 minCulture-WiseCreate a Welcoming Environment for Post-LDSWhat activities and factors create a safe church environment for people on the journey from Mormonism into biblical faith? Kim Krey of Elevation Church, and her pastor, Matt Miller, discuss Kim's journey out of Mormonism and her leadership in ministry to transitioning LDS.2024-03-2449 minCulture-WiseGlobal Insights for Utah MinistryWhen Pastor Schaun Colin came to Vernal Utah, he didn't know much about the LDS world. Learn how Schaun, raised in South Africa, brought insight from ministry around the world to change the culture of how his growing church interacts with a largely LDS community.2024-03-1149 minCulture-WiseBeing a Ministry SniperAllison Biggers has years of fruitful experience building caring, redemptive relationships with Latter-day Saint women. Learn how she seeks to understand "the terrain" and "the target" to patiently gain a hearing with her LDS neighbors.2024-02-2644 minCulture-WiseHow to Start Personal Ministry to LDSBert Spalding, founder of Transition2Hope, tells his story of how God led him to develop a ministry platform that provides thoughtful resources to help Latter-day Saints in a faith crisis to not give up on God.2024-02-1947 minCulture-WiseMinistry Among LDS TeensDiscipling teens in strongly LDS communities raises unique challenges and opportunities. How can youth ministry develop Christians who know how to model spiritual authenticity and verbally share the gospel among LDS peers? Josh Gardner of Flourishing Grace Church in Bountiful, Utah shares his learning curve and his priorities in serving Utah teens.2024-02-0544 minCulture-WiseChurch Planting in Rural UtahThe culture of Utah has been dramatically shaped by the prominence of the LDS faith. Not all Latter-day Saints are the same, and not all communities across Utah are the same either. Church planting in rural Utah presents challenges and opportunities that are not as prevalent in urban Utah contexts. Shane Finley, lead pastor of Mountain View Fellowship in Heber City, shares with us how the culture and context of rural Utah has shaped their ministry approach and vision2024-01-2240 minCulture-WiseIntro to Movement Mindset ShiftsIf we want to see Gospel movement among Latter-day Saints, or in any context, the way we think about ministry and engagement will shape our efforts and outcomes. Derek Murphey shares a couple mindset shifts that help us think rightly about disciple-making that have been especially important among ministry leaders in Utah. Also joining is Justin Woodward, a former Mormon who has been impacted by the fruit of these mindset shifts and principles. Listen in for encouraging stories of God's faithfulness in the Harvest!2024-01-0841 minCulture-WiseNavigating Baptism Among Former LDSMormonism and historic Christianity have many of the same practices making the two appear similar. But the meaning and purpose of baptism between these two have critical differences. How can we wisely help former Mormons consider the Biblical view of baptism and why they should be baptized? Trever McIntyre and Logan Wolf provide Biblical instruction, principles, and patterns alongside their experiences to guide us through this topic. 2023-12-0447 minCulture-WiseCollege Ministry in Salt Lake CityOne college ministry, InterVarsity, has been very active on several college campuses in Salt Lake City reaching the lost and calling students to a life of following Jesus. The local staff of InterVarsity, Chasen and Kelly Robbins, share their experiences of ministry to students and insights into how Christian churches can join in the work to make disciples among young adults. Listen in to hear what God is doing in this generation!2023-11-2050 minCulture-WiseChurch Planting Stories from FarmingtonA recent church plant in Farmington, Utah began earlier in 2023 with a vision to create a safe community for people to encounter Jesus. In a place where the Gospel has historically been absent, King's Cross Church is entering this harvest field with grace and truth. Listen in to hear stories of how God has used Austin Glenn and Brent Van Sickle to witness of Jesus. 2023-11-0637 minCulture-WiseTelling Powerful Stories of God's RedemptionMark Parsons (Truth in Love Ministries) and Brian Urbanek (Goldwing Productions) share about a new project called, Jesus is Enough. This project will showcase powerful stories of God bringing people out of the LDS church to experience the grace of Jesus. For updates on the project... https://tilm.org/jie/To reach Mark... markp@tilm.org2023-10-2344 minCulture-WiseFrom Games to the GospelJoin us in a conversation with Dylan Tidwell and Trip Bumgarner as we discuss one fruitful way to connect with Latter-day Saints and introduce the Gospel in relationship. How can we break down barriers to vulnerability and honest conversation? Trip and Dylan offer incredibly helpful insights. 2023-10-0932 minCulture-WiseStories From a Former-LDS Author, Paul NurnbergPaul Nurnberg contributed a chapter to the book, Responding to the Mormon Missionary Message. If you haven't read this new book, make sure to check it out! In this episode, we discuss several experiences from his LDS mission and early marriage that led him to leave the church and truly follow Jesus. Author and Podcaster, Paul has much to share about Mormonism both as a religion and as a cultural identity. Check out his website, Outer Brighter Podcast at...www.outerbrightnesspodcast.com2023-09-2540 minCulture-WiseHow to Respond to LDS Missionaries with Michael FlournoyAuthor, Apologist, and Former LDS Missionary, Michael Flournoy turned from defending the Mormon message to exalting the grace of Jesus. Listen in to hear how you can navigate conversations with LDS Missionaries well. Michael recently contributed a chapter to a book currently being released called, Responding to the Mormon Missionary Message. This book can be found online at Amazon.com and many places where books are sold. 2023-09-1137 minCulture-WiseMentoring Former LDS through Faith Crisis with Kimberly ShugertWhen someone from the LDS culture experiences faith transition and crisis, silently and secretly searching for truth can lead to hopelessness. loneliness, and despair. One way to combat this is through mentoring, a relational approach to helping those in this transition. Listen in to learn about mentoring from Kimberly's experiences. 2023-08-0735 minCulture-WiseStories From One Multi-site Church with Eric NelsonSouth Mountain Community Church has multiple campuses in Utah and a vision to multiply healthy churches with strong, Biblical culture. Today's discussion with Eric, Lead Pastor of SMCC, reveals insights into how their unique approach expresses their pursuit for the lost and for God's love to be made known. To get connected with South Mountain Community Church, visit their website at...https://www.smccutah.org/2023-07-3149 minCulture-WisePrecision in Gospel Sharing with Jon LeachWhen sharing the Gospel with Latter-day Saints, it is wise to share messages of hope that specifically speak to the person we're talking to. What are common "stress points" to look for? How can we see beyond mere externals into the heart of our LDS friends? Join our conversation today with Jon Leach, president of Truth in Love Ministries.For further training related to sharing with Mormons, visit TILM.org2023-07-2441 minCulture-WiseHelping LDS Friends Encounter Jesus with Sarah RuddJoin this conversation today with Sarah Rudd who regularly engages Latter-day Saints with the Gospel with a desire to see genuine heart transformation. In this discussion, Sarah shares how she pursues love, power, and truth encounters with Jesus for LDS friends.Sarah explains how to best listen and discern what to share with Latter-day Saints. Near the end, stay to hear one specific tool Sarah uses to disciple the heart of those who begin following Jesus (linked below).https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/89f1fea9/files/uploaded/Orphan-Son-Chart_lrOkS9RiqSXWVl4pvwky.pdf2023-07-1745 minCulture-WiseTraining Women to Study the Bible with Jill JohnsonNothing can transform lives like God's Spirit and God's Word. How can we trust God to do the work only He can do? Join us today in a conversation with Jill Johnson, one of the writers for the Multiply Goodness movement. Their annual "Jubilee" event is coming up this August in Lehi, Utah. Check out this webpage if you are interested!https://www.thejubileegathering.com/For further connection with Multiply Goodness, visit their website...https://www.multiplygoodness.com/Join or start a Bible Study...https://www...2023-07-1039 minCulture-WiseA New Church Plant in Utah with Nate RayPastor and church planter, Nate Ray, shares helpful suggestions and learned lessons from his experience serving the church and reaching the lost in his area. Listen in to hear how he has learned to contextualize his approach toward ministry among Latter-day Saints. To connect further with Nate and his church, The Front, navigate to the church's website... https://thefrontchurch.com/contact/2023-07-0344 minCulture-WiseIntroducing Christianity to Mormons with Eric JohnsonA recently published book written by Eric Johnson explores topics central to the Christian faith. Many books have been written outlining key beliefs from the Bible, but this book is unique in that it does so with the LDS culture and context in mind. Common misconceptions and unclear terms often make such a task difficult. But Eric Johnson tactfully teaches readers to introduce Christianity to their Mormon neighbor. To connect with Eric or Mormonism Research Ministry, explore http://introducingchristianity.com/2023-06-2633 minCulture-WiseChallenges in Connecting Relationally with LDSGood relational connections with Latter-day Saints may not come naturally to everyone. What might be some challenges and barriers that keep us from connecting well? What practical steps can we take to overcome these challenges? Listen in to hear insights from Ross Anderson about how to do this. 2023-06-1943 minCulture-Wise2 Kinds of Righteousness with Mark ParsonsListen in today to our conversation with Mark Parsons, with Truth in Love Ministry (TILM). Mark has devoted much time to engaging with Latter-day Saints in recent years. In this discussion, he shares several of the many lessons he has learned. Live near Logan, UT? Consider the mission trip TILM is taking this June! (See link below).https://tilm.org/mission-trips/#utah-2023Here is access to the "Friends and Family Course" Mark mentions. https://tilm.org/training/family/Find more...2023-05-1556 minCulture-WiseMinistering Among Polygamous Mormons with Chris DeMorell and Kirk ShullOur two guests today, Chris and Kirk, work among those who live in central Utah. Often they are engaging with polygamists in Rocky Ridge as well as Latter-day Saints everywhere they go. Today we discuss how the culture in central Utah influences the ministry activities they devote themselves to in order to reach Utah with the Good News.To connect with Art City Church, visit artcity.churchInformation for Summer Bible Time... Who: Children grades K-6thWhere: Sunset Trails Park - South Santaquin2023-05-0841 minCulture-WiseAdapting Ministry and Church Planting Strategies with Logan WolfToday we hear from local church planter, Logan Wolf, about his long journey of learning the value of remaining humble and adapting ministry rhythms and structures according to the culture. Listen in to hear the lessons Logan has learned from engaging with Latter-day Saints over these years.Connect with Logan Wolf through his Linktree or CrossPoint Church...https://linktr.ee/loganwolfhttps://crosspointutah.com/Check out his podcast as well!https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkG3J8oURcnn_ZldLPQScj6rFupKoWkDX2023-05-0142 minCulture-WiseContextualizing Discipleship and Church with Jon StoddardOur guest today, Jon Stoddard, has found meaningful ways to contextualize how their church leads former Latter-day Saints into new relationship with Jesus and their church. Listen in for practical suggestions individuals and churches can take to join in Jesus's work of reaching the lost with God's Good News. For more information on Contextualization, check out our previous episode titled, Contextualization Among Latter-day Saints. A few resources mentioned in this episode are linked below. Jordan Valley Church Website - https://www.jordanvalleychurch.org/One-to-One Bible Reading - https://store.thegospelcoalition...2023-04-2446 minCulture-WiseReflections on General Conference (April '23)General Conference, the semi-annual conference for Latter-day Saints, recently happened in Salt Lake City, but was broadcast online to any and all. This significant event garners much anticipation and influences all who are active within the LDS church. Listen in as we discuss some key themes of this spring's talks and how everyday believers can more effectively proclaim the Gospel in light of their content.2023-04-1742 minCulture-WiseNeighboring Among the LDS with David HendersonGod has intentionally and strategically placed each one of us in the place where we live. No matter the circumstances, no one lives where they do by accident. Our guest, David Henderson, and his church place a great deal of importance on engaging well with their neighbors in Daybreak, UT. Listen in to hear how we all can learn to reach our neighborhoods with more intentionality. 2023-04-1042 minCulture-WiseCommon Obstacles Among Transitioning LDS (part 2)Today we continue the discussion we began last week on 6 obstacles Latter-day Saints commonly face when they embark on a spiritual journey out of Mormonism and into new Faith in Jesus. Identifying the obstacles is valuable, but we also need to know how to best love and serve those who are facing these obstacles. Listen in to hear suggestions for how to help friends who are walking this journey.2023-04-0331 minCulture-WiseCommon Obstacles Among Transitioning LDSToday we begin a discussion on 6 obstacles Latter-day Saints commonly face when they embark on a spiritual journey out of Mormonism and into new Faith in Jesus. Identifying the obstacles is valuable, but we also need to know how to best love and serve those who are facing these obstacles. Listen in to hear suggestions for how to help friends who are walking this journey.2023-03-2739 minCulture-WiseOpen Doors for the Gospel with Greg JohnsonA handful of new doors are opening in recent years to share the Good News with Latter-day Saints. How can we take these opportunities to share the truth in love? Listen in to this interview with Greg Johnson.2023-02-2049 minCulture-WiseStories of Ministry From One Utah Internship with Jonah NaylorThough with a different organization than the Loving Utah Internship pack (check out our previous episode on Internships), Jonah shares his experiences of engaging Latter-day Saints with the Gospel during a 3-month internship in Ogden, Utah.Connect with Utah Partnerships for Christ--> https://www.upfc.org/ http://www.utahadvanceministries.com/intern.html https://lightoftruthministries.com/books-%26-booklets 2023-02-1333 minCulture-WiseInvesting in Future Ministry Through Internships with Dave ElshaugJoin in on another conversation with Dave Elshaug as we explore how summer internships are introducing young adults to ministry in Utah and laying a foundation for engaging Latter-day Saints with a culturally wise approach.Click HERE for more information and to get connected with this opportunity.2023-02-0638 minCulture-WiseTrends Among Transitioning LDS with Nate Fox (part 2)Today we continue our conversation with a local pastor in Utah County to discuss how every-day believers and churches can engage well in light of recent cultural trends among those leaving the LDS church. Make sure to listen to part 1 of this conversation.2023-01-3034 minCulture-WiseTrends Among Transitioning LDS with Nate Fox (part 1)A local pastor in Utah County shares a few trends he has noticed in recent years. How has COVID impacted those who are leaving the LDS church? How are Mormons viewing their apostate family members? Don't forget to check out part 2 next week to hear how every-day believers and churches can engage well in light of these trends.Below is a link to connect further with Nate Fox and the Elevation Project.https://www.elevationprojectut.com/about2023-01-2330 minCulture-WiseSharing the Gospel Through StoryLatter-day Saints primarily come to theological understanding by telling and retelling stories. Theological truth is embedded in these stories. Today we'll discuss how can we utilize this cultural value of story telling as we share our faith with Latter-day Saints.2023-01-1634 minCulture-WiseContextualization Among Latter-day SaintsThe Biblical Gospel message is an unchanging, powerful proclamation! However, as cultural context varies significantly across time, geography, and individuals, the way we best communicate the Gospel may need to be adapted. Listen in to hear how you can contextualize the Gospel for those you live life with.2023-01-0942 minCulture-WiseA Taster of Movement Mindset ShiftsIf we want to see the Gospel impact entire cultures and communities, we may need to rethink our previous strategies for reaching the lost. What are our priorities? What are our metrics of success? Listen to Derek Murphey and Justin Woodward share what lessons God is teaching them through the Word and their experiences.2023-01-0841 minCulture-WiseSounds Like Good NewsSometimes when sharing good news with others, the listener doesn't receive it as good news! How can our message of good news can be received by Latter-day Saints as truly good? What does the Gospel offer to Latter-day Saints?2022-11-2134 minCulture-WiseEngaging LDS Leaders with Don KrafftSince LDS wards are commonly constructed around the geographic neighborhood, leaders of the church live in nearly every neighborhood across the "Mormon corridor". Opening up faith conversations with leaders of the LDS church can provide fruitful opportunities to share God's good news.2022-11-0725 minCulture-WiseOne True Jesus with Dave ElshaugJoin us with our guest and friend Dave Elshaug to hear about his upcoming project, One True Jesus. To connect with Dave and the Loving Utah Network, visit lovingutah.org.2022-10-2440 minCulture-WiseSharing Your Story with Latter-day SaintsLearning to speak the language of experience includes being able to share with others how we have encountered Jesus. In witnessing to Latter-day Saints, we should learn to share our testimonies and interpret spiritual experiences in light of scripture. 2022-10-1030 minCulture-WiseThe Language of ExperienceLatter-day Saints come to certainty about their beliefs primarily through experiences which shape their faith. As we witness of Jesus to them, we would be wise to learn how to speak in terms of experience and not only rational arguments. 2022-09-2623 minCulture-WiseThe LDS Cultural IdentityBeing a Latter-day Saint is not just about believing the religious teachings, but is an entire cultural identity. Our witness of Jesus to LDS friends must take the cultural identity into consideration. In this episode we discuss what this looks like and how we can contextualize the Gospel and ministry among Mormons.2022-09-1032 minCulture-WiseWhat is This Podcast About?This is the Culture-wise Podcast, where God's good news meets the Latter-day Saints with wisdom and grace. This new podcast will provide insight and encouragement for those seeking to reach their LDS friends with the Gospel. Whether you are ministry leader or an every-day follower of Jesus, we invite you to listen in as we discuss both tested and fresh ideas with those who are living and ministering among Latter-day Saints.2022-08-2324 min