This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in May 2019.

Tad R. Callister served as Sunday School general president, in the Presidency of the Seventy, as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy, an Area Seventy, president of the Canada Toronto East mission, regional representative, stake president, bishop, and as a full-time missionary in the Eastern Atlantic States Mission. Brother Callister held an accounting degree from BYU, a Juris Doctorate degree from UCLA, and a master’s degree in tax law from NYU Law School. He is the grandson of apostle LeGrand Richards and the author of several books, including The Infinite Atonement and A Case for the Book of Mormon. He and his wife, Kathryn Louise Saporiti, are the parents of six children.



Links
A Case for the Book of Mormon
God’s Compelling Witness: The Book of Mormon
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community
Highlights
2:30 Moving on from being released as General Sunday School president

4:20 Which came first, the book or the talk?

5:15 How his law practice helped him crystallize thoughts when writing

5:50 His approach to personal study

6:10 Lesson to seek and ponder his own insight first before turning to doctrinal commentary

8:00 Studying first thing in the morning, and writing along with reading has helped him summarize his thoughts while studying the scriptures

8:50 Questioning and discussing with others is part of pondering

10:00 Reason can strengthen faith, and logic and the Spirit can go hand-in-hand

11:40 The audience for the book is first people who have testimonies that can be strengthened and who can help strengthen the testimonies of others, as well as those who may have questions, and finally critics

12:40 A partial truth, when presented as a whole truth, is an untruth

13:00 Less than 2% of the archeological finds in ancient America have been unearthed

16:00 An intellectual witness of scripture does not come from archeological findings, whether regarding the Bible or the Book of Mormon

16:40 His grandfather LeGrand Richards was a common-man leader, related to everyone, and simply loved people

19:15 Ward Sunday School presidents are not merely bell-ringers because they are in charge of the teacher councils, and they have the responsibility to help improve the teaching of every teacher in every organization, and to see that the individual and family curriculum is being implemented in every home

21:50 One purpose of the Come Follow Me curriculum is to take us from reading the scriptures to pondering the scriptures and discussing them. In the homes, it is the catalyst for discussion and learning the gospel together.

23:30 There has been a substantial increase in individual and family study, and class members from children to adults are better prepared for Sunday meetings

24:10 He and his counselors traveled internationally and were able to get a good idea of what was happening with teacher council meetings

25:10 Practicing through role play at the end of teacher council meetings was one thing they observed and recognized as an effective implementation in those meetings

25:45 Another effective implementation is the change to Christ-centered Easter Sunday and Christmas services so that members can invite others...

Skyler Wilcox is originally from Logan, Utah and is the senior administrator with the Especially For Youth (EFY) program. He has a bachelors degree in Broadcast Journalism and a masters degree in Public Administration, both from Brigham Young University. After working as a counselor and coordinator for four summers, Skyler joined the EFY team full time in 2020. When not at work, he enjoys cheering on his favorite sports teams, including the Jazz, Cougars, Cowboys, and Mammoth. He also loves musical theater and performing on stage. Skyler married his sweetheart Jenny and they have adopted four children through foster care. Previous Church callings include ward clerk, assistant executive secretary, youth Sunday School teacher, and elders quorum secretary.






Links
EFY: Especially for Youth
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community
Highlights
Coming soon


The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish,

High Council members engaged in a live discussion focused on sharing ideas and experiences to strengthen how councils serve their wards and stakes. This podcast is a portion of the livestream discussion.




Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community
Links
The entire conversation and transcript are available in the Zion Lab community
Highlights
Overview
This episode of the Zion Lab live stream from Leading Saints featured a discussion among several current and former Stake High Councilors, focusing on the practical challenges and opportunities of their calling. The participants shared their experiences, best practices, and innovative ideas for magnifying their assignments, effectively bridging communication between the stake and ward levels, and overcoming feelings of inadequacy.
Key Insights
The Need for Proactivity: The High Council calling can often feel "open-ended," allowing a High Councilor to "do as much as you want" or very little. Leaders are encouraged to be proactive—actively engaging with assigned elders quorum presidencies and ward organizations rather than just attending mandatory meetings.

Equality and Insecurity in Calling: New High Councilors frequently feel overwhelmed or insecure when working alongside more seasoned leaders. Counsel was given to overcome this by recognizing that all callings are equal in the sight of the Lord and that the High Councilor's voice and spiritual insights are vital to the council's deliberations.

Role as a Spiritual Messenger: High Councilors should see themselves as direct representatives of the Stake Presidency, similar to a General Authority visiting a stake. They are encouraged to be visible, bring spiritual knowledge and instruction, and share a spiritual thought when addressing wards, not merely delivering routine announcements.

Mandate to Testify of Christ: Some stakes guide speaking assignments with a General Conference talk, but emphasize that the talk, whether prepared or spontaneous, must be interwoven with a powerful personal testimony of Christ to ensure the Spirit is present.

Training and Dissemination of Principles: A core function of the High Council is to receive leadership principles and instruction in the Stake Council. High Councilors are then responsible for taking that training and counsel out to their assigned ward bishoprics and organization presidencies.Leadership Applications

Foster Cross-Ward Learning: Stake Presidencies can gain valuable insights and enrich their High Councilors by encouraging them to attend the leadership meetings of the wards where they speak, even if it is not their assigned ward. This exposes High Councilors to diverse operational models among ward councils, creating a cross-training effect.

Centralize Administrative Resources: High Councilors should utilize group communication methods, such as shared text threads or digital notes, to quickly share tactical administrative advice, official wording for callings and releases, and handbook references, streamlining the logistical aspects of the calling.

Elevate the Message of Love: High Councilors should consistently make a concerted effort to express the genuine love, thoughts, and prayers of the Stake Presidency to the ward members, ensuring the members feel validated, "seen, and prayed for" by their stake leadership.

00:01:36 - Kicking Off: The "Open-Ended" Nature of the High Councilor Calling
00:04:04 - Overcoming Insecurity and Magnifying the Calling
00:06:06 - Advice on Equality and Being a Visible Representative
00:09:38 - The Role of the Spirit vs.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in February 2024.

Marjorie Nelson Lowder discusses the remarkable life and enduring influence of her mother, Dantzel White Nelson.

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Marjorie grew up as the 9th of 10 children of President Russell M. Nelson and Sister Dantzel White Nelson, surrounded by music, books, art, faith and lots of love. She loves to spend time creating, being in nature and gathering with her family and friends. She is an artist, vocalist, and the author/illustrator of a book based on a favorite lullaby her mother used to sing, Pudding on the Moon.

This conversation honors Dantzel's legacy as a deeply-faithful Latter-day Saint, wife, and mother, emphasizing the principles and traditions she established that created a foundation of unity and spiritual strength for her family.




Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community
Links
Pudding on the Moon
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community
Highlights
In this episode, Kurt interviews Marjorie, the youngest daughter of President Russell M. Nelson, to honor her late mother, Dantzel White Nelson. The conversation explores Dantzel's life, her influence on the family, and the legacy she left behind, particularly through a children's book Marjorie authored inspired by a lullaby her mother used to sing.
00:02:55 - Honoring Dantzel White Nelson
Discussion on the life and legacy of President Nelson's first wife.

00:04:28 - Marjorie's Book: Putting on the Moon
Introduction to Marjorie's children's book inspired by her mother.

00:05:41 - Marjorie's Early Memories
Marjorie shares her early memories of her mother and family traditions.

00:08:11 - Dantzel's Background
Details about Dantzel White Nelson's upbringing and education.

00:09:50 - Courtship of Dantzel and Russell Nelson
The romantic story of how Dantzel and Russell Nelson met and fell in love.

00:10:36 - Family Life and Traditions
Insights into the family dynamics and traditions created by Dantzel.

00:12:32 - Family Olympics and Celebrations
Description of unique family events and celebrations organized by Dantzel.

00:14:19 - Creating Special Memories
Marjorie's reflections on how her mother made family gatherings memorable.

00:16:26 - Navigating a Large Family
Challenges and dynamics of growing up in a family with many daughters.

00:19:00 - Father's Medical Career
Insights into the life of being the daughter of a surgeon and its impact on family life.

00:22:26 - Church Callings and Choir
Discussion of Dantzel's involvement in church callings and her time with the Tabernacle Choir.

00:25:23 - Singing Legacy
Marjorie's connection to her mother's musical legacy and family singing traditions.

00:30:11 - Becoming an Apostle
Marjorie's experience learning about her father's call to be an apostle.

00:32:04 - Adjusting to New Roles
How Dantzel adapted to her new role as the wife of an apostle.

00:33:31 - Mother-Daughter Relationship
Reflections on Marjorie's relationship with her mother as a young adult.

00:35:05 - Dantzel's Calm Demeanor
Stories highlighting Dantzel's patience and temperament as a mother.

00:39:10 - Coping with Loss
Marjorie's thoughts on her mother's sudden passing and the support received.

Ernest Lee Davis, a native of Los Angeles, California, spent most of his life there before earning an athletic scholarship to the University of Idaho, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. He earned his MBA from Western Governors University and will finish his Doctorate in Philosophy of Leadership with an emphasis on Servant-Leadership from Gonzaga University this year. Ernest has worked as a finish manager/leader in the aerospace industry for over 15 years at Skills Inc., a nonprofit organization that partners with The Boeing Company. He has dedicated his career to creating meaningful opportunities for persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups, encouraging an inclusive and diverse workforce.

A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Ernest joined the Church in 2005 and is committed to living the Savior’s teachings and sharing his personal story of resilience. He is the author of the best-selling book Leading in the Lord’s Way: A Journey of Servant Leadership, and I Am Aye Child of God. At church, he has served as a member of his stake high council and currently as stake Young Men first counselor. Ernest and his wife, Ruth, have three children and live in Puyallup, Washington.




Links
Leading in the Lord's Way: A Journey of Servant Leadership
I am Aye Child of God
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community
Summary
Ernest explores servant leadership principles and shares insights from his personal journey, emphasizing the importance of empathy, stewardship, and building a beloved community.
Key Insights
Servant Leadership: Ernest emphasizes the concept of leading through service, drawing on his experiences and the teachings of the gospel. He intertwines personal stories with leadership principles to illustrate how effective leadership is rooted in empathy and understanding.

Empathy: Understanding others' perspectives is crucial for effective leadership. Ernest shares examples of how empathy can help leaders connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and support them in overcoming their challenges.

Stewardship: Leaders are responsible for nurturing the talents and potential of those they serve. Ernest encourages leaders to recognize their stewardship over individuals in their communities and to cultivate their growth.

Beloved Community: The idea of Zion as a beloved community is central to Ernest's message. He advocates for inclusivity and acceptance, stressing the importance of making everyone feel welcome and valued within the church.

Diversity in Leadership: Ernest highlights the need for diverse representation in leadership roles to better serve marginalized communities and to foster a more inclusive environment within the church.
Leadership Applications
Fostering Empathy: Latter-day Saint leaders can practice empathy by actively listening to the experiences of those they serve, which can help build trust and understanding within their communities.

Cultivating Talents: Leaders should focus on identifying and nurturing the unique talents of individuals in their wards, creating opportunities for them to contribute and grow.

Building Inclusive Communities: By promoting a sense of belonging and acceptance, leaders can create a welcoming environment that encourages participation from all members, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Highlights
00:03:17 - Inspiration for Writing the Book

In this podcast episode, Kurt Francom and Dan Duckworth discuss the importance of addressing community tragedies within Latter-day Saint congregations. They explore how leaders can create spaces for healing and connection during difficult times, emphasizing the role of vulnerability and unity in fostering a supportive church environment.

Dan Duckworth speaks, teaches, and writes on leadership, power, and systemic change. His forthcoming book, The Leader in Chains (spring 2026), challenges conventional ideas and calls for a radical rethinking of leadership—and how it is developed.




Links
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community
Overview
Perception of Community Needs: Leaders should be attuned to the emotional climate of their congregations, recognizing when community tragedies impact members. This awareness can guide appropriate responses.

Risk of Vulnerability: Addressing difficult topics in church settings can feel risky, but it is essential for fostering genuine connections and healing. Leaders should embrace this risk to create a supportive environment.

Purpose of Church: The church serves not only as a place for learning doctrine but also as a community for healing and support. Engaging in open discussions about current events can strengthen faith and unity.

Creating Safe Spaces: Leaders can facilitate discussions that allow members to express their feelings and experiences, promoting emotional processing and community bonding.

Driving the Hope Train: Leaders should focus on instilling hope and directing conversations toward Christ's teachings, using scriptural stories to provide comfort and guidance during challenging times.
Leadership Applications
Fostering Open Dialogue: Leaders can initiate conversations about current events or tragedies, encouraging members to share their feelings and experiences. This can be done through structured discussions or informal check-ins.

Building Trust and Safety: By consistently creating a culture of vulnerability and support, leaders can ensure that members feel safe to express their emotions and seek help when needed.

Integrating Healing into Meetings: Leaders can incorporate discussions of community challenges into regular meetings, ensuring that spiritual teachings are connected to real-life experiences, thus reinforcing the church's role as a healing community.
Highlights
06:16 - Institutional vs. Leadership Responses
08:13 - Personal Experience of Grief
10:10 - The Purpose of Church in Times of Crisis
12:32 - The Role of Perception in Leadership
14:01 - A Personal Story of Compassion
16:17 - The Risk of Addressing Difficult Topics
17:41 - The Importance of Community Healing
19:12 - Audience Engagement and Reactions
20:00 - Navigating Political Sensitivities
22:08 - Creating a Safe Space for Discussion
23:37 - The Role of Vulnerability in Unity
25:32 - Addressing the Fear of Group Therapy
27:30 - Driving the Hope Train
30:06 - Preparing the Elders Quorum for Discussion
31:15 - The Impact of Leadership Culture
33:11 - Fulfilling the Purpose of Elders Quorum
38:14 - The Value of Risk in Leadership
40:00 - Living Life Together in Church
42:43 - The Dangers of Hypocrisy in Worship



The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Show more...