Preach My Gospel Podcast

Ever wonder what it would be like to guard Kobe Bryant or be drafted into the NBA? Join us as we chat with Travis Hansen (former BYU and NBA basketball star, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and YSA stake presidency counselor) and discuss the many lessons he has learned about discipleship throughout his life. He reminds us that if we give a crust, we will get a loaf in return! Enjoy and share this with someone you love. To subscribe to the podcast and to interact with the hosts, offer topic and guest suggestions, and provide feedback, please click on the following link and become part of the podcast. https://forms.office.com/r/r7516nkf1m

Welcome to Season 2 of the Preach My Gospel Podcast! This season is a "My Plan" type effort focused on helping returned missionaries successfully transition home and to become life-long disciples of Jesus Christ. In episode one, Sean Dixon and Brian Patterson (former mission leaders and current teachers at the Utah Valley Institute of Religion) kick off the new season by likening the story of the Jaredites journey to the promised land to a missionary transitioning home. They remind us that the Lord promised us a land, not a beach! To subscribe to the podcast and to interact with the hosts, offer topic and guest suggestions, and provide feedback, please click on the following link and become part of the podcast. https://forms.office.com/r/r7516nkf1m We're excited to get to know you!

John Gonzalez and David Christensen (Former mission president in Chile and former president of the Guatemala MTC) talk about how to deal with the various distractions that influence missionaries. They specifically focus on how to deal with comparing yourself to other missionaries, inappropriate attraction, and technology.

John Hilton III (BYU religion professor, "Seeking Jesus" podcast host, author, speaker) joins the team to talk about how to focus your life and mission on Jesus Christ. John talks about the life changing impact of President Nelson's invitation in 2017 to read every verse in the topical guide about Jesus Christ. He discusses how a teenager can successfully connect themself and others with Jesus Christ in the midst of their busy lives. The team talks about how to focus on Jesus Christ no matter what principle of the gospel you are teaching. John shares his insights about what he learned from his research about Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and how this demonstrates the importance of the "loving Christ." If you want to learn how to increase your focus on Jesus, you will not want to miss this episode.

Lee Donaldson (Former Mission President in San Diego and Area Mission Specialist for the Missionary Department) re-joins the podcast for part 2 of "How Can I Improve My Teaching Skills (Preach My Gospel 10). In this episode the team continues through Chapter 10. They cover the following sections: Teaching with Your Companion with Unity, Invite Members to Help You Teach, Use the Scriptures, Teach for Understanding, Ask Questions, Listen, Help People Resolve Their Concerns, Leave Something Behind, and Teach the Restored Gospel to Those without a Christian Background.

David Butler (Co-host of "Don't Miss This" podcast and YouTube channel, author, and teacher at the Utah Valley Institute) joins the podcast to talk about centering your mission on Jesus Christ and your missionary purpose.  David talks about his experiences while on his mission in Korea and also working with a group of his son's friends who are preparing for missions.  

The team welcomes TJ Moore (Utah Valley Institute teacher) to discuss the importance of developing Christlike Attributes.  They discuss both the why and the how by looking at principles from Preach My Gospel, the scriptures and the words of living prophets.  This episode will be helpful for all lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. 

Brian, John and Sean continue their analysis of PMG Ch. 5. During this episode they talk about how to effectively help others to understand the Book of Mormon by reading with them. Episode Highlights: 2:48 Acts 8:27-31- Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch.  "Understandest thou what thou readest?"  "How can I except some man should guide me?" 4:50 Many people you teach either don't read the Book of Mormon or don't understand what they are reading.  What if you handed someone a tool they had never used before?  8:18 President Nelson clip of reading the Book of Mormon with an African King.  13:13 Reading the Book of Mormon with people (PMG pg. 116) 15:28 Be thoughtful about which chapters you choose to read with people.  Discern their needs. Eventually, encourage them to read from the beginning. 17:15  Give a "movie trailer" about what they are going to be reading so that they will be excited to get into the text. 17:57  When you give someone a copy of the Book of Mormon give them a highlighter.  Encourage them to highlight and to write in the margins of the pages. 19:30 John role plays an example of how to read the Book of Mormon with others using 1 Nephi 1.   28:30 The team analyzes what they learned from the role play. 37:38 Brian's experience in a car shop.  Let the book speak for itself. 40:38 John shares an audio clip from a missionary in his mission describing a miraculous story of someone finding the Book of Mormon in a library.

President Ezra Taft Benson declared, “Combined with the Spirit of the Lord, the Book of Mormon is the greatest single tool which God has given us to convert the world. If we are to have the harvest of souls that He expects, then we must use the instrument which God has [ordained] for that task—the Book of Mormon.” Sean, Brian, and John go through Preach My Gospel Ch. 5 and discuss how missionaries can effectively and powerfully use the Book of Mormon to help gather Israel.

Sean, Brian and John discuss the joy of serving as a full-time missionary during the Christmas season.  They then use the scriptures to look at each of the characters in the Nativity story (Joseph, Mary, the Shepherds, the Wisemen and the baby Jesus)  and discuss what can be learned about discipleship from each of them.  The Draper Utah Temple President Stephen Peterson drops in to share his favorite Christmas story. This episode will help to put you in the Christmas spirit and remind you of the importance of having Jesus Christ as the focus of your life!

M'Shelle Dixon re-joins the podcast to join in the discussion about Preach My Gospel Lesson 5 on the Laws and Ordinances of the gospel. The team discusses the importance of helping friends adjust to becoming life-long members of the church and disciples of Jesus Christ. This episode helps prepare you to teach principles of Priesthood and Auxiliaries, Missionary Work, Eternal Marriage, Temple and Family History, Service, Teaching and Learning in the Church, and Enduring to the End.

Steve Barton, Taylor Gunn, and Kayla Greer (Former missionaries and students at the Utah Valley Institute) share important lessons learned from their missions. Highlights :50 Intro to our three guests: Steven, Taylor and Kayla. 4:28 Looking back, what would you have done that would have better prepared you for missionary service? 7:00 The role of the temple in your service & in your life? 8:30 Practical preparation that you found useful for service? 11:00 Thoughts about your Missionary Preparation class 12:08 How you feel about Preach My Gospel as a resource? 15:20 The role of the Book of Mormon in your work and in your life? 24:30 What were your expectations and what surprised you? 28:00 How you dealt with difficult companions? 34:00 How did you deal with homesickness? 40:30 How did you grow in learning how to recognize and follow spiritual promptings? 45:13 What do you love about a mission? 50:00 How did you overcome the fear to talk to people? 55:15 How did your mission prepare you to become a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ?

John, Brian and Sean conclude their discussion on lesson 4- "The Commandments" by talking about the Word of Wisdom, Tithing, Fasting and Obeying the Laws of the Land. Highlights Episode 15 Lesson 4 pt 3 1:12 Teach people the importance of Obeying the Word of Wisdom p. 81 PMG (18:93 minutes) 20:05 Inviting people to Keep the Law of Tithing p. 82 PMG (11:95 minutes) 31:00 Observing the Law of the Fast p. 83 PMG (8:40) minutes) 39.40 Obey & Honor the Law p. 84 PMG (6.98 minutes)

John, Brian, and Sean pick up where they left off in Episode 13 by continuing to go through Lesson 4 on the Commandments.  During this episode they focus on: 1. The blessings of following the Prophet  2. Ideas about how to teach the 10 commandments  3. The critical need to teach the Law of Chastity simply and with confidence.   Highlights Episode 14 Lesson 4 pt 2 :50 Teaching people to Follow the Prophet p.78 PMG (17:55 minutes) 18:05 Inviting people to Keep the Ten Commandments p. 79 PMG (14:35) 32P40 Inviting people to Live the Law of Chastity p.80 PMG (13.86 minutes)

In this episode, M'Shelle Dixon joins Sean, Brian and John to discuss the Complexity of Obedience. M'Shelle served as a Mission Leader from 2016-2019 and is a member of our podcast team. We believe this episode is a must for anyone considering serving a mission, or wanting to better understand why obedience is important to God. Working through the principles of obedience can make the difference between a frustrated mission or life experience and a joy-filled one. Note: This topic runs longer than our usual episodes, feel free to listen in two segments. The topic of Obedience begins at 12:00. 2:10 Introduce guest, Preach My Gospel social media manager, & contributor,  M'Shelle Dixon 3:55 How we use our Instagram page as a mission preparation tool @preach_my_gospel_podcast 6:30 The unique and special relationship between Mission Leaders and their missionaries. 12:00 Why obedience to the mission standards and to our covenants is such an important part of Missionary work? 15:35 Why is our quest for obedience important to Jesus Christ? 22:10 EXACT obedience is often misunderstood. 25:15 What do I do when I mess up and am disobedient? 26:35 Understanding “Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ” as a  replacement for the former Missionary Handbook of Instructions. Why is there a standard? 35:06 Commandments vs. Mission Rules. What if I do not completely understand or even agree with a mission standard? 35:50 The MOTIVE behind our obedience matters. 44:25 Elder Bednar’s Transactional Obedience vs. Transformational Obedience explained. 48:43 Labeling ourselves and others as “disobedient” or “obedient” is missing the mark. 52:25 Obedience is so much more than qualifying us for blessings. 55:00 Using clear language when setting our Goals. “But if not” goals 57:25 Patience with young and inexperienced leaders learning to motivate and help other missionaries remain obedient. 59:00 Dealing with the EXTREME of Rebellion 65:53 Dealing with the EXTREME of Perfectionism. 69:10 The Physiological Battle vs. The Spiritual Battle: Understanding Scrupulosity. 70:25 The Adversary uses these extremes to stop us and this work from progressing. 71:30 How understanding the principles of consecrated obedience help you transition home and throughout your life. Thank you for joining us!  If you know anyone who is considering serving a mission, their leaders, and families please help us by sharing this with them. This podcast can be found on most any platform where podcasts are offered. The Preach My Gospel Mission Prep Podcast is offered by the Utah Valley Institute of Religion and is not monetized. To learn more about how you can receive Institute Credit for listening, see our link here or find it on our Instagram page preach_my_gospel_podcast. Talk with your local seminary principal about the possibility of using this podcast to receive Seminary Make-up credit.

Chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel outlines the five main lessons missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints teach. In this episode Sean, Brian, and John discuss the powerful doctrine found in lesson 1 and discuss insights on how to share this important message. 1:00 What is our message?-- the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is defined. The Doctrine of Christ is the way back, a way that was lost, distorted and forgotten through apostacy. 9:00 Principle #1: God is Our Loving Heavenly Father. A correct understanding of who God, the Father is. Connecting with God the Father to His children through prayer. Why does it matter? 15:00 The role of the companion when the other is teaching.  16:50 Principle #2 The Gospel Blesses Individuals and Families. Creating a vision for people what the Gospel of Jesus Christ can do for them and for their family. Our message is that all individuals are part of God's family and that families can be united now and in eternity. A home established on gospel principles will be a place of refuge and safety.  23:15  Principle #3 Heavenly Father Reveals His Gospel in Every Dispensation.  24:00 The pattern of God calling prophets in different dispensations and each falling into apostacy. 27:10 Why we need prophets and why they teach repentance. 30:00 Principle #4 The Savior's Earthly Ministry and Atonement* 31:15 The Savior Jesus Christ is central to our message. Christ organizes and establishes His church on the earth with a purpose. 31:50 Principle #5 The Great Apostacy. After the death of Jesus Christ and His apostles, a universal apostacy occurred; the doctrine was corrupted, and unauthorized changes were made in Church organization and priesthood ordinances. Evidence of an apostacy were present then and now.  36:00 The important role of agency in the Lord's plan. 40:00 Principle #6 The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith   41:50 Sharing the story of the First Vision of the prophet Joseph Smith. 44:30 The restoration of Priesthood keys on the earth. 45:15 What did Joseph Smith learn from the First Vision? 46:19 Principle #7 The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ* The Book of Mormon becomes the evidence of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 47:10 A missionary must love and treasure the Book of Mormon. 47:30 Let the Book of Mormon speak for itself.  48:50  An invitation to read the Book of Mormon 49:18 Principle #8 Pray to Know the Truth through the Holy Ghost.* Helping someone to understand that they can speak the feelings of their hearts in prayer.  50:00 Missionaries set the expectation and the example at the beginning of the lesson. 55:00 The privilege of sharing this message with people they teach and helping connect them with Heaven. *These concepts and others are shared in more depth in other parts of Preach My Gospel and in other episodes. Thank you for joining us for this episode, please share with anyone who may have interest in serving a mission, their parents, and leaders. Be sure to follow and like for more! Also, follow us on Instagram @preach_my_gospel_podcast and on Facebook for additonal tools, tips, and ideas.

John, Brian, and Sean introduce the listeners to Chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel and discuss what they are to study and teach.  They talk about teaching in the Preach My Gospel way (from the heart after paying the price in preparation). They discuss the proper pacing of lessons and go over the various features found in each lesson such as the red and blue boxes and purple headings.  This episode will help listeners learn some principles and tips that will help them prepare to teach any of the 5 lessons. Episode Highlights: 1:00 Study, believe, love, live and THEN teach 3:43 The 5 lessons in Chapter 3 5:10 Teaching in the Preach My Gospel Way (from the heart after paying the price in preparation). 10:25 Memorization (powerful lines, scriptures, sequential headings) 13:40 Pacing lessons.  How long should a lesson go? 17:35 The significance of the "Your Purpose" box at the beginning of each lesson (Baptismal interview questions and invitations) 24:20 The purpose of the blue "Scripture Study" boxes and the value of using the scriptures in your lessons. 29:30 Invitation: Memorize the purple sequence headings and study the objective of lesson 1

The Lord said, "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed."  Sean, Brian, and John discuss the principles of effective study as a way to light your spiritual fire, obtain knowledge, develop skills, and prepare to help your friends progress in the gospel.  Episode Highlights:  1:00 First, seek to OBTAIN my word 8:30 The ability to teach with power will improve as we fall in love with the word of God 11:30 What can I do right now?  12:20 What are my doctrinal “gaps”?  14:28 Guides for study in each chapter of PMG  15:05 Use of a study Journal  16:30 What to study?  21:10 Two greatest resources  22:05 How to ignite the “flame of faith” to fight adversity  32:00 What does a missionary’s morning study schedule look like?  35:30 Why daily planning before personal study?  41:42 Companionship study- practice and prepare  46:30 Prepare to teach simply for understanding  54:00 Concluding thoughts & suggestions.

After a brief introduction of the hosts, Brian and Sean have a conversation about the missionary purpose found in Chapter 1 of Preach My Gospel. They discuss how the missionary purpose fits into the mission of Jesus Christ. Episode 1: Ch 1 Our Missionary Purpose :50 Introductions of John Gonzalez, Brian Patterson, and Sean Dixon 10:30 Podcast Background 11:45 Why does God exist? What is His purpose? Does He have a mission statement? 16:00 This is God's work (David & Goliath) 18:50 Why do we exist? What is the purpose of a missionary? 26:30 Where does our purpose come from? Our commission to teach the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Understanding the Power & Authority of your calling. 34:30 The Doctrine within the Missionary Purpose This is called The Doctrine of Christ or the Gospel of Jesus Chrirst. 43:35 Helping others make commitments: Invite and Help 52:28 Inspired Summary: Teach Repentance & Baptize Converts. The Door to Faith Repentance. P. 8 PMG 59:20 Role Play - Use your purpose to make decisions regarding what you can and should do. 1:02 Missionaries have many reasons why they serve a mission. but no matter what their reasons, their purpose is the same.

How can you grow into the principle of revelation and learn to be spiritually led at this critical time of your life? Listen in as Sean and Brian discuss a pattern outlined in President Russell M. Nelson's talk "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives" (April 2018). "Follow the example of the Prophet Joseph: 1. Find a quiet place where you can regularly go. 2. Humble yourself before God. 3. Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Turn to Him for answers and for comfort. 4. Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart. 5. And then listen! 6. Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take. As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will “grow into the principle of revelation.” (April 2018) To subscribe to the podcast and to interact with the hosts, offer topic and guest suggestions, and provide feedback, please click on the following link and become part of the podcast. https://forms.office.com/r/r7516nkf1m