Gathering Israel with the Youth | An Interview with Brad Lowder

Brad Lowder is a senior vice president at FamilySearch
International. He has experience across media, marketing,
advertising, and communications industries, and is an accomplished
television producer and screenwriter. Prior to working for
FamilySearch, Brad’s career included working in newspaper, radio,
and satellite broadcasting where he produced live sporting events.
He was also managing partner of two advertising agencies, chief
marketing officer of a national franchise, and vice president of
marketing and sales for an electronics company. Brad also owned a
broadcasting company that created and produced a
globally-syndicated radio program. Brad's church callings have
included serving in a YSA Bishopric (twice), as a stake and ward
Young Men president, on his stake high council, as a deacons and
teachers quorum advisor, and stake director of public affairs. Brad
served in the Germany Munich Mission and has a BA in Advertising
from Brigham Young University. His interests include travel, cross
country motorcycle trips, hiking, skiing, beekeeping, and spoiling
his grandchildren. Brad is married to Marjorie Nelson Lowder and
between them they have seven children and thirteen grandchildren.
Links The Life of Sister Dantzel White Nelson | An Interview with
Marjorie Nelson Lowder FamilySearch Get Involved Ordinances Ready
"How family stories help children weather hard times" "The 'Do You
Know?' 20 Questions About Family Stories" Share your thoughts in
the Leading Saints community Read the transcript of this podcast
Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Brad shares
insights into his role at FamilySearch, where he focuses on
engaging the rising generation in family history work. He explains
how the increasing number of temples worldwide necessitates a
greater effort in record acquisition and indexing to support
members in their temple work. Brad emphasizes the significance of
integrating family history into the lives of youth, encouraging
leaders to empower young people to take the lead in gathering
Israel on both sides of the veil. He introduces practical tools
such as the "Get Involved" app and the "Ordinances Ready" feature,
which make it easier for youth to participate in temple work. The
episode also delves into the psychological benefits of knowing
family history, citing research that shows how understanding one's
ancestry can enhance resilience and a sense of identity among
youth. Brad encourages leaders to create a culture where family
history is a natural part of worship and community activities,
rather than a separate event. He shares strategies for
incorporating family history into existing programs, making it fun
and engaging for the rising generation. The episode concludes with
Brad's enthusiasm for the potential of family history work to bless
individuals and families, reinforcing the idea that this work is
not just a task but a joyful and meaningful experience that
connects generations. 04:11 - Personal Story: Asking for a
Daughter's Hand in Marriage 08:34 - Day Job: Senior Vice President
at FamilySearch 10:06 - Impact of Temple Building on FamilySearch
12:36 - Challenges of Record Acquisition in New Temple Districts
15:14 - Introduction to the Get Involved App 17:00 - AI and
FamilySearch: The Future of Genealogy 18:03 - Engaging the Rising
Generation in Family History 20:10 - Starting with the Savior: The
Foundation of Family History 21:38 - Using Ordinances Ready for
Temple Work 22:32 - Adding What You Know: Building Your Family Tree
25:00 - The Experience of Converts in Family History 27:17 - Family
Name Assist: Helping Converts Prepare for the Temple 29:10 -
Integrating Family History into Church Culture 30:18 - The
Importance of Family Stories for Resilience 36:12 - Making Family
History a Natural Part of Worship 44:08 - Sharing Family History
with Non-Members: A Personal Experience The award-winning Leading
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