Part 1: Changing Church Culture by Gathering the Saints | An Interview with Jacob Hansen

Jacob Hansen grew up immersed in and passionate about ideas about
the world. He grew up near Sparks, Nevada, in a blue-collar family
with parents who now serve as a State Senator and in the Nevada
State Assembly. He served a Church mission to Argentina and
attended both Brigham Young University and BYU-Hawaii, graduating
with a degree in Operations/Supply Chain Management. He then
partnered with another recent-grad to start a company that
continues to grow. Jacob married his college sweetheart, Erica, and
they have four children. He loves just about anything that takes
him on an adventure. Find the follow-up to this podcast here: Part
2: Changing Church Culture by Gathering the Saints | Jacob Hansen
and the Long Beach East Stake Links Part 2: Changing Church Culture
by Gathering the Saints | Jacob Hansen and the Long Beach East
Stake YouTube @thoughtfulfaith2020 "Creating Genuine Belonging:
Could This Revolutionize the Church?" Thoughtful-Faith.com Facebook
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podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights
1:40 Introduction to Jacob Hansen, the creator of Thoughtful Faith
YouTube channel. 3:10 A part of Jacob’s YouTube channel are formal
debates. Listening to Christian vs Atheist debates saved Jacob’s
testimony. 6:30 Contrast is what creates clarity. That’s why Jacob
likes to talk to people that disagree with him and have debates.
7:30 Should most people debate? Formal debate is a skill set and
not recommended for everyone. It’s not a good way to minister to
someone. 10:00 Although argument doesn’t create conviction and
belief, a lack of argument destroys the climate where belief can
flourish. 11:30 Interest-based programs. Why are they important in
the Church? We can combine values and people’s interests to create
a great experience. 17:00 Ministry should happen at a ward level
but when it comes to interest based activities you can do them at a
stake level. Stop forcing people to go to activities they have no
interest in. 20:30 We need to gather in these sub-interest groups
for community and human connection between the saints. It’s not
about entertainment. 22:00 How can Relief Society presidents and
elders quorum presidents begin to implement interest-based
activities? It can happen at the ward level but it’s easier for
stake leaders because there are lots of people. 26:45 More people
will engage in these interest-based activities because it’s
actually something they are interested in. It’s also something that
non members will show up to. Activities are a much better way to do
missionary work. 29:30 These activities are not a ploy to get
people baptized but we are bringing the Spirit into someone’s life
and then they can decide what they want to do with it. We are
facilitating opportunities and loving people. 34:00 Ultimately life
is about being one with God and one with each other. The most
valuable thing that we have in our lives is our relationships.
That's why we do what we do. That’s why we are building community
and groups. 35:50 What about the budget? Start with activities that
you don’t need a budget for, such as a yoga night or jujitsu night.
38:00 Why not just do these activities outside the church entirely?
38:30 What if your idea isn’t supported by the bishop or other
leaders? 40:30 Liability for these activities. How do we deal with
it? Create a simple waiver. 42:30 The point is not the activities
themselves. It’s about the vision. 48:00 Thoughts on being a leader
The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day
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help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and
listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.
Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler,