How I Lead in a Pageant Presidency | An Interview with John Deacon

John Deacon lives in Durham, England with his wife of 23 years,
Debbie, and their two teenage children. He runs a finance company
based in the UK. John has most recently served for nine years on
the Sunderland Stake Presidency and is currently serving on the
British Pageant Presidency, a unique and unexpected calling.
Highlights 02:30 John’s background and previous callings 11:00
After getting released from the Stake Presidency, John was called
to lead in the Pageant Presidency 16:45 What is the purpose and
mission of having pageants? The pageant is a vehicle to bring
people to Christ. 20:20 Is this something that is going to be
transformational? What can we do to make pageants, church meetings,
and activities transformational experiences? 22:40 John summarizes
what the British pageant is about. The story is taken from the
journals of 2 to 3 families. 25:00 John gives behind the scenes
details. The cast members apply and are set apart to participate,
similarly to a calling. 30:00 Allow people to fulfill their calling
without getting in the way. John describes his calling as
empowering others to do their part and use their talents. 38:15
About 900 volunteers are involved in making the pageant happen plus
other departments of the Church 39:30 John isn’t involved in the
creative planning or acting in the pageant. His role is to provide
spiritual leadership. He is there to help create a spiritual
experience for the cast and the people attending. 44:00 John
explains more on the casting. It’s a very competitive process.
47:00 Working together as a pageant presidency is reflective of a
Stake Presidency 49:00 This isn’t just a show; it’s a vehicle to
greater things 49:00 A key part of any leadership calling is not
letting your own feelings and opinions get in the way of hearing
the spirit and doing what God wants you to do 50:30 The next
pageant is in August 2023 52:50 Protestors at the pageant 54:20
John shares final thoughts and how being a leader has made him a
better follower of Jesus Christ Links British Pageant Read the
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