Is Elders Quorum Working?

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in June 2019. We
are instructed in the General Handbook (8.1.1) that “Members of the
elders quorum work together to help accomplish the work of
salvation and exaltation. They serve others, fulfill priesthood
duties, build unity, and learn and live doctrine.” How effective is
your quorum at succeeding in this purpose? Is there more that can
be done to leverage the inspired quorum structure that has been
restored in these latter days? The reality is, men live lives of
quiet desperation even while attending elders quorum once a week.
They attend elders quorum with the hope of brotherhood, unity, and
a restoration of their heart. Every man is striving to answer one
question, “Do I have what it takes?” They wonder if they have what
it takes to support a family, keep their job, overcome addiction,
maintain their worthiness. They know the restored gospel can help
them answer that question but they don’t know where to find the
answer. In this episode, Kurt Francom discusses some points to
consider related to the heart of men and how the adversary is
winning the heart of many men in ways we may not expect. There is
great opportunity to build brotherhood in our quorum in order to
give more purpose in the lives of those who attend. Kurt also
discusses the powerful experience he and others have had by
attending a Wild at Heart Boot Camp and how it can help establish
an effective model for increasing elders quorum brotherhood and
unity. Next Boot Camp Details & Registration Highlights 02:45
Is Elder’s quorum a revelatory experience? 04:20 The number one
thing that men would change about Elder’s Quorum, that isn’t a
policy, is to have more informal meetings and get togethers. They
are seeking more connection and comradery. 06:25 What is the
purpose of Elders Quorum? 08:20 Never let an Elders Quorum meeting
turn into another Sunday School class. 9:45 As an Elders Quorum
Presidency, are you fulfilling your purpose to: Serve others Build
unity and brotherhood Instruct members on doctrines, principles,
and duties 11:45 Kurt quotes a blog by Sheldon Lawrence, “A Quorum
of Strangers.” Mormon men live isolated and lonely lives. 14:00
Kurt quotes proverbs 12:27 “The substance of a diligent man is
precious.” 14:30 What is the biggest threat to men today? The heart
of men is under attack. Everyday men ask themselves, “Do I have
what it takes?” 16:25 How does the adversary work? 19:25 Kurt talks
about how to help the men that are struggling and the things that
are probably not going to help. 23:45 Kurt describes the book Wild
at Heart by John Eldridge. The main three concepts of the book are:
A battle to fight An adventure to live A beauty to rescue 28:00
Kurt relates his experience of going to the Wild at Heart boot
camp, which Kurt describes as a leadership conference in the woods.
33:00 Chris shares his story of healing, doubting God, and going to
the Wild at Heart men’s retreat. 44:00 The thing that impressed
Chris most about the retreat was how the men interacted with each
other. They came together and “prayed on” each other. 46:40 One
thing that Chris was introduced to at the retreat is worship music
and it’s something that he has been able to take home to keep
changing. 48:00 Steve shares his experience at the Wild at Heart
retreat and recovery from addiction. 50:30 The biggest thing that
impacted Steve was experiencing God’s love through brotherhood.
54:00 James White from Southern California shares his journey
getting to boot camp and his experience there. 59:20 James from
Utah shares his struggle with pornography, going through the shame
cycle, and his anger with God. Boot camp changed the spiritual
trajectory of his life. 1:06:35 Orin shares how going to boot camp
helped him and how it strengthened his relationship with God.
1:11:40 Kurt concludes by sharing more about the retreat and how to
sign up. Links