Mormon Sunday School Podcast: Influence of Leaders

[Old-Timer]

I participated last week in Jared Anderson’s Mormon Sunday School podcast based on Lesson 27 (1 Kings 12; 13; 14; 2 Chronicles 10:7; 17; 20). The lesson theme was “The influence of wicked and righteous leaders,” and the discussion in Sections 2 and 3 focused on leadership in the LDS Church.

I want to share the podcast and ask everyone to let me know what they think.

“The Influence of Wicked and Righteous Leaders” (http://www.mormonsundayschool.org/104-2-wicked-and-righteous-leaders-ot-lesson-27-study-notes/)

(The audio link is at the bottom of the summary text, directly below the “resources” section.)

[SilentDawning]

I listened to the whole thing. At the time I listened to it, I didn’t get that it was you in the podcast, Ray — only realized it after the fact when I re-read your opening post here.

I liked the podcast. I listened to it all even though it was over an hour. I thought it was balanced to begin with, deeper than what you get in Sunday School, and willing to entertain ways the accountability/checks and balances for local leaders could be improved. It gave some practical ideas for teaching your kids how to interact with local leaders on issues of morality. In short, it was a good alternative to Sunday school for people who are frustrated with the lack of critical thinking in our Sunday meetings.

I also felt it was an example of the way I feel the bloggernacle culture is asserting the importance of the individuals’ direct relationship with God. A relationship that is just as important as the relationship/direction individuals receive from leaders (if not more important). I liked how there are a ton of Ted talks on leadership — all drawn from secular sources as a supplement. And I liked how the participants were able to bring forth ideas on how to improve the church — something that isn’t allowed in our regular Sunday meetings.

Small concern that the site sounds a bit like a formal alternative to Sunday School given its name “Mormon Sunday School” — some might consider it official and the church of course gets territorial over anything like that. I personally don’t have a problem with it, but the church might.

I will probably frequent this site again. Thanks for sending it our way. It was also good to hear the sound of your voice, Ray. I went back and listened a second time to parts of it so I could then listen with my Ray hat on.

I noticed they call it Mormon Stories Sunday School — is there an affiliation with John Dehlin or Mormon Stories?

[Old-Timer]

I don’t know, SD.

Just as an fyi for everyone who hasn’t checked it out but will, the first half is Jared reviewing and analyzing the assigned scriptures. My involvement is in the second half – starting with the introduction of the discussion segments at about 29:30.

[SilentDawning]

I realized that when I listened to it. It was still a good lesson overall. I like how Jared indicates elsewhere on the site that in his profession, “thinking is an occupational hazard”. How true for many of us as rank and file members of the church!

[SilentDawning]

To Ray — the site is affiliated with Mormon Stories.

The inaugral podcast starts with what sounds like John Dehlin introducing the show and indicating it is part of the Mormon Stories Foundation.

http://www.mormonsundayschool.org/001-introduction-to-mormon-stories-sunday-school/

[Old-Timer]

Okay. 🙂

[SunbeltRed]

Ray,

Been enjoying the Podcast so far :clap: . I haven’t finished it yet, but a couple items I really liked:

The comparison of Settlers and Explorers. Both have unique qualities, both are needed, but sometimes there is tension because the motivations are different (probably a lot of explorers on this site ).

Also the points about King Noah and how we was a good king/bad king based on those whose motivations aligned to his goals. But the broader point of good leadership is that a good leader is someone who helps those they have influence over to become more Christ like (in a spiritual sense) or help people progress forward in a positive way (be kinder, more generous, less judgmental).

I have listened to Jared’s podcasts for a long time and have used his material in preparing Gospel Doctrine lessons in the past. His last few podcasts really bugged me (which I could post on later if anyone else has listened to them) but this weeks were really good. Enjoyed hearing your voice!

-SBRed

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