Teaching Restored

Something big is about to change how gospel teaching happens, and we’re feeling the impact. We share our honest reactions and dig into what these adjustments actually mean for us, our homes, and our wards/branches.This episode is driven by real questions: what’s the difference between a tiny tweak and blowing up the old ways? We discuss what “lifelong discipleship” means and why the leaders keep repeating it. You’ll hear our debate about how the new home-centered approach affects ordinary wards, why some feel like it’s a radical shift while others see more of the same, and how leaders see things from a global perspective that most of us never experience. Key topics include:Whether the change is a “blow up” or just a small tweakThe focus on lifelong discipleship and what it signalsPressure and challenges for families and teachers at homeHow local wards and stakes differ in adapting to church-supported, home-centered principlesThe pain and reality of people leaving, and how these adjustments might helpWe hash out what we see, what we feel, and what might be coming next, emphasizing the ongoing tension between church and home, between tradition and meaningful change.

Looking to become a more effective gospel teacher for your class, family, or friends? This episode dives into the importance of using variety in teaching—which keeps students engaged, sparks curiosity, and invites the Spirit into every lesson, whether at home or in the classroom. Marie Owens shares practical, doable strategies like changing up your physical setup, incorporating multimedia and technology (including music and art), and using active learning activities to make gospel principles memorable and meaningful. The hosts and guest emphasize that small changes—like switching rooms, trying new types of questions, or letting students create—can have a big impact. You’ll also get tips for finding new ideas and balancing creativity with solid doctrine, all while keeping your focus on bringing others closer to Christ. 1. Mix Things Up: Small adjustments in classroom setup, technology use, and lesson activities can engage learners and make every lesson fresh and exciting.2. Involve Everyone: Let students participate in teaching, discussion, and creative activities—they’ll remember and feel the gospel more deeply.3. Stay Centered on Christ: Whatever methods you use, the goal is always to help others feel the Spirit and draw nearer to Jesus Christ.

Many miss out on the full impact of General Conference by only listening passively, but viewing the talks with a "teacher mindset" brings deeper inspiration and understanding. Kevin and Julie share practical ways to dive into topics, ask meaningful questions, and prepare to teach, whether at church or in your own home. Applying this approach will transform your Conference experience and make gospel teaching and learning more exciting and relevant. 1. Approach General Conference talks with a teacher’s perspective—search for topics and questions you can discuss and teach, not just information to absorb.2. Focus on real discussions about gospel topics and invite genuine questions, instead of just “teaching a lesson” or covering content.3. Use study and discussion tools (like the Gospel Library app) to link conference topics, deepen your preparation, and involve others in meaningful gospel learning.

Struggling to make scripture study meaningful (or even possible) with your family? You’re not alone! Join Kevin, Julie, and guest Kristen Walker Smith as they get real about the trials and triumphs of teaching faith at home. Learn practical, flexible strategies like the "One Minute Scripture Study," the SWORD method for scripture engagement, plus tips for working with busy, neurodiverse, or resistant family members. This episode is filled with encouragement and wisdom for every gospel teacher or parent—because when it comes to bringing the gospel home, every effort counts.1. Focus on Feelings, Not Just Format: Shift the goal from the “perfect” scripture study routine to creating a positive, meaningful experience—even a single verse, hymn, or heartfelt discussion counts.2. Adapt to Your Family’s Needs: Use ceiling and floor goals, adjust for neurodivergent or reluctant children, and lean on practical tools like the SWORD method to engage everyone.3. Emphasize Patterns and Personal Application: Consistency and personal connection to the scriptures are more important than length or depth—help kids build their own spiritual habits and see themselves in God’s word.

Is it sometimes difficult to see Jesus Christ in certain chapters of the Old Testament? In this episode, we examine why Christ is present throughout scripture—even in passages where he seems invisible—and how to strengthen our ability to recognize him, both in the text and in our everyday lives.We talk about how types and shadows work and why everything God gives bears record of the Savior. By practicing with everyday objects and familiar stories, we show how spiritual muscles can be developed to find Christ everywhere—including pens, power chargers, and even McDonald's drive-thrus. The conversation covers:Definitions and differences between types and shadowsPractical methods for teaching these concepts in classrooms and at homeCautions against overcomplicating or forcing symbolism that isn’t thereThe importance of explicitly connecting principles and experiences back to Jesus ChristHow seeing Christ in scripture transforms personal relationships with himOur discussion encourages a shift from merely identifying connections to deepening our ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ. We share practical tips, memorable stories, and honest reflections about how to make gospel study more transformative for ourselves and those we teach.

Ever wondered how to tackle tough gospel questions with love and clarity? Join us as Jasmin Rappleye shares her inspired approach to teaching the gospel on social media, embracing curiosity and empathy! Discover tips for asking deeper questions, balancing faith and facts, and connecting with God amidst the challenges. Plus, practical resources that empower you to grow and help others on their faith journey.

This episode explores how gospel teachers can shift from focusing on delivering content to supporting real conversion and daily scripture study. Kevin and Julie dive into the Come Follow Me booklet’s introduction, discussing its guidance for teachers to prioritize personal spiritual experiences and the companionship of the Spirit. Rather than just presenting new information, the true goal is to help others grow and share their experiences, creating a supportive classroom culture. The conversation invites teachers to reframe their role, focusing on supporting their class members’ study and application at home.

In this episode of Teaching Restored, Brent Top joins Kevin and Julie to explore how to teach complex gospel principles in a way that truly connects with people’s lives. Brent Top introduces the idea of being a “gospel mechanic”—breaking down deep doctrines into simple, understandable parts and then letting learners piece them together for themselves. The discussion covers real-life experiences from the mission field, handling tough gospel questions, and how authentic listening can lead to real learning and growth. Instead of just providing answers, teachers are encouraged to guide discovery and help others see how gospel pieces fit together in their own lives. This approach makes learning the gospel easy, meaningful, and spiritually powerful for everyone involved.1. Break it Down to Build it Up: Make even the deepest gospel subjects simple and relatable by breaking them into smaller pieces students can connect and assemble themselves.2. Let Learners Discover: True conversion happens when individuals put the gospel puzzle together rather than just being told the answers—guide with questions, not just explanations.3. Focus on Real Connection: Successful teaching is rooted in authenticity and listening; sometimes, the most powerful lessons come from letting others share and process their own challenges.

This episode of Teaching Restored discusses the importance of teaching directly from the scriptures, not just summarizing or retelling familiar gospel stories. Kevin) and Kyle share practical advice and examples of how scripture-centered teaching invites the Spirit, deepens understanding, and helps students learn to seek personal revelation. Teachers are encouraged to create interactive, meaningful experiences in their classrooms—even if it feels a bit messy—because that's when the most powerful learning happens. 1. Teach from the Scriptures: Using actual scripture in your lessons lets the Lord teach what matters most and prevents us from unintentionally spreading incorrect assumptions or traditions. 2. Create Real Experiences: Help students become active learners by inviting them to search, mark, and question as they read; this helps them build their own faith and understanding. 3. Let Learning Be Messy: Gospel learning isn’t about perfection—it’s about growth for both students and teachers, so don’t be afraid if lessons don’t go as planned. ______________ Subscribe for more free YouTube episodes: https://www.youtube.com/teachingrestored?sub_confirmation=1 Find all episodes: https://teachingrestored.com Ask a question for us to answer on our podcast: https://teachingrestored.com/contact-us/ Join us on: ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachingrestored ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachingrestored ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teachingrestored ✅ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teachingrestored

This episode of Teaching Restored dives into practical ways teachers can address challenging and current issues in the classroom while maintaining a spirit of love and reflection. Art shares his journey reporting on LDS news and explains how condensing information into meaningful headlines helps teachers focus their lessons. The panel discusses the value of naming tensions, making space for faith struggles, and asking thoughtful, reflexive questions to foster safety and learning. Teachers are encouraged to prioritize discussion, embrace both macro and micro perspectives, and use tools to improve the quality of their questions. 1. Name the Tension: Don’t be afraid to openly acknowledge difficult or paradoxical topics in class for a safer and more honest environment.2. Focus on Reflexive Questions: Move away from opinion-based questions (“What do you think?”) toward ones that invite reflection and connect doctrinal principles to personal experience.3. Value the Struggle: Create classroom and church spaces where members, including teachers, can wrestle with tough issues—this is often where the deepest growth and connection to Christ occurs.💡 As teachers, we can turn tough topics into sacred learning moments! From naming classroom tensions to asking deeper, reflexive questions, this episode is loaded with tips for creating a safe space for faith, discussion, and honest wrestling.TeachingRestored LDS GospelTeaching ComeFollowMe FaithJourney churchnews ______________Subscribe for more free YouTube episodes: https://www.youtube.com/teachingrestored?sub_confirmation=1 Find all episodes: https://teachingrestored.com Ask a question for us to answer on our podcast: https://teachingrestored.com/contact-us/ Join us on:✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachingrestored✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachingrestored✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teachingrestored✅ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teachingrestored

Julie and Kevin explore the art of giving meaningful invitations in teaching the restored gospel. They discuss why traditional methods often fall flat and explore how real invitations combine encouragement, enticement, and inspiration to promote lasting change. The episode unpacks scriptural patterns, practical teaching strategies, and the need for personal revelation in linking invitations to daily discipleship. 1. Effective Invitations Are More Than Words: Just saying "I invite you to..." isn’t enough; true invitations should be inspiring and enticing.2. Connect Invitations to Promised Blessings: Focusing on the blessings and “enticements” helps learners see the value and motivation behind acting.3. Make Invitations Relevant and Personalized: The Spirit is the real inviter—facilitate discussion so each person discovers their unique invitation.4. Daily Application Is Key: The best invitations prompt small, daily actions rather than one-off tasks, aligning with patterns of discipleship and personal growth. In this episode, Julie and Kevin discuss the topic of how to extend invitations that actually inspire change. They challenge the typical, formulaic way gospel teachers make invitations and discover a richer approach found in scripture—one that goes beyond simple requests to real enticement and inspiration. Real-life examples and personal experiences highlight the need for blessings-focused discussions and individualized application. The hosts teach that facilitating Spirit-led invitations in lessons and connecting them to daily habits has far greater impact. By the end, listeners are encouraged to move away from blanket invitations and towards fostering personal revelation and meaningful action.______________Subscribe for more free YouTube episodes: https://www.youtube.com/teachingrestored?sub_confirmation=1 Find all episodes: https://teachingrestored.com Ask a question for us to answer on our podcast: https://teachingrestored.com/contact-us/ Join us on:✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachingrestored✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachingrestored✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teachingrestored✅ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teachingrestored

Discover how focusing on belonging, empathy, and the Savior transforms the way we teach about the temple to youth and adults. In this episode, Kevin, Julie, and guest Will Humphreys dive into powerful approaches for preparing youth and adults to attend the temple. They explore the deep emotional and spiritual blessings tied to temple worship, especially how it combats anxiety and fosters a true sense of belonging. Practical strategies are shared for motivating youth through connection, and adults through understanding unique life circumstances—all while keeping the Savior at the heart of the teaching. The discussion highlights the importance of language, empathy, and redefining familiar concepts to make the temple journey meaningful and personal. Listeners will walk away with new perspectives and actionable insights to help others (and themselves) draw closer to Jesus Christ through the temple.

Discover how “flipped” church learning can transform your gospel study at home and church into powerful, hands-on spiritual growth. 1. The “flipped” classroom model works for gospel learning—study at home, then apply together at church.2. Church can become a spiritual “lab” for practical application, problem-solving, and real discussion, not just lectures.3. True understanding comes from engaging both mind and heart, not just memorizing information.4. Creating active councils invites everyone to contribute, drives motivation, and increases spiritual growth individually and as a group. Julie and Kevin break down how switching from traditional lecturing to a “flipped” church model can supercharge gospel learning. Instead of just absorbing information at church, members prepare at home, then collaborate, solve problems, and counsel together in class—making church a spiritual lab. They share real-world examples from elders quorum, illustrating how breaking into small group councils generates powerful solutions and deeper engagement. The episode emphasizes that motivation comes easier when everyone feels accountable and sees real impact from their ideas—especially youth. Ultimately, embracing this approach empowers genuine home-centered gospel growth and transforms teachers and learners alike.______________Subscribe for more free YouTube episodes: https://www.youtube.com/teachingrestored?sub_confirmation=1 Find all episodes: https://teachingrestored.com Ask a question for us to answer on our podcast: https://teachingrestored.com/contact-us/ Join us on:✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachingrestored✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachingrestored✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teachingrestored✅ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teachingrestored

Teaching the Old Testament can feel overwhelming, even for experienced teachers. In this episode, we confess our own insecurities and share what makes studying this ancient scripture both intimidating and rewarding. It’s a new year—2026—and we’re determined to conquer the Old Testament together. Kevin, Julie, and Kyle walk through practical strategies for both personal study and classroom teaching to make the Old Testament approachable and memorable. Their discussion focuses on giving teachers the tools they need to create solid frameworks by starting with the plan of salvation, organizing with timelines, and understanding the compilation of these ancient writings. Major highlights include: - The power of mapping out the plan of salvation as a foundation for Old Testament study - How a visual timeline helps students keep their footing through complex stories - Understanding how the Old Testament is organized and why it matters - The depth added by recognizing symbolism—from numbers to colors to directions - Clarity around the concept of “divine investiture of authority” and the presence of Jesus Christ throughout the Old Testament They share resources, suggest classroom exercises, and give examples from family life that can bring these insights to life. Whether you’re teaching youth or adults, or just looking to enrich your personal study, you’ll find approaches that move the Old Testament from “fringe” to familiar, fostering greater spiritual understanding and appreciation. ______________ Subscribe for more free YouTube episodes: https://www.youtube.com/teachingrestored?sub_confirmation=1 Find all episodes: https://teachingrestored.com Ask a question for us to answer on our podcast: https://teachingrestored.com/contact-us/ Join us on: ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachingrestored ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachingrestored ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teachingrestored ✅ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teachingrestored