What makes powerful gospel teaching? What are the effective elements that any teacher— no matter their training, situation, or personality—can implement so that deepened faith and conversion can happen in the lives of learners? In this episode, brother Chad Webb and Elder Clark Gilbert highlight essential principles and practices that invite the influence of the Spirit of God to foster powerful gospel teaching.

Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share insights that highlight key principles and practices of effective gospel teaching.

President Dallin H. Oaks has taught that “every member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is, or will be, a teacher. Each of us has a vital interest in the content and effectiveness of gospel teaching.” How might we prepare ourselves to teach with clarity and the inspiration of the Holy Ghost? In this episode professors John Hilton III and Casey Griffiths introduce “Y Religion Presents,” a special series of weekly episodes on a common theme. The 2025 motif focuses on gospel teaching. In the following eleven episodes, leading experts discuss a variety of approaches, skills, and techniques for teaching—at home or in church—in the Savior’s way. Each episode is intercut with perspectives from two presenters, providing diverse voices, multiple applications, and more holistic approaches to touch the hearts and enlighten the minds of students. Listeners preparing to teach in any capacity can take away new approaches and perspectives as they continue to hone their craft of teaching.

When some elders criticized the language of Joseph Smith’s revelations in 1831, the Lord provided powerful truths in Doctrine and Covenants 67 to strengthen their faith—truths that remain vital for us today. In this podcast, Professor Searle outlines five key principles from the section that can help us build greater trust in prophetic counsel: (1) act on the prophet’s invitations, (2) recognize righteousness within revelations, (3) sincerely seek Jesus Christ, (4) follow the guidance of the Spirit, and (5) move forward in faith. Trusting prophets is crucial for spiritual growth and navigating uncertainty, and learning from the challenges of past can give us greater power to follow the prophet in our day.

Publications:

· “Following Prophets When We Have Questions (Section 67)” in Doctrine and Covenants Insights (Religious Studies Center, 2025).

Click here to learn more about Travis Searle