If you are a Latter-day Saint, what would you ask a Pastor? If you are a Protestant, what would you ask a Bishop?

I am a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I grew up in different churches and went to a very strict Baptist University in Virginia. But I kept thinking there has to be something out there where it isn't just going to church on Sunday morning for 2 hours unless it was cut short. Three years before we began investigating the church, my mom won an all expense paid vacation to Hawaii. She was very prim and proper. When they arrived, it was hot, and they said they had to shower three if not four times a day. Then they went to the Polynesian cultral center, and she said it was a cool breeze, and before she knew it, she filled out the form at the end. A week later, missionaries came. Mom told them they couldn't come in because my dad had just gotten home from work and was sleeping. Every Saturday for a month, they rode their bikes almost 10 miles to our house. Then they came on a Wednesday. That was when things changed. The Church I was going to had a change in ministers, and I didn't feel comfortable around him. I stopped going to church and started attending the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The minister came to my work, department store. In front of everyone, he started telling me i was going to Hell for even having the missionaries in my home. My manager came up and asked if he needed to call the police. I told him, "No, because the more he screams and shakes his first at me and cusses, the more i know I'm doing what the devil doesn't like. " This same minister was fired for having an affair and beating his wife. I've been a member for over 35 years. I married a return missionary who is 4 years younger, and if I had joined the church earlier, I wouldn't have even looked at him to date. We have been married 33 years. Married in the Atlanta Temple. We have 2 kids. Our son went on a mission where he was given the opportunity to baptize over 25 people. He says he didn't do it but was given the opportunity to perform the baptism because Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are the ones who open the people's hearts and minds to learn. Growing up in different churches every 3-5 years, our preachers/ ministers were moved. So even if it is a lifetime calling, they still moved around. When I joined the church, I wondered why there weren't any female bishops, but then I learned women are given a greater calling, to raise righteous children and serve others. Let me add when i was in college, I was going to become a reverend. I had a female minister that I loved and am still in contact with her. I know now that it is OK for women not to hold the calling of a bishop because women have a harder calling. My mom passed away almost 3 years ago, and I'm so thankful for the church and all the love and support I've received because this has been the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. When my mom died, we got guardianship over my younger sister and brother. Both are Downs Syndrome. I've been in counseling for 3 years, and I know I wouldn't have gotten counseling if it wasn't for my church because I've tried counselors who aren't members. I know without a doubt I'm exactly where I'm meant to be. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me even when I make mistakes. My Heavenly Father shows me this every day. The day of my momma s funeral, I was crying uncontrollably. I was angry. I don't believe in calling Heavenly Father God because I personally feel it is equivalent to calling my earthly father by his given name. I said, "God, I've always loved knowing You only give me as much as I can handle. I can't do this. Just take me now. " At that exact moment, I felt my mommas hand on my forehead and cheek like she did when checking our temperature. I don't remember anything else until my husband said "Youu havetoo eat or drink something". I thought I had just gone to slee, but it was 15+ hours that I slept. I knew then that I'm so LOVED by my Heavenly Father, and I've not doubted Him since then.

My husband is currently serving as a bishop of a ward and I wanted to add to the discussion. Before being extended the calling I was asked in private about the character of my husband and how he treated me in both public and private. While my husband is the bishop, the calling was presented to both of us and it is the work of both husband and wife. The experience shared about a Sunday seems to be an extreme example. My husband is at church for about 4 hours on Sunday along with 2 to 3 other evenings a week.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints. I have had a number spiritual experiences since joining and I have a testimony of the prophets and leaders of my church. I am grateful and happy to be a member.🖖

I am also a RS President. I love my calling. I love to minister to the sisters and I feel the mantle of leadership and it’s amazing how the spirit works! I am currently assigning ministering sisters. So many amazing women serving in our church! I feel blessed to be in such a calling and have the opportunity to help others!!

I’m 66, a lifelong member, and my LDS membership is so deeply sacred! Tears fill my eyes as I count my blessings in deep gratitude for being so very lucky compared to those who live without the knowledge and comfort afforded by my membership in this beautiful religion. I feel each day, an expectation from the Lord to do my best, serve and magnify my own callings because of these precious blessings. I grew up in a very liberal city, with few members, but those members, especially my bishops were rock solid examples of being like Jesus Christ. I was given vital, timely, inspired advice from each of these Bishops, and I honor them for being true to this holy priesthood calling.

OUR GRANDFATHER WAS A BISHOP AND HE HELPED US HIS GRANDCHILDREN TO BE TAUGHT BY THE FULL TIME MISSIONARIES, BE BAPTIZED AND BECAME MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS. WE ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL TO HIM FOR HIS ACT OF LOVE AND KINDNESS.

I remember when a family friend got released from being a bishop, someone asked him what he was going to do now he was released. He said 'go home and take a nap.'

I can't even begin to tell you how much i love my bishop. Not only does he do all the typical duties of running the ward, but he truly cares for the individual person. My husband and I are Chronically ill. My bishop has gone with us to the er late in the night. He sat with us in the waiting room and helped in all he could. He also showed up to teach my oldest son how to mow the lawn because my husband couldn't show him. And that is only my family. I don't know how he does it, but he does. I love him and appreciate him so much

I'm a middle school teacher, and I collect cards and notes in a folder, too. I call it my sunshine folder, and I read through it on hard days. I'm also a recently called Relief Society President in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I love this discussion on leadership. Thanks, brothers!

I am a latter day saint in Australia, what you are discussing is the same through out the world in the church. We are one, we all have bishops who do similar things, no matter where we go in the world it is the same. We all have testimonies of the truth. Any one of us would do the same as this wonderful bishop or aspire to do it. We all experience small to amazing miracles on a regular basis. We have burning testimonies that the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints is Christ's restored church. Where ever you go in the world it is the same.

I've known Clint Pulver since 2010. The man is truly a legend. Whoever thought that drummer and bishop would be embodied by the same being. Pretty cool.

Man! I LOVED when Clint came to my high school years ago and played his drums and gave us a motivational speech. I have no doubt that Clint connects wonderfully with the youth of his ward.

I love the church of Jesus Christ of lader day saints. They have different teachers or members of the congregations speak . I love this, it gives all the opportunity to grow, witness and teach of our Lord and Savior Lord Jesus. . Thanks Jeff .

I am proud LDS SAINT thank you

A bishop is called to serve as a bishop for an average of 5 years, but we hold the office of a bishop for life, even after being released.

There's one point that need be made though, a pastor is an employee of the church, he's employed by the church, so he is paid... this is his full-time job. Whereas the Bishop he has a full-time job out of the church and gets paid nothing at all from the church he serves.

Oh my, it was so hard to hear that the Bishop’s first funeral he conducted was for his little son, while his wife was tending to two their little ones. 😢Would love to have heard that situation acknowledged, how heartbreaking and what a test of faith. Maybe this video was edited and hopefully this was acknowledged.

Although most Bishops only serve for 5-7 years, it is not unusual that being called as Bishop comes after years of other high service callings. My father was called as Elder's Quorum President only two years after being baptized. Five years later he was called as a counselor in the Bishopric, and for the next 30 he served as either a Bishopric councilor, High Councilor, Bishop, or Executive Secretary, with the only break being a two year period as a Nursery Leader. He was in his late 60s before being called as a Sunday School teacher for the first time in the Church. Recently our Stake President was called as an Area 70. He had served seven years as Stake President, five years as First Councilor in the Stake Presidency, five in the High Council, seven as a Bishop, and four as a councilor in a Bishopric. By the time that he will be released from his current calling, he will have spent his whole adult life in a leadership calling.

Thank you for taking the time to investigate the differences between our church and protestant churches! I've learned a lot about not only mainstream Christianity, but my own religion as well. These guests you've been able to talk with have been amazing, and I'm always excited for every new upload. Thank you for being a peacemaker!

This is cool to learn about other churches

My husband served in several bishoprics and it took a toll on our marriage, but we made it through. Just being honest, we definitely fought more during those times, but we were young and had a lot of growing to do. I struggled with health issues the whole time, so it made taking care of the kids thstvmuch harder.

ALL men of God, serving our Savior, walking with Him, depending upon Him. Thanks to ALL of you who serve Jesus by serving His children. Powerful conversations… Many thanks to all of you…. For you service. Love to all of you…

“Bishop” is from Greek “episkopos,” which means “overseer,” just like a pastor oversees their sheep.

Thanks Pastor Jeff, for putting this platform up to have these discussions. Also thanks to Joy. So glad you're both here.

As a decades long past Catholic, the Catholic priests are overwhelmed with the day to day running of their parish (this is in Utah). I simply can’t imagine being an LDS Bishop having to juggle running a ward, a family, and being the financial breadwinner. Seems almost impossible. The parish priest forfeits family and lives off a supplied modest living allowance. Yeah it’s a life long commitment but the shear volume of problems (that I’ve witnessed) is crazy. I’d last about a month as a Catholic priest. I’d last about an hour as an LDS Bishop. Thanks for the interesting conversation.

This was amazing. The sacrifice that bishops and stake presidents make to the church without monetary compensation is immense. My family and I are not cut out for it. Thanks for a great episode, and I always appreciate your commentary and the lens you view the LDS church through.

@Hello Saints Thank you for this! It's especially useful for you to be bringing in other pastors and for us as LDS to see what pastors do on a daily basis, what you struggle with, what your successes are, where your focus is. I especially like what the one pastor said about about not getting drunk in your own self-worth and making it about you, but rather the focus staying on the message and on Jesus Christ. Whether it's a bishop in the LDS church, or a pastor in mainstream Christianity, I appreciate all of the work all of you do. It's quite a calling, and quite a lot of work to minister to a congregation and to try and fulfill, or rather help fulfill, the needs of so many.

What an excellent discussion! Having been a bishop myself, I too had to really work on humility just keep recognizing that my congregation was looking at the position as a source of spiritual leadership and not at me personally as the source of that spiritual leadership. It is so fulfilling for sure but is taxing on my wife and I. Thank you for this conversation and I can’t wait for the full discussion in the summit.

As a member of the LDS church I would much rather stuff like this happen, than alienate ourselves from those of other Christian faiths, especially during these crazy times when people are disregarding God and Christ. Finding commonality is better.

I am an LDS member. I have gone to "small group" meetings with friends, and I loved it.

Talking about the importance of taking ego either in self condemnation/burnout or getting drunk on praise, there is a similar challenge in working in a mental health field. I am working with kids with autism, and it is really easy to let a bad day or a bit of praise get to you. Remembering Jesus is who can and is making a difference through me is critical. It also reminds me of nehor in the Book of Mormon, how he let his love of glory and setting himself up as a light led to his own destruction.

As a membet of The church of Jesus Christ of lds and a military wife good fir you Clint in having your kids sit with you

Clint came to my school once and he's an amazing man! So glad to see him here

Pastor Jeff read the book of Mormon. When asked to pray about it he said no thanks. I believe the Lord answers sincere prayers. He didn't want to bring it before the Lord. That told me alot right out of the gate. I prayed about it and received a testimony that it was truth. So I question his motives. But the Lord's ways are not our ways. We'll see what comes from his journey.

I love how the pastor from AL shared that the most important person in the church needs to be Jesus. I love that. All of us from any faith need to keep that in mind. Ego is such a difficult thing to avoid.

We don’t do sermons because our scripture study is done at home on our own time striving to read the scriptures daily. We do have classes to help with scripture study at the church however

When Elders Quorum Presidents are properly utilized and not just treated as the free moving service coordinator they can be a very useful help for their bishops.

While we believe the Lord calls people to every position in wards stakes etc we also believe He gives us our agency to choose wether or not we want to accept these callings. It is never forced. And some do turn down callings. However some callings require more intensity of study time etc than others. Bishops definitely fall into a category that both husband and wife need to accept the calling together even though only one is called. I'd say its the same with being a relief society President. The husband definitely needs to be 100% supportive of his wife as this is also a very time intensive calling.

I like that thought… I’m a half a step away if I am not walking with Jesus. So true.. consistently and intently walking with Jesus makes things so much more possible and doable.

I love this.... Love one another

I currently serve in a bishopric. It is stressful planning sacrament meetings. There is a long check list I use if I am conducting. There is a template for sacrament meeting. There are meetings before and after the two hour block. Plus tithing, bank deposit, and checks to write. I start at 7:30 am and finish at 2:00 pm. The hours are longer some Sundays.

The bishops have the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood. They have Heavenly help to do the Lords work.

I haven't been a Bishop, but I've been a member of the Ward Council or the Bishopric for the past 5 Bishops my Ward has had. Every one of them were men filled with love for others and focused on helping them. The meetings were never about 'how do we get this number up' but 'what does this person or family need to be strengthened in the Lord'. Delegation is very important, there is the Elders Quorum President, Relief Society President, councilors and others that can and should support the Bishop by taking on the tasks for their organization. I would guess the that Bishopric and Ward Council collectively do what a full time Pastor does, and perhaps a bit more.

Great conversations and points on all sides.

I grew up Mormon was always taught that you know the spiritual aspect of the subjective part of my life in the sense of experiences with the savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, as well as our heavenly father was all I needed as I grown older. I do now see I need tons of logic. This is why I study the Bible finding 40,000+ manuscripts that all saying the same thing, and so forth, the Bible is the word of God, the authority of God, old and new and final Testament of God there is no more. Jesus Christ is the seal of all the prophets Hebrews one verse one ❤

I love D&C 121 and recommend it to the pastors to look up. It fits everywhere.

It's Elder Kestler!

Most if not all on the weekday work for LDS members are done after work because most people work and service in the church are unpaid. Very similar to Protestant members who volunteer to serve. Bishops have it hard because for most its on the job training. And deligating and choosing good councilors will greatly reduce the work load.

You should interview a stake president!

I've never been called as a bishop, but I was 2nd counselor in the EQ for 2 years, EQ President for 2 years, 1st Counselor in the Bishopric for 5 years, Ward Mission Leader for 2 years, and I've currently been the ward clerk for 3 years. In all callings, you can be as busy as you want to be. Your choice to magnify your calling, or just go through the motions. I have seen bishops that over function, and don't delegate enough to the EQP, the RSP, and their counselors, clerk and secretary.

I’ve always wondered about the fact that for a lot of churches, being a pastor is like having a small business. You need “customers”to stay in “business”…. Does that make it hard for pastors to preach unpopular church doctrines like a post-tribulation rapture?

I was baptized Catholic. Then when I married my husband was Lutheran. We raised our daughter Lutheran. My daughter moved out and my husband stopped going many years prior. I found that I had practice out of routine instead of love for the Lord. I had never read the Bible. In 2017 I found a path to the Bible by way of the Book of Mormon. I would ask pastor, When someone passes away from a mistake of drug overdose. How do you comfort the mother and child who now is no longer with them.

Please tour the Church History Museum in salt lake!

I dont mean to sound critical of bishops working hard but oftentimes a lot of the burden they hold is because they are unwilling to delegate to others who hold the priesthood authority to do certain things under his direction. For example, if he is not able, a member of the bishopric can conduct a funeral in the ward. If it is his child's funeral, thats a good case where the bishop needs to be sitting with his family and cannot conduct. There was a reason Jethro rebuked Moses and taught him to delegate authority, hogging it up would wear anyone out.

Very enlightening discussions. Wonderful frankness.

Just genuinely curious to how Pastor Jeff (because he’s more familiar with LDS bishops and members than an average Protestant) feels about pastors making a living doing what Latter-Day Saint Bishops and members do for free (preparing and giving sermons/talks, counseling and serving with members and other leaders in their ward, and ministering to individuals and families).

Love it. Great video. By the way, Pastor Jeff, when are you going to finish the Book of Mormon? 😉

looks like a great symposium for open sharing.

NO WAY NO WAY CLINT PULVER IS MY BISHOPPPP IRLLLL

Hey Mr Pastor, So when are you and your wife going to join our LDS family❓ WE WOULD SURE LOVE TO HAVE YOU TWO among us ❣️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

First off, I have enjoyed the honest dialogue of all of the Hello Saints episodes. I think my testimony of the Savior has gotten stronger since finding this channel because it's given me the chance to ponder and pray with a different perspective and a more open mind! One question I've always had since childhood, but never been brave enough to ask someone of a different faith is why pastors and preachers get paid as a "job" when the Savior Himself didn't even get paid? He was a carpenter like his earthly father, Joseph. I have recently been told that it's in the Bible that preachers should be paid. I have never seen that so I'm curious what scriptures this person might be referencing. Sincerely asking...a Bishop's wife. 😅

Is that a complete set of the Joseph Smith Papers behind the pastor? Either way, that was very good.

Bishops and Pastors can learn so much from each other. Especially Bishops from Pastor's who have been in this leadership role as a career to help our leaders in the Church of Jesus Christ to put off that egoism and narcissism.

Please do an interview with Brad wilcox for kicks and giggles

Explore the doctrine of Christ my friend.

I used to think that it was wrong for pastors to get paid for their work. As I have learned more about other Christian churches, I can understand the merits behind it. And pastoring is as much of a labor of love as it is being a bishop. I'm so grateful for conversations like this!

Definitely do a female Paster too next would be great In site

How do the congregation raise money and Donations? Does the Pastor receive a salary?

Is it a requirement for everybody to have the same haircut on this podcast? 🤣

Do Latter-day Saints believe that they are able to become exalted to a point worthy of being worshiped themselves?

I have two friends that are baptist pastors and hold full time jobs as well. Not every pastor is able to be a full time pastor though that may be what they hope to accomplish eventually.

How does the professionalization of the cleric help guide the church?

So, Pastor Jeff, do you see the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as a Christian denomination? Simple Yes or No?

Jeff have you met Greg Johnson yet?

So, bishops in LDS are the same as ministers if different areas or ministries in Protestant churches.

I would love to see a conversation between you and Jared Halverson. He also does a lot of interfaith work!

I am a latter day saint and I am disappointed when I see pastor Jeff ask for donations. As a latter day Saints we never ask for money when we are doing the Lord's work.

A bishop currently is not an employee of the church but the Doctrine and Covenants allows for it: " 13 And again, let the bishop appoint a storehouse unto this church; and let all things both in money and in meat, which are more than is needful for the wants of this people, be kept in the hands of the bishop. 14 And let him also reserve unto himself for his own wants, and for the wants of his family, as he shall be employed in doing this business.(Doctrine and Covenants 51:13-14)

Where do pastors get their authority from?

Bishop I admire you commitment! One thing occurs to me though: are you letting your Elders Quorum President do his job as thoroughly as he is called to? I was an EQ President for 5 years and my Bishop had me doing a lot. He is there to take some of the load off you.

You said you were raised in the Pentecostal church. Have you ever spoken in tongues? I would like you to ask a male missionary or a Bishop to give you a priesthood blessing. Would you do that? Before you do, tell them you have spoken in tongues, if you have.

Didn’t know where to put this? Just finished listening to the summit day 1. Both speakers were excellent. Loved learning about the faith journey of Luther and his growth in understanding of faith and works. I think I finally understand the Protestant view at least a little? So it hinges on the idea of passive vs active righteousness with salvation being passive and loving others active - ? As a LDS I think we would say faith is always active but regardless, I didn’t get the full picture. Don’t some faith traditions in Protestantism believe baptism is required or is that only Catholics? Is it correct to say Lutherans believe baptism is essential (regeneration) so how and where does it fit in? It is a work is it not since it is an active thing we need to do. I didn’t feel like he answered the full question he set out to answer.

FOR ALL LIVE UNTO GOD (LUKE 20:38): All things were made by God’s power and spirit alone and by himself (Isaiah 44:24). God the Father proves His power and spirit belongs to him and him alone when he raised Jesus from the dead. Nothing can live without God’s power and spirit; it is by God’s power and spirit that Jesus came back to life. It was God the Father who raised the dead and casted out demons through his Son, for he [the Father] doeth the works (John 14:10). Jesus does all things by the power and spirit of God within him (Matthew 12:28). As the Father has life in himself, so has he given to the son to have life in himself (John 5:26); the Father has given Jesus authority to execute judgment also, for Jesus is the Son of man. All made by God will be resurrected; only God the Father himself cannot be resurrected. We must become like Jesus and have God’s power and spirit become one with us (2 Corinthians 6:16).

Pastor Jeff deletes all the comments that he doesn't like LOL.

But they do have paid clergy.

Ex member here… I really think it would benefit the church to have a professional clergy. Have a divinity degree from BYU that covers doctrine, scripture, and family counseling. Church would pay for the degree in exchange for the bishop agreeing to be posted anywhere for a certain period of time. Bishops could still call his counselors from his ward. Make this his full time job.

I'm leaving the Church for historical Christianity. The idea that the layaty and everyone holding the 'priesthood' never sat well with me. And I see no evidence this is how the early Church functioned. A Priest used to be the most educated and knowledgeable person in the village or city. Latter-day Saint Bishops have no formal training and are no more qualified than anyone.

I was a Mormon for 15 years and there’s nothing “Christian” about the Mormon church, starting with the false Jesus they believe in. I’m now an Evangelical Christian and I only believe in the Bible. I pray for all the Mormon’s I have known and met.

LDS isn’t Christian by any means. But which one is the correct one to follow, if any?

I would have like to see interviews with the Bishop’s wives. The LDS Church is not kind to the women of the Church, it just appears to be.

Jeff!! Please teach the Mormons about Gods Grace and love and the gift of free agency. Mormons will think they know and understand it but most do not. We have to obey we made covenants at 8 then we had to make covenants in the temple before we go on a mission, (we didn't have a choice & we can't talk about it without being disciplined or excommunicated) we have to wear garments to keep us modest and remind us to obey. (secret..no one likes wearing them) Our bishop has a spiritual pitch fork to push us into repentance. As kids we had early morning seminary each day not to mention daily prays and scripture study... talk about OVERKILL!! We never truly had a choice. I wish I could take the "cult" out of the church. I believe in Jospeh Smith and the Book of Mormon, it's just our leader's love to CONTROL EVERYTHING!! Please help them!

I’m 66, a lifelong member, and my LDS membership is so deeply sacred! Tears fill my eyes as I count my blessings in deep gratitude for being so very lucky compared to those who live without the knowledge and comfort afforded by my membership in this beautiful religion. I feel each day, an expectation from the Lord to do my best, serve and magnify my own callings because of these precious blessings. I grew up in a very liberal city, with few members, but those members, especially my bishops were rock solid examples of being like Jesus Christ. I was given vital, timely, inspired advice from each of these Bishops, and I honor them for being true to this holy priesthood calling.