Teaching Restored

Kevin Jones

Exploring the HOW of teaching the restored gospel for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Think of this as your weekly Teacher Council Meeting.

  1. 3d ago

    E136: How to Teach Complicated Scripture Characters Without Excusing Sin

    We love a clean hero. But when we flatten Saul, David, or Solomon into a simple good guy or bad guy, we miss the whole point — and we set our own faith up for a fall. In this episode, Kevin and Julie are joined by guest Kyle Smith to talk about "simplicity on the other side of complexity": the idea that real, lasting understanding only comes after we climb the mountain of complexity instead of sliding back down and resenting it. They apply that framework to the scriptures, where the heroes turn out to be faithful but broken, courageous but flawed, repentant and inconsistent — in other words, a lot like us. Together they walk through the complicated lives of the Old Testament kings, why God preserved the failures of His prophets ("God's not creating propaganda — He's teaching redemption"), and the danger of either hero-worship on one side or "you are enough" moral relativism on the other. Most of all, it's a practical conversation for teachers and parents: how to develop a scripture character honestly, ask the questions that let students see themselves in the story, and point every messy, human life back to the one choice that changes everything — Jesus Christ. ____________________ 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

  2. Jul 13

    E135: Why Ammon Sat in Silence for an Hour (And What It Teaches Every Teacher)

    What does it mean that Ammon was "wise, yet harmless" — and how was King Lamoni "caught with guile"? In this episode, Kevin and Julie dig into Alma 17 and 18 and a detail most of us read straight past for years. After days of wrestling, praying, and rewriting his own answers, Kevin shares a possible reading that turns a familiar conversion story into a vivid picture of pride, power, feigned humility, and a teacher wise enough to see it all — and gracious enough not to use it. But the real payoff is for teachers and parents. Ammon let the king sit in silence for an hour before saying a word. He asked simple questions before teaching big truths. He made space for the wrestle instead of rushing to rescue. Kevin and Julie talk through "simplicity on the other side of complexity," why giving the Spirit room often matters more than having the perfect answer, and how being full of faith sometimes means getting out of the way — whether you're in a classroom, in a prayer, or sitting with your own child's hard questions. 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

  3. Jul 6

    E134: Teenager Church: What 25 Years With Youth Taught Dan Bikman About Real Teaching

    What does it actually look like to teach youth well? In this episode of Teaching Restored, Kevin Jones and Julie Hilliard sit down with Dan, a seminary and institute coordinator from southern Alberta, Canada, who has spent over two decades in the classroom and now trains teachers across the prairies. Dan shares the practical system he built for reaching teenagers — the "spiritual warm-up" of choral reading, hymns, and prayer that unites a class in the first 15 minutes, his commitment to confirming literacy before diving deep, and why he'd "rather teach four verses really well than forty misunderstood." Along the way, Dan tackles the real struggles every teacher faces: getting quiet students to participate, handling resistance without taking it personally, balancing structure with variety, and why he sticks with "caveman scriptures" (paper, no phones) in a digital age. Whether you teach seminary, institute, Sunday school, primary, or you're newly called and wondering where to start, this conversation is packed with usable tools and a refreshing reminder to slow down, set real expectations, and trust the Lord to do His work. Share it with a teacher who needs it. ______________ 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

  4. Jun 29

    E133: How to Respond to Hard Questions Without Contention: Teaching like Christ

    Do you have good ways to handle tough or adversarial questions—without creating contention—in your classroom, online, or even at home? In this episode, Kevin & Julie discuss real-life scenarios many LDS teachers and missionaries face, from "grenade" comments online to heated family discussions about faith. Discover practical, gospel-centered strategies to maintain love, invite the Spirit, and build relationships—even when you feel attacked or misunderstood. Learn from the example of Jesus Christ, and get three simple questions you can use as an instant check before you respond. Perfect for Sunday School, youth, Relief Society, Elders Quorum, missionary work, and more! ______________ 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

  5. Jun 22

    E132: Practical Ways to Teach Principles, Not Just Stories! With Kyle Smith

    Are you look for way to make your class more engaging and impactful? In this episode, Kyle Smith, Kevin and Julie break down how to find and teach gospel principles from the scriptures, not just share stories or facts. Learn easy, step-by-step methods to identify both stated and implied principles, discover powerful teaching tools like "if-then" statements, flag words, and how to help your students connect ancient truths to their real-life challenges today. You'll hear relatable examples, practical tips, and even a few laughs—plus, find out how you can get a free printable resource to use in your next lesson! Make your teaching deeper, more meaningful, and more memorable for your students. ______________ 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

  6. Jun 15

    E131: How Glib Gospel Phrases Hurt Our Teaching

    Have you ever caught yourself saying things like “exercise the atonement,” or “I know the Church is true” without really thinking about what those phrases mean? In this episode, Kevin Jones and Julie Hilliard dive into the world of “glib gospel phrases”—those shortcut sayings we use in Church that can lose their true meaning and power, especially with youth, new members, or visitors. They’ll share real-life stories (including an awkward but hilarious Sunday School moment!) and offer practical tips for making our language in lessons, prayers, and testimonies more thoughtful, reverent, and focused on Jesus Christ. Whether you teach Primary, Youth, Relief Society, Elders Quorum, or just want to strengthen discussions at home, you’ll find ideas to make your teaching more authentic—and help everyone feel the true spirit of the gospel. Share YOUR most-used glib phrase in the comments and call us out—we want to grow too! ______________ 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

  7. Jun 8

    E130: Flip Your Gospel Class: Innovative Teaching Ideas from Ryan Wilkins

    Are your gospel classes feeling a little stale? Discover how Ryan Wilkins, a seasoned Seminary and Institute teacher, is turning traditional gospel teaching upside down with creative, real-world, and student-focused approaches! In this episode, Ryan Wilkins discusses: - How to connect students with Christ in every lesson - Moving beyond traditional lectures to real discussion - Asking real questions and addressing students’ needs - Creating a sense of belonging and relevance - What to do when you “fail”—and why that’s a good thing! - Practical ways YOU can start fresh and make your lessons more engaging I f you’re ready to try new things, re-ignite your love for teaching, and help your class truly come alive, this conversation is for you. Listen in and get actionable ideas you can use this week! ______________ 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

  8. Jun 1

    E129: The Secret Ministry of Noticing: Why You Make a Bigger Difference Than You Think

    Have you ever wondered if your teaching is really making a difference? In this episode, Julie and Kevin Jones reveal the hidden power that every gospel teacher has: the ability to NOTICE. Discover why noticing small things—like who’s missing from class, who’s sitting alone, or whose mood has changed—can help you minister like the Savior and reach hearts more than any perfectly planned lesson. Learn how to spot the clues students are giving you, what to do when you notice someone struggling, and simple ways to make everyone in your class feel seen and loved. Whether you teach Primary, Youth, Relief Society, or Sunday School, this episode will help you unlock your true potential as a gospel teacher and minister. Try the "What’s Changed, What’s Missing?" challenge this Sunday and see what happens when you teach with new eyes! ______________ 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

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4.9
out of 5
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About

Exploring the HOW of teaching the restored gospel for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Think of this as your weekly Teacher Council Meeting.

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin Jones
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    137
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kevin Jones
  • Show Website
    Teaching Restored

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