Teaching Restored

Kevin Jones
  • 4.9 (23)
  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 2D AGO

    E126: Overcoming Classroom Friction Points with Chase Rockwood

    Why do students glaze over in early-morning seminary? What really creates those points of friction in a classroom—and what can we actually do about it? In this episode, we sit down with Chase Rockwood, a religion professor at BYU-Idaho and longtime high school seminary teacher, to get honest about what today’s youth and young adults are really bringing with them into our gospel classes. Together, we break down the real-life reasons students disengage—spoiler: it’s rarely about the Gospel—and share practical strategies for navigating attendance, energy, social friction, and spiritual questions. We talk about ways to make lessons truly relevant, why music and routine may need a fresh look, and how to balance accountability with genuine love. Highlights include: Specific methods to discover what students are struggling with—and how to let that shape lesson planningCreative alternatives to the “same old” class openers, including music choices and engaging first-five-minutes activitiesNavigating tough classroom behavior while keeping connection at the centerThe critical role of parents and self-advocacy in resolving challengesEmbracing diverse perspectives, even when they challenge the status quoOur conversation is full of real stories, self-reflection, and clear, actionable ideas—all focused on helping teachers create truly meaningful classroom experiences that invite every student, wherever they are, to connect with Christ.

    1h 14m
  2. E125: The Three-Step Pattern for Teaching Powerful Gospel Lessons

    MAY 4

    E125: The Three-Step Pattern for Teaching Powerful Gospel Lessons

    Ever find yourself wondering how to teach a gospel lesson so it actually sparks real conversation and deeper connection? In this episode, we share a concrete, simple pattern for teaching—one that makes diving into doctrine more engaging for everyone in the room. We break down the process of building lessons around questions, focusing on four types: binary, factual, explanatory, and introspective. Our conversation moves from the practical challenges teachers face (like getting stuck in repetition or forced efficiency) to hands-on examples drawn from Elder Gilbert’s general conference talk “Come Home.” We talk through how to foster genuine connection between class members, how to move past surface answers into vulnerable, heartfelt discussions, and why intentional, empathic listening changes everything when it comes to spiritual learning. Highlights include: How to structure effective questions that open, deepen, and personalize classroom discussionBuilding a culture of empathy, connection, and safe vulnerabilityTurning class responses back toward Christ in meaningful waysExtending natural, personalized invitations that feel authentic, not scriptedEmbracing “choose your own adventure” flexibility in adapting to where the Spirit (and the class) wants to goWhether you teach Sunday School, Relief Society, Elders Quorum, or youth classes, we show how this question-based pattern can make lessons more relevant, impactful, and Christ-centered. ______________ 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

    1h 20m

  3. APR 29

    124: How do you evaluate your gospel teaching?

    What if assessing your teaching was as insightful as the lesson itself? In this episode, we dig into what makes a class genuinely successful—and how we can actually know if we’re doing it well. We talk about what it means to teach the restored Gospel, not just from a script, but as a shared, exploratory experience with those we teach. We break down the essential role of engagement, the impact of authentic (and sometimes uncomfortable) questions, balancing preparation with flexibility, and then how to evaluate your own teaching. Some of the key points we cover: How lively, unscripted dialogue transforms an ordinary lesson into meaningful learningThe difference between asking for participation and truly cultivating itFive core question types that unlock deeper conversation (binary, factual, explanatory, introspective, transformative)Why most faith-based lessons lack introspective questions—and what happens when we add themThe power and potential pitfalls of using data and feedback (even with AI!) to evaluate and improve our teaching ______________ 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

    54 min

  4. APR 20

    E123: CoTeaching With Different Teaching Styles

    What happens when two teachers have very different approaches to sharing the gospel in the same classroom? In this episode, we have an open conversation about co-teaching, evaluating our own teaching styles, and the sometimes sensitive dynamics that come with working together. We share stories and practical examples about the challenges of creating a unified classroom culture, especially when teaching responsibilities are split. The discussion highlights real struggles—like how to give feedback to a co-teacher and the importance of self-evaluation versus shared evaluation. Major points we cover include: How differing teaching patterns shape classroom experienceThe value and vulnerability of using tools like the Chess Timer ChallengeNavigating difficult conversations and fostering mutual purposeBuilding a consistent, student-centered learning environment as co-teachersThe spiritual and practical “pre-work” required to approach these conversations with genuine intentOur takeaways focus on the importance of intentional communication, starting with honest reflection and a shared vision. No matter your teaching context—church, seminary, or even home—these lessons help turn sensitive conversations into opportunities for unity, growth, and more effective gospel teaching. ______________ 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

    1 hr

  5. APR 13

    E122: Teaching Within Spiritual Oppositions and Polarities - The CRUX

    Teaching the restored gospel means wrestling with spiritual polarities, not avoiding them. Both faith and doubt, structure and flexibility, obedience and relationship—all can coexist. The question: Can two opposite things be true at once? Can I have faith and still feel doubt? Can another church inspire the Spirit and mine be true? Scripture says “all things must needs be a compound in one.” Justice and mercy, love and law—neither can stand alone. Practical challenge: In church, with kids, or in life, lean into these tensions. Ask: can both be true? Identify pain points, challenge your assumptions, and sit with the discomfort. This is the sacred space where personal revelation lives. Don’t seek the easy way out by picking sides—find the crux and let it change you. ______________ 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

    1h 5m

  6. APR 6

    E121: Understanding the New Adjustments - Where do we go from here?

    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.

    55 min

  7. MAR 30

    E120: The Power of Variety with Marie Owens

    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.

    1h 13m

  8. MAR 23

    E119: Ready to Teach General Conference? Here's How to Prep

    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.

    50 min
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4.9
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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
    127
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kevin Jones
  • Show Website
    Teaching Restored

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