The Handbook Has One Rule | A How I Lead Interview with David Geens

David Geens is a convert of 13 years, currently serving a “five year mission” as a bishop in the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders, Belgium. He previously served as a branch missionary leader, branch presidency counselor, elders quorum president, high counselor, and national communications director. A computer engineer and entrepreneur, David is active now as a business angel. He and his wife Isabel are the parents of Laurens (21) and Lucas (19).

Links

geenszins.info
dekastvanmormon.info
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Highlights

David discusses his unique calling as a bishop, which he describes as a “five-year mission” that allows him to serve while remaining at home with his family. He shares his journey to baptism, which began with his wife’s childhood fascination with the church, leading to their eventual conversion. David provides insights into the challenges and dynamics of church life in Belgium, emphasizing the secular nature of Western Europe and the difficulties of maintaining active membership.

Throughout the episode, David shares valuable leadership principles he has learned during his time as a bishop. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive tone in communication, focusing on what can be done rather than what cannot. He also discusses the significance of understanding that the gospel’s two basic rules—loving God and loving one’s neighbor—should guide the interpretation of the Church’s handbook, which he views as a tool to help bring people closer to Christ. Additionally, he addresses the issue of disappointment among members, noting that many inactive members cite feelings of disappointment as a primary reason for their absence from church.

David highlights the importance of listening to members’ concerns and building trust, sharing personal anecdotes that illustrate his approach to leadership. He concludes by reflecting on how his leadership experiences have deepened his faith and understanding of Christ’s teachings, emphasizing that true leadership is rooted in service.

04:57 – David’s Background and Language Skills
05:35 – Discovering Leading Saints
06:18 – David’s Calling as Bishop
07:25 – Unique Setup of David’s Five-Year Mission
08:16 – David’s Conversion Story
10:18 – Church Dynamics in Belgium
12:35 – Cultural Differences in Discussing Religion
13:05 – David’s Approach to Sharing Faith
14:15 – Characteristics of David’s Ward
16:28 – Youth Group Dynamics in the Ward
18:25 – Church Building and Attendance
19:22 – Temple District and Upcoming Brussels Temple
20:57 – Characteristics of the Ward and Ministering
23:04 – Leadership Principle: Positive Communication
29:16 – Leadership Principle: The Gospel’s Two Basic Rules
33:01 – Leadership Principle: Avoiding Disappointment
38:08 – Final Thoughts on Leadership and Service

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