In this podcast episode, Kurt Francom and Dan Duckworth discuss the importance of addressing community tragedies within Latter-day Saint congregations. They explore how leaders can create spaces for healing and connection during difficult times, emphasizing the role of vulnerability and unity in fostering a supportive church environment.

Dan Duckworth speaks, teaches, and writes on leadership, power, and systemic change. His forthcoming book, The Leader in Chains (spring 2026), challenges conventional ideas and calls for a radical rethinking of leadership—and how it is developed.




Links
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community
Overview
Perception of Community Needs: Leaders should be attuned to the emotional climate of their congregations, recognizing when community tragedies impact members. This awareness can guide appropriate responses.

Risk of Vulnerability: Addressing difficult topics in church settings can feel risky, but it is essential for fostering genuine connections and healing. Leaders should embrace this risk to create a supportive environment.

Purpose of Church: The church serves not only as a place for learning doctrine but also as a community for healing and support. Engaging in open discussions about current events can strengthen faith and unity.

Creating Safe Spaces: Leaders can facilitate discussions that allow members to express their feelings and experiences, promoting emotional processing and community bonding.

Driving the Hope Train: Leaders should focus on instilling hope and directing conversations toward Christ's teachings, using scriptural stories to provide comfort and guidance during challenging times.
Leadership Applications
Fostering Open Dialogue: Leaders can initiate conversations about current events or tragedies, encouraging members to share their feelings and experiences. This can be done through structured discussions or informal check-ins.

Building Trust and Safety: By consistently creating a culture of vulnerability and support, leaders can ensure that members feel safe to express their emotions and seek help when needed.

Integrating Healing into Meetings: Leaders can incorporate discussions of community challenges into regular meetings, ensuring that spiritual teachings are connected to real-life experiences, thus reinforcing the church's role as a healing community.
Highlights
06:16 - Institutional vs. Leadership Responses
08:13 - Personal Experience of Grief
10:10 - The Purpose of Church in Times of Crisis
12:32 - The Role of Perception in Leadership
14:01 - A Personal Story of Compassion
16:17 - The Risk of Addressing Difficult Topics
17:41 - The Importance of Community Healing
19:12 - Audience Engagement and Reactions
20:00 - Navigating Political Sensitivities
22:08 - Creating a Safe Space for Discussion
23:37 - The Role of Vulnerability in Unity
25:32 - Addressing the Fear of Group Therapy
27:30 - Driving the Hope Train
30:06 - Preparing the Elders Quorum for Discussion
31:15 - The Impact of Leadership Culture
33:11 - Fulfilling the Purpose of Elders Quorum
38:14 - The Value of Risk in Leadership
40:00 - Living Life Together in Church
42:43 - The Dangers of Hypocrisy in Worship



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