Teaching Restored

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 chora...

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...

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 student...

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...

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 questio...

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. Lear...

Have you ever wondered if teaching the gospel sometimes gets tangled up in checklists instead of what matters most? In this conversation, we reflect on what it means to shed old mindsets and refocus on Jesus Christ at the heart of teaching, faith, and everyday church life. We share stories about our own experiences growing up in the church, recognize where legalism creeps into teaching, and dig in...

What do you do when a conversation about faith suddenly turns adversarial? How do you respond when someone throws a "grenade" comment—online or in person—that challenges what you believe, or misrepresents your intentions? In this episode, we talk about teaching and standing for truth without adding to contention, especially in challenging moments. We share real stories from our lives, from social...

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,...

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....

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 a...

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 teac...

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.” Justi...

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...

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 tech...

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 gospe...

Struggling to make scripture study meaningful (or even possible) with your family? You’re not alone! Join Kevin, Julie, and guest Kristen Walker Smith as they get real about the trials and triumphs of teaching faith at home. Learn practical, flexible strategies like the "One Minute Scripture Study," the SWORD method for scripture engagement, plus tips for working with busy, neurodiverse, or resist...

Is it sometimes difficult to see Jesus Christ in certain chapters of the Old Testament? In this episode, we examine why Christ is present throughout scripture—even in passages where he seems invisible—and how to strengthen our ability to recognize him, both in the text and in our everyday lives. We talk about how types and shadows work and why everything God gives bears record of the Savior. By pr...

Ever wondered how to tackle tough gospel questions with love and clarity? Join us as Jasmin Rappleye shares her inspired approach to teaching the gospel on social media, embracing curiosity and empathy! Discover tips for asking deeper questions, balancing faith and facts, and connecting with God amidst the challenges. Plus, practical resources that empower you to grow and help others on their fait...

This episode explores how gospel teachers can shift from focusing on delivering content to supporting real conversion and daily scripture study. Kevin and Julie dive into the Come Follow Me booklet’s introduction, discussing its guidance for teachers to prioritize personal spiritual experiences and the companionship of the Spirit. Rather than just presenting new information, the true goal is to he...

In this episode of Teaching Restored, Brent Top joins Kevin and Julie to explore how to teach complex gospel principles in a way that truly connects with people’s lives. Brent Top introduces the idea of being a “gospel mechanic”—breaking down deep doctrines into simple, understandable parts and then letting learners piece them together for themselves. The discussion covers real-life experiences fr...

This episode of Teaching Restored discusses the importance of teaching directly from the scriptures, not just summarizing or retelling familiar gospel stories. Kevin) and Kyle share practical advice and examples of how scripture-centered teaching invites the Spirit, deepens understanding, and helps students learn to seek personal revelation. Teachers are encouraged to create interactive, meaningfu...

This episode of Teaching Restored dives into practical ways teachers can address challenging and current issues in the classroom while maintaining a spirit of love and reflection. Art shares his journey reporting on LDS news and explains how condensing information into meaningful headlines helps teachers focus their lessons. The panel discusses the value of naming tensions, making space for faith...

Julie and Kevin explore the art of giving meaningful invitations in teaching the restored gospel. They discuss why traditional methods often fall flat and explore how real invitations combine encouragement, enticement, and inspiration to promote lasting change. The episode unpacks scriptural patterns, practical teaching strategies, and the need for personal revelation in linking invitations to dai...

Discover how focusing on belonging, empathy, and the Savior transforms the way we teach about the temple to youth and adults. In this episode, Kevin, Julie, and guest Will Humphreys dive into powerful approaches for preparing youth and adults to attend the temple. They explore the deep emotional and spiritual blessings tied to temple worship, especially how it combats anxiety and fosters a true se...