Garth Pedersen grew up in Elk Grove, California, and Mesa, Arizona, and served a mission to Brazil. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and is a small business owner. Garth has served as a ward clerk, Sunday School president, bishopric counselor, elders quorum president, and Primary worker (his favorite calling, along with being a dad). He and his wife have three daughters and two sons, and live in San Tan Valley, Arizona.

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Garth Pedersen shares shares innovative approaches his elders quorum has used to improve ministering. He shares his journey in leadership over the past three years, focusing on creating a culture of ministering that avoids shame and fosters genuine relationships. Garth emphasizes the need for leaders to model ministering behaviors rather than simply assigning tasks, advocating for a supportive environment where members feel empowered to engage in meaningful connections. He outlines three key principles for effective ministering: praying for those they serve, communicating with them, and genuinely loving and serving them. Garth also addresses the challenges of ministering in today’s society, where social interactions can feel awkward and disconnected.

To combat these challenges, Garth introduced the concept of “ministering night,” held every fourth Sunday, where members are invited to visit families together. This initiative not only encourages participation but also helps build relationships in a low-pressure setting. Garth shares inspiring stories from these visits, illustrating how simple interactions can lead to meaningful connections and a renewed sense of community. He emphasizes the importance of agency, reminding listeners that while they can invite and support others, ultimately it is up to individuals to choose their paths. The episode concludes with a call to action for leaders to focus on love and service, fostering a culture of ministering that reflects the teachings of Christ.

04:39 – Garth’s Background and Current Role

06:09 – Cultural Disconnect in Ministering

07:03 – Building a Culture of No Shame

10:42 – Principles of Ministering: Overview

17:14 – Three Key Principles of Ministering

23:14 – Serving When Help is Not Obvious

27:27 – Understanding Agency in Ministering

30:20 – The Importance of Personal Experience

34:00 – Avoiding Shame in Leadership

38:03 – Strategies for Effective Ministering

42:00 – Implementing Ministering Night

47:37 – Logistics of Ministering Night Visits

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