Gary Miller is the host of the “Hope In Him Today” and “Outside The Lane” podcasts. Before joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as an independent fundamental Baptist pastor. He spent 11 years in the United States Air Force, dividing his time between critical care medicine and professional development training as a master military training instructor. He holds a B.S. from Wayland Baptist University and studied theology at Liberty Theological Seminary. Currently, he works as a director of marketing for a Salt Lake City-based insurance firm and serves as a stake high councilor in the Katy Texas Stake. He and his wife, Crystal, live in Katy, Texas, with their four children. You’ll likely find him at a NASCAR race somewhere when he’s not doing these things.

From Baptist Preacher to Latter-day Saint | An Interview with Gary Miller

Hope in Him Today podcast

Outside the Lane podcast

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This conversation delves into Gary’s journey of faith, focusing on the challenges and triumphs he has experienced as he navigates the cultural differences between his previous faith and his new one. Gary shares insights into the complexities of conversion, emphasizing that it is not merely a one-time event but an ongoing process that requires time and reflection.

Throughout the episode, Gary discusses the significance of the temple in his faith journey, highlighting how his understanding evolved from initial confusion to a deeper appreciation for its role in connecting him to Jesus Christ. He stresses the importance of personal connections and clear messaging when discussing the temple, advocating for a focus on the principles of Jesus rather than the mystique often surrounding the temple experience. Gary also addresses the challenges of being perceived as a newcomer in the faith, noting the need for patience and understanding as individuals navigate their spiritual journeys at their own pace.

02:08 – Gary’s Journey from Baptist Minister to Latter-day Saint

03:01 – Conversation Dynamics Between Friends

04:11 – Life Updates from Gary Miller

05:44 – The Complexity of Conversion Stories

06:34 – Cultural vs. Theological Conversion

09:14 – The Ongoing Nature of Conversion

10:27 – The Binary Nature of Faith Commitment

12:14 – The Importance of Personal Reflection in Faith

13:18 – Navigating the Journey of Faith

15:23 – The Cage Stage of New Believers

18:12 – The Need for Quiet Reflection

19:08 – Balancing Old and New Faith Communities

21:00 – Building a Foundation in Faith

22:33 – The Role of the Temple in Conversion

25:49 – Personal Connections and Understanding the Temple

29:06 – The Temple as a Place of Worship

30:40 – Messaging the Importance of the Temple

32:07 – The Need for Authentic and Simple Messaging

34:01 – Engaging with Old Friends about the Temple

36:29 – The Gravity of Worship in the Temple

37:34 – Current Calling and Church Involvement

38:32 – Gary’s Podcasting Journey

41:08 – Balancing Scripture

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

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