Overcoming Negative Church Culture | An Interview with Steven Hitz

Steve Hitz is a co-founder of Launching Leaders Worldwide, a faith-based nonprofit leadership program which helps young adults examine their lives, determine where they are now, where they want to be, and how to create their future while embracing their faith. He has founded companies, served as a young single adult bishop, and considers himself a Baby Boomer with a Millennial heart. Steve and his wife Ginger are blessed with three sons, two daughters, and eleven beloved grandchildren. Links Igniting the Holy Flame: Building Communities of Love from the Ashes of Negative Religious Culture Launching Leaders Worldwide Launching a Rising Generation of Leaders | An Interview with Steven Hitz and Michael Leonard Coming Alongside Youth & Young Adults | An Interview with Steve Hitz Steve Hitz articles at LeadingSaints.org Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Steve shares his personal journey following the loss of his son to suicide, which prompted him to explore the intersection of faith, community, and mental health. He discusses concerning statistics regarding church attendance and the challenges faced by young adults in maintaining their faith, particularly within the context of negative religious cultures that often emphasize rules and conformity over love and understanding. Steve introduces the concepts of “fabricated fellowship” and “harmful religiosity,” explaining how these elements contribute to feelings of shame and disconnection among church members. He advocates for a shift towards authentic fellowship, where relationships are built on genuine care rather than obligation. The conversation delves into the idea of orthodoxy, contrasting “tight-fisted orthodoxy” with “open-hand orthodoxy,” and emphasizes the need for leaders to be flexible and responsive to the spiritual needs of their congregations. Throughout the episode, Steve shares anecdotes and insights that illustrate the importance of love, mercy, and grace in religious practice. He encourages listeners to embrace a more holistic approach to worship that prioritizes personal connection and understanding over rigid adherence to rules. The episode concludes with Steve reflecting on the positive feedback he has received from readers of his book, who have found solace and inspiration in its message. 01:41 – Introduction to Igniting the Holy Flame by Steve Hitz 02:32 – The Impact of Personal Tragedy on Faith 06:04 – Statistics on Religious Attendance and Faith 09:24 – The Role of Questions in Faith 10:13 – Defining Religious Culture 12:27 – The Importance of Authentic Fellowship 13:36 – The Balance of Doctrine and Culture 15:41 – Understanding Orthodoxy: Open vs. Closed Fist 20:22 – The Role of the Holy Spirit in Leadership 23:06 – The Need for Authentic Relationships 25:06 – The Concept of Fabricated Fellowship 27:52 – Solutions for Authentic Fellowship 30:30 – The Importance of Living the Gospel 32:27 – Celebrating Individual Experiences in Faith 34:57 – Keeping the Fire of Faith Alive 36:41 – Feedback and Impact of the Book 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. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.