Part 1: Creating a Transformational Sunday School | An Interview with Dan Duckworth

Dan Duckworth is the founder and host of LeaderQuest, an elite leadership program that transforms managers and executives into dynamic changemakers. He speaks, teaches, and writes on leadership and leadership development, and provides one-on-one coaching to leaders aiming to drive transformational change. Dan has served as a board member for Leading Saints since 2019. To learn more, visit idylli.co or find Dan on LinkedIn. This is the first of a two-part conversation Links Part 2 of this conversation The True Purpose of Sunday School Why Testimony is Not the Only Goal for Latter-day Youth—Part 1 | A Presentation by Dan Duckworth Sunday School Session Template From Aspirational Principles to Practical Principles Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights This is the first of a two-part podcast conversation. Kurt and Dan explore the challenges faced by local leaders in adapting to changes in church programs, particularly in Sunday School and ministering. They critique the tendency to revert to traditional methods rather than embracing innovative approaches that align with The Church’s evolving directives. Drawing on scriptural examples, they illustrate the need for leaders to actively engage in creating a culture that supports spiritual growth and community building. Dan emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique characteristics of Sunday School, including the nature of its membership, the role of teachers, and the communal aspect of spiritual development. Throughout the episode, they advocate for a shift from knowledge transfer to transformational teaching, encouraging leaders to experiment with new methods that foster engagement and personal growth. By redefining the purpose of Sunday School and embracing a more dynamic, interactive approach, local leaders can create an environment where individuals feel empowered to share their spiritual journeys and support one another. The discussion ultimately serves as a call to action for leaders to embrace their roles in cultivating a vibrant, Christ-centered community that reflects the principles of the gospel. 04:45 – The Connection Between Leadership and Zion 06:15 – The Role of Culture in Leadership 07:50 – The Importance of Transformational Leadership 09:30 – The Need for Change in Church Programs 10:50 – The Allegory of the Olive Tree and Leadership 12:30 – The Natural Order of Church Gatherings 14:00 – The Role of Local Leaders in Cultural Change 15:30 – The Power of Experimentation in Teaching 17:00 – The Purpose of Sunday School 19:00 – Understanding the Unique Characteristics of Sunday School 20:30 – The Role of Membership in Sunday School 22:00 – The Teacher’s Role in Sunday School 23:30 – The Nature of Gathering in Sunday School 25:00 – The Shift from Knowledge Transfer to Transformation 27:00 – Engaging Students in a Dynamic Learning Environment 29:00 – The Importance of Energy Management in Teaching 30:30 – The Need for a Clear Purpose in Sunday School 32:00 – The Three Primary Characteristics of Sunday School 34:00 – The Individual Journey in Sunday School 36:00 – The Collective Engagement in Spiritual Development 38:00 – The Shift from Sage on the Stage to Guide on the Side 40:00 – Observations on Youth and Adult Sunday School Dynamics Coming soon: Part 2 of this conversation 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 700 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.