Monthly Ministering Night | A How I Lead Interview with Garth Pedersen

Leading Saints

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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Highlights

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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