Showing Up in the Lives of Those You Lead | A How I Lead Interview with Kent Jordan

Leading Saints Podcast

Kent Jordan was recently released as stake president from the Wilmington, Delaware Stake. He has previously served as a high councilor, in bishoprics and elders quorum presidencies, and as an early-morning Seminary teacher. Kent currently teaches elders quorum and is looking forward to retirement and meeting four new grandbabies in 2025.

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Highlights

Kent offers insights into organizing stake conferences, emphasizing the importance of prayer and collaboration with his counselors and the stake council to determine the needs of the members. He highlights the significance of after-general conference discussions to align teachings with the needs of the stake. Kent shares key leadership principles that guided him during his time as stake president, starting with the importance of loving and respecting the people within his stewardship. He recounts the profound experience of seeing members through the Savior’s eyes, which deepened his connection to them.

Kent also discusses the value of personal priesthood interviews with leaders, emphasizing the importance of showing up in their lives and ministering together. He shares how these interactions fostered a sense of community and support among the leaders. Additionally, he reflects on the welfare efforts within the stake, noting the diverse approaches of bishops and the importance of trusting them to handle their responsibilities. Kent concludes by discussing the blessings he witnessed among the saints, encouraging the sharing of their experiences to build faith within the community.

04:45 – Reflections on Nine Years as Stake President
05:59 – Reorienting After Leadership
06:32 – Overview of the Stake’s Geographic Layout
07:36 – Prior Leadership Experience Before Stake Presidency
08:13 – Organizing Stake Conferences
09:17 – Insights on Stake Conference Planning
10:37 – Involving Stake Council in Conference Discussions
12:54 – Principle of Love and Respect in Leadership
13:39 – The Story of Kent’s Calling as Stake President
16:30 – Learning from the Experience of Leadership
17:54 – Finding Footing in the New Calling
19:22 – Focus on Reaping and Rescuing
21:06 – Interaction with Bishops on Welfare Efforts
22:34 – Trusting Bishops in Their Responsibilities
24:01 – Encouragement for Bishops and Relief Society Presidents
25:12 – Importance of Personal Interviews
27:07 – Strategies for Effective Personal Interviews
30:00 – Building Faith Through Sharing Experiences
32:03 – Future Plans After Stake Presidency

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