About this episode

The episode discusses the growth of missionary numbers in the Church and the story behind a new hymn, exploring themes of doctrine and pluralism.

  1. HEART OF THE MATTER 1A. Record-Breaking Missionary Numbers — Pres. Oaks at New Mission Leader Seminar At the 2026 Seminar for New Mission Leaders (June 18–21, Provo MTC), President Dallin H. Oaks announced that the Church will soon have the largest number of full-time missionaries in its history, surpassing the current 87,000+ serving worldwide. The surge is driven by the first wave of 18-year-old sister missionaries (following the November policy change lowering the minimum age from 19) and the addition of 55 new missions in July, bringing the global total to 506. President Oaks outlined three characteristics defining the restored Church: (1) the fulness of doctrine (including eternal marriage between a man and a woman); (2) priesthood authority and keys; and (3) a unique testimony of Christ grounded in modern revelation and the First Vision. Sister Kristin Oaks also spoke, sharing six core truths missionaries teach. Source: Church Newsroom, June 20, 2026 Note: Strong potential for discussion on what ‘only true and living church’ means in a pluralistic world — Richie angle?   1B. New Hymn ‘Welcome Home’ — The Story Behind It Composer Andrea…

People in this episode

Host: Richie T Steadman

Topics covered

• missionary work
• church growth
• hymn composition
• religious doctrine
• modern revelation
• pluralism in religion

Keywords

• missionaries
• Dallin H. Oaks
• hymn
• religion
• pluralism
• Church of Jesus Christ
• modern revelation
• Kristin Oaks

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Books & works: Hymns for Home and Church, Welcome Home

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