followHIM Podcast

Episode: The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 & 2 • Part 1 • Bro. Thom Reed • December 8-14 • Come, Follow Me

Date: December 3, 2025
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Guest: Bro. Thom Reed

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the "Articles of Faith" and "Official Declarations 1 & 2" within the context of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as part of the Come, Follow Me curriculum. Hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway interview Bro. Thom Reed, who brings personal perspective as an African American Latter-day Saint, FamilySearch program manager, and Genesis Group leader. Together, they explore the origin, meaning, and modern relevance of these fundamental doctrinal statements and pivotal historical changes in Church policy, focusing on living prophetic revelation and the continuous restoration of truth.

Bro. Thom Reed: Introduction & Background

Timestamps: 05:00–13:00

• Thom Reed shares his multicultural background (African American parents, born in Japan, grew up in Illinois), his family’s military heritage, and his conversion to the Church in 1991.
• Discusses unique identity as a Black Latter-day Saint from Normal, Illinois. “I'm the only black Latter-day Saint that joined the only Normal Ward in the entire church. I was a member of the Normal Ward.” (08:17)
• Highlights experience as a missionary in Japan, career in marketing, and current role at FamilySearch, specializing in North American African heritage.
• Explains involvement and leadership in the Genesis Group, which supports Black Latter-day Saints in Utah.

Notable Quote:

“My life has not been normal at all... Here I am, joined the church at 18 years old, going to the University of Illinois. That's a miraculous story in and of itself.” – Bro. Thom Reed (08:43)

The Genesis Group: History & Mission

Timestamps: 12:50–16:45

• Formed in 1971 by direction of the First Presidency to support Black Latter-day Saints.
• Notable founding moment: Ruffin Bridgeforth sustained leaders in a meeting presided over by Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, despite not holding the priesthood (14:08).
• Functions as a multi-stake activities group today, providing fellowship, cultural connection, and support, especially for biracial families and those affected by pre-1978 policies.
• Open invitation to all interested: “If you come to Genesis group devotional, John and Hank, we ain't kicking you out. All are welcome here. All are alike unto God...” (15:38)

Links: ldsgenesisgroup.org

Articles of Faith: Context & Revolutionary Revelations

Timestamps: 17:50–29:13

• Joseph Smith’s "Wentworth Letter" of 1842 was written to define the faith to the wider world; included what became the Articles of Faith.
• Bro. Reed describes these as “revolutionary revelations”—moments when God intervened to change and guide His church.
• Emphasizes the inclusivity and comprehensiveness of the Articles:
  • “All” is a key word: “We believe ALL that God has revealed... we allow ALL men the same privilege...” (21:18)
• The Articles of Faith are not merely creedal—they’re forward-looking, signaling ongoing revelation and a living church.

Elder Holland quote referenced:

“Our collective articles of faith begin, we believe. Never be embarrassed about believing.” (01:35)

Elder L. Tom Perry (2013) referenced:

“The real power comes from understanding the principles and doctrines behind each article.” (22:50)

Memorable Moment: Bro. Reed’s Articles of Faith Rap

Timestamps: 25:13–27:29

• Bro. Reed shares a unique, original rap summarizing the 13 Articles of Faith. The rap is contextual, energetic, and memorable, reflecting Reed’s love for music and teaching.

“It started with a letter in Chi-town scene to John Wentworth, Joseph Smith came clean... These are the articles of faith. Truths revealed from heaven. The foundation of who we are…” – Bro. Thom Reed (25:32–27:29)

• Hosts react: “That is a first for FollowHIM!” (27:39)

Living in Revelation

Timestamps: 29:13–38:41

• The hosts and guest discuss how Joseph Smith’s life and doctrine exemplify “living in revelation”—receiving light line upon line.
• John Bytheway: “Maybe that's living in Revelation. You don't even know it, but you're doing your best... Then you look back and you say, I was being guided.” (29:13)
• Bro. Reed shares a personal experience: being prompted by revelation in a Hobby Lobby to buy a self-help book for a member in need (30:06).
• The Articles of Faith were distilled from Joseph’s lived experience—each reflects stages of his prophetic journey.
• Notable framework: Trust in God’s living prophets and seek personal revelation.

Key Point:

“Joseph was modeling confidence that God would continue to reveal truth to guide the saints. He was living in revelation, anticipating God's future direction as he was trusting what had already come.” – Bro. Thom Reed (32:10)

The Articles of Faith: Structure & Significance

Timestamps: 34:17–41:45

• Examination of how the Articles map to Joseph’s life and the church’s development:
  • 1–4: Early revelations (First Vision, basic doctrines)
  • 5–6: Authority and church organization
  • 7–8: Scriptures
  • 9: Past, present, future revelation
  • 10–12: Zion, worship, law
  • 13: Christlike living
• The Articles encapsulate a dynamic, open-ended, and forward-looking faith; not just recitation but lived experience.
• Richard Bennett and Stephen Covey’s insights on how the Articles arose in reverse order of doctrines lost during the apostasy.

Official Declaration 1: The Manifesto Ending Plural Marriage

Timestamps: 42:31–54:57

• Discussion of context: Rising legal pressure, anti-polygamy laws, forfeiture of church property, and threat to temples.
• Bro. Reed’s perspective:

  “Official declaration 1 isn't about stopping something hard. It's about saving something holy. In this case, it was temples and ordinances.” (43:05)

• Key insight: Revelation came line upon line; the process took time, culminating with Joseph F. Smith’s “second manifesto.”
• Wilford Woodruff acted to preserve ordinances, temples, and leadership for future growth (321+ temples today).
• The courage it took to change course and trust in ongoing revelation is emphasized.
• The “manifesto” was both a revelatory and strategic response, prioritizing eternally significant covenants over controversial practices.

Notable quote from President Woodruff:

“The Lord will never permit me to lead you astray...” (44:56+ summarized)

The Human Side of Revelation & Change

Timestamps: 54:57–61:41

• The hosts and Bro. Reed reflect on the logistical, emotional, and spiritual complexities faced by early Saints—especially women and children—during seismic changes.
• Application for today:
  • Don’t weaponize the past; tell stories “with tenderness.”
  • Modern discipleship follows the same revelatory pattern: celestially prioritize covenants over culture and policy.
  • Real people in real situations, receiving and following revelation as best they can.

Memorable quote:

“These are real people who are suffering in real ways on both sides of this [change], just trying to do the will of God.” – Hank Smith (57:31)

The Standard of Truth & Living Prophets

Timestamps: 57:58–61:41

• Connection drawn between the “Standard of Truth,” Articles of Faith, and the testimonies of early Saints.

• Sustaining living prophets is seen as crucial:

  “I am raising my hand to the square saying, I sustain you President Woodruff... I'm glad you did because Tom Reed works for FamilySearch today... Without that revelation, we would not have temples and temple work today.” – Bro. Thom Reed (61:20)

• Personal testimony: Bro. Reed shares how modern revelation enabled him to be sealed to his deceased parents, an ordinance only possible because temples—and revelation—were preserved.

Lessons & Takeaways

KNOW

• God continues to speak through living prophets, and His revelations direct global church changes.
• The Articles of Faith are revolutionary, comprehensive, and establish inclusion, openness, and expectation of more revelation.

FEEL

• Gratitude and confidence that God speaks both to prophets and to individuals.
• Empathy for historical Latter-day Saints; a sense of kinship in their faith and struggles.

DO

• Trust in God’s living prophets and seek personal revelation.
• Avoid judging the past with the weapons of the present; approach change and course-correction with faith and courage.
• Support and strengthen individuals and communities (like the Genesis Group) who are navigating their own journeys of faith and belonging.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “We're going to have a lot of fun, John. Today: interesting section, interesting content here, the Articles of Faith and some official declarations.” – Hank Smith (01:23)
• “What’s really come to me is what I’m terming revolutionary revelations... moments when God stepped in to change the story, to change the church, and to prepare us for the Savior in ways that would never leave things the same.” – Thom Reed (02:18)
• “We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege.” – Bro. Thom Reed, referencing Article of Faith 11 (21:18)
• “Joseph was living in revelation, anticipating God’s future direction as he was trusting what had already come.” – Thom Reed (32:10)
• “Official declaration one isn't about stopping something hard. It's about saving something holy.” – Thom Reed (43:05)

Key Segments & Timestamps

• Thom Reed’s Introduction and Testimony: 05:00–13:00
• Genesis Group History & Invitation: 12:50–16:45
• Articles of Faith—Origin, Structure & Inclusivity: 17:50–34:17
• Memorable Rap (Articles of Faith): 25:13–27:29
• Living In Revelation: 29:13–41:45
• Official Declaration 1 & Prioritizing Covenants: 42:31–54:57
• How Temples & Ordinances Were Preserved: 55:01–61:41

Closing Reflection

This episode offers rich fellowship and deep doctrinal exploration, bridging early and modern Church history, with engaging stories and unique teaching methods. Bro. Thom Reed’s perspective highlights the ongoing, inclusive journey of faith for all Latter-day Saints, anchored by continuing revelation and the courage of prophets past and present.

Next Episode Preview:
Part 2 will address Official Declaration 2 and its impact—don’t miss Bro. Reed’s moving insights and historical connections.