How can we better incorporate prophetic messages in our lives, while also using them to bless the lives of those we love? In this episode, Scott C. Esplin, dean of Religious Education at BYU, discusses his article "Department and Individual Efforts to Amplify Prophetic Messages," coauthored with Brad Streeter, Rory Bigelow, Aaron Shumway, and David Peck. Drawing on a panel presentation from the 2024 Church Educational System Religious Educators Conference, Dean Esplin explores how religious educators can more faithfully emphasize and transmit the teachings of living prophets. Responding to counsel from Elder Clark G. Gilbert, the panel framed gospel teaching through the metaphor of an amplifier, namely prophetic messages serve as the input, educators function as the amplifier, and students receive the output. Further, Dean Esplin explains that prophets teach with clarity, repetition, and inspired emphasis, centering their messages on Jesus Christ, covenant belonging, and revealed priorities for our time. Ultimately, gospel teachers succeed when they faithfully proclaim the Lord's words and invite learners, through the Spirit, to hear and act.

Publications:

"Department and Individual Efforts to Amplify Prophetic Messages," with Brad Streeter, Rory Bigelow, Aaron Shumway, and David Peck, Religious Educator, 25.3 (2024)
Raising the Standard of Truth: Exploring the History and Teachings of the Early Restoration, Religious Studies Center (2020)
The Voice of My Servants: Apostolic Messages on Teaching, Learning, and Scripture, Religious Studies Center (2010)
Elder Clark G. Gilbert, "A Prophet in the Land: Current Prophetic Emphases to Young Adults," Seminaries and Institutes Annual Broadcast (2023)
Elder Clark G. Gilbert, "Speak, Lord; for They Servant Heareth," Seminaries and Institutes Annual Broadcast (2024)

Click here to learn more about Scott Esplin