Before I comment, I would like to say that Joy appears to really complement Pastor Jeff. She is very intelligent and well-spoken. You can tell the two of them are well-balanced and equally yoked in their beliefs and understanding even though Pastor Jeff is the “Pastor”. Joy adds a tremendous amount of value and is very complementary to these discussions. I’m glad she has been included so often.
I really enjoyed this video by Hello Saints and found it quite thought-provoking. One of the strongest impressions I had was how comfortable Pastor Jeff and his wife, Joy, are becoming with LDS culture, teachings, and the community. While I don’t think they’re considering becoming members, it’s clear that they have developed a genuine love and respect for the community, the people, and the knowledge they’ve gained. This was particularly evident in their conversations, where they contrasted “their people” with “our people.” It has been fun to see their growth.
They described the conference as a time capsule or alternate universe. This perspective could reflect the formality, patriarchy, or traditions that are upheld. As I contemplated the “alternate universe” aspect, it reminded me that we are in the world but not of the world. It also brought to mind the idea that we are a peculiar people. Our beliefs shape our differences and the way we live, which may seem strange to those outside our faith. A part of me likes that observation.
They highlighted several aspects of General Conference that I truly loved, which made me appreciate their perspective even more. For instance, they really enjoyed Elder Hurst’s talk, and I couldn’t agree more—it was exceptional! Then there was the children’s choir. They sang like angels. Jesus taught us to become like little children, and there’s something truly special about the faith and belief that children exude. They’re so open to learning. They are meek and submissive to the teachings of their parents. In many ways, we are all like children in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. While we may think we possess great knowledge and understanding as adults in this life, it pales in comparison to the divine wisdom He holds. There’s a profound parallel in this comparison.
It’s interesting to note how Pastor Jeff reflected on being condemned to hell by street preachers. He reflected on the ease with which people condemn others. He pointed out that there’s no visible marker on a person that identifies them as one thing or another. There is nothing on you that says I’m an Evangelical or that I’m a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They can not tell one from another. They just see you walking towards the Conference Center so you naturally are going to hell. The condemnation seemed to be bitter to Pastor Jeff.
I wanted to mention a couple more points. It was wonderful to hear how Pastor Jeff connected with so many people during the General Conference, including other evangelicals. You could tell from his enthusiasm that their presence truly enhanced his experience. His various interactions—from touring the conference center to singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and interviewing church leaders—helped create a sense of familiarity and comfort, making this conference feel much more inviting than his first one. I thought that was really nice and indicative of the positive connections he formed.
The last point I wanted to touch on was their discussion of Elder Renlund’s talk about nitroglycerin and dynamite. The analogy of nitroglycerin needing a base material to control its power seemed to conflict significantly with Pastor Jeff and Joy’s beliefs. They expressed several ways in which they felt the analogy missed the mark. I believe their misunderstanding stems from a lack of knowledge of priesthood power. Having listened to the talk during the conference, I recognized the parallels Elder Renlund was trying to draw. However, since they are not members of the church and do not believe in the restoration of the priesthood, they would not fully understand the analogy.
This led to a larger conversation about the power of God. Who has the power of God? Only the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? How is this explained when those in other denominations have experienced and felt the power of God? I do not deny that the faithful of any faith can feel and experience the power of God. Of course, they can. The Holy Ghost will witness truth wherever it is manifest. But, without recognizing that the fullness of the gospel was lost and then restored, how would you ever believe that there was even greater power? This is the power Elder Renlund talks about.
There is a depth of gospel knowledge and understanding that Pastor Jeff and his wife simply do not have and do not understand. There is more power. It was given unto man through the restoration of the priesthood. That priesthood is within the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. That Priesthood makes possible all the other blessings we hope for, including those detailed in the plan of salvation. It is the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Maybe someday he will come to an understanding, maybe he will not. There are plenty of people that do not.
It is Pastor Jeff’s YouTube channel. He is perfectly within his right to speak authoritatively on the subject. And I say this lovingly—even though he is wrong at times. Either way, I have really enjoyed listening to the conversation, analysis, and even criticism he has shared.