Transform Sacrament Meeting with a Youth Focus | An Interview with Todd Hillyard

Todd Hillyard shares practical ideas his ward has used to increase youth engagement in sacrament meeting. He discusses how youth feedback reframed his ward’s approach to sacrament meeting, including shorter talks, youth-focused speaker assignments, auxiliary-centered Sundays, and meaningful ways to involve young women and young men in ushering, music, prelude, organ, and testimony sharing.

Todd currently serves as a bishop in Washington, having previously served in Young Men presidencies, on the high council, and in bishoprics. A pediatric dentist for 25 years and founder of Adventure Dental, he works with children and youth all day with a specialized focus on airway health—helping kids sleep better and thrive through nose breathing. Todd completed his undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University, earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and completed his postgraduate pediatric dental specialty at UCLA.

Outside of his practice, Todd considers his most profound accomplishment and life calling to be a father to his 18-year-old son, who is non-verbal and has Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Navigating both the deep challenges and fulfilling joys of special-needs parenting has molded him in ways he never imagined, deepening the empathy and heart he brings to ministering to young people. On a lighter note, Todd loves to dance and performs with the “Daddy-O’s,” a crew of about a dozen middle-aged men attempting hip-hop routines under the coaching and choreography of his 15-year-old daughter.

Links

Stimulating Sunday School Discussion… But Not Too Much | An Interview with Julie Hillyard
Teaching Restored
www.adventuredental.com
Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

00:03:18 – Youth Leadership in Sunday Worship
00:03:30 – Engaging Youth Feedback
00:04:53 – Demographics of the Ward
00:05:37 – Youth Feedback on Sacrament Meeting
00:06:52 – Gathering Youth Insights
00:07:30 – Implementing Changes Based on Feedback
00:08:18 – Prelude Music Initiative
00:10:23 – Variety in Prelude Music
00:12:00 – Prelude Timing and Structure
00:13:19 – Importance of Engaging Prelude Music
00:14:18 – Short Talks in Sacrament Meeting
00:15:26 – Eliminating Intermediate Hymns
00:16:18 – Impromptu Choirs
00:18:04 – Youth Leading Music
00:19:09 – Youth Empowerment in Leadership Roles
00:21:25 – Testimony Meeting Dynamics
00:22:15 – Shortening Talks for Engagement
00:23:56 – Youth-Led Sunday Meetings
00:25:38 – Encouraging Youth Testimonies
00:27:34 – Supporting Young Men in Sacrament
00:28:04 – Christmas Tradition with Missionaries
00:29:00 – Testimony Meeting Improvements
00:30:22 – Monthly Youth Leader Meetings
00:32:05 – Collaboration with Adult Leaders
00:33:41 – Engaging Stake Leaders
00:36:02 – Importance of Presiding in Meetings
00:37:07 – Colette’s Experience with Youth Feedback

Key Insights

• Youth Engagement: Todd emphasizes the importance of involving youth in church meetings, encouraging them to share their thoughts on what makes sacrament meetings engaging and spiritually fulfilling.
• Prelude Music: Implementing prelude music performed by youth has transformed the atmosphere of sacrament meetings, fostering reverence and engagement from the congregation.
• Short Talks: Todd has shifted the focus from long, traditional talks to shorter, more impactful messages, allowing for multiple speakers and encouraging participation from youth.
• Special Programs: The introduction of themed Sundays, such as Young Women’s Sunday, allows youth to take charge of the meeting, enhancing their sense of ownership and responsibility.
• Testimony Meetings: Encouraging youth to bear their testimonies regularly has revitalized testimony meetings, making them more relevant and engaging for the entire congregation.
• Collaboration with Stake Leaders: Todd actively communicates with stake leaders to ensure their messages resonate with youth, making sacrament meetings more relatable and engaging.
  Leadership Applications:

Leadership Applications

• Create Opportunities for Youth Leadership: Leaders can implement youth-led initiatives, such as music prelude or testimony meetings, to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among young members.
• Adapt Meeting Formats: By shortening talks and incorporating more musical numbers or youth-led discussions, leaders can create a more engaging and spiritually uplifting environment.
• Encourage Open Dialogue: Leaders should seek feedback from youth about their experiences and preferences in church settings, allowing for adjustments that enhance participation and spiritual growth.

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