Seeing the Steeple, Seeing Jesus: Finding the True Center of the Gospel

It’s a strange thing, isn't it? How loud the world can be. You hear the echoes of every doctrine, every historical argument, every beautifully constructed steeple rising against the skyline. You can listen to sermons—and I mean *sermons*—that are masterpieces of rhetoric, filled with impressive knowledge of scripture, theology, and tradition. And man, it sounds good when it’s delivered well.

But sometimes, when you’re out there in the field—whether it’s a Saturday morning lesson in a new ward, or a quiet moment in a missionary discussion with someone who’s never heard the full scope of the restored gospel—you can feel the dissonance. You can feel the weight of all the *stuff* that gets attached to the beautiful core of the message. You see the structure, the tradition, the history, and you start asking, "Wait, is that the *whole* story?"

I was thinking about this the other day, and it reminded me of a performance I watched recently. It hit me like a physical thing: the difference between the structure and the Savior. It’s easy to get so focused on the beautiful architecture of the Church—the ordinances, the covenants, the sacred buildings—that we forget the central, living reality that makes it all possible: Jesus Christ.

If you’ve been out in the field, you know this feeling. You’ve studied the doctrines, you’ve memorized the scriptures, you’ve gone through the MTC curriculum, and you feel ready. But when you sit across from an investigator, and they ask that deep, piercing question—the one that cuts right through the cultural noise—you realize that the answer can’t just be a citation from the Book of Mormon or a reference to a specific article of faith. It has to be the Spirit testifying of the Savior.

The message isn't the steeple; the message is Jesus. It’s not the impressive collection of doctrines; it’s the Atonement. It’s not the perfect adherence to tradition; it’s the constant, living invitation to trust Him.

Reconnecting to the Source: The Core Message

This isn't meant to diminish the sacred covenants or the incredible structure of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Far from it! The covenants are the map, and the Savior is the destination. But we have to be careful, especially as we become seasoned disciples and even as we transition into becoming returned missionaries, that we don't let the map become the journey itself. We must always point people back to the living Christ.

This is a perfect reminder for us all—whether you’re preparing for your first mission, or if you’re a lifelong disciple serving as an internet missionary from your own home. We are all called to be disciples *everywhere*, all the time. Our primary focus must always be on the Savior.

A Bite-Sized Mission-Prep Skill: The Pivot

Here’s a little skill I want to pass along today, something I’ve learned since my own missionary discussions. When an investigator brings up a critique—a critique of the Church, of the doctrine, or even of the *concept* of organized religion—don't get defensive. Don't immediately counter-argue with scripture. Instead, practice the 'Pivot.' Acknowledge their concern with genuine empathy, and then pivot the focus back to the Savior. Try phrasing it like: "I understand why you see it that way, and that’s a really thoughtful point. What I find most central, though, is that no matter what the structure is, the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is what changes lives."

It takes practice, but it keeps us Christlike and humble.

Where to Go From Here

If this resonated with you, I encourage you to spend some time digging deeper into the source material. If you're looking for more on how to articulate the core message, I highly recommend picking up some recent writings from the Iron Rod authors. They do a phenomenal job of keeping the focus on discipleship and the Savior. Check out the Book Club suggestions in LivingBook—there’s a fantastic series on foundational gospel principles right now.

And if you’re feeling the pull to practice these skills, join us this week for our free Disciple Challenge! It’s a low-pressure way to sharpen our testimonies and practice those pivots together. Details are in the comments below, or feel free to ask me directly!