When the Stage Lights Hit: Finding the Gospel in Unexpected Places

Sometimes, you hear the message of the restored Gospel in the most unexpected arenas. You might be studying in a quiet corner of the temple, or maybe you’re wrestling through a challenging missionary discussion with a thoughtful investigator. But sometimes, you hear it echoing from a massive stage, under the bright lights of an awards show.

I was watching Jelly Roll recently, and his acceptance speech at the Grammys was a profound moment. It wasn't in a missionary discussion setting, and it certainly wasn't in a typical church setting. It was at a major cultural event, and what he shared was nothing short of a testimony.

When he spoke about being "broken," and how he found that a Bible and a radio—two seemingly simple things—could change his life, it hit me right in the heart. It was a powerful reminder that the scope of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is boundless. He emphasized that Jesus "is for everybody. Jesus is not owned by one political party. Jesus is not owned by no music label."

The Gospel is for Everyone

As returned missionaries, we spend so much time learning the structure of our message: the plan of salvation, the necessity of covenants, the power of the Spirit. And that’s vital work! But sometimes, we can get so focused on the *how* of the teaching that we forget the *where* of the message.

The core truth, the one thing that needs to echo from every corner of our lives, is that the Savior’s love transcends all boundaries. It doesn't care about our zip code, our favorite genre of music, or the size of the venue. It cares about the heart.

This is the essence of being an internet missionary. Our calling isn't limited to when we are physically in the field, or even when we are in the MTC. It's woven into the fabric of our daily lives—in the comments section, in a challenging conversation at a potluck, or when we are simply being good neighbors.

Being Christlike in the Culture

What does this mean practically for us as Rogue Disciples? It means taking the principle of "be Christlike" and applying it everywhere. It means recognizing that the Spirit can be felt when we are doing our regular jobs, or when we are engaging in secular culture. It means treating every conversation, every interaction, as a potential opportunity to share the light.

If you’re feeling the pressure of keeping your testimony vibrant while navigating a secular environment, remember that the testimony itself is the primary tool. You don't need a perfect lesson plan; you just need the Spirit and the truth you hold in your heart.

For those of you who are preparing for missions, I want to encourage you to think about your "broken" moments. What was the thing, the experience, or the piece of art that first made you feel the undeniable power of the Gospel? Hold onto that personal narrative. It is your most powerful missionary preparation tool.

A Little Study Nudge

If you want to deepen your understanding of how the Gospel permeates all aspects of life, I highly recommend revisiting the teachings of Abraham or Nephi. I’ve been spending time in the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook lately, connecting passages on covenants to modern life. It’s a wonderful way to see the depth of the doctrine!

If you want to keep the momentum going, join our weekly Disciple Challenge this week! It’s a low-stakes, high-reward way to practice sharing your light, whether you're a seasoned returned missionary or just starting your journey.

Remember, the work is always going on. Every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time.