Bridges

Ministering to Those Who Question

By: David B. Ostler

Narrated by: Allan Mount

Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

“Even in a culture of the religiously disaffected, the toll on Latter-day Saint faithful is alarming. David Ostler’s book does not aim to stem the tide, but to lessen the pain of those on both sides of the faith divide. It is a deeply Christian book that calls upon us all to seek understanding and minister to the wounded.” (Terryl Givens, co-author of The Crucible of Doubt: Reflections on the Quest for Faith)

“One of the most important books I have read in the past decade. Unlike other good books written primarily to those experiencing a crisis of faith, Bridges is written to those who have been called as leaders, fellow saints, and family members to minister to those who once were included in our circle of fellowship and love but who no longer are.” (Robert A. Rees, Co-founder and Vice-President, Bountiful Children’s Foundation)

With the advancement of the internet, changing worldviews, and the rising generation of millennials, Latter-day Saints today face unique challenges to faith on an unprecedented scale. Unlike most books written to help those struggling with their testimonies, Bridges: Ministering to Those Who Question is written to help local leaders and family members better understand the sources of these challenges and how to minister to those affected by them. This ministering is done through building bridges of love, empathy, and trust regardless of whether or not someone retains their belief or continues to participate.

Author David B. Ostler, a former mission president, utilizes surveys with local leaders and disaffected members, research from social science and religious studies, and teachings from Church leaders to show how Latter-day Saints can work to better support those who have questions and create church environments where all can feel welcome.

©2019 David B. Ostler (P)2020 Greg Kofford Books

Fantastic Book

I loved listening to this book. Overall it was great to hear all the different perspectives it provides concerning how members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints handle the difficult situation of others struggling with their faith. I highly recommend it!

Love the Empathy in this Book

This has been the best book I have listened to on showing love and empathy for those struggling with the church. This book is great for those that now see the church different and for those that don’t understand why anyone would lose their testimony and belief in the church. I will be sharing with my family, friends, bishop and stake president.

Allan Mount did an incredible job narrating this book and I hope to hear him in other books.

Thank you for taking the time to write this book and for the love and empathy that you share.

I don't agree with every bit, but...

I'm not going to sit here and pretend I agree with everything that was said in this book, but I d 100% agree with the idea that we Latter-day Saints need to be more open to the idea that other points of view are just as valid as our own. that idea is spot on and has kept me thinking about this concept from many different angles and for many days. I think the main concepts in his book are some of the most important lessons we need in the Church today.

Insightful and hopeful

This book is a wonderful teaching tool as well as an excellent study on how to be more Christlike. This is a must read for teachers and leaders, but would be beneficial for all as it’s insights are applicable for anyone wanting to be a kind human and more accepting of all of our Heavenly Parents’ children.

inspiring

very inspiring and motivating. his words are very open and honest, a refreshing change from the standard books.

Should be required reading for LDS members

I love this book! It left me feeling genuine love and acceptance for all mankind. It encourages me to continue learning, growing and studying my faith. I have proven to myself that questions and effort have strengthened my faith, not the opposite. We are so much more than our beliefs and can love and support everyone regardless of their current circumstances.

Beautifully Put

This book has such a loving way of giving each reader an introspective way to see how we have faltered in loving and understanding those who have or are thinking of leaving the church. It not only gives ways on which we can overcome these shortcomings but empowers you love everyone for their authentic self and make a place for these incredible children of God in our lives!! I truly wish everyone would read this because I think our world would be a much better place if we would take these suggestions into our lives.

Great read full of understanding

Wonderful insights on how to navigate through a faith journey. Faithful and faithfully struggling alike will greatly benefit from this book.

Much-needed message.

This hit home for me. I will be recommending it to many friends and family.

THANK YOU for UNDERSTANDING!

Everyone in the church including general authorities needs to read this and prayerfully put into action many suggestions.