Hi, I'm Ryan Christensen

About Me

I am a 40 year old life-long member of the LDS Church. I live in Gilbert, AZ with my wife and four kids.

Why I am a Mormon

My family goes back to the early to mid 1800s in the Mormon church, so I guess that is the answer to how I was introduced to the church. As for why I am Mormon now, I think it comes down to the many personal experiences I have had which have confirmed to me that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, a Savior who died for me, and that this is their church here on Earth.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons do family history or genealogy work?

My grandparents used to spend a great deal of time tracking down our genealogy. When they died, I inherited their work and started to learn how to continue what they have done. As I have been seeking out stories of my ancestors, I have felt a very strong bond between them and myself. I believe that this is what Malachi prophesied in the Bible, in the final verse of the Old Testament. Malachi 4:6 "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the children to their fathers".

How has the Book of Mormon helped you understand the purpose of life?

Simply put, the Book of Mormon teaches us in 2Nephi 2:25 (page 59) "Men are, that they might have joy." This chapter goes on to explain how we can have control over our own destiny and our own happiness. It is a liberating knowledge to me to find out that the reason God has put me here on Earth is to have joy, and that he really does have a plan laid out that can help me obtain that joy here and in the eternities.

How I live my faith

When I was 19, I served a 2-year mission for the church in Sao Paulo Brazil. It was a challenge learning Portuguese and serving the Brazilian people, but it was an experience I will treasure for life.

I have spent much of my adult life in the church working with the teen-aged young men. I am now the High Priest Group Leader, which basically means I lead the group of "experienced" (OK, old) men in our congregation, and I also lead the effort in caring for the needs of the widows and single women in our area.

Why do Mormons believe in the Bible?

Ryan Christensen answered...

I guess the simple answer is that we believe in the Bible because it is the word of God to his people, given through prophets and apostles. We also believe in the Book of Mormon for the same reason. But what you can get from the Bible that you cannot get anywhere else (including the Book of Mormon) are the accounts of the life of Jesus Christ. His teachings and actions and example while here on Earth are documented no where else.

What is the difference between attending church and the temple?

Kimberly. answered...

We go to church weekly to worship and take the sacrament, which is like communion. Everyone, no matter their faith, is welcome to come to church services and learn more about the Gospel.

The temple is a special place where members make further promises to Heavenly Father that they will keep his commandments. It is also where we are married, or sealed together, and where we can be baptized and sealed for our family members who have died before having those opportunities in life.

To go to the temple you need a card called a temple reccomend from your church leaders that confirms that you are currently doing your best to follow Christ and His Gospel as a member of the Church.