Hi, I'm Brian

I'm a husband and father. I'm a musician, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I have been married for two years now and have a beautiful baby boy. I am working on a Master's Degree in Choral Conducting and love to work with choirs and with people in general. In the meantime, I substitute teach. I work with a local Boy Scout troop and volunteer regularly in church and in the community.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born to members of the Church and was raised Mormon. That being said, this is not the reason I am a Mormon. I am a Mormon because I thrive on the opportunity I get to make myself better and follow the Savior. As a Mormon, I learn to become a disciple of Christ and to be His servant. Though the programs of the Church help me understand Christian doctrine to a fuller degree, I am a Mormon because the doctrine affects me outside of church and helps me practice Christian living each day.

Sometimes, it is easy for people to think that because a person was born into the church means they stay in that church by default. I testify that I am not a Mormon by default. I know that Christ's true church has again been restored on the earth. This is real! I know this because the Holy Ghost testifies of it to my spirit. I am happy to know, live, and feel the restored Gospel.

Personal Stories

In what ways have your prayers been answered?

I know Heavenly Father answers prayers. I recall a specific instance when during the summer before I entered High School. I had observed that many of the friends I had been spending my time with at school were beginning to choose to do things that I felt I didn't want to do. I knew that I had to get new friends who would uphold the standards and values I tried to live. And so, during that summer before I entered High School, I prayed fervently that Heavenly Father would provide me with a better group of friends who would encourage me to live the life I wanted to live.

As I entered school the next fall, I could feel and see how my prayer had been heard. I made new friends who introduced me to even more friends- all of whom lived high standards and were very enjoyable company.

There have been many other instances where I have seen and know that our Father hears our prayers. He loves us. He knows our name. He knows our needs. And if we will be knock, he will answer.

How I live my faith

At church, I currently serve as an adviser to the young men who are involved in Boy Scouts. Besides the meetings I have with them on Sundays, I meet them on Tuesday nights for activities, visit them at home, and also accompany them regularly on camp-outs and service projects.

Additionally, I sing in the Ward Choir and often contribute sacred musical numbers in Sacrament Meeting. Also, I visit three families in our Ward every month and teach them things I have learned about the Gospel and assist them in their needs. I try to serve in the church wherever and whenever I can because my goal is to become the best servant of the Lord I can.

When I am not involved directly with church assignments, I continue to strive to live my faith wherever I go. I try to look people in the eye, make people smile, hold open a door, or be kind wherever I am. For me, my Christ-like attitudes do not end on Sunday. I strive to keep the commandments at all times.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Brian answered...

Christ organized his church as a missionary-based church and commanded his followers to "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15. And so, just as in the former-day Church of Jesus Christ, we too are commanded to preach the gospel in all the world.

Of course, not every young man or young woman will be able to serve a mission. Often individuals are restricted because of health or other personal issues. Some simply choose not to serve a mission. In my experience, every case of a missionary who is not able or chooses not to serve a mission is handeled by the body of church members in a very understanding and sensitive manner.

However, as Christ sacrificed his life for us, so too we should sacrifice our life for him. Young men in the Church primarily bare the responsibility and duty of preaching the Gospel. Many look forward to this time with great anticipation and begin preparing for full-time missionary service even years before they actually depart. Many young women also have a desire to serve and are permitted to serve upon completing their application for missionary service however, it is understood that young women may have other education, family, or vocation goals that would interfere with missionary service.

I served a mission in El Salvador from September 2004 - September 2006. I am grateful for the many opportunities I had during my two years with El Salvador.
Austin. answered...

No. Every worthy young man is expected to serve a mission, though there is no punishment for not doing so. Also, not every young man is physically or mentally capable, so there are circumstances where a young man may be excused from service. Young women may also serve missions, but are not expected to do so.

Serving a mission means a full-time commitment, leaving family and friends to preach the gospel in a place assigned by the Church.

I served my mission in Los Angeles, California.

Do Mormons worship Joseph Smith?

Chris answered...

Simple Answer: No.

Detailed Answer: See below.

Saying that Joseph Smith is the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint (LDS) may cause a misunderstanding for some. LDS doctrine teaches that Jesus Christ is the head of the church, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the same church that existed in Old Testament and New Testament times. The "of Latter-day Saints" in the church's name denotes that this is the last dispensation before Jesus Christ's Second Coming, or the last period of time in which the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who bears the keys of the holy priesthood. The Old Testament and New Testament discuss various dispensations when Christ's church existed on the earth in its authentic state.

So, what is the importance of Joseph Smith in relation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. He was simply a man called to speak for the Lord and played a key role in the restoration of Christ's church here upon the earth in these latter-days. Like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, we do not worship Joseph Smith, but study his life and teachings to better understand the will of God. Joseph Smith may had been a leader, but he was not and is not the head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The head of the church is clearly stated in the church's name. The Church of "Jesus Christ" of Latter-day Saints