Hi, I'm Barry Dean Woolen

I'm a Mormon. I grew up as a Baptist in Greensboro, Alabama

About Me

I am a retired Air Force Computer Maintenance Technician. I'm currently Self Employed in the Financial Services Industry. I like teamwork and leadership development to inspire people to have a vision of greatness. I enjoy Scripture Study, Motivated People, Inspirational Music, Chess and Martial Arts. I am currently serving as the Bishop in Midwest City, Oklahoma Ward

Why I am a Mormon

I attended the services of many different religions and faiths. Baptists, Catholics, Protestant, Pentecostals, Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witness, Muslims and others. When people asked me what denomination I was, I would always say I was a poly-thesis-ologist The Study of many Religion. I was searching and seeking for the truth. I was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and after 4 years of studying the Church's Government and its Doctrine I became converted.

Personal Stories

Can you talk about the missions of the Church and your participation in them?

1. Proclaiming the Gospel - I talk to people everyday about the Fuliness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how the Missionaries can teach them all about it.
2. Perfecting the Saints - I'm learning how to be more like the Savior by attending Church Meetings and Serving in Church Callings.
3. Redeeming the Dead - I help prepare and perform Temple ordinances for my deceased famiy members and others.

Why do Mormons go on missions?

Because we want to proclaim the Gospel to the World as Jesus Christ has directed us to.

How has the Holy Ghost helped you?

It has helped me to know the truth of all things.
It bears witness to the truth. It is my guiding light.

How has your knowledge of the Plan of Happiness changed/benefited your life?

I know that God Loves Us John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Jesus is the Christ John 14:6 - I am the away, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

God speaks today through Prophets Amos 3:7 - Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

The Church of Jesus Christ is restored back on the earth in these latter-days.
It contains the fullness of the Gospel for the living and the death.

I have gain a testimony of these things and these things has changed my life and given me a eternal prospective of the purpose of life.
I asked myself the Question. What church out of all the churches and denominations will produce the most Christlike Person if that person abide by all of its teachings?
I found my answer by studying, investigating and learning from the "Church" all I could, until I had no doubt about what Jesus' Church is and is not. And through the power of the Holy Ghost it was confirmed to me that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Church with ALL of the Truth.

How has the Book of Mormon brought you closer to God?

The Book of Mormon is another Testament of Jesus. Just like the Bible it testifies of the Savior Jesus Christ. As I read it I feel the Spirit of God.

Why do Mormons do family history or genealogy work?

I'm doing my Family's History and Temple Work which shows the love I have for them for all eternity. The Spirit of Elijah is Powerful and Active Today. Death is an Eternal Progression!

How I live my faith

I am now serving as the Bishop of the Midwest City Ward in Oklahoma.

What do Mormons believe happens to us after we die? What do Mormons believe about life after death?

Barry Dean Woolen answered...

I use to believe that all faithful Christians go directly to Heaven.
But how could they go there before the Judgement?
When we die we all go to the Spirit World.
Jesus told the thief that he will be with him today in Paradise
Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Paradise is a part of the Spirit World. It's a place of eternal learning and progression. Jesus gained victory over death and organized the Spirit World as a part of the Great Plan of Salvation. The Holy Ghost bore witness to me that this is true. Book of Mormon | Moroni 10:5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
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What does Mormonism teach regarding baptism?

Jerad answered...

For us, baptism is a two way promise or covenant with our father in Heaven. We promise to obey his commandments, take upon ourselves the name of Christ, and to always remember him ((D&C 20:77-78) and he promises to give us a remission, or forgiveness for our sins and his spirit to guide us (3 Nephi 27:19-20). However, we must keep our promise to maintain the blessings offered by our Heavenly Father. Baptism is preceeded by faith in Jesus Christ and then repentance. Once we repent of our sins and change our lives, we enter into the waters of baptism. We believe in being baptized by immersion, by someone holding the authority of God (3 Nephi 11:19-27), and at an age of responsibility, when we can recognize the difference between right and wrong (the age of eight is set as when we can do this) (D&C 68:27). There is symbolism in baptism by immersion in the death and resurrection of Christ and also the death of our past lives and a rebirth where we are cleansed from sin (Romans 6:3-6). Baptism must also be followed by receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (Acts 19:1-6).The Gift of the Holy Ghost is a second baptism by fire and completes the baptism by water (Matthew 3:11 and John 3:5).