Helping People Overcome Struggle, Sin, & Mortality in 12 Steps | An Interview with Brett and Kristin Walker

Leading Saints Podcast

Brett and Kristin Walker are a dynamic couple, each thriving in their professional and personal lives while deeply committed to their family and community. Brett is a seasoned marketing consultant specializing in professional development and deep technology sectors. He currently serves as a Young Single Adult bishop and is deeply committed to helping others grow. He’s an award-winning writer and loves the outdoors. Kristin is a professional interior designer known for her innovative designs and attention to detail. She currently serves as a YSA Institute teacher, where she passionately teaches and shares her deep faith in Jesus. Kristin finds joy in traveling, reading, and spending time outside, cherishing every moment with her family and friends. Together, Brett and Kristin embody a life full of adventure, faith, and continuous growth, always eager to explore new places and help others achieve their potential. Links Healing through the Savior: The Addiction Recovery Program 12-Step Recovery Guide There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts here. Read the transcript of this podcast Scriptures referenced in this podcast: Philippians 4:13, 2 Nephi 25:23 Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 3:45 Introduction to Brett and Kristin. Working with the young single adults and using the 12-step program in an Institute class. This program is not just for addiction but it applies to everyone. 7:10 How Brett and Kristin got involved in the 12-step program. Making it applicable to everyone through their curriculum. Helping people understand and use the Atonement in their lives. 12:15 If you are called to facilitate 12-step meetings then you need to start using the steps in your own life. The steps can bring you to Christ, improve your relationships and any problem you might have. 15:10 The program isn’t just for addiction but can help you with unrealized hopes or something you are struggling with. 16:10 The enabling power of Jesus Christ gives us power to do things we can’t do by ourselves. 17:15 Some leaders think that they are good and don’t need help because they don’t have any big problems. They are not truly using Christ’s Atonement in their lives to heal every part of them. 20:50 Does the 12-step program have to happen in a group setting? If you do things alone then you feel alone. When you do things together, it creates connection. 23:50 How Brett and Kristin run their class. It’s very tight-knit. 26:50 A summarized application of the steps 28:45 Why can’t God part your personal Red Sea? 30:00 Be careful not to adopt a label, like "I’m an addict." It might be something that you are currently struggling with, it's not who you are. 31:30 2 Nephi 25:23. We know we are saved by grace after all we can do. This is a confusing and misunderstood scripture. A better translation would be, ‘despite’ all we’ve done. 32:50 Brett and Kristin team-teach their class. The back and forth brings more energy and power to the class. They can both share their experiences. They recommend this approach. 34:00 Give people more bread, more Jesus. Brett has found many of the single adults in his ward stop taking the sacrament because they feel guilty but he wants them to have more Jesus in their lives, not take Him away from them. 37:30 Most of us don’t have the tools we need. The right tool makes all the difference. Create a triangle of support when working out deep problems. For example, a therapist, bishop, and support group can create a triangle of support. 40:00 The bishop is the place of resources and tools. The bishop doesn’t have to have all the answers. 41:10 Helping people find Jesus in their lives. He is the advocate. He is taking your prayers to Heavenly Father. 42:50 Kristin shares a Sherri Dew quote. Helping people past the guilt and to the hope of Jesus Christ. 43:40 Let’s talk about Jesus more.