I have just completed a series designed for small groups or Sunday School classes called “Living in Utah”. You can find it at www.pursueGOD.org/living-in-utah. (PursueGOD.org is a resource library for discipleship conversations).

It’s not easy living as a minority in a dominant religious culture. “Living in Utah” explains how non-Mormons can develop the right understanding and attitude not only to survive, but to thrive. Like all PursueGOD resources, it is free of charge. It should be especially helpful to Christians moving in to Utah or other predominantly LDS communities.

The tone of the series is positive, not combative. It is honest about differences between Mormonism and biblical Christianity, but encourages a respectful encounter.

Lesson One: Living as a Religious Minority
In Utah, Mormonism and its influence are like part of the air we breathe. That may seem daunting to non-Mormons, especially newcomers. But there is hope.

Lesson Two: Introduction to LDS Culture and Beliefs
This lesson provides a brief summary of what Mormons believe and how they live, to help non-Mormons understand how our neighbors think and what matters to them.

Lesson Three: Mormons and Non-Mormons
This lesson explores how Mormons typically relate to non-Mormons, in order to understand the attitudes and experiences one can expect to face in Utah.

Lesson Four: How Would Jesus Relate to Mormons?
To help us understand how to respond to our LDS neighbors, we consider the example of how Jesus might relate to Latter-day Saints – based on his interaction with Samaritans.

These lessons are based on my 30+ years as a pastor in Utah, after growing up in an active LDS family. I have borrowed liberally from the work of others, particularly Scott McKinney’s “Living in Utah” class, which he has offered for years as the Senior Pastor at CenterPoint Church in Orem. I am also indebted to the work Ken Mulholland and others did in the BRIDGES curriculum. Ken is the President of the Western Institute for Intercultural Studies.