Checketts conducted the small baptismal service at a chapel in Salt Lake City. "And it became obvious that a path had been created."Įventually the day came when Christofferson rejoined the church. "In the book I talk about daily bread, the notion of walking in faith today," Christofferson said. He was in the Marriott Center when Elder Christofferson expressed "powerful ideas" in his talk, " Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread," a talk Tom Christofferson says is still one of the most impactful talks he has ever heard.
The brothers have shared many discussions that have helped Tom but he has also benefited from his brother's talks, just as other members of the LDS Church have. I assumed anything else would be for the life after this." I really wanted to be in a place where I could feel the spirit more strongly, be part of a community focused on discipleship and to serve. But when I started back to church I really didn't imagine there would be a circumstance where I could ever be a member again. "I told him I had started going back to church. I think his sensitivity is wanting to support the individual in coming to their own answers and falling where they feel inspired to go," Tom Christofferson said. But Tom Christofferson says his brother, Elder Christofferson, isn't one who offers advice freely. Todd Christofferson, also played a role in his brother's path back to the LDS Church. "They were aware of who is walking through the door and trying to make people feel welcome."Įventually Christofferson's desire to return to the LDS Church resulted in him ending his relationship with his partner, a separation which was grieved not only by Tom but also his family who had come to love the man.Ĭhristofferson's brother, Elder D. "They were attuned to thinking about the experience of other people," he said. "But he was so sincere and heartfelt in his reasons for being there that it was a wonderful conversation."Ĭhristofferson and his partner were welcomed into a ward where many members worked at larger corporations, traveled internationally and had a strong missionary program, Christofferson said. "I remember he was nervous, and who wouldn't be? He was there to ask a bishop he had never met the very humbling and frightening question, 'Am I welcome at church?'" Larson wrote. That first meeting was one Bishop Larson will never forget, he said in an email from Hong Kong Tuesday. We talk about the qualifications to enter the temple, and perhaps forget that the qualifications to enter a chapel are simply a desire to know Christ and the courage to show up." "I think what stands out is that I could be honest about my life and still be welcomed to join the Saints to worship. We all bring something and work on that effort together," Christofferson said. The mission that we’re on in the ward is to become more effective disciples of Christ. "His instantaneous comment was we’d love to have you come and hope you’ll bring your partner.