Jared Halverson: Faith, Fear, and the First Few Months as a Missionary

Jan 13, 2025 | 0 comments

In this episode of Ever Onward, Katie Ball sits down with Jared Halverson, a BYU professor of Ancient Scripture and creator of the popular podcast Unshaken Saints. Jared shares his powerful journey from receiving his mission call to Puerto Rico to becoming a gospel teacher. He opens up about the struggles and triumphs of missionary life, the critical role of faith in facing hard things, and the lessons learned about trusting God as the ultimate companion.

Katie and Jared explore the importance of normalizing struggles on a mission, empathizing with others, and finding spiritual strength through scripture.

Tune in for advice, stories, and reflections to inspire those preparing to serve missions as they navigate faith, resilience, and the challenges ahead. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations on mental health and missions!

Links to Unshaken Saints:

Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/Unshaken

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/unshakensaints/

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/5OJapdCMXI6c4QtEXClvO7

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unshaken-saints/id1535358465

https://youtu.be/ZVfvsEEC67w

Ever Onward Logo

Ever Onward is a podcast hosted by a licensed clinical therapist and a professional religious educator dedicated to supporting an individual’s mental health journey while staying rooted in the correct doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that integrate the teachings of Jesus Christ with evidence-based mental health practices. Whether the listener is pre-missionary, a returned missionary, a parent, or someone seeking greater spiritual and emotional well-being, Ever Onward will uplift and provide guidance.

Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple
Watch on Youtube
Interested in learning more?

Check out our Missionary Mental Health Courses

Our courses are led by experienced instructors, including licensed therapists who specialize in missionary mental health and professional religious educators well-versed in Latter-day Saint doctrine. Each course is carefully structured to blend neuroscience, practical mental health tools, and gospel principles. Check out our courses for preparing missionaries, returned missionaries, and parents of missionaries below!

Preparing Missionaries Online Course-3

Preparing Missionary Course

A 6 Week Online Course

Register Here

A 6-Week Mental Health Preparation Course for Future Missionaries

Are you preparing to serve a mission? Join us for a unique course designed specifically for pre-missionaries, where you’ll develop essential mental health skills grounded in Latter-day Saint doctrine.

What You’ll Learn

  • Understanding your brain: Basic neuroscience principles for emotional well-being
  • Practical tools for managing anxiety and depression
  • Building healthy relationships through improved communication
  • Developing Christ-centered forgiveness and self-compassion
  • Managing expectations and preventing overwhelm
  • Essential assertiveness skills for missionary work

Course Structure

  • 6 week module structure
  • Interactive case studies based on real missionary experiences
  • Hands-on practice with mental health tools and techniques
  • Individual and group learning opportunities

Our Instructors

Learn from our dual-expertise teaching team:

  • A licensed therapist specializing in missionary mental health
  • A professional religious educator combining doctrine with practical application

Why This Course Matters

Strong mental health is crucial for effective missionary service. This course bridges the gap between spiritual and emotional preparation, helping you build the resilience and skills needed for a successful mission.

This course may assist in meeting mental health qualifications for missionary service, though individual circumstances may vary.

A 6-Week Transition Course for Returned Missionaries

Are you adjusting to life after your mission? Join us for a specialized course designed for returned missionaries, where you’ll learn essential skills to navigate this significant transition while deepening your spiritual foundation.

What You’ll Learn

  • Managing perfectionism and setting healthy expectations
  • Practical tools for handling anxiety and depression
  • Building emotional resilience and adaptability
  • Deepening your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ
  • Finding purpose and direction in post-mission life
  • Navigating the covenant path with confidence

Course Structure

  • 6 week module structure
  • Interactive discussions about real post-mission experiences
  • Practical application of mental health tools and techniques
  • Individual and group learning opportunities

Our Instructors

Learn from our dual-expertise teaching team:

  • A licensed therapist specializing in missionary transitions
  • A professional religious educator combining doctrine with practical application

Why This Course Matters

The transition from missionary service to everyday life is a unique journey that deserves special attention and support. This course bridges the gap between your mission experience and your next life chapter, helping you maintain spiritual strength while developing essential emotional and mental health skills.

This course provides valuable support for returned missionaries navigating their transition, whether you’ve been home for two weeks or two years.

Returned Missionary

Returned Missionary Course

A 6 Week Online Course

Register Here
Returned Missionary

Returned Missionary Course

A 6 Week Online Course

Register Here

A 6-Week Transition Course for Returned Missionaries

Are you adjusting to life after your mission? Join us for a specialized course designed for returned missionaries, where you’ll learn essential skills to navigate this significant transition while deepening your spiritual foundation.

What You’ll Learn

  • Managing perfectionism and setting healthy expectations
  • Practical tools for handling anxiety and depression
  • Building emotional resilience and adaptability
  • Deepening your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ
  • Finding purpose and direction in post-mission life
  • Navigating the covenant path with confidence

Course Structure

  • 6 week module structure
  • Interactive discussions about real post-mission experiences
  • Practical application of mental health tools and techniques
  • Individual and group learning opportunities

Our Instructors

Learn from our dual-expertise teaching team:

  • A licensed therapist specializing in missionary transitions
  • A professional religious educator combining doctrine with practical application

Why This Course Matters

The transition from missionary service to everyday life is a unique journey that deserves special attention and support. This course bridges the gap between your mission experience and your next life chapter, helping you maintain spiritual strength while developing essential emotional and mental health skills.

This course provides valuable support for returned missionaries navigating their transition, whether you’ve been home for two weeks or two years.

Parents of Missionaries Online Course-3

Missionary Parent Course

A 6 Week Online Course

Register Here

A 6-Week Course for Parents of Missionaries

Are you preparing to send a child on a mission or supporting one who’s currently serving? Join us for a specialized course designed for missionary parents, where you’ll learn essential skills to support both your missionary and yourself during this significant journey.

What You’ll Learn

  • Understanding and managing parental anxiety and concerns
  • Supporting your missionary’s mental health from home
  • Building resilience as a missionary parent
  • Finding joy and purpose in your supporting role
  • Balancing support for your missionary with family needs
  • Strengthening your own spiritual foundation

Course Structure

  • 6 week module structure
  • Real-world scenarios and practical solutions
  • Interactive discussions with other missionary parents
  • Tools for maintaining emotional well-being

Our Instructors

Learn from our dual-expertise teaching team:

  • A licensed therapist experienced in family dynamics and missionary support
  • A professional religious educator combining doctrine with practical application

Why This Course Matters

Being a missionary parent brings unique joys and challenges. Connect with other parents who understand your journey while gaining tools to effectively support your missionary and maintain your own emotional and spiritual well-being.

This course is valuable for parents at any stage of the missionary journey – from preparation to homecoming.