Why Do People “Come Back” to Church? // Ashly Stone (Come Back Podcast)

[@ronniejohnson1302]

I served a mission and thought the Lord didn't bless me like I thought he should have after my mission. I was excommunicated later but the seed was still there. After over 30 years away and I hit bottom. I knew what I needed. Started going back, repenting and forgiving Myself. Short story, did what was needed. Been rebaptized, recieved my temple blessings. Married a beautiful lady in 2014 in the temple. I KNOW the gospel is true and Joseph Smith was/ is a prophet. Jesus is the Christ and this is his church on the earth. Thank you for your stories. It is never too late

[@henryponnefz1419]

Wonderful that you came back.

[@laurap5019]

Wow. Thanks for sharing that.

[@steener76]

Awesome, man.

[@cariroundy7814]

So grateful for your story! My parents left when I was 18 - I'm 51 now - so it's a little more than 30 years, but your story gives me hope for my parents!

[@anacleiawalker]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@CNStanza1]

Ashly has no idea of the scope of the good she is doing. She is a bright light in the darkness of internet, she is so brave, I admire her so much.

[@kristinanoall]

I was absolutely floored to hear her say she was a heroin addict, in and out of jail, etc.! I never, ever would have guessed! Thank you so much for sharing your story and your testimony. I just finished a very depressing yet eye-opening novel about heroin addiction, that didn’t end happily and was utterly heartbreaking. I’m SO glad you had the gospel to get you through this, and to come back as a shining light!

[@pamelamyler5429]

Listen to her podcast. It is AMAZING.

[@Tk.utelab]

I came back, because I couldn’t find what I had in the church, everything was empty and hollow. I left because I became an alcoholic self medicating for anxiety. I’m so thankful I’m back.

[@alainaevans8253]

Good, because we are all a bit better with you back!

[@pinecone7562]

Miracles HAVE happened and miracles WILL happen! I felt the spirit so strongly during this discussion. I'm trying to come back after so many years away from my testimony of the gospel. I judge myself, still, but working on trying to stop and my problems were myriad but now it's just the fact that I need to read the b of M every day and I haven't developed consistency in reading. We all have various issues but we if we humble ourselves, and act in faith, every day, we'll have access to strength beyond our own. Thank you so much for this! The Spirit hit me strong with this.

[@denisekyle6603]

I’ve found it helpful to first read from Psalms, then go to the Lord in prayer, then to studying the scriptures , when I finish the last Psalm , I start over again ! See psalm 16 for a start

[@alainaevans8253]

So glad to hear. You are wanted back!

[@nataly140]

Playing for the strength. I have been a member of the church for 26 years, read the book of Mormon so many times but oh boy it opened up recently just by following some Come Follow Me podcasts ( Jared Halverson is one of them, Talking Scriptures is awesome too) We try to read with the kids at 7 am right before they go to school. And setting a precise time in your schedule helps tremendously. Best of luck to you. May the Spirit guide you through your journey ❤️🙏

[@lvnstmc]

I to made severe mistakes which cost me my membership in the church and I too was judgemental and hard on myself until a wise church leader showed me this scripture in Alma, 42 : 29 And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance. Did you get that ? Only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble you down to repentance!! He did not say beat yourself up over your sins. Once you have repented of your sins put them behind you. You may still have the consequences of your mistakes but that is different than holding onto your mistakes and judging yourself once you have repented, let them go!!

[@RANCOR844]

I myself have 2 siblings that left after I came back and my wife is still non active. I can vouch for how hard it is to watch but that just means you are there to help someone else. Have faith that God is sending someone to be on the path with them. 🙏 🤲

[@melosborn962]

Love Sister Stone! She is doing so much good! She came and spoke to our youth a few years ago. The YW still talk about her! 😊

[@CalledtoShare]

I thought, "I'm going to do something!" - I love it! I hope everyone has the same impression and does something about it!

[@lexiestaton5269]

Thanks to both of you! Two of my favorites together. What you shared was inspirational and so wise. I can’t thank you enough.

[@sherryludington]

Words cannot express how thankful I am for both of you for taking the time to make this video… It has changed my life. ❤

[@kathleenturley1561]

I am only on Instagram and when I see those negativity comments and people bashing the church or this is why I left....etc..... I would fight back. But now all I say is.....there are no words, deeds or actions that you can do or say that will stop this gospel....NOTHING. It will roll forth with or without you. Great interview.....

[@SCPN333]

I came back to the church after 8ish years. Im currently in YSA, I wish I never left in the first place. Merry Christmas, everyone.

[@pamelamyler5429]

Your experience will help someone in the future. Forgive yourself and value what you learned. Great job humbling yourself enough to make the changes needed.

[@SCPN333]

@pamelamyler5429 Thank you

[@crazyaboutcards]

I love Ashly soooo much! I've been a fan since the beginning, and she's helped me to understand so many people in my life. I'm only a few minutes into this podcast, but I just couldn't wait to shout my support! Ashly's channel is so needed in our day, and I can't thank her enough for putting her heart and soul into helping people. She's a true disciple of Christ and she's one of my heroes!❤❤❤

[@cellcoreable]

My two favorite people on the same podcast. Love it… love it… love it!

[@patriciaduenas]

Thanks so much True Millenial, I love your videos, they help me through this Journey & I have shared them to help my friends too. I follow you & also Ashley in Come Back, her stories mean so much to me. You both have a follower from Colombia, South América.❤

[@cherisespencer]

Great episode. I love the Come Back Podcast and True Millennial it’s fun to see you do one together! You both have amazing talent for sharing the gospel keep doing what you are doing!

[@Kcall1234]

Thank you for sharing your stories!

[@henryponnefz1419]

The spirit of God is working with all his children. What you are doing and many others is WONDERFUL! THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO LIVE. I always share your podcasts to everyone I know!

[@vanderley3]

Ashly, you are the epitome of when Christ said His power is made perfect in weakness. All the bad that has happened in your life Christ has made perfect. Your story is an inspiration to many of his children. Thank you.

[@faithcooper7975]

This is inspiring! I love the reminder to stay by the tree and just have the light and love of Jesus showing through my eyes! And…look for the miracles! Thank you❤

[@melaniemarriott501]

So insightful and inspirational…thank you both for all you do!❤

[@UTtrouthunterswife]

Excellent conversation, thank you both!!

[@ChrisLoperena]

Awesome! Thanks so much, appreciate your honesty. Grateful for the podcast!😎

[@vitoriaoliveira5452]

Incredible 🎉

[@GrowthnGod]

I love Ashley, one of the best interviewers and so humble.

[@raquelt7723]

Exactly what I needed on this day! Thank you both of you!

[@ntebomkontoane]

I could relate to this so much ❤️🙏Thank you

[@halodisciple8459]

For me, its the peace that the spirit brings. I haven't found it anywhere else.

[@Seer_96]

INSPIRING!! INSPIRING!! INSPIRING!! THE BOM IS POWERFUL!!!!!!!! GOD IS THE ANSWER IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO COME BACK Fathers love is powerful... Both Fathers...!!!!! The Lord qualifies us I love you both My brother was excommunicated I learned a lot from him...He is back into the church

[@klhmessick]

Love this. Each person is on their own journey and we need to live and help them along the way. We can focus on the miracles all along the way!

[@tracyitsat-sweetsday5032]

Thank you so much!! I loved this❤❤❤

[@leieseapo]

So powerful!❤

[@JZT-2960]

Thank you to both of you for sharing stories that can bring others to the joy and truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Your example is greatly appreciated!

[@gordonpolatis5458]

Such a concept! Ask God to know the truth.

[@islandgirl4954]

Love love love ❤️ thank you for both 🥰

[@GarySaint-xm6tr]

It seams like to get a rock solid testimony of the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints many people must go through a severe faith crisis. Some come out like sister Stone, and some become antis. Others are attacked more by Satan and his angels, because of the strength of their testimony. God has a plan for all of us.

[@lisaw.1601]

Thanks to both of you for the work you are doing! It is so valuable and needed.

[@denisekyle6603]

Powerful words!

[@ck2696]

Have enjoyed this and other uplifting channels. It's always a treat to hear about people coming back to the gospel. What an amazing and complete 180 for sister Stone.

[@amandadangerfieldpiano]

I went to a really powerful funeral in about 2007. He had been excommunicated-lots of relationships with men-and then repented and came back (rebaptized) to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and married a righteous woman. Oh, here is what I wrote about it back then. “The funeral on Friday was for the husband of my middle-aged friend. She and I have known each other since we were in The Sound of Music together when I was 8. His short life was an amazing Alma the Younger type of story. It was cool to learn more about him, although I already knew he was a great example to me of sharing his incredible singing talent and testifying of everyone's need for Christ's Atonement. Most people don't leave the straight and narrow quite as far or as long as he did (and then came back), but we all sin and therefore all need the Savior. Scott touched so many people.”

[@emmagonzalez9815]

Thanks for letting us enjoy the growth and journey thru the process of these podcasts! It really helps to know we are in the true gospel that helps us become happy people in this world of so many unhappiness .

[@emilybailey4283]

I am so grateful for the testimony that people need to go through what they need to go through to become what He wants them to become. I need to remember that more often and be patient, longsuffering, and kind.

[@ZachGorham44]

Love this discussion! Thank you both so much for the work you do. I haven’t had the same experiences as you Ashly, but the church has saved my life too. Your podcast is inspiring!

[@fstaheli]

Fascinating story! I've listened to dozens of ComeBack episodes, but it's really fun to see how it started (how the first episode needed to be re-done 3 times 😁) and how many anti-LDS attacks Ashly received at the beginning.

[@ru4repeattoo]

24:24 -- "A common theme...they exercised Just a Little Bit of Faith...take just one step." -- The miracles do happen just like that! 🥰😇🥰

[@Lainie90]

I like your insight into how some people who leave the church actually feel real happiness for a time. It seems hard to reconcile that with "wickedness never was happiness". I think that in a recent conference a church leader said that anything in the world will come to an end. Eternal joy feels different than worldly pleasure because it can last forever.

[@annroe1088]

THANKS THIS PODCAST HELPED

[@GrantWells-cb5pz]

God bless you ashly

[@janananna]

Top two podcasters in one place!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@peterman3594]

Such a great interview! I absolutely loved this video! Thank you both!

[@stevegriffin5681]

Concerning the negative attacks: Einstein once commented that great spirits have always encountered opposition from mediocre minds. So keep the faith and keep up the good fight.

[@AlSw72160]

This was so good!!!!

[@bryanborough3260]

Temporary pleasure vs. his peace that surpasses all understanding.

[@hrv4908]

People come back because they miss the spirit and find out the world without the gospel is a pretty unhappy/unfulfilling place

[@Whatiftheresmore1314]

❤❤Let’s Go! 🙌🏻

[@RaechelRamsden88]

Parker, is there anyway you can tell me where you got the picture hanging behind you? I love it so much!!🩷 I always look forward to listening to these videos every week🩷 Raechel

[@ParkerWalbeck]

Bought it at deseret book!

[@bonanderson9398]

Thank you, Both, for your courage to create channels and content to stand up for all of us who feel quieted by bullying "Anti" rhetoric.

[@bonanderson9398]

I hear your encouragement to share, ourselves. Thank you for our example to give other courage to speak up as well!

[@Islandbreeze23]

I think absolutely it’s true that no matter if someone is coming into the church, or has been in the church that aiding in someone’s faith challenges should always come from a place of curiosity and charity. However, I think the reason that people are harder on members is because you are more accountable for the knowledge you do have and for the covenants that you have already made. It is a much bigger deal. Alma 9:15,19 “15 Nevertheless I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for them in the day of judgment than for you, if ye remain in your sins, yea, and even more tolerable for them in this life than for you, except ye repent. 19 For he will not suffer you that ye shall live in your iniquities, to destroy his people. I say unto you, Nay; he would rather suffer that the Lamanites might destroy all his people who are called the people of Nephi, if it were possible that they could fall into sins and transgressions, after having had so much light and so much knowledge given unto them of the Lord their God.” All that being said, I do believe that God takes into account everything in someone’s life and is a just and merciful God. I also believe that our God is a God who uses our missteps and mistakes for good and can change anything and anyone around if we are even a little bit willing or even willing to be willing. I think as a church, the best thing we can do when someone is struggling with their faith is 1) not to abandon them. 2) Not make them feel they are already lost or wicked because they may have questions or doubts. 3) Let them know that faith challenges are not only normal, but literally part of your personal, spiritual growth. ❤

[@amandadangerfieldpiano]

4:55 The secret is to study scriptures in the morning. 😉😊

[@janettleon123]

I left the church because I felt lost. I felt lost because at the time our ward split, meaning that they took the spanish speaking members from the ward and created a branch. We didn't have primary, RS...etc . We had curch everyweek, my previous ward as a young woman we were told that we can participate still in yw, however one day we went and one of the sisters told us what are you doing here you don't belong here. I had a knot in my throat. Felt that I didn't belong nowhere. It reminds me of a talk from general conference that words to matter. 20 years passed. Getting married having kids..etc..I felt that I needed to come back. I told my mom and myself and God. If you make me a temple I will come to you. Within a year it was announced that we were getting a temple. I was so happy , and returned back to church.

[@indigoflat00]

Thank you for your forgiveness and return. I bet if that sister knew of the consequences of her words she would have been broken hearted 💔 as I feel reading this. Heal your family and keep them close 🤍

[@pagevpetty]

Good stuff guys :) And yes, it is all about love ❤ And if I feel like I can't be super loving to someone who is not trying to follow Jesus Christ, then I pray for them. Prayer really works! 🙏 One thing I have noticed is (well it's different than creating content, but) when I reply to some negative comment from some random it is actually easier for me to try to be as kind as I can. I don't usually address what they are saying. I usually say something like: God loves you and wants you to seek truth and understanding. Just pray to Him and He will bless you or something like that. And I virtually never (maybe once) get a negative reply to that.

[@tiffanyseavy565]

How did your dad love you through it? I understand that my child has to have this experience despite i feel like it's watching them slowly die. But HOW do I love while they are being rebellious and choosing bad things in a way that doesn't condone their bad choices??

[@indigoflat00]

You remain patient, and loving. Even when bad behavior is being displayed. Do not let their behavior having you stepping out of your character. That’s when you lose the help of the Holy Ghost. Remain the constant anchor and stand with Christ as your example, and strength. It’s very difficult but can be done. Especially when the person involved knows the safety and peace the gospel can bring from past experiences

[@tiffanyseavy565]

@indigoflat00 loving....does that mean supporting her choice to date girls? Is that loving?? She thinks it is but I do NOT.

[@bobbiemurray3354]

They don't come back to church. They come back to Christ!

[@5pavitiyo]

Cannot walk in this life without guidance or support spiritually.

[@Lnanaa]

I would love to know what video Jared Halverson talked about having compassion for those coming back to church?

[@CNStanza1]

it is on the comeback podcast channel

[@Lnanaa]

@ Thank you!

[@pinecone7562]

Satan distorts what we believe as "fun" , don't believe it!

[@elainekoeppel7250]

When you leave the true church then Satan backs off of you and that seems to be the feeling of thinking that you are now free

[@mariarogers9964]

Time is getting shorter every day

[@tiffanyseavy565]

THIS!!!The prophets have made it clear we are running out of time to be pointed the wrong way. NOW is the time to get all in. We don't have the luxury to let people figure it out the hard way. This is the 9th inning!

[@michaelnicholas5587]

@@tiffanyseavy565 As it ever has been. We are all in our last days and this has been the case since the beginning of the world. We are each allotted only so much time, and we don't how much time that is.

[@tiffanyseavy565]

@@michaelnicholas5587 yeah but I think due to the fact they are ramping up these kinds of talks and focusing on the Second Coming with a new found laser beam, there is an unprecedented reason. Whether a lot of people are about to die in an event or it's the Second Coming or both. The situation is the same.

[@michaelnicholas5587]

@@tiffanyseavy565 I agree with your assessment, but Paul was teaching this in his day. We are not to procrastinate our repentance and salvation. However, it does look like some sort of cataclysmic event(s) will happen soon.

[@tiffanyseavy565]

@michaelnicholas5587 good point. Paul was teaching in a day of serious persecution

[@JennieSkylar]

6:57, 19:30

[@GrantWells-cb5pz]

I went threw donuts thin one day I listtin to a pore wafering man of grrife I felt warm feling like some one sitting on my bed I new it's trew and I was forgivin

[@rocxyification]

I wonder what would happen if you read in depth the Bible everyday. I say this kindly but the church doesn’t save us. Jesus Christ of the Bible does❤️