Each new President/Prophet of the church has brought fresh challenges and opportunities. In 1996, the church faced a significant change as it welcomed a new President/Prophet who was not from Joseph Smith's family and was not born in the United States. This marked several firsts in the church's history. Project Zion Podcast host Karin Peter engages in a discussion with regular guests Theologian Tony Chvala-Smith and Apostle Lach Machay, reflecting on the leadership of President Prophet W. Grant McMurray, who encouraged the church to transition from being "a people with a prophet" to becoming "a prophetic people," among other important things.

Intro and Outro music used with permission:

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. 

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today’s world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.