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From Baptist Preacher to Mormon Teacher
Wain Myers thought he knew what he believed, but after a revelation from God, something had to change. This former Baptist preacher tells his fascinating story of following the Spirit’s voice and ultimately becoming a convert in the LDS church. This remarkable true story will inspire you to follow your own promptings and share truth wherever you find it.
144 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2015
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73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 28, 2016
There were things about the way this was written that I didn't love, but I did like how straightforward and honest it was. What I liked best about it was getting a black male convert's perspective of the Church; that was really interesting. It got a little preachy towards the end, but I guess that's to be expected from a preacher. :)
October 10, 2016
A very faith promoting book! I started to put 2 and 2 together and realized halfway through this was the father of an elder in Rachel's mission and I had met his lovely wife at a Christmas Eve fireside put on by the Genesis Group. A wonderful man with an outstanding family who has strengthened the Lord's kingdom in so many righteous ways! Preach on! Amen!
January 9, 2016
So very good. I'll be cross-posting my review soon. In the meantime, find it here.
April 12, 2016
Great book about one man's journey to find the gospel. I enjoyed Myers honestly and humor.
October 8, 2017
This book is awesomely hilarious and uplifting.
My brother in the spirit has a goals-worthy sense of obedience. When the Lord speaks, he acts. I need to be like you, Brother Meyers. Truly, a role model that we can all look up to. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to know why a person of color would join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or Mormons as they are commonly referred to as.
My brother in the spirit has a goals-worthy sense of obedience. When the Lord speaks, he acts. I need to be like you, Brother Meyers. Truly, a role model that we can all look up to. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to know why a person of color would join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or Mormons as they are commonly referred to as.
January 3, 2022
Great personal story of Wain's conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, plus his testimony and personal understanding of several gospel principles.
October 20, 2015
First of all, let me just say I love the way this is written. It is so conversational. Myers isn't afraid to share his personal revelations and heart-felt heart-conversations with Heavenly Father. He also isn't afraid to let his culture, heritage, and fun-filled personality shine through in his writing. There is definitely some Southern humor, as well as Baptist preacher mannerisms in it, which makes it a fun, quick read.
Myers was born to a church-hopping mother in a ghetto area, with a non-present father. But, at a young age, after a sermon at a Baptist Church, he had a clear vision that he was supposed to start teaching the Gospel. So, he spent his life working toward that goal. He became a Baptist Preacher, and he was a dang good one, too. He loved preaching, he loved sharing the word of God. But, he was being paid for it, which never set well with that. And, he believes because of that payment (manna, or temptation from Satan), his life started to spiral down. He was a preacher on Sunday, but during the week, living not how he was supposed to. He finally left his Baptist Church and moved. He met a woman who just emanated the Spirit from her and he had another personal revelation that she was to become his wife. Sebrina was a recent convert to the LDS Church, and he started becoming interested in the Church as he felt God was leading him to it.
Although there were issues Myers felt with the Church, especially the topic of blacks not being able to hold the priesthood before the 1970s, he trusted in God and allowed God to speak to him and let him know the church was true. He related an experience he had before he even thought about the LDS Church similar to Joseph Smith's first vision: going to a secluded area and asking God which church he was to join. God answered to him none but that He would lead Myers to His true church. When Myers heard the Joseph Smith story, that was an affirmation that the LDS Church was the church he should join.
There were a few quotes that really helped me because they reflected the issues I've had with my church recently:
"One of the best things that happened to me while I was trying to find my Father's straight and narrow path was that my faith in men of God was shattered. It didn't feel amazing at the time, but now that I look back, it was nothing but amazing. You see, as I sought counsel from preacher after preacher and received heartbreaking answer after heartbreaking answer, I realized that I was looking for God in all the wrong places. It became painfully evident that I wasn't going to find Him, the real Him, in any of the churches or pastors I was interacting with.
When I found the truth in the LDS Church, I didn't see its leaders as men of God; I saw them as mortal men searching for answers--just like I was. That's not to say that they weren't men of God; that's just to say that I didn't expect them to be perfect. I knew that only one man has walked the earth in perfection. I have a clear understanding that we are all prone to mistakes and bad decisions--even Church leaders." Page 82
"When people tell me that they've asked God if the LDS Church is true and haven't received an answer, I know that they aren't truly relying on God for the answer. Instead, they're relying on their own understanding for the answer. ....
A young man once said to me, 'Wain, I don't get it. There are so many issues and past practices with he LDS Church that are bothersome.' I responded by pointing out that his issues with the Church are all based on the actions of man, not God. I've dealt with--and continue to deal with--the problems I have because my faith is in God, not man. Members of the LDS Church are human and have shortcoming and flaws, just like everyone else. I cant judge them; I've got too many of my own weaknesses and sins to correct." Page 130
It is definitely a book worth reading!
Myers was born to a church-hopping mother in a ghetto area, with a non-present father. But, at a young age, after a sermon at a Baptist Church, he had a clear vision that he was supposed to start teaching the Gospel. So, he spent his life working toward that goal. He became a Baptist Preacher, and he was a dang good one, too. He loved preaching, he loved sharing the word of God. But, he was being paid for it, which never set well with that. And, he believes because of that payment (manna, or temptation from Satan), his life started to spiral down. He was a preacher on Sunday, but during the week, living not how he was supposed to. He finally left his Baptist Church and moved. He met a woman who just emanated the Spirit from her and he had another personal revelation that she was to become his wife. Sebrina was a recent convert to the LDS Church, and he started becoming interested in the Church as he felt God was leading him to it.
Although there were issues Myers felt with the Church, especially the topic of blacks not being able to hold the priesthood before the 1970s, he trusted in God and allowed God to speak to him and let him know the church was true. He related an experience he had before he even thought about the LDS Church similar to Joseph Smith's first vision: going to a secluded area and asking God which church he was to join. God answered to him none but that He would lead Myers to His true church. When Myers heard the Joseph Smith story, that was an affirmation that the LDS Church was the church he should join.
There were a few quotes that really helped me because they reflected the issues I've had with my church recently:
"One of the best things that happened to me while I was trying to find my Father's straight and narrow path was that my faith in men of God was shattered. It didn't feel amazing at the time, but now that I look back, it was nothing but amazing. You see, as I sought counsel from preacher after preacher and received heartbreaking answer after heartbreaking answer, I realized that I was looking for God in all the wrong places. It became painfully evident that I wasn't going to find Him, the real Him, in any of the churches or pastors I was interacting with.
When I found the truth in the LDS Church, I didn't see its leaders as men of God; I saw them as mortal men searching for answers--just like I was. That's not to say that they weren't men of God; that's just to say that I didn't expect them to be perfect. I knew that only one man has walked the earth in perfection. I have a clear understanding that we are all prone to mistakes and bad decisions--even Church leaders." Page 82
"When people tell me that they've asked God if the LDS Church is true and haven't received an answer, I know that they aren't truly relying on God for the answer. Instead, they're relying on their own understanding for the answer. ....
A young man once said to me, 'Wain, I don't get it. There are so many issues and past practices with he LDS Church that are bothersome.' I responded by pointing out that his issues with the Church are all based on the actions of man, not God. I've dealt with--and continue to deal with--the problems I have because my faith is in God, not man. Members of the LDS Church are human and have shortcoming and flaws, just like everyone else. I cant judge them; I've got too many of my own weaknesses and sins to correct." Page 130
It is definitely a book worth reading!
November 1, 2015
I don’t think I have pulled out a highlighter on purpose with a book since I was in college. Well, that all changed when I got a mere halfway through the first chapter of From Baptist Preacher to Mormon Teacher: I knew that I was going to want to keep a highlighter in my hand the whole time.
Wain Myers’ memoir was powerful from start to finish. Sometimes I would be laughing out loud as I could envision his voice saying and thinking sarcastic things. Then other times I would be wiping tears from my cheeks as he spoke of his difficult childhood, and other struggles he experienced in his life. I not only shed tears of sadness, though; I also shed tears of joy – tears brought from the Spirit. I felt the presence of the Holy Ghost so strongly in this book, and I knew that what Myers was saying was true.
His testimony cannot be denied. His honesty enveloped my soul. I truly appreciated all the explanations he gave of how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized, and what the beliefs and practices of its members are. Anybody of any faith who reads this book will come away with a lot of knowledge, and hopefully some different perspectives.
Wain Myers is a true Mormon teacher, not just from the callings and positions he has held in the church, but also from fearlessly sharing his story in this book. His testimony is pure, and strong, and even more real because he admits he has struggled. That is what makes his story so much more believable and easy to accept – because his road has been hard, and he has had to rely on his Heavenly Father to guide him back to the straight and narrow path.
He also gave terrific counsel in this book, counsel which any Latter-day Saint, or anyone searching for truth, can safely hold on to. His words were consistent with counsel I have heard from the prophets and apostles of the church, and that brought peace to my heart.
I truly loved this book, and will cherish it forever. I was kind of frustrated, though, about how the missionaries in his stories quoted a scripture from the Book of Mormon when answering questions about why there was a priesthood ban for African Americans for much of the church’s history. The scripture wasn’t relevant, and didn’t answer the question. Unfortunately, there is no real answer, because we just don’t know exactly why Brigham Young instituted the ban. There have been theories, but no doctrinal reason. All we know is that Young promised that at some future day, black Church members would “have [all] the privilege and more” enjoyed by other members.” We also know that there was no revelation given to lift the ban until Spencer W. Kimball was Prophet. There are so many questions and so many holes with this, but I think Wain Myers almost unknowingly gave some peace to the situation when he said:
If Jesus wants something to change in His Church, He’ll let His prophets know.
God leads His church through prophets…The prophet’s instructions and counsel will align with God’s instructions.
Myers’ feelings about the priesthood ban are very tender, and that he still struggles with it today. No matter what the full explanation, I truly believe that someday we will understand. The Lord will reveal everything to us someday, as long as we keep the faith, as Brother Myers has done so well.
I whole-heartedly recommend that everyone read From Baptist Preacher to Mormon Teacher. For me, it brought a greater understanding of how other churches work, and helped reaffirm for me that God speaks to and has a divine plan for each and every one of us. His plan for Myers was clear as he shared his story. What will you get from this memoir?
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
http://www.ablisscomplete.com/enjoyin...
Wain Myers’ memoir was powerful from start to finish. Sometimes I would be laughing out loud as I could envision his voice saying and thinking sarcastic things. Then other times I would be wiping tears from my cheeks as he spoke of his difficult childhood, and other struggles he experienced in his life. I not only shed tears of sadness, though; I also shed tears of joy – tears brought from the Spirit. I felt the presence of the Holy Ghost so strongly in this book, and I knew that what Myers was saying was true.
His testimony cannot be denied. His honesty enveloped my soul. I truly appreciated all the explanations he gave of how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized, and what the beliefs and practices of its members are. Anybody of any faith who reads this book will come away with a lot of knowledge, and hopefully some different perspectives.
Wain Myers is a true Mormon teacher, not just from the callings and positions he has held in the church, but also from fearlessly sharing his story in this book. His testimony is pure, and strong, and even more real because he admits he has struggled. That is what makes his story so much more believable and easy to accept – because his road has been hard, and he has had to rely on his Heavenly Father to guide him back to the straight and narrow path.
He also gave terrific counsel in this book, counsel which any Latter-day Saint, or anyone searching for truth, can safely hold on to. His words were consistent with counsel I have heard from the prophets and apostles of the church, and that brought peace to my heart.
I truly loved this book, and will cherish it forever. I was kind of frustrated, though, about how the missionaries in his stories quoted a scripture from the Book of Mormon when answering questions about why there was a priesthood ban for African Americans for much of the church’s history. The scripture wasn’t relevant, and didn’t answer the question. Unfortunately, there is no real answer, because we just don’t know exactly why Brigham Young instituted the ban. There have been theories, but no doctrinal reason. All we know is that Young promised that at some future day, black Church members would “have [all] the privilege and more” enjoyed by other members.” We also know that there was no revelation given to lift the ban until Spencer W. Kimball was Prophet. There are so many questions and so many holes with this, but I think Wain Myers almost unknowingly gave some peace to the situation when he said:
If Jesus wants something to change in His Church, He’ll let His prophets know.
God leads His church through prophets…The prophet’s instructions and counsel will align with God’s instructions.
Myers’ feelings about the priesthood ban are very tender, and that he still struggles with it today. No matter what the full explanation, I truly believe that someday we will understand. The Lord will reveal everything to us someday, as long as we keep the faith, as Brother Myers has done so well.
I whole-heartedly recommend that everyone read From Baptist Preacher to Mormon Teacher. For me, it brought a greater understanding of how other churches work, and helped reaffirm for me that God speaks to and has a divine plan for each and every one of us. His plan for Myers was clear as he shared his story. What will you get from this memoir?
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
http://www.ablisscomplete.com/enjoyin...
November 5, 2015
I found this to be a truthful book, a reminder to me of things I need to keep working on, a interesting book that I did not want to put down. I found myself crying quiet tears in a few spots. I learned some new things too. I appreciated Wain telling his story and sharing his testimony and love of Jesus Christ. The lessons he learned along the way.
This is a fast read that is full of life lessons Wain has learned. I like how he and his wife don;t think of your kids, mine and our kids. That is tough to do. In fact I want to ask now which were your wife's two children now. It is not important as long as your children all feel your love and support.
Constant with your discipline of the rules is very right thing but hard to do.
Wain shares his love of scriptures, prayers that were answered and special people along the way that made a difference in his life.
I like how he answers tough questions. I hope I can do that the right way too. With love and testimony not fighting. Too find out what the real issues are.
Thank you for being willing to write your story to uplift those who take the time and effort to listen and hear what you have learned that can help strengthen there lives too.
Your story made my day.
I was given this ebook to read by Cedar Fort Publishers. In return I agreed to give a honest review of From Baptist Preacher to Mormon Teacher.
October 27, 2015
I enjoy reading and hearing conversion stories and this one peaked my interest. Wain Myers was a Baptist preacher who joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). He had experiences in his life which led him to find the church later on. While he was investigating the church, he had plenty of questions. I liked how he handled the parts that were more difficult for him to accept. Even after joining, he had questions and struggled for a while. I thought it was interesting to read how he felt during those times and how he was able to move forward.
I also loved the way he met his wife Sebrina and how supportive they were of each other. They each had exes to deal with and he explained how they chose to deal with them. They worked hard to raise their children to be kind, well-mannered, loving, respectful people. Reading this book gave me a fresh perspective on gospel teachings and is a good reminder on where to put my focus. This is a quick, inspirational, humorous, touching, thought-provoking read!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
I also loved the way he met his wife Sebrina and how supportive they were of each other. They each had exes to deal with and he explained how they chose to deal with them. They worked hard to raise their children to be kind, well-mannered, loving, respectful people. Reading this book gave me a fresh perspective on gospel teachings and is a good reminder on where to put my focus. This is a quick, inspirational, humorous, touching, thought-provoking read!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
Read
March 6, 2016A refreshing view that disperses misconceptions
I would have given him 5 stars if he had kept the narrative with the spark it had on the first one third of it. It was like a movie I was watching with this real life character that was funny and at the same time serious about his relationship with God. It was for everyone. But then I guess the book was revised and the narrative sometimes became a manual of LDS beliefs and as an LDS reader it started to make me feel uncomfortable. I wanted to give this to friends but felt like those times you convince a friend to hear from the missionaries and they immediately challenge the person for baptism in 14 days or less. I feel betrayed. So.... The text which would enlighten everyone shifts to a textbook for non members only, not the fun narrative I started reading. It was still interesting when I flipped over the pages that were explanatory of doctrine and went back to the story I wanted to read about. He was still there. Not sure who or what caused him to lose focus but the book survives that distraction. I recommend it and if you start getting tired of the text book paragraphs flip some pages... He will get back to the theme. Thank you for your story.
I would have given him 5 stars if he had kept the narrative with the spark it had on the first one third of it. It was like a movie I was watching with this real life character that was funny and at the same time serious about his relationship with God. It was for everyone. But then I guess the book was revised and the narrative sometimes became a manual of LDS beliefs and as an LDS reader it started to make me feel uncomfortable. I wanted to give this to friends but felt like those times you convince a friend to hear from the missionaries and they immediately challenge the person for baptism in 14 days or less. I feel betrayed. So.... The text which would enlighten everyone shifts to a textbook for non members only, not the fun narrative I started reading. It was still interesting when I flipped over the pages that were explanatory of doctrine and went back to the story I wanted to read about. He was still there. Not sure who or what caused him to lose focus but the book survives that distraction. I recommend it and if you start getting tired of the text book paragraphs flip some pages... He will get back to the theme. Thank you for your story.
February 5, 2016
I was very disappointed in this book. I think there should have been more detail and description. For example, what did he do as a Baptist preacher that was so wrong? What truths did he preach? I can't imagine he just accepted everything the missionaries taught him and did not struggle. The lack of detail made this book less like a memoir and more like an outline for a sacrament talk. I would have loved to understand what he felt when he changed religions.
In my opinion, I think the author is a little arrogant. He gives many mini lectures which seem like the standard Sunday School answers or blips he could use in a sacrament talk. He states a couple of times in the book that he would love to speak to all the members all over the world. Is he aspiring to be a General Authority?
Overall opinion: not enough detail, too preachy, and a little untrusting of the author.
In my opinion, I think the author is a little arrogant. He gives many mini lectures which seem like the standard Sunday School answers or blips he could use in a sacrament talk. He states a couple of times in the book that he would love to speak to all the members all over the world. Is he aspiring to be a General Authority?
Overall opinion: not enough detail, too preachy, and a little untrusting of the author.
October 20, 2015
THIS BOOK IS FANTASTIC!
Written from a candid view, touches of humor, and a humble story. This is one you cannot put down.
I loved that Wain's story is real--losses, wrong choices, even feelings of losing desire.
But in it all Wain stays true, overcomes, and ultimately triumphs!
Hope-filled-- this book will be one you want to share with everyone.
What an amazing story!
What an amazing person!
A MUST-READ!
Written from a candid view, touches of humor, and a humble story. This is one you cannot put down.
I loved that Wain's story is real--losses, wrong choices, even feelings of losing desire.
But in it all Wain stays true, overcomes, and ultimately triumphs!
Hope-filled-- this book will be one you want to share with everyone.
What an amazing story!
What an amazing person!
A MUST-READ!
December 23, 2015
This was really interesting to me. I learned what other religions did and believed. It was also interesting to see the church through a black person's perspective. I'm so grateful that there are those who, like Bro. Myers, will look beyond the obvious obstacles and ask in total meekness and humility if the church is true. What a great example and teacher he is! The book is a fast read and kept me interested all the way through. It's a total feel-good story.
January 29, 2016
This was more than a biographical sketch. The title says it all: Mormon teacher. A lot of the book was spent teaching us about Mormon doctrine and testifying which I enjoyed, but I would have liked to have more biography as well. I felt like that area was skimmed over too quickly. It is a very short book, just 134 pages. It could have fleshed out quite a bit more. He has a very interesting story.
February 8, 2016
This brother is amazing and an inspiration! I loved reading his story. His life truly prepared him to recognize the truth of the Gospel when he found it, and his faith gave him the strength to look past the foibles of men and be baptized into the LDS Church. This is a diversion story I will long remember.
November 3, 2016
A great conversion story. I may not agree with every statement Brother Myers makes, but he is not afraid to address more controversial topics and addresses his words to nonmembers as well as members. I like how Bro. Myers explains how we can overcome doubts, fears and complacency in our faith.
May 2, 2016
Inspirational!
This author speaks with truth and candor. His relationship with God is one we can all aspire to. His insights into religions he personally experienced helped my understanding and strengthened my testimony. A one sitting read that will keep you interested.
This author speaks with truth and candor. His relationship with God is one we can all aspire to. His insights into religions he personally experienced helped my understanding and strengthened my testimony. A one sitting read that will keep you interested.
October 21, 2015
this book warmed my heart. beautiful experiences of a man's quest to do and live as the savior would.
November 13, 2015
I wanted more details from this brief book. It sometimes read more like an infomercial than a story.
November 19, 2015
Great book and interesting story of conversion and faith. The only thing that would have made it better would be more personal details and stories.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews