STS Classes & Seminars

STS Classes are listed below.  Please contact Mike Ghiglia if you or your church/organization would like to host any of our classes.  If Team STS is unable to personally lead a class, all class materials and PowerPoints can be emailed.  Leader support is provided by Mike.  There is no fee for any STS service other than copying, materials and transportation, should they apply.

STS Seminars are custom-designed by the hosting organization and Mike Ghiglia so that format, content and length are matched to interest and need.  Seminars may include any combination of our STS class topics.  There is no fee for any STS service other than copying, materials, transportation and lodging, should they apply.

Mormonism in the Light of Biblical Scripture (MLBS) 

(Click here for the history and details of MLBS, our flagship Bible study.)

“Contrast Brings Clarity” (CBC)

CBC is a much shorter class (4 to 6 weeks) than MLBS because it covers only one or two segments at a time (see below) while maintaining the depth and analysis of doctrine for which MLBS was made popular.  CBC is an inch wide and a mile deep.

CBC segments include: 

• Is Debating Doctrine “Bashing” or Biblical?
• 6 Unreliable Ways to Test a Prophet
• The Most Reliable Way to Test a Prophet
• The Bible–LDS & Evangelical Doctrines Compared
• God & Jesus–LDS & Biblical Doctrines Compared
• The Gospel–LDS & Biblical Doctrines Compared
• Apostasy & Priesthood–LDS & Biblical Doctrines Compared 

“The 'Contrast Brings Clarity' class was the first instructional class I attended by Share the Son Ministries.  In fact, it was the first 'formal' instruction I received that was targeted specifically at the differences between LDS doctrines and traditional biblical doctrines held by mainstream Protestant denominations. The first thing that jumped out at me was how Mike set the tone that the plan was to enter into a discussion and dialogue with 'gentleness and respect.'  Mike demonstrated from both biblical Scripture and authoritative LDS writings the basis for defending and challenging each other's doctrine, while at the same time showing respect.  During the class the LDS doctrine of salvation was presented in a way that encouraged questions and discussion from both evangelical Christians and members of the LDS Church who were in attendance.  Then the biblical gospel of salvation was presented and contrasted with the LDS gospel.  At the end of the class everyone walked away with the clear understanding that the doctrines were NOT the same and in fact were opposed to one another."

Rev. Tim Rupp
Director of Discipleship, Alliance Covenant Church - Idaho Falls, ID

Mormonism from the Ground Up (MGU)

MGU is a 6-week class that is specifically designed to be an introduction to the LDS Church and its history, doctrines, practices and culture.  It is especially helpful to those who are new to predominantly LDS communities.  MGU is a mile wide and an inch deep.

MGU topics include:   

• The Rationale for “Mormonism from the Ground Up”
• From Joseph Smith’s “First Vision” to the Great Salt Lake
• LDS Scripture & the Way to Know Truth
• Wards, Stakes & LDS Church Government
• Temple Work & Life in the LDS Church
• Polygamy, Blood Atonement & Blacks and the Priesthood
• “Contrast Brings Clarity”–The LDS & Biblical Gospels Compared
• “Contrast Brings Clarity”–The LDS & Biblical God & Jesus Compared
• Should Biblical Christians Attend LDS Functions?
• What Can You Expect in the Workplace?
• Mormon Missionaries & Our Duty at the Door
• Proactive Parenting for Biblical Christians
• From Darkness to Delivery–Joel Peterson’s Personal Testimony  

"'Mormonism from the Ground Up' is a great introduction to the inner workings of the LDS Church.  From its history beginning with Joseph Smith's 'First Vision,' to Church hierarchy, scripture and how it all conflicts with the biblical God, Jesus and Gospel, this class gives us insight not only into what it means to be a Latter-day Saint, but also how we should respond to them as our neighbors, friends, co-workers and family.  Joel Peterson's testimony is a powerful example of what the Latter-day Saint is up against when he/she questions the validity of Church doctrine and the Church itself."

Steve Nelson, Program Director
Old Faithful Christian Ranch - Island Park, ID

Sharing Strategies with Latter-day Saints

“Strategies” is a 12-week class, but was 10 years in the making and the culmination of Mike’s countless meetings and debates with Latter-day Saints of all stripes.  It was premiered at Christ Community Church and Eagle Rock Baptist Church in Idaho Falls in the fall of 2008 and promoted as a witnessing-skills class “not for the faint-of-heart.”  As such, Strategies incorporates both lecture and small-group, role-playing formats.

The Strategies class clears “10 Rocks on the Road to Redemption” which include:

• Christians–Correcting 15 Mistakes Christians Make When Sharing with LDS
• “Bashing”
• Testing for Truth
• The Bible
• Apostasy
• Priesthood Authority
• “Contrast Brings Clarity”
• The LDS Gospel
• LDS Biblical Proof Texts
• The Biblical Gospel

"'Strategies' does an excellent job of preparing its attendees to give a reasonable response to most of the topics that will come up in conversations with Latter-day Saints.  In particular it equips participants to clearly show the contrast between essential LDS and biblical doctrines.  Moreover, Strategies equips participants to present LDS with faith-challenging questions."

James Hallmark, LDS Action Group Leader
Christ Community Church - Idaho Falls, ID