Elder Clark G. Gilbert : Anchoring Faith in Jesus Christ

Elder Clark G. Gilbert Apostle Interview: Testimony of Jesus Christ, Following the Living Prophet, and Anchoring Faith in a Polarized World

Elder Clark G. Gilbert Apostle was recently called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this interview, he reflects on the disruptive nature of his apostolic calling, his testimony of Jesus Christ, the importance of sustaining the living prophet, navigating political polarization, strengthening struggling members, and trusting the Lord’s timing in Church leadership. This written summary highlights the most faith-building and doctrinally grounded insights from his conversation.

TL;DR: Elder Clark G. Gilbert Apostle on Being a Witness of Jesus Christ

Elder Clark G. Gilbert Apostle describes his call to the Quorum of the Twelve as a moment of “fear and joy” combined. In a time of record Church growth yet increasing personal and cultural challenges, he teaches that the answer for both struggling and thriving members is the same: anchor your identity in Jesus Christ, follow the living prophet, and trust the Lord’s timing. His central message is clear—an apostle’s primary role is to be a witness of Jesus Christ.

Watch the Full Interview with Elder Clark G. Gilbert Apostle

“Fear and Joy”: How Elder Clark G. Gilbert Apostle Felt When Called

Known professionally for his work in disruptive innovation, Elder Clark G. Gilbert Apostle acknowledged that being called as an apostle is, in every sense, “very disruptive.” When asked whether his life plans were suddenly overturned, he explained that the pivot in his life had actually begun years earlier.

While serving at Harvard Business School and being considered for tenure, he and his wife were invited by President Kim B. Clark to consider serving at BYU-Idaho. That decision marked a spiritual and professional turning point. Looking back, he sees that moment as preparation for future service.

Still, the actual call to the apostleship was overwhelming. He described the experience as “fear and joy” striking at the same time—like paintings depicting apostles running toward the Savior with both reverence and urgency. That mixture of trepidation and sacred joy has defined the beginning of his new calling.

Helping Members Who Struggle with Faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Pointing Everyone Back to the Savior

Referencing President Oaks’ message about strengthening faith, Elder Clark G. Gilbert Apostle observed that we are living in a remarkable moment in Church history. Seminary and institute attendance are at record levels. Missionary service is flourishing. Yet at the same time, many members experience anxiety, questions, and mental health challenges.

His response is simple but profound: “It’s always to point people back to the Savior.”

He emphasized:

Those progressing in the gospel must stay focused on Jesus Christ.
Those who struggle must come back to Jesus Christ.
The first responsibility of an apostle is “to be a witness to the name of Jesus Christ in all the world.”

For Elder Clark G. Gilbert Apostle, the solution to spiritual uncertainty is not ideological argument, but renewed devotion to the Savior.

Political Polarization and Keeping Christ as Our Primary Identity

Addressing the polarization affecting society and sometimes seeping into the Church, Elder Clark G. Gilbert Apostle referenced C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters. In the story, the strategy is not to push someone toward one political party or another, but to make political identity their first identity and their faith secondary.

That warning feels particularly relevant today. He cautioned that disciples must resist allowing partisan perspectives to overshadow their identity as followers of Jesus Christ.

In a world where every statement can be filtered through political lenses, members must remain anchored in the gospel rather than in ideological camps. True peace-making begins by remembering who we are first—disciples of Christ.

Orthodoxy and Sustaining the Living Prophet

When asked about having a particular view of orthodoxy, Elder Clark G. Gilbert Apostle responded humbly that he is not the arbiter of doctrine. Orthodoxy is grounded in the revealed teachings of the Church and in the words of the living prophet.

He described how, during his service in Church education, he consistently taught the words of President Russell M. Nelson. When prophetic leadership changes, faithful leaders “pivot” to teach what the Lord is revealing through the current prophet.

There is spiritual safety, he explained, in being anchored in “the current prophet who’s been called for this time” and who serves as the spokesperson for Jesus Christ on the earth.

Love, Commandments, and Temple Worthiness

In discussing questions about temple recommends and doctrinal disagreements, Elder Clark G. Gilbert Apostle emphasized both belonging and fidelity to Christ’s teachings. He quoted President Holland: “Christ never once said, because I love you, you are free to choose which commandments to keep.”

At the same time, he affirmed that the Savior possesses infinite mercy. Referring to the woman taken in adultery, he noted how Christ both defended her and commanded, “Go thy way, and sin no more.”

The Church follows that same divine pattern:

Love without hesitation.
Minister with compassion.
Uphold God’s commandments faithfully.

God, he testified, is the architect of both His laws and His love.

Elevating Women by Seeking and Listening to Inspired Counsel

When asked about elevating women in the Church, Elder Clark G. Gilbert Apostle shared a personal experience from his time as a bishop. In a ward council meeting that felt stalled, he prayed silently for guidance. He felt impressed: “There is an answer to this. I gave it to your young women’s president. Ask her to share her voice.”

The revelation had come to someone else.

He testified that effective councils require creating space for every voice—especially those who may hesitate to speak. Leaders must deliberately seek counsel from women and from those who might otherwise remain quiet.

Revelation is often distributed among the council, and humility is required to receive it.

The Church and Immigration: Balancing Law and Dignity

Elder Clark G. Gilbert Apostle reflected on a painting in his office depicting early Saints emigrating to a new land. Those early converts were poor and uneducated immigrants. That, he noted, is the history of the Church.

Today, the Church seeks to balance respect for the rule of law with dignity, kindness, and opportunity for immigrants. Drawing from his experience with BYU-Pathway Worldwide, he described how education has blessed Hispanic students in Utah, Filipino workers in the Middle East, and African immigrants throughout Europe.

While acknowledging the difficulty of the current season, he expressed gratitude for a Church that values “the worth and dignity of all of God’s children, no matter their life circumstances.”

Innovating in the Lord’s Way: Lessons from BYU-Pathway

Though trained at Harvard Business School as an innovation scholar, Elder Clark G. Gilbert Apostle said he had to relearn innovation in the Lord’s way.

He once described this approach as focusing on:

The individual soul.
The Lord’s path and timing.
Modesty and frugality.
Trust in divine direction.

At times he pushed for faster expansion and more resources. But he learned a humbling lesson: growth unfolds best when leaders trust who is truly in charge. Waiting on the Lord produced outcomes better than anything he would have engineered himself.

That experience deepened his testimony that the Lord directs His Church.

The Central Role of an Apostle: A Special Witness of Jesus Christ

As he and his wife reflected on his new calling, they discussed each member of the Quorum of the Twelve. Their personalities, cultures, and backgrounds are remarkably different. Yet what unites them is unmistakable: a testimony of Jesus Christ.

He recalled hearing President Uchtdorf once say regarding social media, “Whatever we do… you and I have to use it to witness that Jesus is the Christ.”

That is now his sacred obligation as well.

Elder Clark G. Gilbert Apostle concluded that despite individual differences, there is only one anchor role in the apostleship: to be a witness of Jesus Christ. In a world of disruption, division, and uncertainty, that witness remains steady and sure.