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http://www.russhillmedia.com/2013/03/19/confessions-of-a-mormon-bishop/ I liked a few of these observations, others a little less.
Thanks, Hawk. There were some things with which I could quibble, but it was an excellent post. I count it as one of the blessings of my life that I have avoided being a Bishop. Anyone who craves that calling (or Relief Society President) needs psychiatric counseling.
I would refuse the call to be a bishop. There are many who are more eager that would happily accept. Old-Timer wrote:Thanks, Hawk. There were some things with which I could quibble, but it was an excellent post.
Yup, I wasn’t 100% convinced of all of the observations but I believe that he came to these opinions honestly. Most were really great.
I wasn’t impressed by this, while it is not a calling I crave I find this individual’s self-doubt discouraging and don’t think he should have accepted the call. I think we all know what bishops do. Sam, self-doubt when it comes to things a Bishop is required to do is a good thing, imo. I’d much rather have a humble man who doubts his ability to be what others expect him to be than have someone who is supremely confident in that role. Old-Timer wrote:Sam, self-doubt when it comes to things a Bishop is required to do is a good thing, imo. I’d much rather have a humble man who doubts his ability to be what others expect him to be than have someone who is supremely confident in that role.
Amen. In leadership roles in general I feel that way. Confident yes, supremely confident in a leader is a trait that I find unattractive and sometimes scary. Not just leadership roles in church or religion, but government and business and family as well. Confidence but not with supreme certainty.
Old-Timer wrote:Sam, self-doubt when it comes to things a Bishop is required to do is a good thing, imo. I’d much rather have a humble man who doubts his ability to be what others expect him to be than have someone who is supremely confident in that role.
I appreciate this Ray, but this guy seems to doubt too much. I really wonder if he was cut out for it. I don’t think I would be cut out for it. I’m a very good listener, and am willing to listen to people’s problems for hours on end… however, I’m not good at giving advice or making tough decisions about other people.
In the Roman Catholic church, prospective bishops have to say “nolo episcopari”*, I do not wish to be a bishop. That’s good in a way, but while some good candidates don’t chase after it, some people don’t want to be bishop who shouldn’t be. I’d count myself amongst them.
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I understand that, Sam, and don’t have a problem with any of it – except that this man doesn’t seem to be cut-out for this calling. The two best Bishops I’ve ever had have said to me privately most of what this Bishop wrote. Both of them felt terribly inadequate and wondered why they were called – and they were astounding Bishops. Thanks for the article Hawkgrrrl. I enjoyed it, and like you and others have said, I agree with most but not necessarily all of the items. I can see how he would come to those conclusions for virtually everything he said, though. I find his humility refreshing. I’ve worked closely with all kinds of bishops (as has everyone here) and I think a healthy does of inadequecy and self doubt are net positives as long as they don’t lead to inaction. Anybody who reads the church handbook (or scriptures for that matter) would realize that it’s impossible for a bishop to do everything listed there. Every single bishop training meeting reminds you of how you are falling short, and you probably hear complaints about your service on a weekly basis. Publicly declaring your inadequecies and self doubt can be a sign of confidence, but that’s not the point of the article.
The point seems to be that life is difficult, it’s full of difficult choices, and on the whole life is probably better if you exercise faith in Jesus. And that being a Mormon Bishop is really hard.
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