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SilentDawning wrote:
My question is why you feel you have to go to anyone in official capacities at all? It’s a crap shoot as to whether they can actually help you. As you probably know, some are black and white, and yes, you do run the risk of bringing someone else down.
I completely agree with you, I don’t think I have to go to anyone. Obviously, I am here and am really glad these forums exist. But for me, that is the unfortunate part. The office of BP is supposed to help people build their faith, not tear it down. But imperfect people are called and they all act differently. It is a shame that BP don’t get very much training. I think if the Church was to train leaders better, then there wouldn’t be such a large disparity in the way they judge.
You are right though. It is nice to have a place where you get a very balanced response to questions.
Callings are a very important part of the Church. Man, the amount of stress placed on a BP when callings are not fulfilled is crazy. You get people complaining left and right when callings are not filled or accepted. After about 2 years into being BP I finally realized that I was doing it all wrong. Number one, it was not by responsibility to fill callings in the auxiliaries. It was the duty of the presidency to recommend names and then for us as a Bishopric to see how that fit into the bigger picture of the Ward. We would look at how that would affect other callings etc. However, we never prayed in a Bishopric meeting if it was correct (I prayed plenty on my own). I also counseled my counselors to meet with the person and to talk with them (have a PPI). The revelation came then, when they are sitting with the person and having a conversation with them. If it isn’t the right calling or time then DON’T ISSUE IT! I don’t believe it comes in a small office with four people sitting around trying to fill positions. That is all administrative. The inspiration and revelation comes when you are listening to the individual. This has got me thinking…I am very nervous about sharing my FC with my current BP. Not because I am afraid of him executing judgment on me, but because I don’t want to drag anyone else down with me. I know that I loved when people would come and be real with me. I know I was a different BP but who better to talk to then a BP? Someone who is supposed to be there for us and help us through life. Man, that was the good stuff. I guess I would never have pulled a TR because of the crisis itself. SilentDawning wrote:
I think elevating the Ward council over PEC was a step in the right direction. I understand WC meets more frequently than PEC, which gives women leaders more of a voice than they had in the past.
This drove me nuts! I couldn’t get behind having any PEC meetings. I actually started having them once a quarter because it was just another WC meeting without the women being represented. Now that could have been my fault in the direction of the meeting but in all seriousness, PEC is no different that WC. I loved and looked forward to having the input of our RS, YW and Primary presidents.SilentDawning wrote:
They get it through self-study, and from serving a mission. Some will have attended Seminary and get it from there. One leader told me that if the person is busy in the church with leadership, they attend very few PH meetings and SS lessons, so their mission and youth is where they learn the principles.
Well, here I go, my first reply. I was baptized at age 26 and called to be Bishop at age 39. I was not brought up in the Church and of course, I didn’t serve a mission. I am no way a scholar in any sort of way. But I do know the doctrine and understand the administrative things of the Church. Your statement made me stop and think about where did I learn the Gospel and Teachings? I guess through personal study and observation. I also think that 3 hours of Church, 52 weeks a year and 13 years that is 2028 hours of Church. That is no other meetings which have to be close to matching that same amount of hours. No wonder I am burnt out!
I also agree with the statement that so and so said it so I will quote that and then someone quotes what I said etc etc. This is how things get exaggerated and the philosophies of men get interjected into the Church. We all have different strengths, some of us have the ability to pick up things and retain them. I don’t have that gift but I wish I did. I bet a lot of the GA’s have that sort of gift.
