Amazing as it may sound, bishops are sometimes are the target of criticism. The calling of bishop is inherently challenging. Add to that a few well-meaning, but cutting remarks and you have a recipe for lost sleep and ulcers. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind. These lessons apply to bishops...and everyone else.
The Church is composed of people. Sometimes, those people do things that are unfortunate and imperfect. Remember that before you take offense to any "friendly suggestions" that come off as brutal onslaughts. Most of the time, people really do mean well. They just tend to miss the landing, if you will. Work on the assumption that the "suggester" has your best interests at heart.
When a "friendly suggestion" is offered, look for the underlying reasons it may have been offered. The Prophet Joseph Smith once said that when someone made unjust accusations against him, he looked for the reasons which may have solicited the attack. If he looked long enough, he said, eventually he would find the reason. Then, he would work to correct the problem. That is wisdom.
So, from now on, waste less time getting offended and spend more time getting better. Take "friendly suggestions" for what they are worth. Is there something to improve upon? If so, do your best to make improvement. If not, do as the Prophet told Parley Pratt to do when he was fretting over a perceived slight..."Walk these things under your feet".
Either way, don't waste the time and effort on being offended. Get on with the work!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Ward Conference
Ward conference is on Sunday. It's always nice to have the folks from the stake in our meetings, but it does tend to make me anxious. Like most people, I am always sensitve to criticism. And, like most people, there are a lot of ways in which I can stand to improve.
One thing I have determined to do is spend more of our time in meetings discussing family needs. In particular, I want to focus on the ways in which priesthood and auxilaries can make a difference in the lives of the families of the ward. I don't get caught up in calendaring and activities. In general, my focus is correct. However, I could use some fine tuning to be more effective.
If anything, I focus too much time on missionary efforts in the ward. In that area, I need to start doing a better job of leading by example. How many missionary discussions have I had in my home?? The people will follow if I lead out. Missionary work works best when it happens in the homes of the members.
So....for ward conference I am assigned to speak on "strengthening families". I have 12 minutes. When the first counselor in the stake presidency called last night, I requested to have my new and former first counselors bear their testimonies in sacrament meeting. I let him know I'd be willing to volunteer my speaking time so that they could speak. How generous of me!
One thing I have determined to do is spend more of our time in meetings discussing family needs. In particular, I want to focus on the ways in which priesthood and auxilaries can make a difference in the lives of the families of the ward. I don't get caught up in calendaring and activities. In general, my focus is correct. However, I could use some fine tuning to be more effective.
If anything, I focus too much time on missionary efforts in the ward. In that area, I need to start doing a better job of leading by example. How many missionary discussions have I had in my home?? The people will follow if I lead out. Missionary work works best when it happens in the homes of the members.
So....for ward conference I am assigned to speak on "strengthening families". I have 12 minutes. When the first counselor in the stake presidency called last night, I requested to have my new and former first counselors bear their testimonies in sacrament meeting. I let him know I'd be willing to volunteer my speaking time so that they could speak. How generous of me!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
How to Call Counselors?
Some time ago, I spoke with a member of the ward about how to effectively call counselors. Other than focused thought and prayer, I'm not sure that there is a secret formula to this process. When members come to ask about whom to call, I tend to give limited feedback and put the ball back in their court. I am the bishop. My counselors and I approve the decision, but we do NOT submit the names to ourselves.
My personal feelings are that sometimes callings are for those being served and sometimes they are for those being called. In certain circumstances, good people are called to serve in order to make them better and prepare them for more significant responsibilites in the future. Sometimes, "over-qualified" people are called because an organization needs strong leadership. In both cases, the Lord assures us that the teacher and the learner are edified. Don't doubt yourself if you feel inspired to call someone that you view as less-than-able. Perhaps the Lord knows more about that person than you do. As in all things, it is through our faithfulness that we grow and are blessed. Don't hesitate to give someone an opportunity to be stretched and tested. If you follow the inspiration of the Spirit, it's tough to fail. And, in the case that the person you call doesn't live up to your expectations, give them every opportunity to grow and learn from the experience. When (or if) the time comes to make a change, remember that this is the Lord's Church. He won't fail to answer your earnest prayer. Just be ready to receive the answer...
So...back to the person I initially mentioned. My advice was to think "outside the box". Don't draw up an overly stringent set of criteria. Be open to call who may not fit your idea of "fit". I also told the person to have the name(s) by Sunday. When N Eldon Tanner was called as a stake president of a newly-formed stake, he was told he could take as long as he needed to call stake officers...as long as he got them all called by the next morning. I figure if it worked for President Tanner, it will work for us.
My personal feelings are that sometimes callings are for those being served and sometimes they are for those being called. In certain circumstances, good people are called to serve in order to make them better and prepare them for more significant responsibilites in the future. Sometimes, "over-qualified" people are called because an organization needs strong leadership. In both cases, the Lord assures us that the teacher and the learner are edified. Don't doubt yourself if you feel inspired to call someone that you view as less-than-able. Perhaps the Lord knows more about that person than you do. As in all things, it is through our faithfulness that we grow and are blessed. Don't hesitate to give someone an opportunity to be stretched and tested. If you follow the inspiration of the Spirit, it's tough to fail. And, in the case that the person you call doesn't live up to your expectations, give them every opportunity to grow and learn from the experience. When (or if) the time comes to make a change, remember that this is the Lord's Church. He won't fail to answer your earnest prayer. Just be ready to receive the answer...
So...back to the person I initially mentioned. My advice was to think "outside the box". Don't draw up an overly stringent set of criteria. Be open to call who may not fit your idea of "fit". I also told the person to have the name(s) by Sunday. When N Eldon Tanner was called as a stake president of a newly-formed stake, he was told he could take as long as he needed to call stake officers...as long as he got them all called by the next morning. I figure if it worked for President Tanner, it will work for us.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Excellent Night
I just got back from the OKC temple. It was a great evening. I had a chance to reflect on some issues I've been pondering for some time. I also had a chance to visit with a few of the ward members and dispense some counsel. I was pleased to see so many saints in the temple tonight. Very encouraging.
I will be speaking this Sunday for ward conference on "strengthening families". I had a few flashes of inspiration tonight during my drive home. I have a strong indication as the direction I want to take for my talk. For some reason, I have a desire to give my talk with no notes. Perhaps THAT is an aspirational goal. I will be limited to 12 minutes. I'm not sure I trust myself enough to keep within that time constraint, especially if I am speaking from no text. George Albert Smith told Matthew Cowley when Elder Cowley was called to the Twelve..."Never write your talks". In short, he was telling Elder Cowley to go on inspiration and let the Lord guide his words. To this suggestion, Elder Cowley replied, "Oh, President, that's putting an awful burden on the Lord!" I agree.
I might need to take a few notes, at least.
I will be speaking this Sunday for ward conference on "strengthening families". I had a few flashes of inspiration tonight during my drive home. I have a strong indication as the direction I want to take for my talk. For some reason, I have a desire to give my talk with no notes. Perhaps THAT is an aspirational goal. I will be limited to 12 minutes. I'm not sure I trust myself enough to keep within that time constraint, especially if I am speaking from no text. George Albert Smith told Matthew Cowley when Elder Cowley was called to the Twelve..."Never write your talks". In short, he was telling Elder Cowley to go on inspiration and let the Lord guide his words. To this suggestion, Elder Cowley replied, "Oh, President, that's putting an awful burden on the Lord!" I agree.
I might need to take a few notes, at least.
One Year as Bishop
I just recently passed the one-year mark as bishop. It has been an interesting 12 months and I have learned a great deal. My ward is a fun and interesting hodgepodge of experiences, talents, and challenges (like every other ward in the Church). I still feel very young and inadequate, but I am growing in the office and I feel more confident each day. There is a mantle associated with the call and I can feel it.
I just called a new counselor. He was sustained last Sunday and will be set apart this Sunday. He's 26, so I'm no longer the youngest member of the bishopric. I'm still the youngest bishop in the stake, but at least I have some seniority in my own ward :-)! I will really miss my former counselor. He was one of the best men I know.
We are preparing for our ward conference this Sunday. It's always enjoyable to have the stake leaders visit and give thoughts and suggestions. The best part is that my newly-called 1st counselor will be conducting. Straight out of the frying pan and into the fire!
Until next time, have fun and be good.
I just called a new counselor. He was sustained last Sunday and will be set apart this Sunday. He's 26, so I'm no longer the youngest member of the bishopric. I'm still the youngest bishop in the stake, but at least I have some seniority in my own ward :-)! I will really miss my former counselor. He was one of the best men I know.
We are preparing for our ward conference this Sunday. It's always enjoyable to have the stake leaders visit and give thoughts and suggestions. The best part is that my newly-called 1st counselor will be conducting. Straight out of the frying pan and into the fire!
Until next time, have fun and be good.
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