Domie

Are cola drinks against the Word of Wisdom?

And FYI...I still don't have a definitive answer on the original question of who would preside if the bishopric were gone. The safe bet is to have the HPG leader AND the EQP up on the stand.

Quote: Originally Posted by mormonmusic I was in that position once -- as 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric -- when the Bishop and 1st Counselor were away. The ward was crawling with temple presidents, former stake presidents, and high counsellors, as well as many ex-Bishopric. I was told about 3 times afterwards I should've had the High Priest Group leader up there with me so there was more than one person listening for correct wording of the Sacrament prayer. I think they even suggested the EQ president be up there as well. Perhaps MOE should pull out his handbook and tell him if I was getting good information at the time from these men of experience who chastised me after the meeting. It was already answered.... Technically....only the presiding authority can ask the sacrament prayer to be repeated. Even if a counselor questions it, the presiding authority is the only one who can have it repeated.

If no member of the bishopric were present, the HPG leader would preside. I've personally never seen this, but this is what my SP told me. I don't think a deacon would ever preside over a ward since they do not hold the Melchizedek priesthood. The member of the HC would preside in that case, however unlikely.

I think there is some merit in both instances. I do think that the demands on a bishop's time are pretty intense and it can cause serious issues if he doesn't learn to manage his time effectively. In these cases, the bishop gets worn down and his family (more than anyone) suffers. I do agree that bishops spend a lot of time worrying about others and that tends to lessen the amount of time they might spend on their own development. That said, personal spiritual development goes hand-in-hand with the service bishops render (it should, at least). It's tough to be a spiritual leader if you aren't taking care of your own spiritual nourishment. I'm just curious how FIVE YEARS became the standard term. I can't find it anywhere.

Bishops do get tired, but going inactive after release probably indicates other issues at work. That's unfortunate. I hope he comes back.

I don't think you get "worn out" as a bishop, but it's probably a good idea to let others have a chance in leadership. The change can be refreshing for the bishops and the ward members.

Typically, we hear that bishops serve for around 5 years and stake presidents serve for about 9. Where do these numbers come from?? Has anything authoritative ever been written on this? Or....is this just a recommended number that has been adopted on a wide-scale. I'm just curious how this became so standard, especially in the US. Thoughts?

Where is everyone currently serving?

I have heard it said by local leaders that it has been said that the "four most important callings in the ward are bishop, ward clerk, ward mission leader, and EQ president." Does ANYONE have a reference for this quote? I can't find anything. Thanks!