The most hated man in the Ward

[mnn727]

OK, so we've been playing musical callings in my ward the last 3 weeks.

Bro XXX 1st Counelor in the Bishopric was released after 6 years of serving 2 Bishops, EQ Pres was called to replace him, Exec Ward Secretary was called into the EQ Presidency. Bro XXX (former 1st Counselor in the Bishopric) called me just before Church Sunday asking if I could meet with him. I joked to my wife that maybe he was called to be exec Secretary and wouldn't be getting out of the early meetings after all.

Got to Church and met him in the chapel we walked out to go to the Stake offices (our chapel is also the Stake Center) and the 1st Counselor in the Stake Presidency is standing there,<<My heart sinks>> shakes my hand and both lead me into the High Counsel chambers, Bro XXX goes and gets my wife --I know I'm sunk then. Turns out Bro XXX was called to fill a position on the High Counsel and I'm called to be the Ward Exec Secretary -- Ok only thing I know is no one likes a call from the Secretary cause its always either: a new calling, a Sacrament talk or a meeting with the Bishop -- In other words, I'm about to become the most hated man in the ward.

I have accepted the call, but have not met with the Bishop yet or been sustained (next Sunday for both) what else does the ward Exec Secretary do beside's the phone work and keeping the Bishops calendar and attended many meetings?

Edited December 15, 2009 by mnn727

[Canuck Mormon]

I wouldn't say that you are the most hated man in the ward. You are the most avoided man however.

Last Sunday the Exec. Sec. came and sat down beside me as me and my wife sat down. I said to him "Oh no, now what." Of course I said it in a joking manner. He told me that they were calling new Sunday school teachers, but that they wouldn't take effect until the new year. I thought this was a little odd as I am not the Sunday school President. It all became clear when they called 2 more teachers to teach the class that I was currently teaching. I figured I was being released, but I have yet to hear from anyone as to what is happening.

[hordak]

First thing that popped into my head when i read the title. Exec. Sec.:)

[WmLee]

I have to disagree. you will not be the most hated or avoided man in the Ward. The Exect. Sec. has always been the right hand man, the man who keeps the other knuckleheads on track and on time, takes care of making sure they do their job. Had an Exec. Sec. that would take all the notes and then email reminders to the bishopric members regarding what they were suppose to do. The Exec. Sec. only took/made appointments for the bishop, councilors are own their own for that one. The best Exec. Sec. I ever served with was like the watch dog over what the bishopric did. He was the most amazing man and taught me more about how to be responsible and fulfill my calling.

Enjoy this one!

[Guest mormonmusic]

There is "dread" associated with a bunch of different callings in the Ward.

For example, youth and members don't like Bishop's Counselors who ask them to speak. They dread them. (I used this to my advantage though, telling the youth that I get my inspiration for who should speak in Sacrament meeting by who makes themself available to me in the halls when they should be in Sunday School or YM/YW). That cleared out the halls fast.

Priesthood leaders are dreaded by reluctant home teachers when the priesthood holder wants to hold a PPI.

I've never looked as the Exec Sec as a dreaded man -- our Exec sec took minutes, handled appointments for the Bishop, and that was about it. I don't think anyone ever dreaded him.

[john doe]

I've never known of an Exec. Secretary call about talks, the Bishop and Counselors are responsible to ask people on their own for the month they are assigned to cover. The Secretary does ask people to give prayers in Sacrament Meeting in our ward though.

I've actually been a little upset with our new one, the guy bolts right at the end of church, goes home to eat, and then comes back a half hour later. If we want to talk to the bishop we have to go home, call this guy on his cell, and make an appointment, which will be at least a week later.

[mnn727]

Enjoy this one!

I'm going to try, the Bishop made sure that I knew this call was from the Lord and whether fortunatly or unfortunatly, I got what I take as a very firm confirmation from the Lord also -- I don't know why, I guess the Lord has a sense of humor or really wants to teach me something, cause I feel very inadequate rght now -- and I know he makes weak things strong and qualifies who he calls, -- but boy do I feel inadequate right now.

But on the bright side I've always wanted learn how to be more organized and now I'll have to.

Edited December 15, 2009 by mnn727

[MarginOfError]

By the handbooks, the executive secretary is responsible for preparing agendas for the leadership meetings. The clerk should be recording minutes and distributing them to the leaders.

The executive secretary also oversees the ward magazine subscriptions. There has been less focus on this since members have been able to subscribe over the internet, but your ward should still get some materials each year.

Make friends with MLS, and know your way to the Interviews and Actions Report (I'm fuzzy on the exact name, but it's something like that. Your ward clerk might know). This report lists the people, particularly youth and new converts, that are due for interviews with the bishopric.

You might also want to become familiar with the various reports available for tracking temple recommend activations, expiration dates, etc. I'd suggest making a custom report in MLS that lists the people whose recommends will expire in the next three months. Start working on getting their interviews set up so there is no lapse in the recommends. You should also be familiar with the members who are unendowed and endowed with no recommend (both reports are in MLS). Try to get the PEC to focus on these people to prepare them for the temple.

My last suggestion is to get a copy of the handbook (the clerk and executive secretary share a copy). If possible, get a pdf copy so you can read it at home and work at your convenience. Know the handbooks in and out. If you're an executive secretary now, you're likely being groomed to be in a bishopric. So learn all of the policy stuff well now so that you can focus on the ministry later.

[mnn727]

I've never known of an Exec. Secretary call about talks, .

Our last one did. In fact after my meeting with the Stake to get the calling, in sacrament meeting one of the speakers said "When Bro so and so (currect Exec Sec) called about the talk..." and my wife just smiles at me, she knows how much I dislike calling people to ask them to do things (which I told them before I accepted) guess I'll get over that. Edited December 15, 2009 by mnn727

[mnn727]

I've actually been a little upset with our new one, the guy bolts right at the end of church, goes home to eat, and then comes back a half hour later. If we want to talk to the bishop we have to go home, call this guy on his cell, and make an appointment, which will be at least a week later.

A couple of thoughts:Perhaps he's diabetic or has some other medical condition and needs to regulate his blood sugar -- my wife is and if she doesn't keep regular eating times, her blood sugar gets out of wack.

Also, shouldn't you know at least a week ahead of time if you need to talk to the Bishop?

I really can't think of something that would be so big of an emergency that you either: 1.) didn't know it was coming up or 2.) couldn't wait a week unless somebody died, or you found out about a serious sin that would have effect on one or more ward members -- and in either of those cases I bet you could be worked in that day.

Edited December 16, 2009 by mnn727

[john doe]

A couple of thoughts:Perhaps he's diabetic or has some other medical condition and needs to regulate his blood sugar -- my wife is and if she doesn't keep regular eating times, her blood sugar gets out of wack.

Also, shouldn't you know at least a week ahead of time if you need to talk to the Bishop?

I really can't think of something that would be so big of an emergency that you either: 1.) didn't know it was coming up or 2.) couldn't wait a week unless somebody died, or you found out about a serious sin that would have effect on one or more ward members -- and in either of those cases I bet you could be worked in that day.

No, he's not diabetic that I'm aware of, but there's also no rule in church about not bringing a sandwich or snack with you. Heck, lots of kids in Sacrament Meeting will share if you like Cheerios.

As for the other, you're probably right, the problem I have is the inconvenience of having to go home, remembering to call after dealing with the home front, leaving a message, and waiting for him to get back with me. If he were at church after the meetings, even for a few minutes, it would be lots easier to schedule things. But sometimes small things do come up during the week, I say I'll catch him at church, I miss him somehow there, and then I have to call him after and leave a message. This can needlessly push some situations back a couple weeks.

[mnn727]

You're right, if he stuck around a bit it would be more conveinant to make appointments and that is my plan.

We also have an email for the exec sec that is published in the bulliten every week - they got g-mail accounts for the Bishop, clerk and secretary -- not sure how much its used currently, but that may be an idea for many wards.

[mnn727]

OK, just thought I'd give an update. I was sustained Sunday - nobody opposing, I was there for the meetings before Church and after Church and spent a total of 10 hours at Church or doing Church work, once I get organized and know what I am doing it'll drop down to about 6 hours I think

For all you complaining about 3 hours of meetings - you could have it worse.

One thing I had to do was get someones new phone number for the directory and he was a bit skiddesh when I walked up to him after Sacrament meeting (after being called and sustained) hopefully that won't become normal.

Spent a lot of time with the outgoing exec secretary, getting filled in on things and asking questions, oh and the Bishop is out of town next week, so had to do 2 weeks worth of planning, but we will only have 1 short meeting next Sunday

Edited December 21, 2009 by mnn727

[Hemidakota]

Ask for the Church Handbook of Instructions. It gives the outline of your duties and responsibilities.

[Snow]

In other words, I'm about to become the most hated man in the ward.

Don't worry about it. You weren't very well like before hand anyway. :)

[FairChild]

Even if you are the most hated man in the ward, you are still loved by all of us. FC

[Prodigal_Son]

Your worried NOW? You know how high the promotion rate is from Executive Secretary to Bishopric member?

You just wait.

[mnn727]

Your worried NOW? You know how high the promotion rate is from Executive Secretary to Bishopric member?

You just wait.

Wonderful -- NOT!

I think I'll take one calling at a time

[HiJolly]

Hey mnn727, best wishes. Sounds like you'll do great.

HiJolly