Small branch, big problems

[jsb]

I have been a member of the church all my life (48years). All of those years have been spent in small branches (outside the US). At present the branch I am in comprises of almost 30% family and extended family members. We have always been considered a "strong" LDS family. We have faced many trials in our present branch because of this fact. Not because we have aspired to them, but most of the leadership callings have been or are at present held by family/extended family members.

My problem is this. It is becoming more and more appealing to just stop going to church because of the attitude of some people towards me/us. These are people who WILL NOT accept callings of responsibility, but spend there time and efforts tearing down those of us who will. Critisizing our close bond as family members, (we have never been exclusive in our dealings with people, but we are a close-knit family). The remaining 60% of active members aren't friends with each other, but we get heavy flack because we're not bosom buddies with everyone.

I know this is a long rant but it has been 11 years in the making!!! At times causing me to distance my self from siblings and other family members to try and appease other people. I am not a very outgoing person, so this was a painful thing for me to do because my family ARE my friends. I shouldn't have to feel guilty about that.

I am at the point where I just don't want to be amongst the people that cause me such irritation:mad: I know the Gospel is true, but can't help feeling I'd be better off not going to Sunday meetings to just come home hurt and frustrated because someone else in my family has been attacked. Yes, it happens regularly that one or the other has some smart remark thrown out at them. I'm nearing the end of my rope.

Please give me some objective help.

[Gwen]

In our branch we have some that will not accept callings. If they make comments no one hesitates to say "If you don't like it you are welcome to accept the call and do it yourself. If not then don't complain." I don't think it's uncharitable to tell the truth.

There was a talk in conf. about contention. It was pretty good and may be used in lessons and talks until ppl get it. It must have been good we've already had 3 lessons/talks on it since conf. lol

Hang in there, don't stop doing what you know is right because others won't do what is right.

Oh and make the handbook your friend. If someone complains or wants to do something that is not appropriate then reference the handbook. The the first presidency be the "bad guy". lol

[Iggy]

I am in a small branch. At the beginning of the year it was even smaller than it is now. We had a boundary change and acquired around 50 households into our fold. Our numbers were nearly doubled.

Our inactives were doubled as well. The original membership were thrilled to have the addition to our Branch- new people to fellowship with, more members to accept callings. No longer would the active members be wearing two to four hats. Have two to four callings.

We have those who accept callings and then never do a thing with them. I really love our Branch President- he doesn't force you to accept a calling. He accepts No without dumping the Guilt Trip on you.

I don't know how I would feel if members were dumping the guilt trip on me for accepting and magnifying callings.

I like Gwen's response. Also, JSB- remember that the Church is separate from the Members. The Church is not a negative entity. By not attending Church you are basically cutting your nose off to spite the non-calling holders/complainers.

[jsb]

Thanks Iggy, I understand what you mean, and that is probably the only thing that has kept me going to church for the last while.

And, as if on cue, I got a call from the BP to meet him before Sacrament meeting this morning!!! I know this is in connection with another calling as we have just had another reshuffle this past week. I know because it involves both of my daughters. My 22 year old YSA daughter has justbeen released as RS pres. She has had to deal with angry separations, child abuse and so many other things that she could have probably done without at her age!!!