Newly Called Bishopric Member

[HiJolly]

I love this thread. Brings back such poignant memories of my time 20 years ago as counselor in a bishopric.

My experience was not normal. I served in a severely dysfunctional ward where the Bishop had bleeding ulcers, the RS pres had a mental breakdown, the wife of a Quorum Pres/Group Leader was convinced (incorrectly) that her temple-worker parents had ritually, satanically, sexually abused her as a child, *parents* didn't care if their children followed the Strength of Youth or not, and much more. The ward ended up being disbanded and members split between 3 neighboring wards.

The previous bishop had been defrauding the Church of bishop's storehouse goods for his employees. And it gets worse.

It was awful, but at the same time when it was all over I had a peak revelatory experience from God that made it all worthwhile, while sitting on the stand of our last Sacrament meeting. So in the end I was happy.

[Anddenex]

I love this thread. Brings back such poignant memories of my time 20 years ago as counselor in a bishopric.

My experience was not normal. I served in a severely dysfunctional ward where the Bishop had bleeding ulcers, the RS pres had a mental breakdown, the wife of a Quorum Pres/Group Leader was convinced (incorrectly) that her temple-worker parents had ritually, satanically, sexually abused her as a child, *parents* didn't care if their children followed the Strength of Youth or not, and much more. The ward ended up being disbanded and members split between 3 neighboring wards.

The previous bishop had been defrauding the Church of bishop's storehouse goods for his employees. And it gets worse.

It was awful, but at the same time when it was all over I had a peak revelatory experience from God that made it all worthwhile, while sitting on the stand of our last Sacrament meeting. So in the end I was happy.

Wow... reminds me of a Branch in Texas which was disbanded for a number of reasons.

Thanks goodness for the Church Handbook. :)

[HiJolly]

This was a ward in Sacramento (or nearby), CA.

HJ

[Wingnut]

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[james12]

After having served in a Bishopric and now being released for a few years here are two thoughts on how I might have improved my service. They may help you. Many other good suggestions have been given, with which I agree.

Take responsibility where given

The Bishop has much more strain on him than a bishopric member. You may spend more time at the church, but the bishop is burdened with the ultimate decision for most ward issues and almost all personal matters. To truly provide worthwhile service take responsibility for the areas you are given. For example, if you are assigned the Relief Society make sure you follow the handbook and meet regularly with the Relief Society president. Find out what her concerns are in regards to her councilors and others who are called to serve in the organization. There may also be some needs of Relief Society sisters that you can help her resolve. When you find a concern, work with the President and the Lord to resolve it. Make the decision and move forward. If the matter should come to the Bishop's attention then come prepared with your suggestion on how to resolve the matter. He then can work with you and quickly make a decision. Once it is decided, again, work to carry out what he has asked.

Seek to minister not to administer

A councilor can spend long hours and many meetings, with and without the bishop, simply trying to know what is happening, organizing, and fulfilling somewhat mundane tasks. While some of this type of work must be done, continued administration can be rather ineffective. This type of work will keep you busy and can fill up your weeks, but I would ask if such efforts are bringing families together, strengthening testimonies, or bringing the ward closer to Christ. In many instances I think you will find that it is helping little in these areas. The real core of being in the bishopric has to do with ministering to people and the most effective way to minister is one on one. Talk to people. Love people. Listen to people. Bring the spirit to a person. Ask a person to stretch themselves. I believe these things are at the heart of bishopric service.

[Anddenex]

After having served in a Bishopric and now being released for a few years here are two thoughts on how I might have improved my service. They may help you. Many other good suggestions have been given, with which I agree.

Take responsibility where given

Seek to minister not to administer

This type of work will keep you busy and can fill up your weeks, but I would ask if such efforts are bringing families together, strengthening testimonies, or bringing the ward closer to Christ.

Talk to people. Love people. Listen to people. Bring the spirit to a person. Ask a person to stretch themselves. I believe these things are at the heart of bishopric service.

Thank you James12 for taking a moment to share some thoughts, much appreciated.

I am hoping our new Bishop will allow me to take responsibility for the areas I have been delegated to assist him with. Our Stake Training was going over the areas the Bishop is over and how we as counselors need to assist and make sure the Bishop is spending his time on that which is most important.

I believe this is one of the reasons why we hear President Monson teach so many stories regarding a specific action, accompanied with the doctrine. Be ye doers of the word, verses hearers only.

In connection to your last statement I am reminded of the four purposes of primary:

1. Help others feel Heavenly Father's love. It is near impossible to help any person feel God's love, if we ourselves do not love them.

2. Teach true doctrine in such a manner that it is understood and not misunderstood.

3. Help them recognize the influence of the spirit in their lives

4. Prepare them to make and keep sacred covenants.

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts. This is greatly appreciated.

Edited September 17, 2012 by Anddenex