Is The Church Running Out of Members???

[slamjet]

I just got another calling; Building Cleanup Co-Supervisor (actually, I'm training the other guy). So let's see, no more members to be found, I KNOW! Let's give the excommunicated guy some callings!

So now I'm up to two callings and an assignment. Go figure.

[pam]

At least they have faith and trust in you to take on some of these responsibilities.

[Guest LiterateParakeet]

LOL, I think that is how Mormons express love when they don't know what else to say or do..."Let's give 'em a calling".

I have a calling like that right now. :) I also have two callings. One is an absolute blessing, and the other was the "here's how we support Leslie when we don't know what to say"...but it's ok, I appreciate the effort and enjoy the calling.

Two callings and an assignment, they must REALLY love you Slamjet!

[pam]

they must REALLY love you Slamjet!

Someone has to.

[BrendaM]

I hear you Slamjet. I don't think we're running out of members, but unfortunately, I think the members we have are refusing callings.

We especially see it in small branches/wards where there are members with 2 and 3 callings because other members won't accept. I find it very sad.

This is a gospel of service, and I feel ashamed when I know of members who won't accept what the Lord is requesting of them. A call is extended...and they flat out refuse.

[beefche]

I think it could be one of 2 things (or both). They want you involved. Involved people tend to stay active more. Also, you would be surprised how many people turn down callings. Really surprised. It may be they need people to say yes to a calling.

[Guest]

Yup, I think people in general are more self-serving and less selfless. People are "too busy" to have callings. I say, if you're too busy to keep your covenants, you're busier than God wants you to be.

[slamjet]

Someone has to.

I am sure there are many here that would disagree with you...

In any case, I am truly surprised at the level of trust and patience that has been extended to me (In one calling I have the keys to the kingdom, Stake level no less). But my ward has many with multiple callings and I surmise it's because some either don't want to, or can't take on one of multiple jobs. I made a comment to one of the counselors and he looked at me with a straight face and told me that "that's almost true" for my ward. It's really too bad because my new calling really isn't such a big deal except to assign folks cleanup assignments like the bathrooms.

But such it is. If no one else want's the blessings for supervising the cleaning of the Lord's building, then I'll take it. Besides, I get to rub shoulders with some real stalwarts in my callings and that's pretty cool for an ex'd guy like me.

[pam]

I am sure there are many here that would disagree with you...

Now you know me well enough to know exactly how I meant it. :)

[slamjet]

Now you know me well enough to know exactly how I meant it. :)

My attempt at making you feel really guilty for such a comment :D Is it working??

[pam]

Maybe for a second.

[slamjet]

Maybe for a second.

My work is completed

[Tough Grits]

Yup, I think people in general are more self-serving and less selfless. People are "too busy" to have callings. I say, if you're too busy to keep your covenants, you're busier than God wants you to be.

Some think saying that they love the Lord is enough.

My problem with that, is when I really love somebody it is manifested by actions. I love my husband and children, therefore I do things for them, I serve them, and so forth.

Can we really love the Lord if we do more for ourselves than for Him, or if He comes at the bottom of our "to do " list, or if He is the least of our priorities, or if we put limits on what our love for Him motivates us to do and to become?

Just wondering. ~TG

[annewandering]

You would be surprised by the number of people who never get called to anything and would never think of turning down any calling. Look at your ward lists and see who is never called to do anything. You might be surprised. It always amazes me that the same people are always called to multiple jobs.

[Smudge]

I know from experience that some members will only accept callings that are of a certain level and some wont accept callings at all - which especially in small units (like mine) means that some people have multiple callings.

I remember many years ago - I had 5 callings and assignment while also working 20hrs a week, running the house for my mother 2 days a week and attending college full time (oh a neighbor who partied hard meaning some nights I only had 2-3hrs sleep). It was hard - I ended up very ill - and had to ask to be released from some of my callings. All this while I was a Stake Missionary (back in the days when they existed) and therefore shouldn't have had any other callings. I currently have 2 callings and the Branch president has said that he has something else in mind for me - but since he has only recently been called it could take a while before I know what that is - it is frustrating knowing that something is coming but not what it is or when it will be - I almost wish he hadn't said any thing.

I was always taught that you should never turn down a calling - so found it really hard when I got ill and had to do that - but 5 callings was really too much.

[Guest]

You would be surprised by the number of people who never get called to anything and would never think of turning down any calling. Look at your ward lists and see who is never called to do anything. You might be surprised. It always amazes me that the same people are always called to multiple jobs.

Sounds like they ought to be asking the bishop for a calling. :)

I think sometimes the same people get called to do things because they have proven themselves to be willing and reliable.

[NightSG]

Sounds like they ought to be asking the bishop for a calling.

Or at least reminding him they're out there.

Even divine inspiration is rarely as clear as having a book dictated to you; (a very good thing - I'd hate to see the religion that could spring up around misreadings of my handwriting) presumably it's more expedient to guide and assemble concepts you already have in your mind than create new ideas from nothing. Thus, the bishop would be more likely to see a connection between a person he's familiar with and a calling than to simply ponder the calling and have a barely-recognized name suddenly pop into his head.

[annewandering]

Some bishops are annoyed when you ask. Some are not. We have run into both.

[reflexzero]

We still have agency, and God says no all the time. If I am to be like him, I should say no too.

Some leaders feel that agency is something that we should just talk about, but not actually exercise. If someone feels that the calling is not for them, that it is not something they could fulfill, then they should be able to refuse without being hounded or pressured by the leader who extended the call, especially if it is a bonehead call.

Hugh B. Brown said that we should resist all demands for unthinking conformity. I sustain that.

[NightSG]

Hugh B. Brown said that we should resist all demands for unthinking conformity. I sustain that.

Conforming to nonconformity? I'm going to have to think about that one.

[applepansy]

Thread Highjack..... Ranting:

I'm going to say something that will probably upset a few in people who fall into a the Y generation. I realize that my statement will not apply to ALL Y-generation people.

I have found an overabundance of selfishness in the Y-generation. This is the generation who grew up being given everything including a pat on the back for just being alive. The myth of self esteem (versus true self worth) was pounded into their heads in school. Big rewards and praise for just doing what they were suppose to do in the first place. And then on top of that they grew up when everything in our world became "instant."

I'm finding very few 20-somethings who understand what service is. And...I am including my 20-something brats in this. I taught them about service. We set the example. We talked about what service really is. Yet, they are selfish.

I don't feel so alone though. As more 20-something young people buy homes in our area I'm seeing more and more of this attitude.

When it comes to callings I'm seeing the Y-generation either refuse (because I can't take time from what I want to do), or take the calling and DO NOTHING!, or take the calling and do it grudgingly (I don't have a scout shirt. If "they" want me to wear one "they" are going to have to buy one. (actual verbatim quote).

Rant finished.

[slamjet]

...(I don't have a scout shirt. If "they" want me to wear one "they" are going to have to buy one. (actual verbatim quote).

I can tell you verbatim what I would say "Well, don't you have an enlightened understanding of what it is to taking care of your calling."