Temple Endowment

[estradling75]

If you feel prompted, then that is reason to push ahead. But part of that equation is your bishop, who has the divine assignment to help you prepare and to decide if and when the time is right. I see nothing wrong with asking the bishop what's up, why grades are important for such a decison, or whatever, but I do think it's wise to let him do his job regarding this issue and not question his competence or sincerity.

 

 

There have been many times I have felt prompted to do something..  only to have (what I thought at the time) totally unnecessary obstacles put in my way...  

 

Looking back I can see how in many cases the delay helped me in ways I could not see at the time.  As for the other cases maybe they were completely unnecessary or maybe I still don't have the right perspective to see how the Lord was helping by placing the obstacles in my path. 

[Vort]

FYI, I believe the year-long wait is very rarely superseded. Such cases I have heard of generally involve someone who has been the spouse of a member, has participated in their ward for years, and then gets baptized and wants to be sealed. I have also heard of hardship cases, such as those with terminal diseases, being allowed to receive their endowment before a year has passed since their baptism. But I don't think it's done in just normal circumstances.

 

This is all third-hand gossip from me. I have no personal knowledge of these things. I really do think that working with your bishop is your best course of action. If you're only just now coming upon your baptismal anniversary, then it sounds like things are probably proceeding just as they should.

[Guest]

If the motivating factor was your spiritual impression to move towards it, the Bishop must also feel that inspiration to approve you.  It may be that he has yet to receive a confirmation himself.  So he's asking you to do something to further prepare you until he does receive it.

[Jane_Doe]

I didn't ask because I'm rather new to the church. I was baptized last November which puts in sharper contrast the weirdness of the situation. The first presidency has granted special permission to receive endowment before my year at the discretion of the stake president and bishop. I wasn't sure if I was allowed to ask him why about the new requirements. I wasn't sure what the proper way to go about that was. I didn't want it to come across like I was questioning his judgement. I'm happy to do whatever it takes to receive endowment but I just don't know how long this process should take.

 

Yeah you can ask him.  The key is good communication (as it is with most human relations).  

 

Coming in and saying "Hey yo!  Where's my temple recommend?  Give it to me now!"  Not appropriate, for obvious reasons.

 

Whereas respectfully: "Hello Bishop.  I'm excited to go to the temple, feel really prompted and driven about it.  I am still learning though-- what do grades have to do with going to the temple?"  That gives him an opportunity to explain his thoughts, you to figure it out, and the two of you to get on the same page.

[AnnieCarvalho]

I had to wait a year.

I think most people do. 

 

Is there a reason you need to do it before the year is finished?

[cdowis]

Young sister "Bishop, I know that I am only twenty, but I really want to go to the temple."

 

Bishop "WONDERFUL!  Let me get the paperwork for a mission, and we'll fill it out together."