The Pedigree of Bishops

[Robin Hood]

Were you terrified when the call was extended?

I knew it was coming, but it was still very scary. I remember arriving home after being ordained and set apart. I sat in my armchair and was suddenly filled with what I can only describe as dread. I then felt a burden descend upon my shoulders... a real one. It felt physically heavy. I know it sounds weird, but I could actually feel the weight.

That feeling of dread never left me for the whole 7 1/2 years I served. I woke up every Sunday morning, and many others, with a knot in my stomach.
When I was released it felt like a bereavement at first, but after a couple of weeks that weight had gone and life seemed brighter.

How did you know it was coming?

Revelation/inspiration.

[Davka]

It's always funny in our ward, and it happens EVERY time without fail. When the current bishop's 5 years is almost up, there is always a small cadre of men who attempt to 'run' for bishop. It's a legit thing, lots of people have noticed and commented on it, so it's not just my imagination. A few months before the current bishop's 'time' is up, these same men will shave off their beards and/or mustaches, they will all of a sudden volunteer for EVERYTHING, start wearing white shirts and ties every Sunday, bear their testimony every month, etc. etc. If it wasn't so sad and pathetic (lobbying to be put in as bishop), it would be hilarious. Of course, none of these men (and it's the same 2-3, every time) have ever even been called into a bishopric, let alone called as bishop, so they might want to change their tack.

I don't think the lobbyist activity is limited to guys wanting to be Bishop. We recently had a switch up in the YW presidency and you'd be amazed how many women were "disappointed" they didn't get called as counselors. The wife and I had a conversation about it: is it bad because they just want the calling for the calling sake? Or would it be a different matter if they wanted the calling in order to help and serve the girls in the organization? Usually the people in the latter description are not at all concerned about taking credit for things; they just want to make a difference.

I've had to do some soul searching on this myself. Do I do things so I can be seen of men or do I do them because I love seeing others come unto Christ? The wake up call for me was in D&C 4. Verse 3 says if you have desires to serve, you are called to the work. But verse 5 says that faith, hope, charity, and love with an eye single to the glory of God qualifies you for the work. Focusing on God's glory, not yours, is one of the major qualifiers. Not shaving your beard and bearing your testimony every month.

My guess would be that women were disappointed because most likely they're going to have some calling, and young women's for some is a more "fun" calling than, say nursery leader. so it may just be a disappointment that they're "stuck" in primary or cub scouts or something. Which, of course, isn't the right attitude.

[iWriteStuff]

It's always funny in our ward, and it happens EVERY time without fail. When the current bishop's 5 years is almost up, there is always a small cadre of men who attempt to 'run' for bishop. It's a legit thing, lots of people have noticed and commented on it, so it's not just my imagination. A few months before the current bishop's 'time' is up, these same men will shave off their beards and/or mustaches, they will all of a sudden volunteer for EVERYTHING, start wearing white shirts and ties every Sunday, bear their testimony every month, etc. etc. If it wasn't so sad and pathetic (lobbying to be put in as bishop), it would be hilarious. Of course, none of these men (and it's the same 2-3, every time) have ever even been called into a bishopric, let alone called as bishop, so they might want to change their tack.

I don't think the lobbyist activity is limited to guys wanting to be Bishop. We recently had a switch up in the YW presidency and you'd be amazed how many women were "disappointed" they didn't get called as counselors. The wife and I had a conversation about it: is it bad because they just want the calling for the calling sake? Or would it be a different matter if they wanted the calling in order to help and serve the girls in the organization? Usually the people in the latter description are not at all concerned about taking credit for things; they just want to make a difference.

I've had to do some soul searching on this myself. Do I do things so I can be seen of men or do I do them because I love seeing others come unto Christ? The wake up call for me was in D&C 4. Verse 3 says if you have desires to serve, you are called to the work. But verse 5 says that faith, hope, charity, and love with an eye single to the glory of God qualifies you for the work. Focusing on God's glory, not yours, is one of the major qualifiers. Not shaving your beard and bearing your testimony every month.

My guess would be that women were disappointed because most likely they're going to have some calling, and young women's for some is a more "fun" calling than, say nursery leader. so it may just be a disappointment that they're "stuck" in primary or cub scouts or something. Which, of course, isn't the right attitude.

Actually, the disappointed women were in YW already - as Advisers. This particular one was miffed she didn't get "promoted" to Counselor. Which prompted the discussion about why we serve and where.

My wife is also a YW Adviser and realizes there's a lot that she can accomplish as an adviser that a member of the presidency might struggle to do. For instance, we host a lot of events for the youth (despite our oldest being 5). The YW President attempted to do the same and was told by the Laurel President that they didn't want another formal "church" event on their calendar. Oof! As they say.

If you love the people you serve, and you serve where you're assigned, I think you can do as much good as a Nursery leader as you could if you were the EQP.

[MMbelieve]

Were you terrified when the call was extended?

I knew it was coming, but it was still very scary. I remember arriving home after being ordained and set apart. I sat in my armchair and was suddenly filled with what I can only describe as dread. I then felt a burden descend upon my shoulders... a real one. It felt physically heavy. I know it sounds weird, but I could actually feel the weight.

That feeling of dread never left me for the whole 7 1/2 years I served. I woke up every Sunday morning, and many others, with a knot in my stomach.
When I was released it felt like a bereavement at first, but after a couple of weeks that weight had gone and life seemed brighter.

My current bishop refelects what you have described here. I have respect for men who serve as bishop and their wife. I have known bishops wives who really do not like the calling their husband has but supports him knowing they were called to work. Its not something i would wish for.
Thanks for sharing, people need to know more information like you shared so they can be kinder to their bishops.

[MMbelieve]

It's always funny in our ward, and it happens EVERY time without fail. When the current bishop's 5 years is almost up, there is always a small cadre of men who attempt to 'run' for bishop. It's a legit thing, lots of people have noticed and commented on it, so it's not just my imagination. A few months before the current bishop's 'time' is up, these same men will shave off their beards and/or mustaches, they will all of a sudden volunteer for EVERYTHING, start wearing white shirts and ties every Sunday, bear their testimony every month, etc. etc. If it wasn't so sad and pathetic (lobbying to be put in as bishop), it would be hilarious. Of course, none of these men (and it's the same 2-3, every time) have ever even been called into a bishopric, let alone called as bishop, so they might want to change their tack.

I don't think the lobbyist activity is limited to guys wanting to be Bishop. We recently had a switch up in the YW presidency and you'd be amazed how many women were "disappointed" they didn't get called as counselors. The wife and I had a conversation about it: is it bad because they just want the calling for the calling sake? Or would it be a different matter if they wanted the calling in order to help and serve the girls in the organization? Usually the people in the latter description are not at all concerned about taking credit for things; they just want to make a difference.

I've had to do some soul searching on this myself. Do I do things so I can be seen of men or do I do them because I love seeing others come unto Christ? The wake up call for me was in D&C 4. Verse 3 says if you have desires to serve, you are called to the work. But verse 5 says that faith, hope, charity, and love with an eye single to the glory of God qualifies you for the work. Focusing on God's glory, not yours, is one of the major qualifiers. Not shaving your beard and bearing your testimony every month.

My guess would be that women were disappointed because most likely they're going to have some calling, and young women's for some is a more "fun" calling than, say nursery leader. so it may just be a disappointment that they're "stuck" in primary or cub scouts or something. Which, of course, isn't the right attitude.

Actually, the disappointed women were in YW already - as Advisers. This particular one was miffed she didn't get "promoted" to Counselor. Which prompted the discussion about why we serve and where.

My wife is also a YW Adviser and realizes there's a lot that she can accomplish as an adviser that a member of the presidency might struggle to do. For instance, we host a lot of events for the youth (despite our oldest being 5). The YW President attempted to do the same and was told by the Laurel President that they didn't want another formal "church" event on their calendar. Oof! As they say.

If you love the people you serve, and you serve where you're assigned, I think you can do as much good as a Nursery leader as you could if you were the EQP.

Absolutely! I was nursery leader and felt my inflence on the children and even the other leaders was significant.

[e-eye2.0]

My bishop, who is also a good friend of mine, told me today when I stopped by his work that his house is under contract and they are looking at houses outside of the ward boundaries. He's been bishop for over four years, so I suppose it was fair timing anyway. That being said, I'm really gonna miss the guy - both as bishop and as a friend (although I'll still be stopping by his work, since we're in the same building).

But all of a sudden my mind is swirling. There are at least half a dozen amazing candidates for bishop in our ward, if not a full dozen. In the past, all our bishops have been:

* Older than 45.
* Served as YM President.
* Have incredibly stable jobs.
* Family that is well represented in most organizations.
* Fully supportive and active wives.

I'm curious if that's the pattern in most US wards, or whether there are different qualifications in different areas. I know whom the Lord calls, He qualifies, and I know inspiration is perhaps the key point of the calling. Just also curious if there is a perceptible pattern to the calling.

FWIW I fail on at least three of those criteria, so WHEW! Bullet dodged

When I was called to serve as the bishop, the Stake President said to me, "there are many men who could serve as a bishop, but they married the wrong woman".
During my time a the bishop in our ward I discovered how true this is. The wife has to have a very thick skin because she will hear comments about her husband that she won't like but will remain silent. She won't get involved in controversy, she won't argue with anyone even if they deserve to be challenged, and she will be discreet because she will unwittingly overhear things of a delicate or confidential nature.

So, if you want to narrow your list down a little, take a look at the wives.

Yes - this.

As the old joke goes...

When a bishop is called they are looking for the kindest, hardest working, charitable most forgiving and understanding person in the ward, and then they call her husband to be bishop.

There are many good men out there that don't have a wife that could handle her husband being bishop.

People do put too much into callings. I am more impressed with the guy who remains faithful and grows spiritually while serving in the primary. Callings like Elders Quorum President, HIgh Council bishopric counselor etc. help keep you on the path. Give me a spiritual giant who has never had one of those callings, and you will have a man that never needed them in the first place and is fit for the kingdom of God.

Also, I read a quote. There is no requirement except worthiness to serve as a bishop or stake president but often you will see their lives fairly well put together.

[EmmaLee]

People do put too much into callings. I am more impressed with the guy who remains faithful and grows spiritually while serving in the primary. Give me a spiritual giant who has never had one of those callings, and you will have a man that never needed them in the first place and is fit for the kingdom of God.

Amen, beautifully said.

[Thinker]

My bishop, who is also a good friend of mine, told me today when I stopped by his work that his house is under contract and they are looking at houses outside of the ward boundaries. He's been bishop for over four years, so I suppose it was fair timing anyway. That being said, I'm really gonna miss the guy - both as bishop and as a friend (although I'll still be stopping by his work, since we're in the same building).

But all of a sudden my mind is swirling. There are at least half a dozen amazing candidates for bishop in our ward, if not a full dozen. In the past, all our bishops have been:

* Older than 45.
* Served as YM President.
* Have incredibly stable jobs.
* Family that is well represented in most organizations.
* Fully supportive and active wives.

I'm curious if that's the pattern in most US wards, or whether there are different qualifications in different areas. I know whom the Lord calls, He qualifies, and I know inspiration is perhaps the key point of the calling. Just also curious if there is a perceptible pattern to the calling.

FWIW I fail on at least three of those criteria, so WHEW! Bullet dodged

When I was called to serve as the bishop, the Stake President said to me, "there are many men who could serve as a bishop, but they married the wrong woman".
During my time a the bishop in our ward I discovered how true this is. The wife has to have a very thick skin because she will hear comments about her husband that she won't like but will remain silent. She won't get involved in controversy, she won't argue with anyone even if they deserve to be challenged, and she will be discreet because she will unwittingly overhear things of a delicate or confidential nature.

So, if you want to narrow your list down a little, take a look at the wives.

Too often, wives of bishops have shown to be gossipy and like the puppet master - the neck that controls the head. If you get on her bad side to any degree - watch out! That has not always been the case - but too often.

Most bishops & their families sacrifice a lot - maybe too much. I think that members who have problems ought to more often go to their home/visiting ministers, or a counselor - or even better GOD - rather than burdening the bishop with issues he may not be equipped to properly handle. It seems that the bishop is the “go-to” for too many members, when the church is set up for us all to pitch in so nobody is excessively burdened.

Also, if bishops (& some who have gossipy wives) were not burdened with so much biased, gossipy complaints of one member to other members - and instead - they went directly to whoever they have a problem with - then problems could be better addressed.

[iWriteStuff]

Just a small update, but they finally called the new bishop today. He checked literally every one of the boxes I mentioned. Great guy! The process does seem fairly predictable, though. That's not a complaint - just an observation.

[brianj]

Last Sunday my stake was reorganized. Now I'm in a ward that didn't exist this time last week and all my local friends are in another ward.

My last bishop, my new bishop, the stake president, and most other bishops in the stake are under 45.
I don't know if they served as YM presidents, but most of my bishops have been serving as an Elders Quorum president when called.
Stable jobs that allow them flexibility seem to be a must.
I'm not sure what you mean by "family that is well represented in most organizations." Do you mean husband and wife have significant callings or that they have extended family in the ward? If the latter, then none of my bishops have met this standard.

Fully supportive and active wives are a must. I don't believe you can be called as a bishop without an active, supportive wife. I was honestly shocked to be called as an EQ president once because I knew that my (thankfully now ex) wife would never be supportive of me, but she didn't hesitate to lie to the stake president about how highly she thought of me and how supportive she would be.