When it comes to calling leaders, we hope this is done in a revelatory process — but that process includes many minor decisions.
We don’t give much thought to these decisions most of the time.
From my experience, many of these decisions happen quickly in a simple bishopric meeting.
A calling, like an elders quorum president, needs to be recommended to the stake presidency.
The bishopric begins to suggest names to consider…
Brother Altamirano?
Nah, he travels too much.
Brother Barragan?
No, he’s moving.
Brother Nixon?
Yeah, that might work.
Who else?
On and on this discussion goes.
Names are suggested and a list of possibilities begins to form.
Well, what about Jimmy Osprey?
From the bishopric counselors’ perspectives he seems like a great fit.
However, the bishop knows his spiritual preparedness isn’t where it needs to be.
Often this is a simple “no” and the name is dismissed.
Why have an awkward conversation or challenge this “unworthy” brother to serve as a leader?
Instead of stepping over this possibility, I wonder if we could do better by leaning into it more often and at least taking it to God.
Maybe it would lead to a conversation with Jimmy about a higher calling God has for him.
Maybe it would be the catalyst that leads to lifelong change.
My worry is, as leaders process staffing/calling needs in an organization, we too quickly move past the people who seem unprepared (especially spiritually).
I wonder what lives we could change by sitting with a name a little longer and maybe even having a conversation with someone about a calling God has in store for them.
We were designed by God to answer the call of a greater mission.
Don’t hold it back from them.
Extend it.
Sincerely,
Kurt Francom
Executive Director
Leading Saints
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My dad was inactive and smoked when a wonderful bishop called him to be 2nd counselor in the Sunday School. Because of that calling and the bishops love and support for my dad, he quit smoking, became active and went to the temple where my family was sealed for time and eternity. Great leaders make a difference in people’s lives.
There area couple of thoughts that came my way when in these positions to find and call individuals no matter their status:
1. The first thought is usually right. The Spirit is in the work, He knows the answer and when worthy and listening, those leaders will know that the Holy Ghost is present in those conversations almost immediately. However, we chose our own way, Mosiah 3:19, and then we expect the Spirit to support our claims to know when in fact He know, is anxiously engaged in the work, and will only reveal those names that the Lord would approve.
2. What is the purpose of the calling? To do the work or to help the individual change and prepare for future service or blessings or whatever the Lord has in store for said individual. Would the person be called to serve, or called to change, or called to what? Consider a purpose in a calling and that being the Lord’s purposes for said individual.