Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Darren Bush is a husband, father, and paddler who advocates outdoor activities to feel the Spirit. Darren served a mission to southern Italy, met his wife, Stephanie, at Brigham Young University, and completed degrees in Italian and Psychology at University of Wisconsin–Madison after discovering it was the best place in the world. After completing a master’s degree at the University of Rochester the family moved back to Wisconsin where he eventually bought Rutabaga Paddlesports. He has previously served as a Primary teacher and nursery leader, elders quorum and Young Men president, ward missionary, high councilor, in a young single adult bishopric, and as an executive secretary and financial clerk. He currently serves as Bishop Darren and loves every individual he meets.
Highlights
3:15 Darren’s story of how he was called to be a bishop. He doesn’t feel like the typical bishop. 5:55 Darren’s ward dynamic having both an English and Spanish ward combined. 15:15 Principle One – Ignore everything administrative and delegate to counselors
- The bishop’s main focus should be spirituality not administration.
- The principles of leadership are the same in business and in the church. Everyone has their different roles.
- Everything is under the direction of the bishop but that doesn’t mean he has to be involved in everything.
18:45 “What do you think?” is the best question that a bishop can ask. 21:15 Stories of being a bishop and loving others. Darren adapts to his members. He meets many of the members in Mexican restaurants and creates meaningful relationships with them outside of the bishop’s office. 27:00 Guilt and shame don’t help people change their behavior 27:30 Principle Two – Hug every widow before sacrament meeting
- Pay attention to those that are in the overflow or out in the foyer. Make sure they know that they are noticed.
31:15 Principle Three – Teach the doctrine of the Atonement as central to the gospel
- We are all broken together
- The atonement is Plan A and there is no Plan B.
32:30 Pornography is never the root cause of the problem but a symptom of the problem. Help the individual understand the root cause of their pornography addiction. 34:45 Learn how to pray or you won’t be able to use the Atonement effectively in your life.
- How personal are your prayers?
- How do you talk to God?
- Trying to hide from God is not using the atonement.
41:20 Principle Four – love everyone, no exceptions 45:50 Loving people is seeing them 47:00 The handbook is great but it’s general. It’s there to guide you but it’s not a book of commandments. Do what’s best for your members.
Links
Rutabaga Paddlesports Canoelover blog Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library
Wow, Listening to Bishop Bush share his experiences and how he leads his ward was inspiring. Serving in young women’s with the youth, I’ve seen them be uncomfortable in Bishops youth committee meeting so often. Letting them sit in the Bishops chair is perfect, helping them feel special and having the Bishop just be one of them. I also believe that the best way to feel the spirit is to be outside, in the mountains. I believe Girls camp should be in the mountains in tents for that very reason. He truly has a gift to be able to connect with others. I’m so grateful for all he shared because it applies to me in my daiy life as I strive to be a better servent and daughter of my Heavenly Father.
It’s Bishop Darren, and thank you. 🙂 Thanks for serving the Young Women. They’re such gems, all of them.
So much good advice to leaders in the church. We desperately need changes in leadership ways. I also wish that Spanish words will be integrated with English as yours.
Gracias, hermana Gabriela. I could have translated it. If there’s a transcript, I would make that happen. Abrazos y bendiciones!
I appreciate very much your recent article about, let’s say noise pollution in “Isthmus”. And, just to brag a bit, I thought I’d let you know that, back in 1968, my wife and I led the campaign that led to the current limitations on the use of motorboats on Lake Wingra.
Keep up the good work.