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In this solo episode, Kurt considers the concept of aspiring to lead and shares ideas and experiences prompted by a series of newsletter messages.
Highlights
4:15 Where the topic of aspiring started in the newsletter
8:25 Responses to newsletter messages: Is it okay for someone to aspire?
9:40 Quotes about not aspiring
11:00 Hypothetical situation and survey: Harry wants to be bishop
13:00 Aspiring can be a form of pride and a hunger for power; who is this teaching turning away?
15:20 Who was the first person to ever aspire to a calling? There are aspirations that aren’t based in pride/power/glory
17:10 Truman Madsen quote of Joseph Smith’s statement on aspiring
19:00 Letter from James: aspiring distracts from revelation
22:30 We are encouraged to aspire to some callings, or at least not discouraged
24:00 Why would anyone even want to lead?
- 1 Timothy 3:1
- God’s remarkable vision speaks to our souls
- 27:15 Lift where you stand, but formal leadership callings simplify the process of discipleship
30:00 Unintended consequences of the teaching not to aspire:
- Putting leaders on pedestals; questioning a few sacred cultural cows
- 33:10 Dynamic of individuals who do not have the same leadership opportunities
- 37:00 Leads to individuals seeking personal validation through leadership
- 40:45 Unintentionally disenfranchises the most capable; creates a culture of fear
- 43:10 Accidentally diminish our God-given desire for influence and purpose
48:45 Observations/ideas to improve the culture:
- Liberate the capable by encouraging influence from everyone
- Don’t shrink from influence
- No more pedestals
- Create more seats at the table
- We need more examples of the desire for influence: aim to be on the list for consideration
- Don’t diminish a calling by highlighting the sacrifices
- When we label the desire to influence as prideful, only the prideful seek to influence
- Destigmatize the desire to lead
Links
From Baptist Preacher to Latter-day Saint | An Interview with Gary Miller
Truman Madsen lectures
Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast
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This is so good. I still don’t know why every bishopric and stake presidency is not required to listen! So much common sense!?
This was a very interesting and well presented case for the concept of “aspiring” and defining it in a way that leads to understanding. I happen to agree with all of it.
There is a reason why there has been so much emphasis on councils and counseling together: there are a lot of inspired, experienced, spiritually attuned members that are not the presiding positions of authority. And, in my experience, there are many, many people in presiding positions of authority who aren’t that great as a leader or teacher and need to be influenced to make the best decisions. President Nelson said it: “…I know that good inspiration is based upon good information,…”
It is certainly easier to influence others when they perceive you to be in a position of authority. So for those who want to influence people for good, that seems like an efficient place from which to influence. However, President Hinckley taught, “Effective teaching is the very essence of leadership in the Church.” That can be done from any position including as a general member. Although it is much harder.
Unfortunately, in my experience, not a lot of positional leaders are particularly effective teachers. Nor do they choose to use their unique opportunities to teach. But every member can be influential if they choose, “Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men.” D&C 11:21
In my opinion, it is the obligation of counselors in presidencies, members of councils, and members to counsel together with those who preside. Otherwise, we end up with less than optimal decisions. I have seen it. I have experienced it. But the culture of the church and the culture of many countries lean towards the concept of the “inspired” leader that cannot be questioned, that does not need your plebeian thoughts, that would be offended at anyone’s suggestion.
I am glad you did this podcast. It was right on, in my opinion.
Kurt,
I agree with what you talked about on this episode, whether aspiration for a calling is right or wrong really boils down to one thing, the intent in ones heart.
1 Timothy 3:1
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.