The Calling Merri-go-Round

Over43 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 10:35 AM

Anyone besides me on the calling merri-go-round? I go from primary to teaching Elder's quorum on a regular basis. I switch back and forth. About six months ago I got called to primary again after having been teaching Elder's quorum (again). During the "interview" the bishopric member asked how I felt about the calling, I gave him the honest answer: I teach school 5 days a week. The last thing I want to do is spend two hours on Sunday teaching and sitting with more kids. I was sent back to Elder's quorum where I am teaching.

I guess it is what it is.

O43

BenRaines · #2 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 11:50 AM

I am thankful for Bishops who ask what someone is doing before extending a calling. While I believe callings are given by inspiration I also think it is important to gather all the facts first.

Good job Bishop and enjoy teaching Elders Quorum

Ben Raines

Truegrits · #3 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Anyone besides me on the calling merri-go-round?

It is especially so in a small Ward. I was just commenting on our pianists this week-end. We only have two. They just keep rotating. Our Ward also has quite a few elderly and physically challenged that hold no Callings. And we have some that are capable, but for reasons I am not privy to, they are not called to serve. So, there are a handful of core members that stay in a Calling for years, or just keep playing the rotation game. Except for one year of serving as YW leaders, my sister and I have been continually serving in Nursery and Primary (we just get switched from one to the other). She has also just been called to be the Seminary teacher.
So, yes, I know what you are feeling/saying.

#4 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 12:30 PM

I LOVE my calling and occassionally give my bishop the "eye" meaning, "don't even think about moving me". Oh, I know, I know. When the Lord calls, etc, etc. I'd accept any calling . . . (kicking and screaming . . . just kidding!! . . . sort of . . . ).

lilered · #5 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 05:43 PM

I have often wondered just how much prayer goes into calling folks to positions. Sometimes it has seemed to me that it is more of a process called decision under fire. This is especially true to those few who have musicial and scouting talents or who have the talent to work with youth. Having said that, I refused one time many years ago to accept a position when called because of the reasons stated above and I have felt guilty every since. On another occassion, I was in the middle of a new job negotiation and was called to serve in the Bishopric again. I turned it down because of the traveling that would ocurr with the new job. So they called someone else. A few weeks later, I broke the negotiations off as the job was not going to end up being what I wanted. I felt guilty about that decision and thus I reached a conclusion that whateve I am called to do, I will do it, no matter what the consequances. So far, that has given me more peace of mind than being selective.

Palerider · #6 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 09:06 PM

From my expierence there is alot of prayer and thought that goes into a calling......I have been in a calling merri go round myself for the last 16 yrs or so....I accept them because I know and feel the Lord is truly calling me......

BenRaines · #7 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 10:01 PM

I look at it this way. If called it is my job to do the best of my ability to do the job and and seek the Lord's help in all I do. Called for desperation or inspiration it is my job to provide the best the Lord will provide me to do the job.

I have served in many callings in my life.

Ben Raines

LDSVALLEY · #8 (**permalink**) 11-26-2008, 02:14 PM

I was on that ride for some time, I averaged 18 months between talks and 8 months in a calling before being released and called to something else. In my 12 years in the church I have served in every auxiliary except RS as I am male and ones requiring being a High Priest. I was a clerk serving with the Bisopric however. When I was interviewed for EQ from Clerk I looked the Stake President in the face after having it extended it to me and my entire reply was. "Why not I'll be released in 8 months." and walked out. 8 months later, guess what? I was released.

I have been WML for 18 months now! Very cool. I can not speak for other Wards but I have witnessed the Bishopric down on knee praying earnestly over someone and a calling. I have seen them not get confirmation and not call someone they really wanted to. I have learned an interesting tidbit recently that might explain the merry go round events.

A situation at a welfare meeting gave me insight. An auxiliary leader had prayed about a member and received confirmation that they were the one for an assignment. The Bishop had prayed and gotten a different answer. This made no sense until I listened to what they prayed about. The leader prayed for the needs of the person wanted for the role. The Bishop prayed for those the role would interact with. Since they did not pray for the same thing there was two different answers. A person can be equally needed for Primary and EQ thus every time a Bishopric prays they receive a yes.

Because I have served in so many areas I have a solid understanding of the interrelations between auxiliaries and their different needs as well as how it all relates to new members. As a result our ward is better at coordinating the needs of new members with all the auxiliaries, we are far from perfect but better.

While some leaders do not take enough time to get information from the Lord, I know all the Bishops I have had do. Therefore there is a reason I was bounced so much for so long as frustrating as that was. I just hope I bounce no higher!

Hemidakota · #9 (**permalink**) 11-26-2008, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Over43

Anyone besides me on the calling merri-go-round? I go from primary to teaching Elder's quorum on a regular basis. I switch back and forth. About six months ago I got called to primary again after having been teaching Elder's quorum (again). During the "interview" the bishopric member asked how I felt about the calling, I gave him the honest answer: I teach school 5 days a week. The last thing I want to do is spend two hours on Sunday teaching and sitting with more kids. I was sent back to Elder's quorum where I am teaching.

I guess it is what it is.

O43

At least your calling is not the usual eight years or those who are life time calling!

skylercollins · #10 (**permalink**) 11-26-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Over43

Anyone besides me on the calling merri-go-round? I go from primary to teaching Elder's quorum on a regular basis. I switch back and forth. About six months ago I got called to primary again after having been teaching Elder's quorum (again). During the "interview" the bishopric member asked how I felt about the calling, I gave him the honest answer: I teach school 5 days a week. The last thing I want to do is spend two hours on Sunday teaching and sitting with more kids. I was sent back to Elder's quorum where I am teaching.

I guess it is what it is.

O43

Is there much of a difference between Primary and Elder's Quorum?