I've been a bishop of the Severance Ward for around 6 weeks now - pretty crazy how fast the time has flown I'm getting "bishop mail" now as well as "bishop calls". In fact, Amy wants me to change my number with LDS.org so that it's my cell phone instead of the home phone - she's not interested in being my secretary....I don't blame her.
The hardest part of the calling, though, is that we've already held 2 disciplinary councils - I won't include the names to protect their identities. However, both were very emotionally taxing, but also incredible spiritual experiences. We prayed hard to receive guidance and inspiration during both councils and we definitely received answers to our prayers. In fact, I was literally blown away with the power of the spirit during the first council! One of my top-5 most spiritual experiences ever. I thought is was going to be very difficult to disfellowship a member of the church, but the spirit bore very strong testimony that the 1-yr disfellowship discipline was absolutely needed in this case. Wow - what an experience!
I'm also working with 4 different individuals with porn addictions. One of them had an episode so recently that I had to have him released as a seminary teacher - he's so upset and worried about this - I feel sorry for him! But - I've seen some positive momentum with all of them - I want to keep working with them and helping them overcome their addictions. One of them is actually coming back to church now and I'm super excited for him - his newfound faith may be the boost he needs to bring him happiness that he's never had before!
I've spent anywhere from 20-30 hours a week doing Bishop work. It's been a huge challenge and struggle, but I've been amazed at how much I've learned, how close I've been to the spirit. My thoughts are cleaner and more focused on the Savior - my scripture study has been better and I've been happier. Now - I need to work on my health!! That is the biggest issue now, for sure!
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