Comments on: What are the consequences of turning down a calling?

By: Jim

Jim — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 20:47:00 +0000

In reply to robert. Baloney. Leaders are not perfect and they do make mistakes. It is entirely possible that they extended a calling inappropriately or to the wrong person, or at the wrong time. There are very valid reasons for turning callings down.

By: creative_dude

creative_dude — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 09:22:00 +0000

I did not turn this calling down, but I did tell our stake president that I was hesitant. When he asked why I told him that I was the only scoutmaster for our ward, the deacons quorum adviser, and the elders quorum secretary. I told him I had no idea how I could handle another calling. He told me that if I accepted this calling that I would be released from all my other callings but that he did not want to give up a scoutmaster.

By: dunngriffith

dunngriffith — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 19:52:00 +0000

Once I was extended a calling which I accepted. The BP said that he would not have extended the calling himself but this calling was from the Lord. I expressed my opinion that I would not have called me to that calling either. He ask me to pray about a confirmation. I did so and received a confirmation that it was from the Lord. I told the BP that I had received a confirmation of the calling. He was glad to know this just as a confirmation of his following the spirit.

By: Cassandove

Cassandove — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 17:19:00 +0000

There are some legitimate reasons to turn down a calling or ask to be released. One would be worthiness. Other reasons would be moving out of the ward, already having another calling, and health factors.

An example of what I mean by “health factors”: I had one calling that I accepted and was very enthusiastic about, but it ended up stressing me out to the point where I was very ill after my first day in. I asked my bishop if I could be honorably released because my health changed so dramatically in a short time. If offered the same calling again, I would probably have to turn it down due to how badly it affects me.

I received a Priesthood blessing from my husband concerning the matter… I was told that it was wise of me to use my agency to protect my health and that there will be other callings to help prepare me for the next steps in my eternal progression. I was also told that the Lord does not condemn my decision because He knew my intent and that my health is a priority over callings.

While turning down a calling just because may not be the best idea, I think the Lord knows our reasons for it more than anyone else does.

By: Gail

Gail — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 00:13:00 +0000

I turned down a calling because I was leaving the state in a few days–leaving, moving for good.

By: James g

James g — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 22:21:00 +0000

I usually love gramps answers but in this case I have to provide an alternate thought. Gramps answer is probably acceptable if you feel the call is from the leader caling you. But once you have a conviction, because you actively sought it, that this is the Lords church and he is the one calling you, everything changes. There is lots of counsel available from prophets that callings should not be turned down, in any case, ever. For that to be true to assumption would need to be in our minds that the Lord is aware of our circumstances and is making this call exactly because it is what we need. It is not a matter of having our turn or fair share of anything. it is a matter of faith. And when we tell the Lord, NO, he will respect our agency but the spirit will withdraw from us at some level leaving us open to deception. Please search for counsel on this from the prophets before considering to reject a call from the Lord on anything. Even a call to the nursery. Its a matter of faith and conversion. Thanks.

By: robert

robert — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 17:34:00 +0000

As I was told once, it is a calling , not an asking. I believe that it is inappropriate to turn down a calling , but more appropriate to discuss the concerns with the individual extending the calling and let him decide if the calling should continue to be extended or not