Question
Gramps,
I’ve been a member my entire life and several leadership callings. I’m in my 60s now and in a new presidency. I was wondering why orientation and training from the Stake is almost non existent. When I inquired, the response was…”we will meet with you at ward conference” and “2 members of the Stake will attend your presidency meeting once.” This visit didn’t train or help me with this calling that is new to me. In my past…I always met personally “one on one” with anyone I was presiding over.
Gail
Answer
Dear Gail,
I am not in a position to know why procedures today are different from what you remember from the past. In the General Handbook, it states that the person extending a calling may “Tell the member who will provide training and support for the calling.” So there’s clearly some expectation that there is training in some areas.
I might speculate that the General Handbook and other calling-related resources available online and in the Church’s “Library” app are considered sufficient general guidance for a calling. I might also speculate that training in the past may have perpetuated personal preferences, limitations, and even errors from person who did the training. Or it may be that in-person training has created burdens on leaders who are already overwhelmed with the duties of their callings. But those are just speculation without any inside knowledge. I suspect that each ward and stake are left to decide for themselves the level and type of training and orientation given to those who are called.
My counsel to you is to sustain your leaders; study the relevant available resources; address specific questions to whomever presides in your organization, or if that’s you, to the person with authority over that organization; and counsel with the Lord. Whatever else you do, please do not let these changes instill any negative feelings within you. Move forward in faith and trust that the Lord will provide a way for you to magnify your calling.
Gramps
