Comments on: On Asking to Be Released

By: Ziff

Ziff — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 05:11:29 +0000

Interesting post, Vada. I really like Bishop Dave’s point (#20) about callings being given more thought than releasings. I’ve never been in a calling where I called people or even recommended that they be called, but this seems like an obvious truth of my experience and of people I’m close to. Releasing doesn’t appear to be considered unless (1) it’s forced (e.g., by the person moving), (2) there’s another person to be called to the position, or (3) the person is needed for another position.

This whole discussion fits very nicely with Eve’s Inspired Call post. If even callings, which take the name that suggests the hand of God, frequently aren’t all that inspired, how much less then are releasings, which we don’t even bother to call by a name that hides their administrative nature?

By: Kiskilili

Kiskilili — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:03:16 +0000

Comment away! We love comments, so we’re glad you wandered by. Unfortunately all of our permabloggers seem to be caught up in their offline lives right now (myself included), so our blog’s been a little dead. But death is not the end! I have plans to revive it sometime in the near future.

Wow! That does not sound like it was the most appropriate calling for you, given the circumstances!

By: kjh

kjh — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 22:14:39 +0000

I wandered across your blog and I have really been enjoying reading it, so I hope you don’t mind if I comment!

Several years ago, I and my inactive companion were called to visit teach a nonmember who spoke no English. Unfortunately, I speak only English. At the time, I was extremely ill from pregnancy and all day, every day, flat on my back. I accepted the calling, but explained that due to current circumstances I would not actually be able to fulfill it. Each month, when it was time to report visiting teaching, I again explained that I was still willing but unable and if they wanted the calling done, they needed to give it to someone else. After a few months, I was released.

A BYU religion professor once told me that when his wife was in the primary presidency, he learned that many callings are made out of inspiration and many callings are made out of desperation.

Someone else – I don’t remember who – told me that some callings are made because the person needs to serve in that calling, and others are made because the person extending the calling needs to become aware of a situation.

It’s been very nice to spend my Sunday afternoon reading such good advice; I hope to become a regular reader. Thank you.

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:18:22 +0000

I do not mean to offend, but It seems there is a hole missing in these comments. You went into this calling as a chore and your MIND was made up at the beginning that you would dislike it… How will the Lord teach you and expand your abilities if you fight him with every thought? Thought is father to the deed and your thoughts about this are all negative. Maybe the Lord is trying to teach YOU, not just the kids. Change your perspective about it… like ESO said above, look at it as a way of serving your Husband if nothing else. Service is one of the refining fires … that means it’s hard sometimes. I know, not the answer/rationalization you are looking for. I don’t agree that you never ask to be released , sometimes the leaders DO need your imput as to what is possible for you. But just the fact that you don’t like it? That seems like a huge cop out.
Sorry if I offended you. It wasn’t the intent.

By: Kevin Barney

Kevin Barney — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:10:31 +0000

I’ve never been a bishop but I’ve worked closely with several. Every bishop I’ve known well would absolutely want to know your feelings and want to help. You need to help them to help you by communicating with them, rather than letting the situation fester. Go armed with various suggestions that would work for you and an open mind

And if you happen to have a bad apple for a bishop, then do as one poster above suggested and just quit. It’s just a calling; it’s not worth your love for the Church or your mental health.

By: Geoff J

Geoff J — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:24:39 +0000

I recently told the bishopric that it would be good if I could be released from being a Webelos leader. (Work commitments were conflicting with the calling). About a month later I was released. No biggie.

I still teach the boys in Primary. Also no biggie.

By: Lilly

Lilly — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:57:10 +0000

Just be really, really careful. At one time I was counselor to a what I called “the primary nazi”. I finally couldn’t stand never being able to say anything (it was her way or no way.) I lasted for about a year and a half before asking to be released. After that I was called to be the Activity Days leader. A year and a half later when our ward was split, the primary nazi asked me if I wanted to keep the same calling or try something else. I decided that since she was asking (callings from the Lord? yeah, right!), I wanted to do something else.

The problem with this is that the Nazi’s husband had just been called into the Bishopric over Primary. She told him that I have ask to be released from every calling I have ever had–guess who has been a Sunday School teacher ever since!

I would love to do something else, but my youngest will be 8 soon, I can’t do Activity Days anymore. Absolutely nothing against Activity Days, I just want to be challenged. I pinned the Nazi’s husband down and he admitted that I have a reputation–as long as he’s in the bishopric, I will never be called to do anything new.

By: Vada

Vada — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:11:52 +0000

Sorry I haven’t responded to any comments yet, I haven’t been able to get to the computer much the last couple of days. Thanks for all the great advice so far, and I’ll be back to reply soon.

By: Ray

Ray — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 01:26:42 +0000

Our current and former bishops both refused to call a husband and wife to time and energy intensive callings if they had children at home – except in rare situations when the inspiration simply was undeniable. I served for a time as a primary teacher and pianist while my wife was the YW secretary and all six of our kids were in school. I know that is a luxury in some units, but I appreciate that it is a suggestion from the Brethren.

By: RachelW

RachelW — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:43:45 +0000

In the world wide leadership training meeting on Feb 9, 2008, Elder Oaks said “An inspired priesthood leader ought to start off with the proposition that busy parents ought not to have multiple callings.”