Have you served in the Bishopric?

[JohnnyLingo]

Oh this reminds me. When I received my last calling, was I supposed to start a thread saying "the stake president wants to meet with me, whatever could it be for?" followed by the inevitable "you won't believe what they just called me to do...."

Yes.

[Indy Coug]

What is the quickest turnaround you've had on a calling from the Stake Presidency? I got a call at 9:45PM on Saturday night asking me to show up 20 minutes early for Sacrament and then got called as 2nd counselor in the BP and was sitting on the stand 40 minutes later.

There wasn't even time to start an inane messageboard thread about it.

[RobinFinderson]

What if your branch is in the US, has 375 members and has had anywhere from 80 to 140 people attending sacrament meeting?

Well that would be your own call. I'm interested in the numbers of those of us who have carried the mantle of priesthood leadership for a long and sustained period of time.

[PaloAltoCougar]

To the two 'bishops,' if either of you served as a branch president rather than a bishop, it doesn't count! This poll is about 'bishops' only.

While reasonable minds may differ over whether I actually served as bishop, I was at least given the title. Prior to that time, I had served (again, liberal use of the term) as consigliere to four different bishops, each of whom was released approximately one year after I joined the bishopric. I was a much sought after counselor for that reason.

[happyone]

Current Ward Clerk. So little b for me as well. The more I see the big B in action, the less I want a part of it.

I am also the ward clerk and totally agree with niku's sentiment!

[Pheidippides]

How would you even implement a "certain questions are off-limits" policy? I don't remember any teacher sidestepping a question growing up, even if they probably should have.

It's implicit based on actions and responses, not explicit. I have seen it happen a lot, actually. If you don't give honest, non-primary answers, or if you are afraid to say things like "I don't know" then the message that is often sent is "your questions aren't meaningful and shouldn't be asked" even though that may not be the intent.

[I.J. Reilly]

Well that would be your own call. I'm interested in the numbers of those of us who have carried the mantle of priesthood leadership for a long and sustained period of time.

What is the motivation behind this poll? I don't know that it's particularly interesting to know who has served in a bishopric, but perhaps as a cipher to something else it would make more sense. Of course, maybe this really is interesting to people and I just don't share the interest.

My apologies if there is no ulterior motive.

[Indy Coug]

I am also the ward clerk and totally agree with niku's sentiment!

The BP and 1st counselor were both out on vacation for two weeks last year, and left me in "charge", using that term as loosely as humanly possible. That experience was enough to last me a lifetime.

[JohnnyLingo]

It's implicit based on actions and responses, not explicit. I have seen it happen a lot, actually. If you don't give honest, non-primary answers, or if you are afraid to say things like "I don't know" then the message that is often sent is "your questions aren't meaningful and shouldn't be asked" even though that may not be the intent.

Excellent points. Thank you for the insight.

[RobinFinderson]

What is the motivation behind this poll? I don't know that it's particularly interesting to know who has served in a bishopric, but perhaps as a cipher to something else it would make more sense. Of course, maybe this really is interesting to people and I just don't share the interest.

The poll is anonymous, so while it is interesting that PAC has served as a bishop, learning that is not the purpose of the poll. The motivation is simply to discover a bit more about the collective experience of the CUF community.

[PaloAltoCougar]

The poll is anonymous, so while it is interesting that PAC has served as a bishop...

... a fact I believe I have disclosed for the very first time this morning. Next up, I shall reveal that I once played golf with Goatnapper, Senioritis and ColoUte. YOhio is standing by.

[I.J. Reilly]

The poll is anonymous, so while it is interesting that PAC has served as a bishop, learning that is not the purpose of the poll. The motivation is simply to discover a bit more about the collective experience of the CUF community.

Cool. Thanks.

[RobinFinderson]

... a fact I believe I have disclosed for the very first time this morning. Next up, I shall reveal that I once played golf with Goatnapper, Senioritis and ColoUte. YOhio is standing by.

It was no big secret, PAC. When I get my marching orders from Satan, he always has a few extra suggestions about you... you know what they say about tempting the Lord's elect.

[TripletDaddy]

I have never served in a Bishopric.

I know, I know. Calm down, everyone. Calm down. Let me explain....

[I.J. Reilly]

I have never served in a Bishopric.

I know, I know. Calm down, everyone. Calm down. Let me explain....

You must have long hair or something. I can't see any other reason why they would deny you your rightful place in a bishopric. Now that you have young children you certainly are a lock for the next round of bishopric callings. Just see if you can do something about that hair.