Damien the Leper Posted September 24, 2011 Posted September 24, 2011 A very close friend who left the church several years before I did has been considering going back to the church. He's apprehensive and nervous about attending a ward. I'm asking on his behalf...How do you go about re-joining the church? What is the process like (for those who may have taken this step)?Thanks, everyone.
Duncan Posted September 24, 2011 Posted September 24, 2011 One of my pals had joined the Church maybe 15 years ago or so and shortly after had his name removed. Then a little bit of time after that he re-joined, served a mission and is now the Bishop of a ward here-plus he is my dentist! All he had to do as far as I know is have an interview with the Stake President and he was back in.
Calm Posted September 24, 2011 Posted September 24, 2011 (edited) Did he get excommunicated, remove his name or disfellowhipped? If not, there is nothing he has to do besides come back though he may want to discuss with the bishop's any of his concerns so they can be resolved and it might make the transition back easier for him (knowing that someone knows and is there if needed, etc).If he was exed or had his name removed or wasdfed, then he needs to talk to the bishop who will set up any requirements he needs to fulfill before being rebaptized in the first two cases(which reactivates any other ordinance iirc) or fully reinstated in the last. Edited September 24, 2011 by calmoriah
ERayR Posted September 24, 2011 Posted September 24, 2011 It depends on wheter or not he had his name removed, was excomunicated or simply withdrew from activity. If it was one of the first two he should start by making an appointment with the Bishop of the ward within whose boundries he now resides. If it was the last it can be as simple as resuming acivity in his current ward. Whichever it is he will be welcomed. It may not be easy, depending on the circumstances. I hope his journey back is successful.
rodheadlee Posted September 24, 2011 Posted September 24, 2011 We were inactive for quite some time, then one day we just showed up and we kept showing up every Sunday. Everyone was real nice to us. We got home teachers and eventually we had a meeting with the Bishop about our status at our request. We got some things squared away and we have felt at home ever since. 1
Damien the Leper Posted September 24, 2011 Author Posted September 24, 2011 He had his name removed. So he should make an appointment to meet with his bishop or stake president?
ERayR Posted September 24, 2011 Posted September 24, 2011 He had his name removed. So he should make an appointment to meet with his bishop or stake president?I think that would be a good first step.
Damien the Leper Posted September 24, 2011 Author Posted September 24, 2011 Ok. Thanks, everyone. I will talk to him about it today and maybe I will go to church with him tomorrow just to support him in his decision. 1
Garden Girl Posted September 24, 2011 Posted September 24, 2011 Yes V., your going to Church with him would be very kind... you are a good friend.I was inactive, as most posters here know, for just over 30 years. Since I had left my name on the rolls, I simply started attending again. I had never received temple ordinances so after a year of activity, I received my endowment. That was in 1996. I am so glad I had the sense to turn back and return to Church.I reactivated three years before my dear husband's death, and while he would not join me in attending he was very supportive of my decision and activities, including callings.GG
Bernard Gui Posted September 25, 2011 Posted September 25, 2011 First step....see the bishop.(From a former bishop)Bernard
Damien the Leper Posted September 26, 2011 Author Posted September 26, 2011 We went to church yesterday. He was nervous whereas I was just uncomfortable. From what I understand from the conversation between my friend and his bishop is that it went well to get the ball rolling. I'm glad for him. He told his bishop about me and asked if I would like to talk with him as well but I kindly declined. Overall, I believe that it was a productive day of healing for my friend and that was part of the purpose of going to church.
ERayR Posted September 26, 2011 Posted September 26, 2011 We went to church yesterday. He was nervous whereas I was just uncomfortable. From what I understand from the conversation between my friend and his bishop is that it went well to get the ball rolling. I'm glad for him. He told his bishop about me and asked if I would like to talk with him as well but I kindly declined. Overall, I believe that it was a productive day of healing for my friend and that was part of the purpose of going to church.Great here's praying that he can work things out and get to a life that he is comfortable with.
Calm Posted September 26, 2011 Posted September 26, 2011 It would be interesting to know how things go for him in the future if you want to share and he's okay with you doing it.
Garden Girl Posted September 27, 2011 Posted September 27, 2011 We went to church yesterday. He was nervous whereas I was just uncomfortable.Valentinus... really, you shouldn't feel uncomfortable... you are a critic and that's where you are. More importantly, you were there supporting your friend. No one was going to grab you and tie you to the pew. You may not agree with our doctrine or the Church in general, but it is commendable that you put that aside to help your friend. And you did so without obviously trying to change his mind or belittle his position. And that is commendable.GG 1
Damien the Leper Posted September 27, 2011 Author Posted September 27, 2011 It would be interesting to know how things go for him in the future if you want to share and he's okay with you doing it.I will see what he thinks. I don't believe he'll mind.
Damien the Leper Posted September 27, 2011 Author Posted September 27, 2011 Valentinus... really, you shouldn't feel uncomfortable... you are a critic and that's where you are. More importantly, you were there supporting your friend. No one was going to grab you and tie you to the pew. You may not agree with our doctrine or the Church in general, but it is commendable that you put that aside to help your friend. And you did so without obviously trying to change his mind or belittle his position. And that is commendable.GGI was uncomfortable because it was like I was visiting a past life inwhich I'm not sure I was ever really comfortable in. I felt more like an outsider looking in...which is exactly what it was considering I am no longer a member. There is a great deal of nostalgia that came with it. I almost wanted to miss it. It's hard to describe what I am feeling now.Anyway, this thread wasn't supposed to be about me and my relationship with the LDS church. I will continue to support my friend in his decision which now includes one session of conference watching this weekend and going to the Priesthood Meeting. I'm a sucker when it comes to supporting my friends. 1
boblloyd91 Posted September 27, 2011 Posted September 27, 2011 Well hey it is brave to go that extra mile for your friend, especially in a religious context..a context you aren't comfortable with. Hope things go okay for you guys!
Garden Girl Posted September 27, 2011 Posted September 27, 2011 I will continue to support my friend in his decision which now includes one session of conference watching this weekend and going to the Priesthood Meeting. I'm a sucker when it comes to supporting my friends. Hello V.I have a sister who is inactive, but still holds to a good portion of the doctrine, loved Pres Hinckley, Neal Maxwell, etc etc, but was irked by the "primary voice" of some of the sisters. She reads everything I send to her from Church publications, watches Gen. Conf. etc., but has some very definite ideas of her own about "how things are." Which is okay... when she watches conference there is always much that she can take from it that is uplifting and that she can appreciate spiritually.Last Saturday I called her to tell her that Relief Soc conference was on if she was interested in tuning in... I could tell she wasn't too enthused, but I felt I'd be remiss if I didn't tell her. So when I hung up I felt sure she would not tune in. After the session ended (and I was still mulling the wonderful talk by Elder Uchtdorf), the phone rang and it was my sister telling me she was so glad she had tuned in and had heard Elder Uchtdorf and the wisdom of his counsel in not forgetting to look for and appreciate the little "Forget Me Nots" in life, not just the big showy blooms...I don't expect that my sister will ever reactivate (I reactivated after 30+ years of inactivity), but I can still be a "good friend" to her and help her to see and/or hear the many positive uplifting moments that she can enjoy in regard to the Church... much like you can be the good friend that you are while supporting your friend... So... when you attend the Priesthood session, try and do so with a peaceful heart and listen for those uplifting moments that you can appreciate generally in your life and as a person. You will find them and your effort will be satisfactory to you. Particularly in knowing that you helped a friend...from the beach on a gusty day when flourishes of leaves are falling from the trees and I can see that they will soon be bare... and winter will not be far beyond.... sigh...GG 1
alter idem Posted September 28, 2011 Posted September 28, 2011 I was uncomfortable because it was like I was visiting a past life inwhich I'm not sure I was ever really comfortable in. I felt more like an outsider looking in...which is exactly what it was considering I am no longer a member. There is a great deal of nostalgia that came with it. I almost wanted to miss it. It's hard to describe what I am feeling now.Anyway, this thread wasn't supposed to be about me and my relationship with the LDS church. I will continue to support my friend in his decision which now includes one session of conference watching this weekend and going to the Priesthood Meeting. I'm a sucker when it comes to supporting my friends. Your friend is very blessed to have you as a friend. I hope you'll feel more comfortable this weekend. 1
Saints Alive Posted September 30, 2011 Posted September 30, 2011 More and more the church treats having your name removed the same as excommunication as far as coming back into the fold. Your friend will have to explain why he left and if a melchezidic PH or endowed he may have to wait as long as 2 years to get back into full fellowship. I dont say this to discourage your friend but it could take awhile to rejoin, things have changed in the last few years.
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