A Story Of Misplaced Leadership

[St. Bookmark]

I am telling you of this situation so that it will be better handled

Here is the back story I joined the church in 2001 at 18 years old. I served a mission then a few month after returning home in 2004 the stake president felt inspired to have me attended the high priest group but remain an elder. Reasons are unknown to me.

So in oct 2013 2nd counselor in the bishopric came to my home to offer a calling and before he offered it he let me know that he did not agree with the bishop and felt I should not have these callings. Because i don't listen to people when they are trying to correct me. At this time I said it's not that I don't listen it's that I want to understand what is being said so I'll ask questions to uncover what I should do.

Then he asked me to serve as the gospel principles teacher and as a ward missionary.

Then over the course of a year and a half I would receive corrections from him and others on how I should teach the class, I listen to there input and did my best to apply there instructions

Then in February 2015 the second counselor thought I offended someone in the class and right after the class and before priesthood was to begin he accosted me by saying in a loud stern voice to step into the hall to talk with him. I said no thank you. He got upset and demanded I go talk with him in the hall, I said once again no thank you. Then it was at this time that the other guys noticed what was going on and started to laugh at the second counselor

for the way he was acting. Then he just stared at me then walked away.

A few days later the ward mission leader came to me and told me that the second counselor was very upset and felt I should not be able to attend the high priest group because he felt I was not worthy.

Then a few months later I was giving my lesson on obedience and I quoted uchdorf general conference talk on grace in where he says

Salvation cannot be bought with the currency of obedience; it is purchased by the blood of the Son of God.26 Thinking that we can trade our good works for salvation is like buying a plane ticket and then supposing we own the airline. Or thinking that after paying rent for our home, we now hold title to the entire planet earth.

Why Then Obey?

If grace is a gift of God, why then is obedience to God’s commandments so important? Why bother with God’s commandments—or repentance, for that matter? Why not just admit we’re sinful and let God save us?

Or, to put the question in Paul’s words, “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” Paul’s answer is simple and clear: “God forbid.”27

Brothers and sisters, we obey the commandments of God—out of love for Him!

Then the following Wednesday I was called into the bishops office to meet with the bishop and the second counselor

They asked me to recount my whole lesson to the best of my knowledge

Then they asked about the quote of salvation cannot be bought with the currency of obedience.

Saying that it was wrong and out of place for the lesson, I told them it came from the last general conference , they said they did not hear the quote. But they will take my word for it.

Then they said I start my Sunday school class late every sunday, I told them I start the class at 12:20, they said the class needs to be started at 12:15 because that is what the handbook says, I told them that the handbook states that the classes are 40 mins long they looked it up and found I was right then asked what does that have to do with anything, I said well the class is over at 1:00pm right, they said yes classes end at top of the hour. Then I said go back 40 mins what time do you have. They said 12:20. I just smiled, they looked at each other with a oh no surprised look.

Then the bishop said we got reports that you taught incorrect doctrine about the after life when you were out with the missionaries. I asked what he was referring to, he said you told someone that the spirit world was here on this earth, I said yes I did share that thought, the bishop said I have never heard that before. I responded by opening up the gospel principles book and showed him where it was found . Second consular and bishop looked shocked. That the teaching was in the manual.

Then at this point I told them that I feel that they seem to be looking for things to nitpick at me and that this meeting is very upsetting to me.

Then bishop said with a unkind look and piercing eyes, just wait.

You are released from being the gospel principles teacher, ward missionary, and you are no longer allowed to attended the high priest group. I asked why. He said I don't need a reason.

I said there is always a reason. He said I have been told you are a disturbance. I asked what he means he said it means you are a disturbance, and also you like to flaunt your scripture knowledge and i believe you don't care about people. I stopped him there and said iam sorry I will not take this abuse, since I know I care deeply for people that is why I spent over 25 hours a week doing missionary work.

At that point the second counselor said we hope you don't go inactive with this news, I said why would I want to be here if I don't care about others and I am a disturbance and I am not wanted.

Then the meeting was over.

I called the stake president the next day telling him what happened, he told me not to worry and that he will look in to the matter and that we will talk in a few weeks.

Well a few weeks turned in to a month and then we had are meeting,

He started by saying I feel you have a problem with sustaining your leaders, I asked if he contacted the bishop, he said I did for about 10 mins.

Then went on about me not able to sustain my leaders again, I responded with how can you sustain someone you don't trust, he said but there called of God, I responded just because your called of God does not give you the right to hurt people.

Then he wanted to talk about my temple recommend, I asked if he was coming at me, he said no I just want to talk. I asked how could he not look in to the matter more since there were lots of people from ward leadership who attended the lesson, he said that he does not need to look in to the matter he just needs the spirit , I said inspiration not with out information then I told him it seems that this is a waste of time and the meeting was over.

Then left to go home.

Edited May 31, 2015 by St. Bookmark

[JLHPROF]

Well based on what you claim I cannot see any false doctrines you taught, and it certainly seems as though your Bishopric is actively looking for excuses in things you have taught to remove you from certain callings.

 

But that is all I can say from what you have written.  I find it hard to believe that all three members of a Bishopric and the SP have a personal vendetta against you without any kind of trigger.  They may be looking for excuses, but clearly something has happened to cause that.

 

There are always two sides to a story.  You don't appear to have taught anything false.  But there is clearly some issue going on with your behavior and your ward.

Either that or you have the MOST closed minded, least caring, vindictive local authorities in the Church because I haven't heard of such bad behavior before.  Does that seem likely that you just have a faulty ward?

[Storm Rider]

Hello Bookmark,

 

You are relatively new here on the Forum; welcome.  Your story is unfortunate and I can empathize to a degree.  Local leaders, all leaders, are human and make mistakes; yet, they are called of called .  I am sure you understand that concept, but it still stings when an individual ends up in the middle of a conflict with leaders.  

 

In reading your post my initial response is two fold:  1) humility is needed.  Having knowledge is not an unending invitation to share that knowledge. At times it is better to hold one's piece and allow others to talk, discuss, question while remaining quiet.  This quality to remain quiet is a mark of maturity and possessing an understanding that others need to work and strive so that they may also grow.  2)  If I were in your shoes and had the ability to move I would do so, but only if moving is not a burden and fits within your other life plans.  There are times when one ward just does not fit well and it is just easier to begin anew in another ward.  On the other hand, if moving is not an option, then remaining in your ward is an invitation for growth.  Attend your meetings, serve in whatever callings you have and bear your burdens prayerfully and with gratitude.  

 

There is nothing to "work out" with your leaders.  They have spoken and made choices that they will live with and will answer for in the eternities.  Their actions, their words have nothing to do with you and everything to do with their own calling.  You seem strong enough to stand on your own and disagree, such as you did when the 2nd counselor asked you to leave for a conversation, with others.  This is a good thing, but use this strength sparingly.  As members we listen to leaders and prayerfully consider their counsel; however they are not authorized to command us.  That comes by direction of the Holy Spirit.

 

I am truly sorry that you are having this caliber of experience, but you obviously have something to learn from it.  Learn it well so that it not repeated in the future.  Don't be concerned with the error in anyone else's life just focus on your own and being a faithful servant of the Savior.  God bless you.

[St. Bookmark]

Thank you for your kind words.

Just a bit of more back info the second counselor has always had something against me because I am well liked by others and this is not his first time trying to get a people ( my opinion, he has a problem in thinking he knows all and likes to feel in charge and now that he is in the bishoprics he uses it to get his way the bishop is very weak and does not like to upset his bishoprics members)

I feel I very hurt by this action that has been coming at me I have another meeting with the stake president I a few days I hope this time goes by better.

My family is very upset by this news and we want to move good thing we have been looking for a new house before this started, it just sad to leave a place you have been for 14 years

[St. Bookmark]

Also the first counselor has been very supportive he sees the wrong in their actions but does not want to be put in a tough spot.

Also I don't hate them I feel sorry for them and pray that all this can be put behind us and move on.

[strappinglad]

IF what you relate is correct, there are a couple of folks who could use a smack up side the head. You are an elder. You should be attending Elder's quorum. Your worthiness has nothing to do with which meeting you attend. The only time an elder ,in my experience, attends High Priests is if he is more " elderly" and would fit in with that age group. If a leader came to me and complained about my teaching style I would listen carefully, consider the source, and happily hand him the lesson manual if necessary so that he might demonstrate his teaching proficiency  while I watched ( from another room ). For a councilor to say  to you that he was against a call but then extend it anyway is just pure insubordination.

 

     Sorry, but there are all kinds of red flags here.

[Bobbieaware]

I am telling you of this situation so that it will be better handled

Here is the back story I joined the church in 2001 at 18 years old. I served a mission then a few month after returning home in 2004 the stake president felt inspired to have me attended the high priest group but remain an elder. Reasons are unknown to me.

So in oct 2013 2nd counselor in the bishopric came to my home to offer a calling and before he offered it he let me know that he did not agree with the bishop and felt I should not have these callings. Because i don't listen to people when they are trying to correct me. At this time I said it's not that I don't listen it's that I want to understand what is being said so I'll ask questions to uncover what I should do.

Then he asked me to serve as the gospel principles teacher and as a ward missionary.

Then over the course of a year and a half I would receive corrections from him and others on how I should teach the class, I listen to there input and did my best to apply there instructions

Then in February 2015 the second counselor thought I offended someone in the class and right after the class and before priesthood was to begin he accosted me by saying in a loud stern voice to step into the hall to talk with him. I said no thank you. He got upset and demanded I go talk with him in the hall, I said once again no thank you. Then it was at this time that the other guys noticed what was going on and started to laugh at the second counselor

for the way he was acting. Then he just stared at me then walked away.

A few days later the ward mission leader came to me and told me that the second counselor was very upset and felt I should not be able to attend the high priest group because he felt I was not worthy.

Then a few months later I was giving my lesson on obedience and I quoted uchdorf general conference talk on grace in where he says

Salvation cannot be bought with the currency of obedience; it is purchased by the blood of the Son of God.26 Thinking that we can trade our good works for salvation is like buying a plane ticket and then supposing we own the airline. Or thinking that after paying rent for our home, we now hold title to the entire planet earth.

Why Then Obey?

If grace is a gift of God, why then is obedience to God’s commandments so important? Why bother with God’s commandments—or repentance, for that matter? Why not just admit we’re sinful and let God save us?

Or, to put the question in Paul’s words, “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” Paul’s answer is simple and clear: “God forbid.”27

Brothers and sisters, we obey the commandments of God—out of love for Him!

Then the following Wednesday I was called into the bishops office to meet with the bishop and the second counselor

They asked me to recount my whole lesson to the best of my knowledge

Then they asked about the quote of salvation cannot be bought with the currency of obedience.

Saying that it was wrong and out of place for the lesson, I told them it came from the last general conference , they said they did not hear the quote. But they will take my word for it.

Then they said I start my Sunday school class late every sunday, I told them I start the class at 12:20, they said the class needs to be started at 12:15 because that is what the handbook says, I told them that the handbook states that the classes are 40 mins long they looked it up and found I was right then asked what does that have to do with anything, I said well the class is over at 1:00pm right, they said yes classes end at top of the hour. Then I said go back 40 mins what time do you have. They said 12:20. I just smiled, they looked at each other with a oh no surprised look.

Then the bishop said we got reports that you taught incorrect doctrine about the after life when you were out with the missionaries. I asked what he was referring to, he said you told someone that the spirit world was here on this earth, I said yes I did share that thought, the bishop said I have never heard that before. I responded by opening up the gospel principles book and showed him where it was found . Second consular and bishop looked shocked. That the teaching was in the manual.

Then at this point I told them that I feel that they seem to be looking for things to nitpick at me and that this meeting is very upsetting to me.

Then bishop said with a unkind look and piercing eyes, just wait.

You are released from being the gospel principles teacher, ward missionary, and you are no longer allowed to attended the high priest group. I asked why. He said I don't need a reason.

I said there is always a reason. He said I have been told you are a disturbance. I asked what he means he said it means you are a disturbance, and also you like to flaunt your scripture knowledge and i believe you don't care about people. I stopped him there and said iam sorry I will not take this abuse, since I know I care deeply for people that is why I spent over 25 hours a week doing missionary work.

At that point the second counselor said we hope you don't go inactive with this news, I said why would I want to be here if I don't care about others and I am a disturbance and I am not wanted.

Then the meeting was over.

I called the stake president the next day telling him what happened, he told me not to worry and that he will look in to the matter and that we will talk in a few weeks.

Well a few weeks turned in to a month and then we had are meeting,

He started by saying I feel you have a problem with sustaining your leaders, I asked if he contacted the bishop, he said I did for about 10 mins.

Then went on about me not able to sustain my leaders again, I responded with how can you sustain someone you don't trust, he said but there called of God, I responded just because your called of God does not give you the right to hurt people.

Then he wanted to talk about my temple recommend, I asked if he was coming at me, he said no I just want to talk. I asked how could he not look in to the matter more since there were lots of people from ward leadership who attended the lesson, he said that he does not need to look in to the matter he just needs the spirit , I said inspiration not with out information then I told him it seems that this is a waste of time and the meeting was over.

Then left to go home.

It appears the problems started in earnest in 2013 when the second counselor told you he didn't agree with the bishop in extending the callings of gospel essentials teacher and ward missionary to you. You should have told him right then and there that you would not accept the new callings without the bishopric being fully united and comfortable in extending the callings to you. Things started out on a discordant note and have ended up in a mess.

Edited May 31, 2015 by Bobbieaware

[Coreyb]

I can certainly sympathize with you. I had similar trouble with a bishop who was opposed to the way I taught an Elders quorum meeting on obedience. Everyone else seemed edified including his counselors and the high councilman, but not him apparently. Then a couple weeks later I defended a ward member during ward council who the bishop was being unreasonably harsh on (IMO) in his absence. That was a mistake. He spent the rest of the meeting lecturing me in front of the council. The next week I met with him to get my temple recommend back wich I had surrendered months before for an unrelated transgression. He refused to renew it even though just a couple weeks before he had told me I was ready and worthy to have it back. I asked why not and he cited a technicality from the handbook saying that if it was up to him he would give it back but his hands were tied. I said that his handbook did not have any such rule and I knew it because I have read it. He insisted it was. I insisted that it was not, and asked him to show me. He refused. I said if he personally felt I was unworthy that was fine, I could accept that, but don't make up a rule that doesn't exist in order to shift the responsibility to the handbook. He ended the meeting, but not before a heated lecture. I went home fuming and checked the handbook again. I was correct, and planned to print off the relevant sections to show him, but upon some reflection and prayer I decided it would do no good to continue in contention with him. He was scheduled to be released in a few weeks so the beef did not continue. I have found forgiveness for him, but to this day I am not sure what caused him to be so upset. I know that I could have not spoken up in the meeting but my tone was respectful, at least i thought it was . I think it might have had something to do with me opposing him while being so much younger. I have been in a lot of ward council and PEC meetings and have seen older more experienced members disagree with the bishop in much harsher ways without repercussion. Who knows though? Just remember to have charity for him as you would for the the weakest member of the ward. After all, none of us are really better than anyone else, leadership included.

[readstoomuch]

St. Bookmark,

It seems like it is human relations problem more than a gospel problem going on here.  There is probably something to the bishop/2nd counselors actions that might be obvious if were there.  They may just be imperfect people and  you are being treated unfairly.  That happens.  If so, then you just need to go  to Church and do the best you can and live the gospel the rest of the week.  I think if you did that, I would calling it supporting your leaders.  If you were ever called to another position, I think you would want a different story then the one you got and it would also be a great time to have them define what is expected of you in the calling.  Also, if I was an elder, I would go to the Elders quorum.  Going to a different quorum wouldn`t be some kind of reward for me.  You could also give it more time.  Time often helps.  There are times when I felt unjustly treated and just had to put it behind me.  

[Avatar4321]

What to do?

Accept the release. Forgive them. Keep serving the Lord and loving them.

Sometimes God calls men to inspire us to greater faith. Sometimes He calls them to try us to greater faith. Either way, trust in Him and do as He would have you do.

[carbon dioxide]

St. Bookmark

 

From what you have said it sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders.  I have a hard time conceiving why any bishop or counselor would care whether your lessons are 35 minutes or 40 minutes.  As long as the lesson is taught, it is not big deal  if you started right on time.  The fact that you bothered to show up to fulfill your calling is what the vast majority of bishops I would think appreciate.  You handled the situation better than I would have.  I just would have told them flat out "Hey, you called me to this position.  I did not ask for it.  If you don't like how I do it, find someone else.  It would remove a burden from my life to have to prepare a lesson every week." 

[Jean-Luc Picard]

Sounds like you are a Type A person up against another Type A. I think you are right that this is a personality/influence conflict. I know this would raise eyebrows and mess with ward/family dynamics, but could you talk to your stake president about a move of your records, maybe on a temporary basis? (I know that can be tough, especially if you live in an area like mine and the neighboring ward is miles away)

I bike in the mornings with a neighboring stake president. He said he moves records more frequently than we know, just so "stuff doesn't hit the fan." (His words)

[The Nehor]

I would love to hear their explanation of events. You come out as way too much of a victim in your version. I am not sure if you are trying to deceive us but still....

Are you in a country where the church is small? Your writing sounds like English is not your first language and I know of cases where elders were put in High Priest groups but the reason is the church was weak in the area and they plan to put RMs in leadership positions quickly and want them where they can get more leadership training. I had one companion from Eastern Europe that later got a three month mission extension requested by an apostle and worked with the Mission President in that time to be taught how the church is run. I am guessing they were hoping to stick him in leadership shortly after he went home. Never heard what happened.

Edited May 31, 2015 by The Nehor

[St. Bookmark]

Iam sorry if my version feels like Iam a victim but that is what happened I went to the meeting with the bishop unknowing about what he wanted to talk about, I thought he wanted to talk about the missionary work needs.

The other information I learned over the course of people talking to me and telling me what they knew.

A friend of mine said that when the second counselor was in the elders quorum, he told my friend that he was teaching incorrect doctrine as well and had him removed from being a instructor.

The ward I live in has family's that have been here for years and manage to be very clickish.

It was hard doing ward missionary work since the members would not befriend the new converts well if they were rich they would.

I guess I told this storie to try and figure out what happened since Iam still in a state of shock and depression. I truly thought my family and I were truly blessed by God since we were able to do so much and put in so much time in the lords work.

We still love the lord and go to church but the spirit has changed.

[Tacenda]

Iam sorry if my version feels like Iam a victim but that is what happened I went to the meeting with the bishop unknowing about what he wanted to talk about, I thought he wanted to talk about the missionary work needs.

The other information I learned over the course of people talking to me and telling me what they knew.

A friend of mine said that when the second counselor was in the elders quorum, he told my friend that he was teaching incorrect doctrine as well and had him removed from being a instructor.

The ward I live in has family's that have been here for years and manage to be very clickish.

It was hard doing ward missionary work since the members would not befriend the new converts well if they were rich they would.

I guess I told this storie to try and figure out what happened since Iam still in a state of shock and depression. I truly thought my family and I were truly blessed by God since we were able to do so much and put in so much time in the lords work.

We still love the lord and go to church but the spirit has changed.

Do you need to write a letter to an authority above the SP? I've hear of wards like this and sometimes there needs to be intervention. Surely your not the only one dealing with this mentality.

[Kenngo1969]

I recognize how extraordinarily challenging this will be in the circumstances you have described (although, as at least one other has pointed out, there are always at least two sides to any story, and we only have yours), but do your best to demonstrate charity toward your leaders.  Often, they are in difficult circumstances that they did not seek: they merely said yes (or simply nodded their heads wordlessly) when asked to serve.  If we can have charity for our leaders even when they are not as effective as they might be, it will be even easier to do that when they are.  And pray for them: even if you don't feel like they listen to you when you offer needed perspective, there's always the possibility (the probability, one would hope) that they'll listen to Him.

 

As much as I might hope that I've been released from every calling I've held simply because it was time, the truth is that I've probably been released from more than one because I was not as effective as I might have been.  Whatever the circumstances surrounding any given release, it's not where you serve, but how.  And as for attending High Priests Group, if you're not an ordained member of the group, attendance is a privilege, not a right.  I'm getting to be an "Elder" Elder.  I don't see that as a drawback: perhaps I can provide a perspective in my advancing years that's useful to my more youthful brethren in the Quorum.  Meanwhile, I look up to the High Priests, and that may always be so, even if I ever become one.  If not, I will continue to offer what I hope is a seasoned, useful perspective to my younger counterparts in Elders Quorum.

Edited May 31, 2015 by Kenngo1969

[Kenngo1969]

... You handled the situation better than I would have.  I just would have told them flat out "Hey, you called me to this position.  I did not ask for it.  If you don't like how I do it, find someone else.  It would remove a burden from my life to have to prepare a lesson every week." 

Respectfully, I disagree: I hope the Lord has called St. Bookmark to whatever positions he has held in the Kingdom.  Personally, I'd be quite reticent to display such petulance to the Lord of the Universe, no matter what I might have to put up with from other idiots imperfect-but-still-striving people He has called to other positions and as my file leaders.

[Kenngo1969]

Sounds like you are a Type A person up against another Type A. I think you are right that this is a personality/influence conflict. I know this would raise eyebrows and mess with ward/family dynamics, but could you talk to your stake president about a move of your records, maybe on a temporary basis? (I know that can be tough, especially if you live in an area like mine and the neighboring ward is miles away)

I bike in the mornings with a neighboring stake president. He said he moves records more frequently than we know, just so "stuff doesn't hit the fan." (His words)

Hey, if you heard it from "the horse's mouth," so to speak, who am I to argue or to doubt your veracity or that of your friend? However, Last I was aware, in order to attend a unit in which one does not reside, one needs: (1) a letter from both bishops/branch presidents; (2) a letter from both stake presidents; and (3) First Presidency approval.  Simple!

[rpn]

Your entire life in the church you will be called by and work with other members who do not agree with you or what you say, and will ignore it when printed in official sources.   Just like the quote from conference (which is dramatically different from the way obedience is generally taught --- so much so that it was the subject of a great deal of post conference discussions about whether it was consistent with doctrine), and the handbook references,  there are members who know less than you do.    The thing is that none of that matters.   You are not the one called to be responsible for purity of doctrine.  

 

Our job as a member is to seek unity with others and to love everyone.   You can easily do that.   Go to the Elder's Quorum where you should have always been attending if you are an Elder or Prospective Elder.   Wait until you are moved upon by the spirit to talk, and limit what you say to what you are inspired to do.   Serve others.   Smile and greet others.   Do good.   Give positive feedback.   Push out of your mind any messups or undoctrinal things or people who are unkind to you.   Return all that with love and care.

 

And then just know that this too will pass (though it may well resurface, and/or it may take a very long time).   Just live your belief about the Savior.   Leave the correcting of the membership to those with stewardship to do it.

[Avatar4321]

I should add, you should be meeting with your appropriate quorum. I understand why they have certain people meet in other quorums but I've always been of the opinion that we should meet with the quorum we are called to.

[St. Bookmark]

The talk of me attending elders quorum is interesting I should let you know in 2008 I went back to the elders quorum for about a year then the high priest group leader told the stake president at the time that he wanted me back in the group to serve as a instructor which calling I had until last months when I was told I was no longer allowed to go. Since then I have been attending my elders quorum, but yesterday the high priest group leader asked me why I did not give my lesson, so I let him know what happened he said he was not informed about the change and very upset to lose me and said very kind things,

I must say I have been in the group for 11 years and made very good friends and now I will miss them but I will also make new friends.

I have a meeting with the stake president tomorrow to find out what is going to happen. I recived a call yesterday from the executive secretary letting me know I should come prepared with a understanding of doctrine and covenants 84: 33-44 and alma 13.

Also many of you have been very supportive and it has helped me feel better, I can't think you enough.

[The Nehor]

The talk of me attending elders quorum is interesting I should let you know in 2008 I went back to the elders quorum for about a year then the high priest group leader told the stake president at the time that he wanted me back in the group to serve as a instructor which calling I had until last months when I was told I was no longer allowed to go. Since then I have been attending my elders quorum, but yesterday the high priest group leader asked me why I did not give my lesson, so I let him know what happened he said he was not informed about the change and very upset to lose me and said very kind things,

I must say I have been in the group for 11 years and made very good friends and now I will miss them but I will also make new friends.

I have a meeting with the stake president tomorrow to find out what is going to happen. I recived a call yesterday from the executive secretary letting me know I should come prepared with a understanding of doctrine and covenants 84: 33-44 and alma 13.

Also many of you have been very supportive and it has helped me feel better, I can't think you enough.

 

Good luck on Alma 13. I still do not get it all though I think I understand the basics now.

[JLHPROF]

The talk of me attending elders quorum is interesting I should let you know in 2008 I went back to the elders quorum for about a year then the high priest group leader told the stake president at the time that he wanted me back in the group to serve as a instructor which calling I had until last months when I was told I was no longer allowed to go. Since then I have been attending my elders quorum, but yesterday the high priest group leader asked me why I did not give my lesson, so I let him know what happened he said he was not informed about the change and very upset to lose me and said very kind things,

I must say I have been in the group for 11 years and made very good friends and now I will miss them but I will also make new friends.

I have a meeting with the stake president tomorrow to find out what is going to happen. I recived a call yesterday from the executive secretary letting me know I should come prepared with a understanding of doctrine and covenants 84: 33-44 and alma 13.

Also many of you have been very supportive and it has helped me feel better, I can't think you enough.

 

Sounds like they want to make you a high priest.

If you've been attending HPG for 11 years it's ridiculous that you haven't been ordained already.

Perhaps they want to rectify the oversight.

[rpn]

Consider looking up the scriptures in the Institute manual to see what CES is teaching about the scripture.  Also, nowadays you can search the conference talks for how it is explained pretty easily.

[DragonLancer]

When this kind of thing happens, I find that the best strategy is to never directly oppose the assertions or actions of local leaders, but to let them have their way until the situation is diffused.  A calling like this is never worth taking abuse from local leaders, and anyone in this situation is better off asking to be released if they are not released by the local leaders.  Then, after the situation is diffused and dies down, go to the authorities over their heads and submit a complaint about how they handled the situation.  Never confront them, just go around them and over their heads.  Somebody above them is more likely to be more reasonable, and will put them in their place.