What does "the journey home" look like for a Latter-Day Saint?

[flameburns623]

Most of y'all know that I resigned my membership voluntarily back in 2008.

And yes, I am prayerfully contemplating returning.

Yes, I am conversing with my own Church leadership about my personal situation.

And yes, I am taking my sweet time about it.

And no, fellow non-Mormons, this is not an invitation for y'all to talk me out of it.

Nor is this a promise that I WILL return, only an acknowledgement that I am considering it.

Take this thread in whatever directiion is appropriate based on the title.

If you were/are a leader and care to talk about the technical hurdles and processes, heave to.

If you were once "out" and came back:

Whether as someone who went decidedly inactive and returned;

As someone (like me) who voluntarily formalized the process but later repented and sought reinstatement;,

Or as aomeone who went "out" under duress (disfellowshipped, excommunicated), and went through the process of coming back:

Feel free in any of these cases to discuss your experience.

Or if you have friends or loved ones who traversed the trail of 'coming home'.

Or, as a Missionary helped walk someone down that path.

Or if you just have questions of your own, for yourself or someone else: take this opprtunity to ask.

[Calm]

17 minutes ago, flameburns623 said:

Most of y'all know that I resigned my membership voluntarily back in 2008.

And yes, I am prayerfully contemplating returning.

Yes, I am conversing with my own Church leadership about my personal situation.

And yes, I am taking my sweet time about it.

 

Now this puts me in a good mood.

[Jim Stiles]

21 minutes ago, flameburns623 said:

Most of y'all know that I resigned my membership voluntarily back in 2008.

And yes, I am prayerfully contemplating returning.

Yes, I am conversing with my own Church leadership about my personal situation.

And yes, I am taking my sweet time about it.

And no, fellow non-Mormons, this is not an invitation for y'all to talk me out of it.

Nor is this a promise that I WILL return, only an acknowledgement that I am considering it.

Take this thread in whatever directiion is appropriate based on the title.

If you were/are a leader and care to talk about the technical hurdles and processes, heave to.

If you were once "out" and came back:

Whether as someone who went decidedly inactive and returned;

As someone (like me) who voluntarily formalized the process but later repented and sought reinstatement;,

Or as aomeone who went "out" under duress (disfellowshipped, excommunicated), and went through the process of coming back:

Feel free in any of these cases to discuss your experience.

Or if you have friends or loved ones who traversed the trail of 'coming home'.

Or, as a Missionary helped walk someone down that path.

Or if you just have questions of your own, for yourself or someone else: take this opprtunity to ask.

I read the title of the folder and thought that the folder was about near-death experiences.

You can guess what I think about returning to the LDS faith.

[Bobbieaware]

20 minutes ago, flameburns623 said:

Most of y'all know that I resigned my membership voluntarily back in 2008.

And yes, I am prayerfully contemplating returning.

Yes, I am conversing with my own Church leadership about my personal situation.

And yes, I am taking my sweet time about it.

And no, fellow non-Mormons, this is not an invitation for y'all to talk me out of it.

Nor is this a promise that I WILL return, only an acknowledgement that I am considering it.

Take this thread in whatever directiion is appropriate based on the title.

If you were/are a leader and care to talk about the technical hurdles and processes, heave to.

If you were once "out" and came back:

Whether as someone who went decidedly inactive and returned;

As someone (like me) who voluntarily formalized the process but later repented and sought reinstatement;,

Or as aomeone who went "out" under duress (disfellowshipped, excommunicated), and went through the process of coming back:

Feel free in any of these cases to discuss your experience.

Or if you have friends or loved ones who traversed the trail of 'coming home'.

Or, as a Missionary helped walk someone down that path.

Or if you just have questions of your own, for yourself or someone else: take this opprtunity to ask.

I like Christ's simple but profound counsel when dealing with people in situations like yours: "Doubt not, but be believing." Once people make the conscious choice to believe, they are often delightfully surprised when the Spirit returns and powerfully confirms that they made the right choice.

[hope_for_things]

I have a close family member who at one time voluntarily resigned and had her name removed (influenced heavily from a boyfriend), and after being away from the church for 10+ years, just last year was re-baptized (again influenced by a boyfriend).  She is planning to marry and be sealed later this year.  I've talked to her quite a bit, and she has a new appreciation for the church, but isn't an orthodox believer by any stretch.  For her, it wasn't historical issues that took her out of the church in the first place, and honestly she's pretty naive about the historical problems in the church.  But I would say that she's happier all around and being re-baptized has given her purpose and a positive outlook as well as confidence in herself and allowed her to forgive herself and feel more connected with active family members.  

I myself am taking a sabbatical from church currently and I'm not sure what the future holds for my relationship to the church.  I honestly miss socializing with the good people there.  I don't believe that I've lost the spirit by not attending or anything like that as I don't believe in exclusive authority anymore.  I'm not even sure what I exactly believe about God or spirituality honestly.  

I think you'll get out of the church what you put into it.  If you decide to return you will have good people that welcome you back.  If your challenges with the church are around history or doctrine or social issues, you'll likely continue to have those challenges in some degree.  You probably will find that serving and supporting others at church will be a blessing in your life.  The question is whether the pros outweigh the cons, and that is difficult to determine, and varies for each individual.  I wish you luck!  

[flameburns623]

1 hour ago, Jim Stiles said:

I read the title of the folder and thought that the folder was about near-death experiences.

You can guess what I think about returning to the LDS faith.

I doubt you respect my present practice of Roman Catholicism, either. 

[ERMD]

I'm sure your local leader has gone through the Church's side of things.  Bishop interview, stake president interview, baptism, confirmation, Aaronic priesthood, etc.  2 people in my ward completed this process, each about 3 years ago.  It's wonderful to see.

Nice and slow is the way to do it.

 

 

[flameburns623]

11 minutes ago, ERMD said:

I'm sure your local leader has gone through the Church's side of things.  Bishop interview, stake president interview, baptism, confirmation, Aaronic priesthood, etc.  2 people in my ward completed this process, each about 3 years ago.  It's wonderful to see.

Nice and slow is the way to do it.

 

 

No.

No one has met with me yet and we have had little time. Last week was Easter, the week prior was my first Sacrament Meeting since 2008.

I doubt if we get together before mid to late April. General Conference this weekend, some other conferences over the next few weeks. So the bishop will be busy, and in any case I will be out of town this weekend.

I took a year of reflection from Lent of 2007 to Lent of 2008 to decide between the LDS Church and the RCC, including roughly six months of being as actively involved in my LDS ward as possible.

I cannot recall if that was the year they reorganized the wards or if that happened earlier. I believe it was then, because my current meeting-house doesn't sem like a place I attende regularly. I do remember that although I volunteered for a lot of stuff, a calling was never extended to me, probably because the irregular nature of my job made my attendance somewhat unpredictable.

Anyhow, although my case is of course likely to have unique wrinkles, any general insight into the process would be cool.

(Are late 50's men allowed to use the word "cool"? Even if it came into vogue in their youth?

[Duncan]

2 hours ago, flameburns623 said:

Most of y'all know that I resigned my membership voluntarily back in 2008.

And yes, I am prayerfully contemplating returning.

Yes, I am conversing with my own Church leadership about my personal situation.

And yes, I am taking my sweet time about it.

And no, fellow non-Mormons, this is not an invitation for y'all to talk me out of it.

Nor is this a promise that I WILL return, only an acknowledgement that I am considering it.

Take this thread in whatever directiion is appropriate based on the title.

If you were/are a leader and care to talk about the technical hurdles and processes, heave to.

If you were once "out" and came back:

Whether as someone who went decidedly inactive and returned;

As someone (like me) who voluntarily formalized the process but later repented and sought reinstatement;,

Or as aomeone who went "out" under duress (disfellowshipped, excommunicated), and went through the process of coming back:

Feel free in any of these cases to discuss your experience.

Or if you have friends or loved ones who traversed the trail of 'coming home'.

Or, as a Missionary helped walk someone down that path.

Or if you just have questions of your own, for yourself or someone else: take this opprtunity to ask.

Watch this if you please!

 

 

[ERMD]

Although the details of each individual's journey are unique, the process is fairly uniform.  Your bishop will discuss with you your motivations for returning as well as the kind of life you have been living since leaving.  He may give some assignments to help him be satisfied with your sincerity as well as your understanding.  Once he feels things are ready to move forward, he will have you visit with the stake president.  He may or may not have anything to add to what the bishop has been working through with you. After he is satisfied, then the ordinances can move forward.  Like any newly baptized member, temple covenants come at least a year later.

It is cool.  There will be some great moments with your priesthood leaders.

[Ginger Snaps]

I  wish you well in your journey.  I have some family members who I'd love to see return.  May I ask what influenced your consideration to return? 

[UtahTexan]

I left voluntarily in 1989.  I was ex'd in 1990.  I became very anti-LDS.....there are folks on this board and the Catholic Board who can tell you how anti I was.

I was even booted from this board once

But, I had a friend who started putting my name in the Temple every week in 1999.  I told him I would NEVER EVER return.  And I thought I never would.  I loved being Catholic.  

But the Lord had other plans.  

It was 26 years after I left that I began to come back.  An incredible series of miracles and amazing things started happening that led me back.  And I began to get answers to issues.

And suddenly, I had my testimony back.

I believe the Church is true.  But guess what?  Even if it isn't.....it brings me closer to God and closer to my fellow man...I have a much more personal relationship with Heavenly Father.

Ask me anything.  I will do my best.

[The Nehor]

As a very long-time Ward Missionary and once-Missionary I have been involved with several of these.

Usual start is, as you are planning, meeting with Bishop. He will interview you about your desire to return and what is required. A discussion of past transgressions that could have led to you leaving (if any). Probably a period of attending church regularly. Later comes rebaptism and an ordinance that reinstates any previous ordinances (gift of Holy Ghost, Priesthood, Temple Ordinances). Then you endure to the end and then you get to come to the eternal Wedding Feast party. Hope to see you there!  

[flameburns623]

42 minutes ago, Ginger Snaps said:

I  wish you well in your journey.  I have some family members who I'd love to see return.  May I ask what influenced your consideration to return? 

I don't have a clean, clear-cut answer to that.

1. A friend began this whole thing somewhere prior to Christmas, with various conversations about the LDS Church, including an expressed on-again/off-again desire to attend LDS worship. Reading and referencing things to help answer his questions probably predisposed me to a lot of this.

2. Some personal sadnesses have played a factor.

3. My thinking has shifted in some areas of faith.

4. Plain old nostalgia for a faith community I was never really "mad" at but which circumstances kept me from being a part of.

[The Nehor]

Oh, and I am pretty sure you have to eat green jello with shredded carrots in it to prove you are serious about returning.

[flameburns623]

2 hours ago, ERMD said:

Although the details of each individual's journey are unique, the process is fairly uniform.  Your bishop will discuss with you your motivations for returning as well as the kind of life you have been living since leaving.  He may give some assignments to help him be satisfied with your sincerity as well as your understanding.  Once he feels things are ready to move forward, he will have you visit with the stake president.  He may or may not have anything to add to what the bishop has been working through with you. After he is satisfied, then the ordinances can move forward.  Like any newly baptized member, temple covenants come at least a year later.

It is cool.  There will be some great moments with your priesthood leaders.

Someone--MFBukowski, or maybe someone with an Arabic-looking username--says the Church is rolling out a project wherein converts go to the Temple wihin weeks or months of baptism. It's a move to help converts remain active in the critical early months when many drop into inactivity.

I believe my own Priesthood quorum mentioned this is now functional in my own area.

How or if this would affect my own case is difficult to know.

[flameburns623]

6 minutes ago, The Nehor said:

Oh, and I am pretty sure you have to eat green jello with shredded carrots in it to prove you are serious about returning.

It has to be sugar free jello.

[Robert F. Smith]

I thought you meant the return to glory in the presence of God.  For one-time Mormon Zenna Henderson that was "home," as in her stories and books about The People, which was also a made-for-TV movie put out in 1972, and upon which the 1975 Disney "Escape to Witch Mountain" was also based -- even the much later TV series "Roswell" used Henderson's sci fi shamelessly and without acknowledgement.

[Robert F. Smith]

5 hours ago, flameburns623 said:

......................................................

What does "the journey home" look like for a Latter-Day Saint?

Some on this board are returnees, and many of us have heard the discussion of that process (and why) from Maxine Hanks and Don Bradley.

The process doesn't appear to be too jarring or difficult, although it does require patience and a willingness to follow the local bishop's instructions (such as, if the ward has an activity, please be there -- which is especially good if it is a ward party, even if they ask you to bring potato salad or a bucket of KFC).  

[Garden Girl]

Good evening, flame...

I've told my story numerous times... I had finished my first year at BYU-Provo and came home to take what I thought would be a summer job... however, it was then that I met my to-be non-LDS but wonderful husband... we eventually eloped to Las Vegas, which is a story in itself (trying to find a quiet, dignified wedding chapel since I had always envisioned myself marrying in the temple).  I broke my parents' hearts first because of my marriage... and then because as so often happens in a one-member marriage, the LDS slips into inactivity because it's hard to attend church regularly, hold callings, etc., when the spouse wants to be traveling, etc on the weekend... And, I loved my life... I walked firmly in the world both in career and activities.... in a good way... but not the gospel way... for over 30 years.  But during this time, every now and then the Spirit would tug at my heart... really tug.  I used to read my scriptures, prayed daily, stayed close to the Church through my very faithful parents.  Happily, they did come to love my husband dearly because of the person that he was, and the way he treated me.  Mom used to tell me she didn't have a worry in the world when it came to me because I was married to Ray.... I finally told Ray that I was feeling the need to return to Church, and he encouraged me...

I rocked along like this for those years until my mom died suddenly of a massive heart attack at age 80.  I was with her, holding her, and I saw the light go from her eyes and I knew she had crossed through the veil.  That was the catalyst that sent me literally running back to the Church... I stayed with my Dad for a month after mom's death, helping him by cleaning out her things, etc.  I worked with the Rel Soc pres and bishop, attending Church with Dad... feeling my testimony come back stronger than ever... when I got back here to Oregon, I simply continued attending Church...(the first few months there were several hymns that would reduce me to tears... I just couldn't stop crying because I was so grateful that I had "come home")  and a year later I went to the temple for my endowment... my husband was very supportive, but I'm not sure he realized just what a TBM his wife would become.  That was 20 years ago and I've never looked back... My dear Ray died 17 years ago... but a year later I was sealed to him in the Portland Oregon temple.  I absolutely feel "married" so being alone is not as troubling to me.. 

And here I am today, an old woman of 75, widowed for 17 years... living with a pushy cat named "Bob" and just as comfortable and content... happy... completely faithful that I will soon walk at the side of my dear one as we begin the eternities together...  

GG

[Calm]

1 hour ago, Robert F. Smith said:

I thought you meant the return to glory in the presence of God.  For one-time Mormon Zenna Henderson that was "home," as in her stories and books about The People, which was also a made-for-TV movie put out in 1972, and upon which the 1975 Disney "Escape to Witch Mountain" was also based -- even the much later TV series "Roswell" used Henderson's sci fi shamelessly and without acknowledgement.

I didn't know she was once Mormon.  Loved her books as a kid.

[UtahTexan]

1 hour ago, Garden Girl said:

Good evening, flame...

I've told my story numerous times... I had finished my first year at BYU-Provo and came home to take what I thought would be a summer job... however, it was then that I met my to-be non-LDS but wonderful husband... we eventually eloped to Las Vegas, which is a story in itself (trying to find a quiet, dignified wedding chapel since I had always envisioned myself marrying in the temple).  I broke my parents' hearts first because of my marriage... and then because as so often happens in a one-member marriage, the LDS slips into inactivity because it's hard to attend church regularly, hold callings, etc., when the spouse wants to be traveling, etc on the weekend... And, I loved my life... I walked firmly in the world both in career and activities.... in a good way... but not the gospel way... for over 30 years.  But during this time, every now and then the Spirit would tug at my heart... really tug.  I used to read my scriptures, prayed daily, stayed close to the Church through my very faithful parents.  Happily, they did come to love my husband dearly because of the person that he was, and the way he treated me.  Mom used to tell me she didn't have a worry in the world when it came to me because I was married to Ray.... I finally told Ray that I was feeling the need to return to Church, and he encouraged me...

I rocked along like this for those years until my mom died suddenly of a massive heart attack at age 80.  I was with her, holding her, and I saw the light go from her eyes and I knew she had crossed through the veil.  That was the catalyst that sent me literally running back to the Church... I stayed with my Dad for a month after mom's death, helping him by cleaning out her things, etc.  I worked with the Rel Soc pres and bishop, attending Church with Dad... feeling my testimony come back stronger than ever... when I got back here to Oregon, I simply continued attending Church...(the first few months there were several hymns that would reduce me to tears... I just couldn't stop crying because I was so grateful that I had "come home")  and a year later I went to the temple for my endowment... my husband was very supportive, but I'm not sure he realized just what a TBM his wife would become.  That was 20 years ago and I've never looked back... My dear Ray died 17 years ago... but a year later I was sealed to him in the Portland Oregon temple.  I absolutely feel "married" so being alone is not as troubling to me.. 

And here I am today, an old woman of 75, widowed for 17 years... living with a pushy cat named "Bob" and just as comfortable and content... happy... completely faithful that I will soon walk at the side of my dear one as we begin the eternities together...  

GG

For those who do not know, GG and I discovered ON THIS BOARD....that we are cousins.  we never knew each other existed.  She was helpful in my return

[Garden Girl]

17 minutes ago, CountryBoy said:

For those who do not know, GG and I discovered ON THIS BOARD....that we are cousins.  we never knew each other existed.  She was helpful in my return

The events of how CountryBoy and I found out about our being cousins are quite remarkable actually... I think we included it in his "I Am So Torn Thread."

GG

 

[Stargazer]

6 hours ago, flameburns623 said:

I doubt you respect my present practice of Roman Catholicism, either. 

For what it's worth, if I were to ever leave the LDS church, I'd probably become a Catholic.

That being said, I can't hardly even imagine it.

So, based on my knowledge from being involved to leadership positions (and my access to Handbook 1), if someone hasn't committed any unresolved  transgressions, either prior to or after name removal, the following applies:

Quote

When a person requests readmission, the bishop or stake president requests a copy of the Report of Administrative Action form that accompanied the request for name removal. This copy is available from the Office of the First Presidency. After reviewing the report, the bishop interviews the person thoroughly. He inquires about the reasons for the name removal request and the desire for readmission. He also determines whether any unresolved transgressions may have been committed before or after name removal....

A person who requests readmission must meet the same qualifications as others who are baptized. When the bishop is satisfied that the person is worthy and sincere in wanting to be readmitted, he prepares a Baptism and Confirmation Record. He notes on the form that the baptism is for readmission. After the person is baptized, he is confirmed a member of the Church. The confirmation may be performed during the baptismal service or during a sacrament meeting.

While the Handbook does not say that a person wanting back in is required to attend Church faithfully and so on for any particular length of time before readmission, in two cases I am aware of, the bishop required that the person attend Sacrament meeting faithfully for a year before being rebaptized.  

Once a person is rebaptized, a membership record is provided to the ward which shows the ORIGINAL baptismal and confirmation dates, without reference to name removal.  And if the person was not previously endowed, their original priesthood ordination will likewise show in the record (except not ordinations to bishop, seventy, or patriarch).  However, those who were previously endowed must receive the ordinance of Restoration of Blessings to get priesthood and endowment restored, and that must be authorized by the First Presidency.  And that ordinance can only be performed by a General Authority, or the stake president if authorized.  And there is a mandatory one-year waiting period before it can be applied for.

Hope this helps.

Edited April 1, 2016 by Stargazer

[Jim Stiles]

11 hours ago, flameburns623 said:

I doubt you respect my present practice of Roman Catholicism, either. 

Define respect in this context.  I disagree with Rome on many issues, but there are some things where Rome and I agree.