filovirus Posted April 9, 2018 Posted April 9, 2018 A couple things I like about this change. Frist: HP Group were the ones in charge of Family History and Temple work for the Ward. At least anecdotal in my ward, the Elder's didn't really do much in this capacity as far as organization and leadership goes. It is good that it will come back into focus on the younger families. Second: In Elder's Quorum, we often lack the insight of those who have been bishops, stake presidents, etc. Their insight into discussions are very needed. A couple of things I don't like. First: Our Elder's Quorum was very well run. Quorum meetings were exciting. We would get into very good discussion. Even though our Elder's Quorum is relatively large (~40 Elders) we are actually a very close knit group. Every member of our quorum is accepted and respected regardless of income, appearance, personality, etc. I am hoping this ambiance does not dissolve as the quorum doubles in members, with age being a factor as well. Second: I don't know where we will fit. Maybe an overflow. But the back corner of the building will no longer fit everyone, as we were already bursting at the seams with just the Elders. 3
Traela Posted April 10, 2018 Posted April 10, 2018 9 hours ago, Stargazer said: I recall a situation years and years ago when there was this returned missionary elder in our ward who was inactive and then got married to a non-member, and after a number of months his parents came for their first visit. The father walked into the door and announced huffily to his new daughter-in-law that he was a high priest in good standing with the church, and basically acted like the King deigning to bless his subjects with his august presence. This was later told to me by the non-member wife on a HT visit. Needless to say, she was not impressed with this guy's posturing, and I felt supremely embarrassed that a "high priest in good standing with the church" could act like such an arrogant putz. Such people need humility thrust upon them. ETA: Our ward Elders Quorum won't get reorganized for another couple of weeks, as the SP is on vacation out of the country. So I can't answer the poll either. Gee, I wonder why the returned missionary elder went inactive, with such a sterling example... 1
Prof Posted April 10, 2018 Posted April 10, 2018 2 hours ago, Bill "Papa" Lee said: In every unit, (in our Stake) all Elders. In fact the model is Elder as President, Elder as first counselor and High Priest as second counselor. I like that model. It provides opportunities for growth for the younger guys yet keeps open a voice of experience and a different perspective
Guest Posted April 10, 2018 Posted April 10, 2018 11 minutes ago, Prof said: I like that model. It provides opportunities for growth for the younger guys yet keeps open a voice of experience and a different perspective Maybe it comes down to how you define "opportunities". At the age of 32 I became a High Priest Group Leader, and served for five years before being called into the Bishopric. For eight years I was exhausted with all of the "opportunities", and I was sharing the workload with another Quorum. That workload will now be handled by just one "Presidency", not two Quorums. This is not going to be a calling where one can endure for more than a year or two, without total burnout. Besides, IMO, Ambition within the Church, as in those who desire or aspire to be the local leaders, or most others is frightening. We do it because we are called, not because we seek it out. 1
Prof Posted April 10, 2018 Posted April 10, 2018 9 minutes ago, Bill "Papa" Lee said: Maybe it comes down to how you define "opportunities". At the age of 32 I became a High Priest Group Leader, and served for five years before being called into the Bishopric. For eight years I was exhausted with all of the "opportunities", and I was sharing the workload with another Quorum. That workload will now be handled by just one "Presidency", not two Quorums. This is not going to be a calling where one can endure for more than a year or two, without total burnout. Besides, IMO, Ambition within the Church, as in those who desire or aspire to be the local leaders, or most others is frightening. We do it because we are called, not because we seek it out. Opportunities for learning, growth, and personal development. The next generation of bishops, stake presidents, and High councilors may be spending time as EQ presidents. Their experience as EQ presidents could be beneficial to the ward that they serve. I agree with you that one should not aspire a calling or position in the Church. 1
Popular Post jcake Posted April 10, 2018 Popular Post Posted April 10, 2018 Well, I have to note that in Relief Society, we have functioned without a division for many years. RS presidents have probably felt burned out and struggled with so many sisters to look after, but they are generally very successful. So, if you think a combined group of Elders and High Priests would be too much work, talk to your RS president, they do it all the time and could probably give you some tips! 7
ElPatron Posted April 10, 2018 Posted April 10, 2018 Our ward: Pres: HP, 1st: E, 2nd: HP, Sec: E I know of at least two other wards in our stake that have HP’s as President.
Stargazer Posted April 10, 2018 Posted April 10, 2018 16 hours ago, Traela said: Gee, I wonder why the returned missionary elder went inactive, with such a sterling example... Plenty of RMs have gone inactive, or not, regardless of parents example. But I agree that this guy was nobody to emulate.
Amulek Posted April 23, 2018 Author Posted April 23, 2018 Bumping to see if there are any more data points to be reported now that a couple of additional weeks have passed.
Okrahomer Posted April 23, 2018 Posted April 23, 2018 (edited) The reorganization took place yesterday in our ward. We have nearly 140 active Melchizedek Priesthood holders in our ward, so 2 quorums were set up. The President of one quorum is an Elder, and the President of the other is a High Priest. Edit to add: the quorum divisions are based purely on the alphabet, with very nearly equal distribution of Elders and HP's in both quorums. Edited April 23, 2018 by Okrahomer 1
LadyJane Posted May 11, 2018 Posted May 11, 2018 On 4/9/2018 at 10:07 AM, Waylon said: I am trying to believe in this change. I really am. However, it seems like this change kind of undoes the welcome changes from before, where lessons were more discussion based and less lecture based. I had my EQ worked into a small support group for discussing the gospel, and that isn't going to work with the now enormous quorum I have on my hands. I fear I may have to go back to lesson-type presentations as opposed to the support group EQ I was running. Maybe my bishop will divide the quorum in half. My husband is feeling the same way. Our ward kept the same high priest group leader as president, HP first counselor and secretary and then the former EQ 2nd counselor as 2nd counselor. My husband had been the EQ secretary and was enjoying the changes of the new discussion format. This last Sunday, no discussion, just a HP lecture. Sad.
Duncan Posted May 11, 2018 Posted May 11, 2018 if things go through in our ward, the new EQ Presidency will be all Elders, secretary and a possible instructor TBD, but most likely High Priests. One issue in our ward is besides people not doing their calling is High Priests already have callings. Like Primary is constantly asking for people and apparently you need 2 people to teach a class now so brethren are going to be taken into that. So, i got the call.............to be the new EQ Pres. but the only people who are available and speak english and are willing are two Elders. One counselour is fantastic and he's getting released so he's available. His english is a struggle but I hope his next calling is great! 1
Hamba Tuhan Posted May 11, 2018 Posted May 11, 2018 2 hours ago, Duncan said: So, i got the call.............to be the new EQ Pres. After hearing how crap everyone in your stake is, I expect you to read and follow all the online training with exactness. Just FYI. 1
Bernard Gui Posted May 11, 2018 Posted May 11, 2018 On 4/9/2018 at 9:49 AM, JAHS said: Hasn't happened yet, but I did notice that in our class discussion Sunday it was mostly High Priests who were talking. I hope the elders in the quorum don't shy away from participating. Yes, that is a legitimate concern. There’s also the intimidation factor if there are former bishops or stake presidents to whom everyone concedes the final authoritative say on a question or topic. 1
Duncan Posted May 11, 2018 Posted May 11, 2018 6 hours ago, Hamba Tuhan said: After hearing how crap everyone in your stake is, I expect you to read and follow all the online training with exactness. Just FYI. you better believe it! 2
Regor Posted May 15, 2018 Posted May 15, 2018 I will keep you up to date, in our stake the new Elders Quorum president is a High Priest in two of the two Wards called so far.
mfbukowski Posted May 15, 2018 Posted May 15, 2018 On 4/9/2018 at 9:37 AM, bluebell said: Do bishops divide elder's quorums or does the Stake President handle that? Did you get an answer? It would be the SP
bluebell Posted May 15, 2018 Posted May 15, 2018 1 minute ago, mfbukowski said: Did you get an answer? It would be the SP No I don't think I ever did. Thanks!
rongo Posted May 15, 2018 Posted May 15, 2018 Still waiting in our stake! We have been told it may be as long as late June, but we have bishopric meeting Thursday. Maybe there will be an update?
mfbukowski Posted May 15, 2018 Posted May 15, 2018 (edited) 44 minutes ago, rongo said: Still waiting in our stake! We have been told it may be as long as late June, but we have bishopric meeting Thursday. Maybe there will be an update? Here's the deal in our stake and why it takes so long- the problem is the infrequency of High Council meetings: First- worthiness discussion, recommendations between bishop and SP picking the new president HC approval of that decision, selecting new president Call extended to new candidate- assume he accepts- if not add another 2 steps- back to drawing board New president candidate picks counselors- good for a week probably Bishop approval of counselors, submission to High Council High Council approval of counselors Calling of counselors by Stake Presidency or as delegated in case of counselors Counselors accept or do not - if not back up two steps- back to drawing board Probably on same day: New Presidency sustained by Elder's Quorum, set apart by Stake Presidency THEN they get to start re-organizing priesthood class teaching assignments, ministry, and figuring out how it all works High Councils usually only meet about 2 times a month!! In the meantime there are speaking assignments, ward conferences to attend plus whatever other duties one has- Girl's camp, scout activities etc- missionary stuff- so every Sunday is pretty much church only, and some week nights. The problem is not the number of steps even, but setting up the meetings between those needed to meet with EACH PERSON involved. "Uh, I can't do it Wednesday- how about Sunday... I'll see if George can meet on Sunday... OH WAIT- I am out of town until the 23rd...""--- FOR EACH individual! And now it is getting to be vacation time..... And THAT is why it takes so long..... Edited May 15, 2018 by mfbukowski
mfbukowski Posted May 15, 2018 Posted May 15, 2018 (edited) On 4/23/2018 at 9:48 AM, Okrahomer said: The reorganization took place yesterday in our ward. We have nearly 140 active Melchizedek Priesthood holders in our ward, so 2 quorums were set up. The President of one quorum is an Elder, and the President of the other is a High Priest. Edit to add: the quorum divisions are based purely on the alphabet, with very nearly equal distribution of Elders and HP's in both quorums. Please ship them to California. We have one ward with 15 active M Phood holders, 50 total sacrament attendance. If they dissolved it everyone would have to drive at least 40 minutes to another building except those who take the bus.... and then it could be an hour and a half. It's in a poor part of town BUT the love they have for everyone is INTENSE. It would be a shame to break up that group! It really would be like breaking up a family, they are all so dependent on each other. Sad decisions. Yes we are horrible Latter Day Saints- some actually ride the bus to church! ON SUNDAY! Clearly they will burn in hell for that. We have actually put senior missionary couples in there just to bolster the ward. Edited May 15, 2018 by mfbukowski
rongo Posted May 15, 2018 Posted May 15, 2018 18 minutes ago, mfbukowski said: Here's the deal in our stake and why it takes so long All true, but many stakes did it within a week or two of conference. It can be done --- and should be done ASAP. When I was called as an EQP years ago, the SP told me he wanted my counselor names in 10 minutes (we were new to the area, and I didn't know very many people). Then, he "polled the high council," and extended the calls. All before church!
mfbukowski Posted May 15, 2018 Posted May 15, 2018 15 minutes ago, rongo said: All true, but many stakes did it within a week or two of conference. It can be done --- and should be done ASAP. When I was called as an EQP years ago, the SP told me he wanted my counselor names in 10 minutes (we were new to the area, and I didn't know very many people). Then, he "polled the high council," and extended the calls. All before church! Yes that can be done. All it takes is 7 approvals. Depends on the SP and what his schedule is. As you see for yourself in your comment
mnn727 Posted May 15, 2018 Posted May 15, 2018 (edited) 3 hours ago, mfbukowski said: Here's the deal in our stake and why it takes so long- the problem is the infrequency of High Council meetings: First- worthiness discussion, recommendations between bishop and SP picking the new president HC approval of that decision, selecting new president Call extended to new candidate- assume he accepts- if not add another 2 steps- back to drawing board New president candidate picks counselors- good for a week probably Bishop approval of counselors, submission to High Council High Council approval of counselors Calling of counselors by Stake Presidency or as delegated in case of counselors Counselors accept or do not - if not back up two steps- back to drawing board Probably on same day: New Presidency sustained by Elder's Quorum, set apart by Stake Presidency THEN they get to start re-organizing priesthood class teaching assignments, ministry, and figuring out how it all works High Councils usually only meet about 2 times a month!! In the meantime there are speaking assignments, ward conferences to attend plus whatever other duties one has- Girl's camp, scout activities etc- missionary stuff- so every Sunday is pretty much church only, and some week nights. The problem is not the number of steps even, but setting up the meetings between those needed to meet with EACH PERSON involved. "Uh, I can't do it Wednesday- how about Sunday... I'll see if George can meet on Sunday... OH WAIT- I am out of town until the 23rd...""--- FOR EACH individual! And now it is getting to be vacation time..... And THAT is why it takes so long..... Thats funny, Our whole Stake was done the Sunday after it was announced. We have an Elder as President, and as 2nd counselor, and a HP as 1st Counselor and as the Secretary in our Ward. Edited May 15, 2018 by mnn727
ksfisher Posted May 15, 2018 Posted May 15, 2018 3 hours ago, mfbukowski said: New president candidate picks counselors- good for a week probably Bishop approval of counselors, submission to High Council High Council approval of counselors Calling of counselors by Stake Presidency or as delegated in case of counselors Counselors accept or do not - if not back up two steps- back to drawing board Probably on same day: New Presidency sustained by Elder's Quorum, set apart by Stake Presidency In my ward the president and 1st counselor were sustained a couple of weeks after the announcement. The first choice as 2nd counselor declined. Also, the stake president was not available on the Sunday to sustain the president in quorum meeting so one of his counselors took care of the sustaining. The president and 1st counselor were set apart a couple of nights latter. A 2nd counselor was sustained and set apart a couple of weeks later. All in all it didn't seem to take too long.
Recommended Posts