Stake Presidency reorganized

Today I was able to be part of an infrequent event--the reorganizing of our Stake Presidency.

The ministry of our church is a lay ministry. There are no professional preachers or administrators. Each member provides service in positions that we refer to as "callings". A member is "called" to a certain position, and will be "released" from that calling some time in the future (excepting those called to the Quorum of the Twelve). Not all positions are equal, of course. The calling of Stake President is a great responsibility, for he has stewardship over a large geographic area (in this case, a large portion of the Austin area) and over all the people living within that area (whether members of the church or not).

My stake president had been serving in this position for over nine years--almost a decade. And yet, today his time was up. He was released with a vote of thanks and that was that. He will be called to another position, whether "higher" or "lower" in the leadership hierarchy it matters not, for what matters is not where one serves, but how. He could be called to teach the 4-year old children of his ward, and that would be just fine.

When a Stake Presidency is reorganized, at least one General Authority of the church comes to direct the matter. In this case, we had two--an Elder Lees and an Elder Packer (son of President Boyd K. Packer I believe). It was noted, as a stark contrast to political activity, that there is no lobbying or campaigning. There isn't even any voting (in the common sense). The General Authorities interview many brethren and the will of the Lord regarding who He wants to lead the stake is made known to them through the power of the Holy Ghost. The names are later presented to the body of the stake for "sustaining". We may either sustain the action or oppose it.

I am grateful for the revealed organization of the church. I know that our leaders serve to serve. They are not seeking power. They do not seek their positions, but are willing to do the will of Him who gives us everything. Through their service they gain a love for their people that can't be obtained any other way. I experienced that phenomenon as a missionary in Argentina. If you want to love, serve. This Church seeks to bring us to Christ, to have us become like Christ. The only way to become as Christ is to have a pure love for everyone. The only way to gain that love is to serve.