The calling of a bishop or branch president is one of the weightiest responsibilities of a Stake President. During my 14 years of service in two stake presidencies, I have been involved in the calling of 38 bishops and branch presidents. Having served as a bishop myself, I know firsthand the impact the calling will have on the individual in terms of gaining experience, personal spiritual growth and facing serious spiritual and temporal challenges of their own, and on their family and the members of their ward or branch. I know of the demands that will be placed upon them and their family. I know of the sacrifices the new bishop or branch president and his wife and his family will be called upon to make. I know of the tremendous influence a bishop or branch president can have on the lives of the members of their ward or branch, especially the youth. The desire is to identify and call a priesthood leader who will work hard, love all the members of the ward or branch, and be strictly obedient to their priesthood leaders, the Church Handbook of Instructions, and the President of the Church, and who will faithfully keep their covenants with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. As stated in the fifth Article of Faith, “We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy.” So the question is, “Who does Heavenly Father and Jesus want to serve as bishop or branch president at this time?” It might not be the person the Stake President would choose. The stakes are too high to make a mistake. I would start by reviewing an entire list of all male members of the ward or branch. Through “the process of time” as described in the scriptures combined with fasting, prayer and counseling with counselors and the Lord, the list would become shorter until there was just one name remaining. I am grateful the Lord provides wise, well-seasoned counselors. I am grateful for guidelines provided by the scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-7) and by the First Presidency. I am grateful for fasting and prayer and the blessing of personal revelation and inspiration from the Holy Ghost. I am grateful for the review, approval and confirmation provided by the First Presidency. I am grateful for the love and blessings that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ provide without restraint to faithful bishops, branch presidents, their spouses and families and the members of their ward or branch.
