Let’s talk about something that’s happening in every ward. Probably yours too.
There’s one person in the ward who’s getting way too many texts, questions, and “quick favors”… and that’s the bishop. In fact, just last night my bishop husband and I went on a walk around the block. We were gone for maybe 10-15 minutes, and can you guess how many new texts he had gotten in that time? 14! And that’s not out of the ordinary.
Now, I’m not saying the bishop isn’t approachable. He is! He loves the ward. He loves you. But somewhere along the way, we started treating him like the default for everything. Need to schedule the building? Ask the bishop. Not sure what night FSY starts? Ask the bishop. Need a blessing? Yep… bishop again.
Here’s the thing: it’s not supposed to be that way. And I’m not just saying that a bishop’s wife. It’s taught in the handbook. It’s taught by the general authorities. Are we listening?
The bishop has very specific spiritual responsibilities: overseeing the repentance process and focusing on the youth are on the very top of that list. He also has a whole team of leaders and helpers, many of whom are called specifically so he doesn’t have to do it all himself.
So why are we skipping the system?
Maybe we don’t know better. Maybe it’s just habit. Maybe we don’t realize how many people are in place to help us. But if we want a healthy, balanced ward (and a bishop who isn’t totally burned out) we have to start going to the right people with the right questions.
Here are a few examples (you might laugh because we’ve ALL done at least one of these, including me):
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“Can I schedule a time to meet with you?” → Go to the executive secretary. They handle his calendar so he can focus on ministering, not logistics.
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“I need a blessing.” → Reach out to your ministering brother or any Melchizedek Priesthood holder. You don’t have to go straight to the bishop.
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“Can I get a copy of my tithing statement?” → The ward clerk is your person.
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“I need help with groceries or rent.” → Start with your Relief Society or Elders Quorum president. They’ll coordinate with the bishop if needed.
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“What are the youth doing this week?” → Ask the class or quorum president. They’re literally called to lead and should be in the know!
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“How do I register my teen for FSY?” → Youth advisors or the FSY director can help you with all the info.
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“My car broke down. Can the bishop help me get it towed?” → I mean… probably not. Try a towing company. 😄
The point is, your ward is full of capable, called, and ready leaders who want to help and said yes to their calling hoping to do just that.
I made a full YouTube video breaking this down in a fun, helpful way: it’s called “Whose Role Is It Anyway?”, and you can watch it here. Whether you’re a new member, a leader, or someone just trying to help their bishop get fewer texts on Sunday morning, it’s worth checking out. And if you want a printable flowchart that shows the breakdown, you can download it right here.
Let’s all do our part to strengthen the ward by using the structure the Lord has already put in place. When we turn to the right leaders for help, we lift each other. We empower people to fulfill their callings. And we allow the bishop to focus on what only he can do.
Because trust me, he already has enough on his plate.
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One Response
Thanks so much for this post. As the wife of a former bishop, everything you mentioned rings true. My husband had an executive secretary that protected my husband’s time, so in a kind way when someone wanted an appointment with the bishop, the executive secretary tried to find other ways for the problem to be solved, than with an appointment with the bishop.