1 00:00:02,185 --> 00:00:03,485 - It is finally available. 2 00:00:03,995 --> 00:00:07,125 I've been working on a manuscript for the past four years, 3 00:00:07,545 --> 00:00:10,285 and it's finally a book I can hold in my hands. 4 00:00:10,755 --> 00:00:14,285 It's titled, is God Disappointed In Me Removing Shame 5 00:00:14,435 --> 00:00:15,525 From a Gospel of Grace? 6 00:00:15,955 --> 00:00:17,965 This book has gotten so much attention 7 00:00:18,315 --> 00:00:21,685 that it is already a number one Amazon bestseller. 8 00:00:22,025 --> 00:00:25,605 I'm Beyond amazed in just a few words I wrote, 9 00:00:25,665 --> 00:00:28,365 is God Disappointed in Me for Latter Day Saints 10 00:00:28,505 --> 00:00:31,045 who often feel overwhelmed by the gospel 11 00:00:31,465 --> 00:00:33,965 and who are constantly worrying if they are doing enough. 12 00:00:34,475 --> 00:00:35,685 It's for the Latter Day Saint 13 00:00:36,025 --> 00:00:39,565 who have stepped away from the church is for the individuals 14 00:00:39,565 --> 00:00:40,965 who appear to be living right 15 00:00:41,305 --> 00:00:43,485 but still can't find peace and happiness. 16 00:00:43,825 --> 00:00:46,885 And frankly, it's for everyone who enjoys listening 17 00:00:46,885 --> 00:00:48,245 to the Leading Saints podcast. 18 00:00:48,905 --> 00:00:50,965 You will love and cherish this book. 19 00:00:51,385 --> 00:00:52,885 Now, warning, you might want 20 00:00:52,885 --> 00:00:56,765 to consider purchasing multiple copies to share one Bishop 21 00:00:56,905 --> 00:00:59,525 who got an advance copy, read it in one weekend, 22 00:00:59,825 --> 00:01:02,805 and then literally purchased 100 additional copies. 23 00:01:03,425 --> 00:01:04,885 You can order it on Amazon. 24 00:01:04,985 --> 00:01:06,205 The link is in the show notes, 25 00:01:06,465 --> 00:01:09,685 or starting in March, you can find it in your local Costco 26 00:01:09,745 --> 00:01:11,605 in Idaho, Utah, and Arizona. 27 00:01:12,075 --> 00:01:15,765 It's called, is God Disappointed In Me and you can Order it. 28 00:01:15,945 --> 00:01:16,165 Now, 29 00:01:20,845 --> 00:01:23,365 I would be rude if I didn't take the time to explain 30 00:01:23,365 --> 00:01:25,885 to the newer listeners what Leading Saints is. 31 00:01:26,235 --> 00:01:29,285 Here it goes. Leading Saints is an organization that started 32 00:01:29,345 --> 00:01:31,285 as a hobby blog in 2010, 33 00:01:31,625 --> 00:01:34,645 and then really caught some traction in 2014 34 00:01:34,795 --> 00:01:35,965 when the podcast started. 35 00:01:36,305 --> 00:01:38,565 We talk about all things leadership in the context 36 00:01:38,705 --> 00:01:40,925 of the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latterday Saints. 37 00:01:41,185 --> 00:01:42,485 We aren't owned by the church, 38 00:01:42,505 --> 00:01:44,285 but we have a great relationship with them 39 00:01:44,305 --> 00:01:47,205 and always aim to be faith promoting even though we talk 40 00:01:47,205 --> 00:01:48,245 about the tough topics. 41 00:01:48,785 --> 00:01:49,885 My name is Kurt Frankham. 42 00:01:49,985 --> 00:01:52,965 I'm generally the voice you hear as the host of the podcast. 43 00:01:53,595 --> 00:01:54,845 I've tried to get other hosts, 44 00:01:54,845 --> 00:01:58,325 but people demand my smooth tone and I really enjoy it. 45 00:01:58,575 --> 00:02:01,725 Check out leading saints.org to really get into the weeds of 46 00:02:01,725 --> 00:02:02,885 what Leading Saints is 47 00:02:02,945 --> 00:02:04,605 and learn all about our mission 48 00:02:04,625 --> 00:02:06,885 to help Latter Day Saints be better prepared to lead. 49 00:02:17,745 --> 00:02:20,685 So you've been called as a stake president and now what? 50 00:02:21,035 --> 00:02:24,045 This is a series that I actually did through the newsletter 51 00:02:24,395 --> 00:02:26,725 that, uh, is actually quite popular on the, 52 00:02:26,745 --> 00:02:28,005 the Leading Saints platform. 53 00:02:28,005 --> 00:02:30,685 Every week, Tuesday or Wednesday, I send out a newsletter 54 00:02:30,785 --> 00:02:33,125 and just include a simple message in it, 55 00:02:33,125 --> 00:02:34,485 and it's actually become one 56 00:02:34,485 --> 00:02:36,885 of the more popular things on Leading Saints. 57 00:02:36,885 --> 00:02:39,045 And so if you're not subscribed to our newsletter, go 58 00:02:39,045 --> 00:02:40,205 to leading saints.org 59 00:02:40,465 --> 00:02:41,725 and it'll pop up a box 60 00:02:41,725 --> 00:02:43,525 where you can put your email in and go there. 61 00:02:43,525 --> 00:02:46,085 Or just simply go to leading saints.org/subscribe 62 00:02:46,705 --> 00:02:48,125 and, uh, put your email in 63 00:02:48,125 --> 00:02:50,485 and then you'll be sure to get our weekly emails 64 00:02:50,485 --> 00:02:52,205 where I share a leadership thought 65 00:02:52,205 --> 00:02:54,125 and we talk about any, anything 66 00:02:54,125 --> 00:02:56,125 and everything, whether it's how to run a meeting 67 00:02:56,585 --> 00:02:59,125 to some tips and tricks about being a stake president. 68 00:02:59,385 --> 00:03:00,445 Uh, we talk about it all. 69 00:03:00,585 --> 00:03:01,965 Now, for those of you that are new, 70 00:03:01,965 --> 00:03:03,765 maybe just came across this like, Hey, what's, 71 00:03:03,795 --> 00:03:05,445 what is this guy online? 72 00:03:05,665 --> 00:03:08,285 You know, just talking about, uh, being a stake president, 73 00:03:08,285 --> 00:03:09,325 you know, that's weird. 74 00:03:09,475 --> 00:03:11,205 Well, this is what we do at Leading Saints. 75 00:03:11,205 --> 00:03:14,365 We explore concepts, principles, dynamics in leadership, 76 00:03:14,805 --> 00:03:15,925 specific leadership callings, 77 00:03:16,025 --> 00:03:18,365 and here from the other guy that's done it right 78 00:03:18,465 --> 00:03:19,685 and understand what, 79 00:03:19,745 --> 00:03:21,365 how they approached it and things they did. 80 00:03:21,585 --> 00:03:23,765 And so the beauty of it is you can take it or leave it. 81 00:03:23,935 --> 00:03:25,685 Maybe there's an idea that I'll share here 82 00:03:25,685 --> 00:03:27,725 that you can absorb, put into practice 83 00:03:27,905 --> 00:03:29,085 and really benefit from, 84 00:03:29,345 --> 00:03:31,085 or you'll disagree with me in some areas. 85 00:03:31,145 --> 00:03:32,485 And that's fine, just as long 86 00:03:32,485 --> 00:03:34,205 as you know why you do the things you do, 87 00:03:34,205 --> 00:03:36,645 because this is the, this is the dynamic of leadership 88 00:03:36,645 --> 00:03:40,205 that we really want to push through through leading Saints, 89 00:03:40,205 --> 00:03:42,725 is that we don't claim to have the right answers, 90 00:03:43,065 --> 00:03:44,205 nor do we claim that any 91 00:03:44,205 --> 00:03:45,405 of our guests have the right answers. 92 00:03:45,785 --> 00:03:47,405 But it's all about intentionality. 93 00:03:47,505 --> 00:03:49,365 If we can be intentional as, as leaders 94 00:03:49,385 --> 00:03:51,725 and not just do what the last guy did or just do it 95 00:03:51,725 --> 00:03:53,605 because that's how you've always seen it done. 96 00:03:54,185 --> 00:03:56,005 But be intentional about your leadership 97 00:03:56,145 --> 00:03:58,685 and, uh, it will reach more people, bring more people 98 00:03:58,785 --> 00:04:00,605 to the gospel and to Jesus Christ. 99 00:04:00,825 --> 00:04:03,645 So many of you know, I served as a bishop in South Salt Lake 100 00:04:03,745 --> 00:04:06,685 for about five years, and I was coming to the end of my time 101 00:04:06,865 --> 00:04:08,045 and I remember the day that the, 102 00:04:08,265 --> 00:04:10,805 my stake president came into my office as, uh, 103 00:04:11,605 --> 00:04:13,605 randomly one Sunday and told me 104 00:04:13,835 --> 00:04:15,365 that he was actually being released, 105 00:04:15,465 --> 00:04:16,805 and it was sooner than expected 106 00:04:17,345 --> 00:04:19,765 and I was kind of put off guard. 107 00:04:19,845 --> 00:04:21,885 I thought, wow, I, I'm gonna experience this process 108 00:04:22,185 --> 00:04:24,605 of being a bishop and a new state president called, 109 00:04:24,685 --> 00:04:26,365 I had no inclination that I would be 110 00:04:26,965 --> 00:04:28,285 involved in the next state presidency. 111 00:04:28,625 --> 00:04:30,885 But, uh, went through the interview process, uh, 112 00:04:31,005 --> 00:04:32,525 a few weeks later, and lo 113 00:04:32,525 --> 00:04:33,565 and behold, I was called 114 00:04:33,585 --> 00:04:35,685 as the first counselor in the stake 115 00:04:35,685 --> 00:04:37,205 presidency in South Salt Lake. 116 00:04:37,265 --> 00:04:39,605 It was a remarkable experience that I really appreciate 117 00:04:39,605 --> 00:04:41,045 and I'm so glad I had the opportunity. 118 00:04:41,185 --> 00:04:43,205 It, I actually only served in the stake presidency 119 00:04:43,205 --> 00:04:46,845 for two years of the, the nine, uh, that that is expected. 120 00:04:47,385 --> 00:04:51,325 Uh, we just, uh, got two two packed into our condo 121 00:04:51,325 --> 00:04:53,165 that we were living in, and so we moved outta 122 00:04:53,165 --> 00:04:54,285 that stake and was released. 123 00:04:54,305 --> 00:04:55,525 But during those two years, 124 00:04:55,725 --> 00:04:59,005 I got a new perspective about being in a stake presidency, 125 00:04:59,095 --> 00:05:00,565 kinda getting an idea of the things 126 00:05:00,565 --> 00:05:01,925 that the stake president deals with 127 00:05:01,925 --> 00:05:03,245 or a stake presidency deals with, 128 00:05:03,245 --> 00:05:04,485 putting together stake conferences 129 00:05:04,545 --> 00:05:05,605 and those types of things. 130 00:05:05,945 --> 00:05:08,045 And so I thought it would be fun just from my 131 00:05:08,045 --> 00:05:09,125 own personal experience. 132 00:05:09,125 --> 00:05:11,565 Again, you can take it or leave it of some tips 133 00:05:11,565 --> 00:05:14,965 that I would have for individuals starting in a stake 134 00:05:14,965 --> 00:05:16,965 presidency or even being a stake president. 135 00:05:17,145 --> 00:05:19,445 It might help you have a more positive experience 136 00:05:19,445 --> 00:05:21,405 and also help those in your stake, uh, 137 00:05:21,405 --> 00:05:23,725 have a more positive experiences with you as their leader. 138 00:05:23,825 --> 00:05:26,485 So here we go. I have a list of eight points 139 00:05:26,785 --> 00:05:28,445 and principles that I wanna discuss, 140 00:05:28,625 --> 00:05:29,765 and we'll go through each one of them 141 00:05:29,765 --> 00:05:31,525 and maybe by the end I'll have a bonus, one 142 00:05:31,525 --> 00:05:32,525 or two that I can share. 143 00:05:32,745 --> 00:05:35,445 Or in the midst of this, I'll, I'll tack on some, uh, 144 00:05:35,445 --> 00:05:36,845 additional principles and things. 145 00:05:37,065 --> 00:05:39,805 So the first principle for any new stake president out there 146 00:05:39,945 --> 00:05:42,325 is lead the leaders not the stake. 147 00:05:42,465 --> 00:05:44,205 Now that sounds weird. Let me explain. 148 00:05:44,575 --> 00:05:46,445 First of all, there's, I remember this pressure 149 00:05:46,445 --> 00:05:49,525 of going from a bishop role where I felt like I was, 150 00:05:49,585 --> 00:05:51,125 you know, in the trenches with the members. 151 00:05:51,365 --> 00:05:52,965 I was connecting on a personal level 152 00:05:53,195 --> 00:05:54,485 with so many in my ward. 153 00:05:54,565 --> 00:05:56,765 I, I knew the intimate problems of so many 154 00:05:57,685 --> 00:06:01,165 families in my ward and they were oftentimes relying on me 155 00:06:01,165 --> 00:06:03,085 or coming to me for counsel or perspective. 156 00:06:03,625 --> 00:06:05,445 And then I'm in the state presidency 157 00:06:05,625 --> 00:06:07,325 and the feeling is that, well, 158 00:06:07,355 --> 00:06:08,405 it's just like being a bishop, 159 00:06:08,545 --> 00:06:10,245 but it's just sort of on a different scale. 160 00:06:10,515 --> 00:06:14,765 Then I felt overwhelmed here I am not just facing a ward 161 00:06:14,765 --> 00:06:19,045 of a couple hundred people, a stake of 5,000 plus people. 162 00:06:19,585 --> 00:06:22,445 And I at first had this pressure of I need 163 00:06:22,445 --> 00:06:23,445 to learn the names 164 00:06:23,625 --> 00:06:26,365 and get engaged with different families and visit them. 165 00:06:26,865 --> 00:06:30,245 And I soon became exhausted with this, with this desire 166 00:06:30,245 --> 00:06:31,445 because it was impossible. 167 00:06:31,545 --> 00:06:33,285 I'm only a man, I'm only immortal. 168 00:06:33,925 --> 00:06:37,285 I can't be a bishop to an entire stake. 169 00:06:37,285 --> 00:06:39,445 That's why they have each a bishop, right? 170 00:06:39,545 --> 00:06:42,485 So instead, I reframed my purpose through a lot of prayer 171 00:06:42,545 --> 00:06:45,005 and, and contemplation that I thought, well, 172 00:06:45,175 --> 00:06:47,125 maybe I can't be a bishop figure 173 00:06:47,265 --> 00:06:49,125 or a mentor to the entire stake 174 00:06:49,425 --> 00:06:51,005 and every individual in that stake, 175 00:06:51,425 --> 00:06:55,165 but I can be a leader, a mentor, a guide 176 00:06:55,545 --> 00:06:57,005 to the leaders in the stake. 177 00:06:57,385 --> 00:06:58,965 So when I visited a ward, 178 00:06:59,045 --> 00:07:01,405 I wasn't necessarily worried about shaking every hand in 179 00:07:01,405 --> 00:07:03,885 the, in the chapel and making sure every family knew me 180 00:07:03,945 --> 00:07:05,205 or that I knew them, 181 00:07:05,625 --> 00:07:08,325 but I did spend a little extra time with the bishop, 182 00:07:08,595 --> 00:07:11,125 with the bishop members, maybe members of the ward council, 183 00:07:11,145 --> 00:07:12,205 the Elco president. 184 00:07:12,485 --> 00:07:14,885 I got to know them, their, their family dynamics, their, 185 00:07:15,135 --> 00:07:16,605 their employment and 186 00:07:16,605 --> 00:07:18,965 and things like that so that I could connect with them 187 00:07:18,985 --> 00:07:22,205 and help them be the bishop to their portion of the stake. 188 00:07:22,665 --> 00:07:24,765 And it was such a more fulfilling, 189 00:07:24,905 --> 00:07:27,445 and I suddenly felt like I was in a calling I can actually 190 00:07:27,445 --> 00:07:31,125 do without this pressure of trying to lead 191 00:07:31,185 --> 00:07:33,325 and connect with 5,000 plus people. 192 00:07:33,585 --> 00:07:35,805 And this led to me taking just a quick moment, 193 00:07:35,815 --> 00:07:38,285 maybe stepping into a bishop's office, closing the door, 194 00:07:38,285 --> 00:07:40,125 sitting down and saying, Bishop, like, 195 00:07:40,315 --> 00:07:41,605 what are you losing sleep over? 196 00:07:41,945 --> 00:07:44,125 How can I help you? What perspectives or 197 00:07:44,125 --> 00:07:45,605 or what things are you struggling with 198 00:07:45,605 --> 00:07:48,005 that maybe I could add some perspective to, right? 199 00:07:48,265 --> 00:07:49,525 And we'd also make it fun. 200 00:07:49,685 --> 00:07:51,645 I remember a wonderful, uh, you know, 201 00:07:51,645 --> 00:07:55,325 we'd have these semi-regular bishop council meetings, right? 202 00:07:55,785 --> 00:07:58,165 And there's this one that we were, that was coming up 203 00:07:58,165 --> 00:07:59,605 and my stake president had a remarkable 204 00:07:59,795 --> 00:08:00,885 idea, said, you know what? 205 00:08:00,975 --> 00:08:02,645 Let's take all the bishops bowling. 206 00:08:02,825 --> 00:08:03,965 And so we sent out an email 207 00:08:04,105 --> 00:08:07,005 and we notified them that for this bishop's council, 208 00:08:07,115 --> 00:08:09,245 when you come, come in, you know, street clothes 209 00:08:09,245 --> 00:08:10,285 and just casual dress, 210 00:08:10,745 --> 00:08:12,885 and then we all piled into each other's cars 211 00:08:12,945 --> 00:08:15,405 and we drove down the street to the local bowling alley 212 00:08:15,585 --> 00:08:16,925 and we bowled for an hour. 213 00:08:17,265 --> 00:08:20,685 Now there's all this pressure as a stake presidency to get 214 00:08:20,685 --> 00:08:22,085 to the, get to the work, right? 215 00:08:22,085 --> 00:08:23,325 Like, what, what needs to be done? 216 00:08:23,355 --> 00:08:25,765 What activities are coming up? What questions do you have? 217 00:08:25,765 --> 00:08:27,485 Let's handle the business at hand. 218 00:08:27,635 --> 00:08:31,765 However, it really shifted a dynamic when we could just take 219 00:08:31,845 --> 00:08:34,765 a week and go bowling with all the bishops in the stake. 220 00:08:34,765 --> 00:08:35,925 And we have awesome pictures 221 00:08:36,025 --> 00:08:38,285 of us all together at the bowling alley. 222 00:08:38,625 --> 00:08:40,405 And nobody knew that this was a group of bishops. 223 00:08:40,405 --> 00:08:42,885 We were just a, a group of brothers, you know, 224 00:08:43,055 --> 00:08:44,325 doing some bowling and 225 00:08:44,325 --> 00:08:46,925 that they felt like they could relax around us. 226 00:08:46,925 --> 00:08:48,645 They, they saw us more as, as mentors 227 00:08:48,825 --> 00:08:51,205 and friends, so that when we did get to the business, 228 00:08:51,475 --> 00:08:53,805 they were more open, they're more willing to lean in 229 00:08:53,805 --> 00:08:56,110 and share their, their authentic concerns with us 230 00:08:56,110 --> 00:08:57,725 because we had taken the time to get 231 00:08:57,725 --> 00:09:00,285 to know them on a really neutral playing field 232 00:09:00,305 --> 00:09:02,445 or a a, a more friendly playing field 233 00:09:02,635 --> 00:09:03,645 like the bowling alley. 234 00:09:03,645 --> 00:09:05,045 Alright, the next principle is 235 00:09:05,045 --> 00:09:07,965 to consider mandatory stake programs and themes, 236 00:09:08,185 --> 00:09:10,725 or one comment I received on this topic read like this, 237 00:09:10,985 --> 00:09:12,805 the problem with stake callings is 238 00:09:12,805 --> 00:09:15,525 that they call really good people to fill them. 239 00:09:15,825 --> 00:09:17,845 Really good people usually want 240 00:09:17,845 --> 00:09:20,405 to get really good things done so they plan 241 00:09:20,425 --> 00:09:22,485 and execute a bunch of really good things, 242 00:09:22,755 --> 00:09:24,965 leaving all the world leaders in their wake. 243 00:09:25,385 --> 00:09:27,645 So here's the thing, like I, I love how this is framed. 244 00:09:27,745 --> 00:09:29,245 If you're a brand new stake president, 245 00:09:29,245 --> 00:09:31,245 you're probably a pretty smart individual. 246 00:09:31,345 --> 00:09:33,045 You've probably got a lot of ideas, right? 247 00:09:33,045 --> 00:09:34,405 You've probably been a bishop before. 248 00:09:34,535 --> 00:09:36,765 We're in a bishop break, and you saw 249 00:09:36,765 --> 00:09:37,845 things that worked on that level. 250 00:09:37,945 --> 00:09:39,965 So why not bring it to the stake level, right? 251 00:09:40,065 --> 00:09:41,725 And then the temptation is, is great. 252 00:09:41,725 --> 00:09:44,365 You get in these council meetings and come a lot of ideas, 253 00:09:44,705 --> 00:09:47,965 and those ideas turn into programs or efforts or themes 254 00:09:48,385 --> 00:09:49,885 or, uh, or projects. 255 00:09:49,985 --> 00:09:52,005 So suddenly you may have this great idea of 256 00:09:52,005 --> 00:09:54,045 what if we got the entire stake together 257 00:09:54,105 --> 00:09:57,245 and index an entire stake as a stake, right? 258 00:09:57,245 --> 00:09:58,445 That'll build unity, right? 259 00:09:58,745 --> 00:10:00,365 Or we're gonna have this theme 260 00:10:00,465 --> 00:10:02,325 and we're gonna make sure the whole 261 00:10:02,325 --> 00:10:03,565 stake is focused on the theme. 262 00:10:03,565 --> 00:10:04,885 We'll present it in a state conference, 263 00:10:04,885 --> 00:10:06,885 and then we'll tell all the bishops to work it into each one 264 00:10:06,885 --> 00:10:07,925 of their sacrament meetings. 265 00:10:08,025 --> 00:10:09,405 Now, this is tempting, right? 266 00:10:09,595 --> 00:10:11,565 However, for a lot of bishops 267 00:10:11,565 --> 00:10:12,885 or rewards, it can feel like, 268 00:10:13,145 --> 00:10:15,005 it can feel like micromanaging at times. 269 00:10:15,115 --> 00:10:16,965 Here I am a bishop doing my thing, 270 00:10:16,965 --> 00:10:19,085 and now the stake wants me to focus on this other thing. 271 00:10:19,275 --> 00:10:21,605 What about what I see or my perspectives 272 00:10:21,605 --> 00:10:23,005 or my themes that I wanna put in place? 273 00:10:23,345 --> 00:10:26,445 And then there can suddenly be this tension between the ward 274 00:10:26,505 --> 00:10:29,525 and the stake with this ambivalence as the bishop shows up 275 00:10:29,525 --> 00:10:31,365 to meet with the stake president, feeling like, uh, 276 00:10:31,715 --> 00:10:33,605 he's just gonna gimme a list of things I need to do 277 00:10:33,625 --> 00:10:36,925 or improve or tell me how to, how to run things on my ward. 278 00:10:37,265 --> 00:10:40,725 And so my encouragement from what I learned is figuring out 279 00:10:40,785 --> 00:10:44,045 how you best can get out of the way of the, the ward leaders 280 00:10:44,145 --> 00:10:46,045 and just simply be in that mentor role 281 00:10:46,265 --> 00:10:47,605 or in that encouraging role. 282 00:10:47,865 --> 00:10:49,725 So instead of coming up with a stake theme, 283 00:10:49,855 --> 00:10:51,405 maybe make sure the bishop knows, 284 00:10:51,665 --> 00:10:54,245 or the Bishop Ricks know how to come up with a war theme 285 00:10:54,465 --> 00:10:56,725 or the relief society presidents know how to do that, right? 286 00:10:56,995 --> 00:11:00,005 Anytime maybe that stake president walks into a meeting 287 00:11:00,005 --> 00:11:02,645 with ward leaders, he should be mumbling under his breath. 288 00:11:02,865 --> 00:11:04,125 How can I get out of their way? 289 00:11:04,625 --> 00:11:07,205 How can I get outta their way? I gotta figure this out. 290 00:11:07,285 --> 00:11:09,085 I don't want to be a bottleneck 291 00:11:09,085 --> 00:11:10,765 or the micromanager in these areas. 292 00:11:11,075 --> 00:11:14,245 Help them use their own keys to execute the work 293 00:11:14,425 --> 00:11:16,485 and to gather Israel in their own wards 294 00:11:16,745 --> 00:11:18,485 or to inspire in their own ways, 295 00:11:18,595 --> 00:11:20,085 through their own revelation. 296 00:11:20,385 --> 00:11:23,645 And you'll be seen as a mentor that they can turn 297 00:11:23,645 --> 00:11:25,405 to when they do run into problems 298 00:11:25,465 --> 00:11:28,165 or when they do need ideas, they're ready to ask you 299 00:11:28,165 --> 00:11:29,205 for them and open up to them. 300 00:11:29,345 --> 00:11:32,525 So really avoid these stake programs 301 00:11:32,545 --> 00:11:34,765 and themes that put too much pressure on the, 302 00:11:34,825 --> 00:11:37,405 on the local wards, and they don't get a chance 303 00:11:37,405 --> 00:11:39,085 to execute their own vision on their own. 304 00:11:39,265 --> 00:11:41,845 All right? The third principle is how to lighten the load 305 00:11:41,845 --> 00:11:43,445 through over communication. 306 00:11:43,445 --> 00:11:45,925 Because here's what happens. The stake presidency can 307 00:11:45,925 --> 00:11:47,605 sometimes live in a really black box 308 00:11:47,825 --> 00:11:50,125 and nobody knows what's happening in that black box. 309 00:11:50,395 --> 00:11:52,525 Will they show up to my sacra meeting this Sunday? 310 00:11:52,635 --> 00:11:55,125 Like out of the blue? Or what person are they going 311 00:11:55,125 --> 00:11:57,165 to be pulling outta my ward into a state calling? 312 00:11:57,385 --> 00:11:59,405 Are the ward goals and state goals the same? 313 00:11:59,405 --> 00:12:00,245 Well, I don't know. I guess 314 00:12:00,245 --> 00:12:01,405 we'll find out at the next meeting. 315 00:12:01,405 --> 00:12:04,005 Sometimes the ward leaders don't know what's happening 316 00:12:04,005 --> 00:12:05,565 behind the curtain as far as 317 00:12:05,565 --> 00:12:06,925 what the stake leaders are doing. 318 00:12:06,985 --> 00:12:08,485 So the more you can communicate that, 319 00:12:08,545 --> 00:12:09,885 the better they'll have a heads up 320 00:12:09,945 --> 00:12:12,805 and be better service to you as the stake presidency 321 00:12:12,805 --> 00:12:15,005 and you'll be better service to them as the ward leaders. 322 00:12:15,465 --> 00:12:17,845 So really look for opportunities to over communicate. 323 00:12:17,845 --> 00:12:19,565 And here's one example of what that looks like. 324 00:12:19,755 --> 00:12:21,565 When we were serving in a stake presidency, 325 00:12:21,905 --> 00:12:23,525 we took time every week after 326 00:12:23,785 --> 00:12:25,405 or during our stake presidency meeting 327 00:12:25,425 --> 00:12:28,005 to start formulating an email that would go out 328 00:12:28,005 --> 00:12:30,085 to Bishop Ricks in the stake. 329 00:12:30,545 --> 00:12:33,365 And the first thing we covered in that email is 330 00:12:33,365 --> 00:12:34,565 where we would be on Sunday. 331 00:12:34,985 --> 00:12:38,365 So every ward, you got a heads up whether an individual in 332 00:12:38,365 --> 00:12:40,365 the stake presidency would be showing up in their ward. 333 00:12:40,585 --> 00:12:43,085 And bishops really appreciated this heads up. 334 00:12:43,345 --> 00:12:44,965 Now obviously there's some last minute changes 335 00:12:45,145 --> 00:12:46,445 and it didn't always happen like that. 336 00:12:46,465 --> 00:12:49,965 Or sometimes I, I did pop into a specific sacrament meeting 337 00:12:49,965 --> 00:12:51,445 that they weren't expecting me at, 338 00:12:51,505 --> 00:12:53,525 but they really appreciated just knowing 339 00:12:53,525 --> 00:12:55,005 where the state presidency was headed. 340 00:12:55,185 --> 00:12:56,925 We would also communicate things in that email, 341 00:12:56,955 --> 00:12:59,405 like state callings that we're trying to fill 342 00:12:59,465 --> 00:13:02,325 and ideas of individuals that, uh, we'd be open to 343 00:13:02,745 --> 00:13:04,165 who could feel that state calling. 344 00:13:04,305 --> 00:13:07,165 And just knowing that certain callings were being vacated 345 00:13:07,265 --> 00:13:08,605 and and assigned, and 346 00:13:08,605 --> 00:13:10,965 that really helped keep the bishops on the same page 347 00:13:10,965 --> 00:13:13,085 and not be surprised by certain callings. 348 00:13:13,225 --> 00:13:15,925 And we put in their upcoming activities, upcoming meetings, 349 00:13:15,925 --> 00:13:17,765 and really just information items 350 00:13:17,835 --> 00:13:20,085 that we could cover in an email so 351 00:13:20,085 --> 00:13:21,205 that the next time we met together, 352 00:13:21,265 --> 00:13:22,405 it didn't feel like a meeting 353 00:13:22,405 --> 00:13:24,285 that could have been a really good email, right? 354 00:13:24,285 --> 00:13:25,565 We've all been in those meetings. 355 00:13:25,785 --> 00:13:28,565 So don't save information for that next meeting. 356 00:13:28,595 --> 00:13:31,965 Just put it in an email that regularly goes out once a week 357 00:13:32,225 --> 00:13:33,445 and they'll be brought up to speed. 358 00:13:33,445 --> 00:13:35,325 And then by the time you get to those meetings, 359 00:13:35,585 --> 00:13:38,365 you can focus on more spiritual dynamics or questions 360 00:13:38,425 --> 00:13:40,685 and something that's really gonna feed the group rather than 361 00:13:40,685 --> 00:13:43,845 just downloading information in the context of a meeting. 362 00:13:43,945 --> 00:13:45,405 All the fourth principle, 363 00:13:45,505 --> 00:13:47,645 it may help some stake presidents out there is 364 00:13:47,855 --> 00:13:49,365 minimizing the targets. 365 00:13:49,585 --> 00:13:50,725 Now, let me explain this dynamic 366 00:13:50,755 --> 00:13:52,085 that you may be familiar with. 367 00:13:52,525 --> 00:13:55,125 A stake president every so often, every month 368 00:13:55,125 --> 00:13:56,165 or every quarter goes 369 00:13:56,165 --> 00:13:58,045 to what's called a coordinating council meeting. 370 00:13:58,055 --> 00:14:00,925 Right now that stake president walks there in there 371 00:14:00,925 --> 00:14:03,605 with a a, an area authority that's usually there, 372 00:14:03,735 --> 00:14:04,925 other stake presidents. 373 00:14:05,105 --> 00:14:06,445 And that area authority begins 374 00:14:06,445 --> 00:14:08,325 to download information to them, right? 375 00:14:08,325 --> 00:14:09,405 Maybe expectations, 376 00:14:09,435 --> 00:14:12,245 some things coming from the general authorities or church, 377 00:14:12,665 --> 00:14:15,245 and they lay it all out there for the bishop 378 00:14:15,345 --> 00:14:16,485 or for the stake presidents 379 00:14:16,485 --> 00:14:17,845 and the stake presidents are taking notes, right? 380 00:14:17,845 --> 00:14:19,965 So they walk stake, presidents walk outta that meeting 381 00:14:20,195 --> 00:14:22,525 with a whole bunch of targets, things that need to change, 382 00:14:22,525 --> 00:14:24,605 things that need to improve, and what do they do? 383 00:14:24,915 --> 00:14:27,245 They walk all those things metaphorically 384 00:14:27,265 --> 00:14:29,205 to the next bishop's meeting, right? 385 00:14:29,265 --> 00:14:32,285 And they download all this, they dump it all on the bishops, 386 00:14:32,305 --> 00:14:33,445 all these things that need to happen. 387 00:14:33,865 --> 00:14:35,605 And then typically those bishops take that 388 00:14:35,605 --> 00:14:36,725 and they go to their word council 389 00:14:36,745 --> 00:14:38,485 and dump all this information that needs 390 00:14:38,485 --> 00:14:39,725 to happen right now. 391 00:14:39,805 --> 00:14:42,285 I don't wanna minimize the importance of a lot 392 00:14:42,285 --> 00:14:45,005 of these things that may be be happening in a, 393 00:14:45,125 --> 00:14:46,245 a coordinating council meeting. 394 00:14:46,245 --> 00:14:47,325 And I'm sure they, there's, 395 00:14:47,325 --> 00:14:48,685 they're very important to some extent. 396 00:14:48,795 --> 00:14:50,245 However, as a leader, 397 00:14:50,825 --> 00:14:52,885 you cannot overwhelm your people, right? 398 00:14:53,175 --> 00:14:55,965 Especially in a church setting where the church isn't built 399 00:14:56,025 --> 00:14:57,125 to overwhelm people. 400 00:14:57,505 --> 00:14:59,525 The church is built to bless people, lead 'em 401 00:14:59,525 --> 00:15:00,685 to the covenant path and 402 00:15:00,685 --> 00:15:02,005 to covenants that will bless their life. 403 00:15:02,355 --> 00:15:04,445 It's overwhelmed that the stake president fills from the 404 00:15:04,445 --> 00:15:05,805 coordinating council and dumping it 405 00:15:05,805 --> 00:15:07,205 downstream to the other leaders. 406 00:15:07,225 --> 00:15:10,045 It just stimulates more and more overwhelm, 407 00:15:10,345 --> 00:15:13,165 and then that overwhelm will spill over to the culture 408 00:15:13,185 --> 00:15:14,285 of your ward, to the point 409 00:15:14,285 --> 00:15:16,325 that even ward members feel overwhelmed. 410 00:15:16,325 --> 00:15:18,365 They don't feel redemption when they attend church. 411 00:15:18,635 --> 00:15:19,925 They just feel like there's more 412 00:15:19,945 --> 00:15:21,605 and more to do and to get done. 413 00:15:21,825 --> 00:15:24,365 So it takes a very mature leader, even at 414 00:15:24,365 --> 00:15:27,245 that state present level, to gather these targets 415 00:15:27,245 --> 00:15:29,845 that you've been given and say, we can't do it all. 416 00:15:29,845 --> 00:15:32,325 However, we'll focus on the ones that are in line 417 00:15:32,325 --> 00:15:34,485 with our vision, our purpose, and what we're trying to do. 418 00:15:34,705 --> 00:15:38,045 And those ones, I'll be very intentional of passing them on 419 00:15:38,045 --> 00:15:41,325 to bishops and to then pass them on to the rewards. 420 00:15:41,325 --> 00:15:43,125 If you overwhelm your leaders, you're going 421 00:15:43,125 --> 00:15:46,005 to have an overwhelm stake, and that's no bueno. 422 00:15:46,145 --> 00:15:47,845 Now, for state president, this may lead 423 00:15:47,845 --> 00:15:50,245 to some awkward conversations with an area authority 424 00:15:50,385 --> 00:15:52,925 who really wants them to pass around these targets. 425 00:15:52,925 --> 00:15:56,925 But this is the crucial reason for vision in a ward. 426 00:15:56,985 --> 00:15:58,285 It has to fit your vision. 427 00:15:58,425 --> 00:16:01,205 We cannot overwhelm people in this regard. All right? 428 00:16:01,205 --> 00:16:03,325 The fifth principle is a little bit outside the norm, 429 00:16:03,325 --> 00:16:05,765 and it is called shepherding the lost. 430 00:16:05,985 --> 00:16:07,245 One thing that state presidents 431 00:16:07,245 --> 00:16:09,965 or state presidencies engage with is those 432 00:16:10,025 --> 00:16:12,445 who maybe have been, who've lost their membership 433 00:16:12,445 --> 00:16:13,565 or who've gone through some type 434 00:16:13,565 --> 00:16:16,085 of membership council in the repentance process. 435 00:16:16,665 --> 00:16:19,205 Now, these membership councils often can kind 436 00:16:19,205 --> 00:16:20,485 of feel like just one more thing on the 437 00:16:20,485 --> 00:16:21,565 list of things to do, right? 438 00:16:21,575 --> 00:16:23,445 We're we're dealing with individuals 439 00:16:23,445 --> 00:16:25,965 who are maybe feeling rejected from their church 440 00:16:25,985 --> 00:16:27,645 or rejected from their faith community. 441 00:16:27,905 --> 00:16:30,885 And we, it needs to be handled really intentionally, right? 442 00:16:30,985 --> 00:16:33,845 And I no doubt there's stake leaders across the world 443 00:16:33,865 --> 00:16:35,565 who do a remarkable job at this. 444 00:16:35,565 --> 00:16:37,605 However, I've heard from too many people 445 00:16:37,995 --> 00:16:41,045 that once an individual who has lost their membership, 446 00:16:41,315 --> 00:16:43,285 they kind of feel like they're put on the back burner 447 00:16:43,285 --> 00:16:45,845 or the membership council led to this result, 448 00:16:45,845 --> 00:16:47,325 and that will last for 12 months. 449 00:16:47,345 --> 00:16:49,285 And so let's check in from time to time 450 00:16:49,305 --> 00:16:50,365 and just see how you're doing. 451 00:16:50,435 --> 00:16:52,885 However, nobody else in the stake knows this. 452 00:16:52,885 --> 00:16:54,125 They can feel so alone. 453 00:16:54,425 --> 00:16:56,605 And so it's an opportunity for stake leaders, 454 00:16:56,605 --> 00:16:57,685 stake presidency members, 455 00:16:57,865 --> 00:17:01,125 or a stake president to really engage with this individual 456 00:17:01,265 --> 00:17:02,925 and be their mentor during that time. 457 00:17:03,225 --> 00:17:06,965 Too often I hear state presidents give the assignment 458 00:17:07,025 --> 00:17:09,365 to the individual who's maybe lost their membership 459 00:17:09,465 --> 00:17:11,445 to be in touch to set the next appointment. 460 00:17:11,785 --> 00:17:15,125 It should be an proactive process of reaching out to 461 00:17:15,125 --> 00:17:16,965 that person, making sure they're not buried in chain, 462 00:17:16,965 --> 00:17:18,565 making sure they have the support they need, 463 00:17:19,205 --> 00:17:21,525 bringing in additional help, bringing in community, 464 00:17:21,705 --> 00:17:24,365 and helping shepherd that person down the path. 465 00:17:24,905 --> 00:17:27,965 Too often it can sort of feel like a probationary, 466 00:17:28,135 --> 00:17:30,245 legalistic process when it's not. 467 00:17:30,385 --> 00:17:32,525 Or I've heard individuals just sort of in the dark 468 00:17:32,555 --> 00:17:34,285 with their repentance process. 469 00:17:34,475 --> 00:17:36,165 What happens next? Okay, he wants to meet 470 00:17:36,165 --> 00:17:39,485 with me every few weeks, but, uh, do I set that appointment? 471 00:17:39,505 --> 00:17:41,365 Do, then why doesn't he reach out to me? 472 00:17:41,425 --> 00:17:42,965 And, and they can feel like it's all 473 00:17:43,025 --> 00:17:44,125 on them in this process. 474 00:17:44,625 --> 00:17:45,805 But what a blessing it would be 475 00:17:45,825 --> 00:17:48,245 to have a proactive stake president 476 00:17:48,245 --> 00:17:51,485 and leader who's reaching out maybe weekly, every other week 477 00:17:51,485 --> 00:17:52,885 through a text, through a phone call, 478 00:17:53,025 --> 00:17:56,045 and is very intentional about how they are shepherding 479 00:17:56,045 --> 00:17:59,365 that person who they desperately want to return to the fold. 480 00:17:59,745 --> 00:18:01,685 So I would love to change that stigma that 481 00:18:01,685 --> 00:18:04,405 so many leaders have of sort of forgetting the person 482 00:18:04,505 --> 00:18:06,725 or seeing it as one more thing in their, that on their, 483 00:18:06,775 --> 00:18:09,245 to-do list that Yeah, down the road we'll do that. 484 00:18:09,265 --> 00:18:11,365 Or they get to their year closer to their, you know, 485 00:18:11,365 --> 00:18:12,965 that six month mark or the year mark, 486 00:18:12,965 --> 00:18:14,805 and they think, okay, something's gonna happen soon. 487 00:18:14,805 --> 00:18:16,285 Right? Right. And they don't hear from their 488 00:18:16,285 --> 00:18:17,685 leader and it takes them to do that. 489 00:18:17,705 --> 00:18:20,605 Now I realize you have so much to do in these callings 490 00:18:20,835 --> 00:18:22,245 that uh, it can be looked over, 491 00:18:22,345 --> 00:18:25,445 but this should be a paramount shepherding opportunity 492 00:18:26,125 --> 00:18:29,125 for individuals to hear regularly from their leader who's 493 00:18:29,125 --> 00:18:30,765 gone through this membership council with them 494 00:18:30,945 --> 00:18:32,765 to encourage them and touch base with them. 495 00:18:32,815 --> 00:18:35,445 Don't just make it a six week, you know, dentist appointment 496 00:18:35,445 --> 00:18:36,725 that just, yeah, it needs to happen. 497 00:18:36,735 --> 00:18:38,805 We'll touch base. How you doing? Sounds good. All right. 498 00:18:38,805 --> 00:18:40,805 Keep working. No, like become their friend. 499 00:18:41,185 --> 00:18:43,165 Be connected and encourage them. 500 00:18:43,185 --> 00:18:45,125 And if you don't have the bandwidth to do it, you need 501 00:18:45,125 --> 00:18:47,445 to bring in community to assist you in that 502 00:18:47,445 --> 00:18:49,125 and make sure they feel that support. 503 00:18:49,495 --> 00:18:50,805 Chase them, pursue them. 504 00:18:50,935 --> 00:18:53,925 Leave the 90 and nine and go after that lost sheep 505 00:18:53,925 --> 00:18:55,605 because it is well worth your time. 506 00:18:55,605 --> 00:18:56,925 Alright, the sixth principle 507 00:18:56,925 --> 00:19:00,125 to possibly help a brand new stake president is empowering 508 00:19:00,305 --> 00:19:02,605 the Stake Relief Society president. 509 00:19:02,865 --> 00:19:04,445 Now I've heard mixed results from this. 510 00:19:04,875 --> 00:19:06,645 Some people say, oh man, my, 511 00:19:06,705 --> 00:19:08,925 our stake release site president already really busy. 512 00:19:08,985 --> 00:19:10,845 Others say, well, I don't know. 513 00:19:10,845 --> 00:19:12,285 A lot of times she's not sure what to do 514 00:19:12,345 --> 00:19:14,765 or how to connect with the award release site president 515 00:19:14,765 --> 00:19:16,525 or what her or her role even is. 516 00:19:16,785 --> 00:19:18,245 And I would say the more you can empower 517 00:19:18,275 --> 00:19:21,085 that stake release site president, the more it's going 518 00:19:21,085 --> 00:19:22,485 to help you, uh, 519 00:19:22,485 --> 00:19:24,765 have a positive experience in your role as a leader. 520 00:19:25,065 --> 00:19:26,765 And so bring her in 521 00:19:26,785 --> 00:19:28,365 to those state presidency meetings, right? 522 00:19:28,365 --> 00:19:29,445 There's often a clerk there 523 00:19:29,745 --> 00:19:32,445 and there's often a, a executive secretary. 524 00:19:32,595 --> 00:19:34,765 There's no reason you couldn't bring in a state relief 525 00:19:34,765 --> 00:19:36,925 society president more regularly, if not weekly, 526 00:19:36,985 --> 00:19:38,645 to those state presidency meetings 527 00:19:38,785 --> 00:19:41,525 and discuss things, get her perspective on things, right? 528 00:19:42,185 --> 00:19:44,005 Engage her in the experience 529 00:19:44,025 --> 00:19:45,965 and make sure that she has plenty to do. 530 00:19:46,165 --> 00:19:48,485 'cause I have had heard from many Stake Relief Society 531 00:19:48,485 --> 00:19:51,045 presidents that they're kinda lost, they're not sure what 532 00:19:51,045 --> 00:19:54,005 to do and uh, they kind of meander around, show up 533 00:19:54,005 --> 00:19:55,605 to this ward and that ward and their stake 534 00:19:55,605 --> 00:19:57,885 and yeah, sure, they're connecting with the, the, 535 00:19:57,945 --> 00:19:59,485 the Ward Relief Society presidents, 536 00:19:59,485 --> 00:20:00,845 but they're sometimes lost. 537 00:20:00,945 --> 00:20:03,605 So inviting him into the core of, 538 00:20:03,825 --> 00:20:06,325 of what's going on in the state can really be a blessing 539 00:20:06,325 --> 00:20:07,685 and give you additional perspective. 540 00:20:08,075 --> 00:20:10,005 It's gonna help you, uh, succeed in your calling. 541 00:20:10,225 --> 00:20:12,645 And this really doesn't need to be proactive effort 542 00:20:12,645 --> 00:20:14,845 because the handbook really only gives two general 543 00:20:14,845 --> 00:20:17,245 directions as far as the Sacred Release Society president, 544 00:20:17,405 --> 00:20:19,605 which is meet with a stake presidency once a month, 545 00:20:19,885 --> 00:20:22,245 instruct award release society presidencies on their 546 00:20:22,245 --> 00:20:23,885 responsibility, and that's it. 547 00:20:23,885 --> 00:20:26,325 So there's a lot of, of, of wiggle room in there 548 00:20:26,425 --> 00:20:28,205 to really have a dynamic experience 549 00:20:28,345 --> 00:20:29,885 and encourage that release society president 550 00:20:29,885 --> 00:20:31,525 to really jump in and have influence. 551 00:20:31,525 --> 00:20:34,205 Alright, the seventh point being a stake president has 552 00:20:34,205 --> 00:20:35,805 to deal with the stake president's wife. 553 00:20:36,345 --> 00:20:38,165 No doubt. When an individual is called 554 00:20:38,165 --> 00:20:40,765 to the stake president, it is the family that is called 555 00:20:40,765 --> 00:20:42,845 to the stake president, especially the wife 556 00:20:42,905 --> 00:20:43,925 of the stake president. 557 00:20:44,035 --> 00:20:47,245 This can be a tricky time over nine years, where the wife 558 00:20:47,245 --> 00:20:49,525 of the stake president can somewhat feel lost, right? 559 00:20:49,815 --> 00:20:52,565 Their husband is off running something in the stake on 560 00:20:52,565 --> 00:20:53,885 Sunday, she's sitting alone. 561 00:20:54,275 --> 00:20:56,285 It's even different than being the bishop's wife, 562 00:20:56,285 --> 00:20:58,605 where at least you see your, your husband at church 563 00:20:58,605 --> 00:20:59,605 or there he is on the stand. 564 00:20:59,605 --> 00:21:00,765 And that's not the always the case 565 00:21:00,875 --> 00:21:02,405 with state presidency's wife. 566 00:21:02,465 --> 00:21:05,165 So invite her into the experience. 567 00:21:05,305 --> 00:21:06,525 And I saw this in many ways 568 00:21:06,525 --> 00:21:09,525 during my time in the state presidency where I saw the wives 569 00:21:09,525 --> 00:21:11,325 of the state presidency members come together 570 00:21:11,465 --> 00:21:13,525 and even sort of have this, have their own type 571 00:21:13,525 --> 00:21:15,805 of presidency that wasn't an official type of presidency. 572 00:21:15,805 --> 00:21:17,685 And they would reach out to the wives of the bishops 573 00:21:17,745 --> 00:21:19,325 or the wives of the members of the bishoprick, 574 00:21:19,345 --> 00:21:21,965 and they'd have dinners or just get togethers, socials. 575 00:21:21,965 --> 00:21:24,645 They would often take individual wives out to lunch 576 00:21:24,705 --> 00:21:28,085 and just really connect with them on a friendly basis so 577 00:21:28,085 --> 00:21:30,205 that they would be encouraged in that unofficial role. 578 00:21:30,655 --> 00:21:32,805 Being in church leadership is remarkable. 579 00:21:33,265 --> 00:21:35,725 You've witnessed miracles almost on a weekly basis. 580 00:21:35,905 --> 00:21:36,965 Or you go after the church 581 00:21:36,985 --> 00:21:38,125 and you experience healing 582 00:21:38,225 --> 00:21:41,125 as you watch the savior step into the lives of individuals 583 00:21:41,125 --> 00:21:44,765 who are struggling so much while at the same time your wife 584 00:21:44,785 --> 00:21:47,845 may be home with the young kids or with the teenagers 585 00:21:48,065 --> 00:21:50,645 and just dealing with that real life and that context 586 00:21:50,905 --> 00:21:52,405 and missing out on these miracles. 587 00:21:52,405 --> 00:21:54,885 And so you may come home refreshed, energized 588 00:21:54,885 --> 00:21:56,085 by the spiritual experience you 589 00:21:56,085 --> 00:21:57,365 had, and your wife isn't there. 590 00:21:57,365 --> 00:21:59,605 And so by inviting her into that experience as much 591 00:21:59,605 --> 00:22:02,925 as possible, inviting her to shepherd the wives of others, 592 00:22:03,245 --> 00:22:05,205 inviting her to engage with you with visits 593 00:22:05,305 --> 00:22:07,725 or at some level, will do a remarkable job 594 00:22:07,725 --> 00:22:09,525 of not only feeding your marriage, 595 00:22:09,745 --> 00:22:11,205 but helping you be a better leader. 596 00:22:11,305 --> 00:22:13,165 And I'll point you to an interview actually did 597 00:22:13,195 --> 00:22:15,565 with my wife, where we talked about her time 598 00:22:15,625 --> 00:22:16,645 as the bishop's wife 599 00:22:17,105 --> 00:22:19,925 and the dynamics were there, the tension at times, 600 00:22:20,185 --> 00:22:22,565 the the struggle and the blessings that came from that. 601 00:22:22,565 --> 00:22:24,445 And so I'll link to that in the show notes so 602 00:22:24,445 --> 00:22:26,045 that you can listen to that as you wish. 603 00:22:26,185 --> 00:22:28,285 And the eighth and final principle 604 00:22:28,285 --> 00:22:31,045 or suggestion I have for new stake presidents is this 605 00:22:31,045 --> 00:22:32,885 concept of a three year reset. 606 00:22:32,915 --> 00:22:37,005 Because nine years is a long, long time, right? 607 00:22:37,005 --> 00:22:39,885 Almost a decade of your life dedicated this 608 00:22:39,885 --> 00:22:40,965 role as state president. 609 00:22:41,145 --> 00:22:44,125 And so it can go really stale after a few years. 610 00:22:44,185 --> 00:22:46,405 You sort of get into the, the rhythm of things. 611 00:22:46,585 --> 00:22:48,445 You, you know, you've done this thing six times 612 00:22:48,585 --> 00:22:50,165 and now you'll just do it a seventh time. 613 00:22:50,165 --> 00:22:51,845 And here we go. We, you know, what's the, 614 00:22:51,845 --> 00:22:53,045 what was the agenda for last year? 615 00:22:53,045 --> 00:22:54,765 Let's just do that again, but a little different. 616 00:22:55,185 --> 00:22:58,885 And so you can really miss out on that refreshing energy 617 00:22:58,885 --> 00:23:00,885 that comes with a new stake president 618 00:23:00,885 --> 00:23:02,685 because when a new stake president is called 619 00:23:02,715 --> 00:23:04,685 that year is actually everybody's in 620 00:23:04,685 --> 00:23:05,725 the presidency's on fire. 621 00:23:05,875 --> 00:23:07,765 They feel the energy, they're in this role, 622 00:23:07,765 --> 00:23:09,325 they wanna make a difference, and here they go. 623 00:23:09,385 --> 00:23:13,165 And so being intentional about having some form of reset 624 00:23:13,295 --> 00:23:16,045 after maybe three years so that you feel like 625 00:23:16,075 --> 00:23:19,005 that new stake president, even if you aren't technically 626 00:23:19,235 --> 00:23:21,365 that new stake president, that may look like 627 00:23:21,885 --> 00:23:23,085 shifting some callings up, right? 628 00:23:23,135 --> 00:23:26,045 Maybe getting a new counselor, moving one of your counselors 629 00:23:26,045 --> 00:23:27,885 to another role that would help there. 630 00:23:27,945 --> 00:23:31,765 Or just the intention of of having a retreat between you 631 00:23:31,765 --> 00:23:34,005 and your counselors or your, your state council 632 00:23:34,065 --> 00:23:36,525 of going somewhere and refreshing recharging 633 00:23:36,785 --> 00:23:38,125 and saying, we're starting over 634 00:23:38,725 --> 00:23:40,045 anything we've done in the past, we're 635 00:23:40,045 --> 00:23:41,085 gonna look at it differently now. 636 00:23:41,275 --> 00:23:43,805 What can we do to have a refreshing reset? 637 00:23:44,225 --> 00:23:45,865 And that'll keep the energy going 638 00:23:45,925 --> 00:23:49,225 and help you sustain yourself through those long nine years. 639 00:23:49,725 --> 00:23:52,665 And, uh, it will bring new vision to the stake 640 00:23:52,665 --> 00:23:53,705 that maybe things 641 00:23:53,705 --> 00:23:56,225 that worked in year one don't really work in year five. 642 00:23:56,225 --> 00:23:59,345 And so yeah, you need to reapproach, reassess and restart. 643 00:23:59,485 --> 00:24:01,585 All right, those are just my ideas from my experience. 644 00:24:01,725 --> 00:24:03,945 You may agree with some, you may disagree with others, 645 00:24:04,245 --> 00:24:05,785 but I would love to hear, uh, 646 00:24:05,785 --> 00:24:08,545 what your experience is when maybe you've 647 00:24:08,545 --> 00:24:09,625 served in a state presidency. 648 00:24:09,685 --> 00:24:11,945 But I would love to hear your ideas of what worked for you. 649 00:24:12,005 --> 00:24:13,545 If you've been in a state presidency 650 00:24:13,545 --> 00:24:16,265 or any other type of leadership calling, you can actually go 651 00:24:16,265 --> 00:24:18,385 to the Leading Saints community where we have a, 652 00:24:18,825 --> 00:24:22,425 a conversation that's already going on about these tips 653 00:24:22,605 --> 00:24:24,105 and experience that I've shared. 654 00:24:24,415 --> 00:24:26,185 Many people disagreeing with me, but I love it. 655 00:24:26,205 --> 00:24:28,465 I'd love to hear opposing views and new ideas. 656 00:24:28,725 --> 00:24:30,985 So go to that Leading Saints community, I'll link to it 657 00:24:31,165 --> 00:24:32,905 and love to hear your opinion as well. 658 00:24:33,245 --> 00:24:34,905 And don't forget to subscribe 659 00:24:34,905 --> 00:24:37,545 to the Leading Saints newsletter where you get the, 660 00:24:37,545 --> 00:24:39,785 the freshest thought or perspective that's on my mind 661 00:24:39,845 --> 00:24:41,865 as in regards to church leadership. 662 00:24:41,865 --> 00:24:44,025 And we get a great conversation going. Alright. 663 00:24:44,045 --> 00:24:46,025 Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel 664 00:24:46,085 --> 00:24:47,305 as we are having more 665 00:24:47,305 --> 00:24:50,145 and more content only come out exclusively the on the 666 00:24:50,145 --> 00:24:51,705 YouTube channel of leading saying. 667 00:24:51,705 --> 00:24:54,185 So hit the subscribe button, the notification button, 668 00:24:54,525 --> 00:24:56,665 and, uh, make sure that you don't miss any of this content. 669 00:25:04,895 --> 00:25:07,465 That concludes this episode of the Leading Saints podcast. 670 00:25:07,735 --> 00:25:08,985 We'd love to hear from you about 671 00:25:08,985 --> 00:25:10,505 your questions or thoughts or comments. 672 00:25:10,645 --> 00:25:12,985 You can either leave a comment on the, uh, post related 673 00:25:13,085 --> 00:25:15,705 to this episode@leadingsaints.org 674 00:25:15,705 --> 00:25:17,785 or go to leading saints.org/contact 675 00:25:18,285 --> 00:25:20,225 and send us your perspective or questions. 676 00:25:20,445 --> 00:25:21,545 If there's other episodes 677 00:25:21,545 --> 00:25:23,825 or topics you'd like to hear on the Leading Saints podcast, 678 00:25:24,045 --> 00:25:25,785 go to leading saints.org/contact 679 00:25:26,045 --> 00:25:27,865 and share with us the information there. 680 00:25:28,165 --> 00:25:30,065 And we would love for you to share this 681 00:25:30,065 --> 00:25:32,305 with any individual you think this would apply to, 682 00:25:32,305 --> 00:25:34,305 especially maybe individuals in your ward council 683 00:25:34,365 --> 00:25:36,345 or other leaders that you may know 684 00:25:36,445 --> 00:25:38,065 who would really appreciate the 685 00:25:38,065 --> 00:25:39,305 perspectives that we discussed. 686 00:25:39,805 --> 00:25:42,345 And remember, grab your copy of my new book, 687 00:25:42,525 --> 00:25:44,905 is God Disappointed In Me on Amazon 688 00:25:45,045 --> 00:25:46,545 or in select Costco stores? 689 00:25:56,565 --> 00:25:59,785 - It came as a result of the position of leadership, 690 00:25:59,795 --> 00:26:03,545 which was imposed upon us by the God of Heaven, 691 00:26:03,725 --> 00:26:07,065 who brought forth a restoration of the gospel 692 00:26:07,245 --> 00:26:08,505 of Jesus Christ. 693 00:26:09,125 --> 00:26:12,785 And when the Declaration was made concerning the own 694 00:26:12,845 --> 00:26:16,625 and only true in living church upon the face of the earth, 695 00:26:17,405 --> 00:26:20,825 we were immediately put in a position of loneliness. 696 00:26:21,085 --> 00:26:24,505 The loneliness of leadership from which we cannot 697 00:26:24,725 --> 00:26:26,145 shrink nor run away. 698 00:26:27,045 --> 00:26:30,745 And to which we must face up with boldness and courage 699 00:26:31,485 --> 00:26:32,145 and ability.