2 Responses to “Why does the LDS church prefer that it’s members attend thei…”
Miguel Leal
2010-02-24 06:25:09
There are several reasons why Mormons prefer that people attend the chapel nearest their house. First, as you probably know, in our church there are no professional clergy. Leaders in the church are called from among the members of the congregation. What would happen if many members of the church chose to attend the same church? How would the smaller congregations survive? Every congregation needs its own members so the church can grow.
Second, if members of the church were to choose which congregation to attend, social separation might result, especially in places where the church is young and underdeveloped. For example, in Brazil, where segregation by social class is common, a "rich congregation" might separate itself from a "poor congregation." Even worse, in some places there could be separation according to race; some Protestant denominations in the southern United States continue to have this problem. Segregation of any form is, of course, entirely unacceptable. The Gospel should bring all peoples together, but if people were to choose their congregation, in some places of the world the Gospel might actually drive people apart.
The church is like a big family. We don't choose who our brothers and sisters will be, but we learn to love them just the same. God wants to teach us how to love one another because when we learn how to love others we can feel God's love stronger in our lives. By attending the Mormon chapel nearest your home, you can develop spiritually by serving and loving people you may not yet know well.
In the end, we shouldn't go to church for social reasons. We should go because we love God, and we want to serve Him and His children. If this issue continues to bother you, I invite you to speak with a Mormon bishop. Hopefully he can help resolve the problem. Regardless, don't stop visiting the church! I cannot express in words the many spiritual blessings I've received through my worship as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Don't deprive yourself of this wonderful opportunity.
I hope this answer helps.
Richard
2010-03-07 06:22:41
A missionary hugging a bishop in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil.
I wanted to expand a little on what already has been said, if I may, God chooses and calls men to preside over wards and that bishop has authority from God to recieve revelation for their congregations. When I am having a problem and need help from God I pray and if prompted I go to my bishop to discuss and receive help and/or guidence.
Yes it's a huge responsibility to accept a call to preside as bishop, but God qualifies the called he doesn't call te already qualified.
As Elder Maxwell once said the church is a great learning labritory for members to learn from each other, this includes men and women called to lead in the seperate areas of church responsability. A ward is like a family and the bishop can be likened to the father of the ward.
God is over all and he decides where and when to call any one of his sons or daughters into roles that will shape them and allow them to grow as God sees best. Members and leaders alike.
Second, if members of the church were to choose which congregation to attend, social separation might result, especially in places where the church is young and underdeveloped. For example, in Brazil, where segregation by social class is common, a "rich congregation" might separate itself from a "poor congregation." Even worse, in some places there could be separation according to race; some Protestant denominations in the southern United States continue to have this problem. Segregation of any form is, of course, entirely unacceptable. The Gospel should bring all peoples together, but if people were to choose their congregation, in some places of the world the Gospel might actually drive people apart.
The church is like a big family. We don't choose who our brothers and sisters will be, but we learn to love them just the same. God wants to teach us how to love one another because when we learn how to love others we can feel God's love stronger in our lives. By attending the Mormon chapel nearest your home, you can develop spiritually by serving and loving people you may not yet know well.
In the end, we shouldn't go to church for social reasons. We should go because we love God, and we want to serve Him and His children. If this issue continues to bother you, I invite you to speak with a Mormon bishop. Hopefully he can help resolve the problem. Regardless, don't stop visiting the church! I cannot express in words the many spiritual blessings I've received through my worship as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Don't deprive yourself of this wonderful opportunity.
I hope this answer helps.
Yes it's a huge responsibility to accept a call to preside as bishop, but God qualifies the called he doesn't call te already qualified.
As Elder Maxwell once said the church is a great learning labritory for members to learn from each other, this includes men and women called to lead in the seperate areas of church responsability. A ward is like a family and the bishop can be likened to the father of the ward.
God is over all and he decides where and when to call any one of his sons or daughters into roles that will shape them and allow them to grow as God sees best. Members and leaders alike.