Hi brothers and sisters! I have an important question. I’ve been a member of the church since birth, but I’ve never really been active for much time. I returned to the church four months ago, and everything seems completely new to me. Really, I feel more like a convert then a life-long member. My problem is that all of my family on the side of my father are active members, but they often don’t live up to the high ideals that the church teaches. This has left me discouraged. I want to serve a mission, but I’m afraid that my faith is not sufficient. In my ward I’ve met a number of women that I consider to be my friends, but with the experiences I’ve lived, it’s hard for me to trust people. For all I know, everyone in the church leads a double life? Would it be wrong to talk about this with my bishop?
One Response to “I’ve come back to the church, but I’m discouraged”
Pedro Silva
2012-11-18 15:28:11
A missionary hugging a bishop in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil.
Hi Steph. I'm happy you've returned to the church and that you want to serve a mission! I hope you continue on this wonderful spiritual path. It's true that sometimes some members of the church fail to live up to our high standards, but most active members are wonderful people. You can trust the strengthening friendships you've made in the church, sister! Most people don't live double lives.
It would be best if the members of your father's family chose to repent of their own accord. Perhaps you could talk with them individually and encourage them to change their lives through Jesus Christ. If talking with them directly isn't helpful, you might tell the Bishop that they could benefit from an interview without disclosing the reason. Maybe such an interview would further encourage them to repent.
You should definitely chat with the bishop about the personal struggles you're going through as well. Perhaps you could explain that you are struggling because of the behavior of other members of the church without giving their names. If the bishop feels inspired to ask you for more details, you can certainly provide them as appropriate.
I hope this answer helps! The church really is full of wonderful people, sister. Don't let your bad experiences with a few members color your vision of all Mormons.
It would be best if the members of your father's family chose to repent of their own accord. Perhaps you could talk with them individually and encourage them to change their lives through Jesus Christ. If talking with them directly isn't helpful, you might tell the Bishop that they could benefit from an interview without disclosing the reason. Maybe such an interview would further encourage them to repent.
You should definitely chat with the bishop about the personal struggles you're going through as well. Perhaps you could explain that you are struggling because of the behavior of other members of the church without giving their names. If the bishop feels inspired to ask you for more details, you can certainly provide them as appropriate.
I hope this answer helps! The church really is full of wonderful people, sister. Don't let your bad experiences with a few members color your vision of all Mormons.