I am thinking of returning to the LDS faith, after once been married in the temple and sealed, but my wife is not sure. What will I need to do to be worthy of having the preisthood again and return?
2 Responses to “I am thinking of returning to the LDS faith, after once been…”
Pedro Cruz
2009-05-04 03:16:55
The San Diego temple in San Diego, California.
Hi friend. I'm very happy to hear that you're thinking about returning to the Church. I receive many emails from inactive members in your situation. To help your wife, I invite her to read an article I wrote entitled "Are you an Inactive Member of the Church? Come Back!" Perhaps that same article could help you as well.
If you were excommunicated, you'll need to be rebaptized to once again hold the priesthood. The goal of every excommunication is to allow members of the church that are not living gospel standards to put their lives in order. A "successful" excommunication ends when the excommunicated member has made their life right before God and is ready to be rebaptized, to rejoin the church. I'm sure your bishop or branch president will be very happy to learn that you desire rebaptism. As you can imagine, many who are excommunicated do not return to the church, even though the church is eager for them to complete the repentance process and rejoin the fold.
If you were not excommunicated, your return to the church should be even easier. You can look up the address of the chapel nearest your home online. On your first day back, speak with your bishop, who can help you make the transition. Don't hesitate to ask for missionary visits either. Part of their mission is to help those like yourself who are interested in returning to the church. I sincerely hope you find the same peace that I have found through Jesus Christ. Best of luck to you.
Anonymous
2009-05-04 03:20:54
Make an appointment and go talk to your closest bishop... I am positive that he will be more then happy to step you through any process you need. From your question it doesn't appear you've been officially excommunicated so you probably still have the priesthood key turned in your favor. Just need to be patient with the spouse and love her no matter her opinion of the moment. Go talk with your bishop and tell him your thoughts and hardships, ask for advice and then follow that advice the best you are able. Be true to yourself though and don't say one thing and then act another. Read the Book of Mormon and other scriptures as well as modern day prophets and their words (which are scripture if inspired by Christ)... Ok I take that back don't start by calling to get in with your bishop, but start by bending to your knees and pleading with God to help you as if everything depended on him.. Then get up and go to work (call for the bishop appt., etc) as if everything depended on you. Just take it one step at a time. Take it from one who was away for 14 years, it's possible to get back and the journey gets easier as you progress back into church service. Believe in Christ who said that his arm is stretched out still, even if we deny him for a time, he will forgive you if you repent (D&C 58:42)... Now 6 years after starting again on the journey back and I find that not only is church absolutely a glorious blessing, but life is getting easier. There are still hard days, but what once was a crippling life full of doubt has become a mortal life, lived with and for God, and things are much more simple to deal with. You're on the correct path; you've taken the first step. I promise you if you continue to take step after step, toward God the Father with Christ, your life will become easier. God spoke it and he is a God of truth and canst not lie. See also Ether 12:27, and welcome back.
If you were excommunicated, you'll need to be rebaptized to once again hold the priesthood. The goal of every excommunication is to allow members of the church that are not living gospel standards to put their lives in order. A "successful" excommunication ends when the excommunicated member has made their life right before God and is ready to be rebaptized, to rejoin the church. I'm sure your bishop or branch president will be very happy to learn that you desire rebaptism. As you can imagine, many who are excommunicated do not return to the church, even though the church is eager for them to complete the repentance process and rejoin the fold.
If you were not excommunicated, your return to the church should be even easier. You can look up the address of the chapel nearest your home online. On your first day back, speak with your bishop, who can help you make the transition. Don't hesitate to ask for missionary visits either. Part of their mission is to help those like yourself who are interested in returning to the church. I sincerely hope you find the same peace that I have found through Jesus Christ. Best of luck to you.