Hi. I’ve been a member of the church for three years and have a question about something that might seem trivial but that is important to me. They say the church is a church of order, but I go to a ward that I don’t belong to because I like the people there and feel the spirit. However, I feel bad because I’m not going to my own ward. My stake president is a very good person, and he told me in the end I have my free choice, but the elders said that it’s best to go to my own, local ward. I’m worried that I’m letting this issue affect my spirituality. I’d like to know why it’s so important to attend the award we belong too. I hope you can help me. Thanks, brothers and sisters.
One Response to “They say the church is a church of order”
Carlos Bravo
2012-08-06 11:58:35
Hi friend. Being Mormon involves a lot more than just going to church every Sunday. Important activities like home teaching and bishop's interviews take place during the week as well. When members attend wards that are geographically distant, it is much more difficult to participate in these programs.
There's another important reason it is best to attend our own ward. In this church, we believe that God qualifies the people He calls. Leaders in the church are not perfect people, but they are called to serve the members of their congregations, often at great personal cost. They are called to receive revelation to benefit those who are in their wards.
What would happen if everyone attended congregations of their own choosing? The most socially dynamic bishop would attract the most members. But it is not just the most dynamic bishops that are inspired! Moses and Enoch, among others, had troubles communicating with their peoples. God wants us to have faith in our own bishop. Our own bishop, with all the faults he may have, is qualified to receive revelation on our behalf.
There are situations when it's appropriate for people to attend wards to which they do not technically belong. The bishop and the stake president can help people identify these situations. But in general it is best for us to honor the bishop who's been called to help us. I hope this answer helps!
There's another important reason it is best to attend our own ward. In this church, we believe that God qualifies the people He calls. Leaders in the church are not perfect people, but they are called to serve the members of their congregations, often at great personal cost. They are called to receive revelation to benefit those who are in their wards.
What would happen if everyone attended congregations of their own choosing? The most socially dynamic bishop would attract the most members. But it is not just the most dynamic bishops that are inspired! Moses and Enoch, among others, had troubles communicating with their peoples. God wants us to have faith in our own bishop. Our own bishop, with all the faults he may have, is qualified to receive revelation on our behalf.
There are situations when it's appropriate for people to attend wards to which they do not technically belong. The bishop and the stake president can help people identify these situations. But in general it is best for us to honor the bishop who's been called to help us. I hope this answer helps!