My Calling as a Bishop

Getting Started

bishop and two men

Welcome to your new calling! As a bishop, you have been called to serve as the presiding high priest and the president of the Aaronic Priesthood in your ward. You have also been called to act as a common judge in Israel. You have received priesthood keys pertaining to these sacred responsibilities. They give you the authority, or mantle, to act in Jesus Christ’s name, to receive revelation to help those under your care, and to direct the work of salvation and exaltation within your ward. As you serve, let the Lord’s Spirit guide you in all that you do.

You Are Not Alone

You have been called to minister to the members of your ward, who are beloved sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. As a newly called bishop, you will likely feel a range of emotions about your responsibilities. Remember that you are not alone. This calling is a partnership with the Lord. As you seek the Lord’s guidance in serving the members of your ward, He will magnify your efforts at home and in your calling. You will feel His love for you and for the individuals and families you serve.

Where to Start

Before You Are Sustained

• Counsel with the stake president about where to begin. Discuss your thoughts and impressions about potential counselors, and recommend brethren to call.

• Seek guidance from the Spirit through prayer, scripture study, fasting, and, if possible, temple attendance.

• Read “The Bishopric,” chapter 7 in General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), to understand your responsibilities as a bishop and the responsibilities of your bishopric. Also review chapters 1–4 in the General Handbook (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), which summarize the doctrinal foundation of God’s plan and give more guidance.

After You Are Sustained and Set Apart

• With so many responsibilities, remember that your family is your first priority.

• Continue to pray for guidance about your service. Seek guidance about how your counselors can share the responsibilities of your presidency (see “Delegate the Work” under “What Should I Focus On?”)

• Meet with the outgoing bishop to learn about the specific needs of your ward.

• Study the General Handbook to help you better understand callings in the ward and the general operations of the Church.

• Hold regular bishopric meetings. Work with the executive secretary to prepare an agenda, and ask the ward clerk to record notes and assignments. (See “Plan and Conduct Bishopric Meetings” under “What Should I Focus On?”)

• Preside over ward meetings (see General Handbook, 29.2):

  • Sacrament meeting (see “Plan and Preside Over Sacrament Meetings” under “What Should I Focus On?”)

  • Ward council meeting (see “Preside Over Ward Council and Ward Youth Council Meetings” under “What Should I Focus On?”)

  • Ward youth council meeting (see “Preside Over Ward Council and Ward Youth Council Meetings” under “What Should I Focus On?”)

  • Priests quorum presidency meeting (see General Handbook, 10.3; 10.4.2)

  • Youth firesides and youth conferences

• Attend stake president interviews, stake bishop’s welfare council meetings, stake priesthood leadership meetings, stake high priests quorum meetings, and other stake meetings as invited.

• Access reports and lists on Leader and Clerk Resources (LCR) or in the Member Tools mobile app to help you and your counselors get to know members of the ward and be aware of the ward’s strengths and needs.

• To ensure the safety of children and youth, complete the training course found at ProtectingChildren.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. You are required to renew this training every three years.

• Study the principles in Teaching in the Savior’s Way (2016).