Last updated on September 26th, 2025 at 02:34 pm
General Conference Applied
S5 E49 – Sunday, September 21, 2025 | How Bishops and Stake Presidents Extend Callings – Elder Steven D. Shumway Bonus Episode | “Participate to Prepare for Christ’s Return” by Elder Steven D. Shumway; April 2025 General Conference
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Podcast Episode Outline
Introduction
As we begin this podcast episode, please remember that the General Conference Applied Podcast is meant to be a supplement for your review of General Conference Addresses. This podcast episode will be even more beneficial to you if you also review Elder Shumway’s April 2025 General Conference address and our episode on his talk, “Participate to Prepare for Christ’s Return” (S5 E 40) where we shared insights from 5 other Bishops on the following questions.
Discussion Questions + Responses from 5 different Bishops and former Bishops
One former Bishop submitted an Audio Response covering all the discussion questions at once.
1. How specific is spiritual guidance on placing people in callings? Is every calling spiritually directed or are some left up to the Presiding priesthood leader’s judgment?
- “I have experienced a spectrum of guidance. There have been callings when I have very clearly heard a name, been given a clear indication that someone should be extended that calling. Or there are times where the guidance comes through multiple times of counsel with my counselors; prayer; visits to the temple, and even then the decision just seems to make sense, but has no greater specificity in guidance than that.”
- “Spiritual guidance is very specific in calling people to positions. The Bishopric, of course, has their own thoughts and opinions when the process starts, but through prayer and discussion and then prayer again, we seek to feel the will of the Lord in all matters. No matter the calling, I seek to feel spiritually comfortable with the calling that will be extended.”
2. What growth have you seen from people who accepted callings? Did anyone surprise you or even surprise themselves at how they grew into a calling?
- “Everyone has growth in their callings. Unlike something you might do for work, the spirit teaches and directs us when we serve faithfully. I think it’s often less about how surprised I am on how they fill their callings and more about how surprised they are. Many people fill inadequate in the callings they are extended, but find that they are supported by the Lord when they seek his guidance. Sometimes this is the first time they truly feel inspired.”
- “I have certainly extended a calling or two that surprised me, and seen the member absolutely rise to the occasion of the challenge, teach me things through their service, and leave the entire ward better for their efforts.”
3. What about when people reject a calling or ask to be released? How common is this? Which callings are hardest to fill?
- “Soon after I was initially called as bishop, we had asked a brother to come in so we could extend a calling. I personally did not have an overwhelming spiritual experience, it just felt right to call him as a ward missionary. The brother came in and said “I’m curious if I’m here for what I think I am here for”. I asked what he thought he was here for and he said he had a vivid dream last night that he would be called to be a ward missionary! I was amazed that the spirit would grant a confirmation so powerfully. I felt the spirit and answered him excitedly, that “YES, that is exactly what I was going to call you to!” I will never forget the response…He frowned and said “well bishop, the answer is no”. He just didn’t feel like doing that kind of thing. I was obviously surprised but quickly the spirit whispered that sometimes the calling just needs to be extended, even if it’s not accepted. This brother actually became one of my favorite people in the ward as I got to know him.”
- “My over all feeling on this matter is this: certain circumstances may be in your life that may make it difficult to fulfill a calling, and that is fine! I find it unfortunate when they don’t give Heavenly Father a chance to help them overcome those circumstances or inadequacies! Many people are extremely capable of doing more or extending beyond there comfort zone but choose to play it safe and put forth as little effort as possible. Guilt isn’t always a horrible thing, it can be detrimental but it can also motivate you to live up to the covenants you have made. I also feel like those who feel used in a calling because of their profession or hobbies need to change their attitudes and share their talents. This sounds like a negative rant but there are many people who give and give and can’t say NO as well! I believe there are two definitions of selfish. A good selfish for the benefit of one’s mental health and family and a negative selfish full of excuses! With God all things are possible but not if you never except a calling!”
- “It’s not common for people to turn down callings. Sometimes it’s a discussion and we realize that the Lord is fully aware of them, but that there are circumstances that necessitate redirecting their assignment. The Lord does inspire us to do things that he knows will be changed, but it’s part of us growing to understand His will, and those who he’s called to understand their abilities. What we must never forget is that agency is one of the greatest gifts given to us. We all have our agency and we must learn to use it to follow Christ. For some this takes a few callings before they realize it is from the Lord. Because I cherish agency, I never feel differently about someone who doesn’t accept their calling. I see it as an opportunity for them to learn and grow in the gospel just as we all do.”
- “Much more common than I ever expected. I’ll admit to having grown up with an erroneous understanding/belief that you always accept a calling, so the first few times I had members graciously decline a calling, I was stunned. I’ve found the hardest callings to fill are music callings and primary.”
4. What’s the spiritual reaction and/or next step to find someone else if the Holy Ghost told you to call someone who says no?
- “The process of feeling a calling when someone has said no is the same. Usually, we’ve had thoughts and feelings about multiple people for the same calling. We simply go back and look at who we were thinking about before and confirm a new name. There is a scripture that says many are called but few are chosen. The Lord‘s work will always move forward and His will will always be done. The question is are we going to choose to be a part of the work? accepting callings is one way we choose to follow him and be part of the work.”
- “Counsel with them a little bit to try and understand the reason for the no. I remind myself that agency is a central component of the Lord’s plan and then, frankly, restart the process.”
5. Assuming you plan on a life of service, what makes you personally always intend to hold a calling?
- “I personally intend to always hold a calling as much for my spiritual health as for my mental health. I have struggled with depression at times in my life, and I know that whatever calling I was/am in has spurred me on, rather than sitting in my basement and blocking out the world. We sometimes think we are serving God in our callings when in fact it is Him, yet again serving us, teaching us, celestializing us. He does not need our service, WE need our service.”
- “The search of the scriptures and the teachings of prophets, old and new, clearly guide us to accept the call when the Lord extends it through his servants. I long ago made the choice to always accept a calling and seek the Lord‘s will in filling that calling no matter my personal circumstances, anxieties, doubts, or abilities. It’s not a decision I need to make each time my priesthood leaders extend a calling. My next action after saying yes is to ask the Lord why me and how will I accomplish the work he needs me to do. In all cases, I get an answer to that prayer.”
- “Probably the main thing that brings me back to that intention is the thought of how many faithful saints have held callings and dutifully served myself and my family for decades. It feels to me as much about giving back to the ward/stake family that has given so much to me, as it does about following the Lord’s plan for me.”
External Resources Referenced In This Episode
- Elder Nelson April 1988
- Dallas Jenkins BYU Devotional
- President Nelson God uses the unlikely to do the impossible
- M. Russell Ballard biography (Susan Easton Black)
- President Nelson “daddy do you own me?”
- President Nelson the restoration is a process
- Sister Donna Packer passing Church News article
- Elder Tai The Love of God
- Elder Tai GCA episode
- Clayton M. Christensen 100% obedient – How Will You Measure Your Life
- Elder Boom’s GCA episode S5 E35
- August 2025 GC+ episode
- Patriarchal blessings
- The Good Ship Zion
What will you do?
How will you take action on the invitations extended in this General Conference address?
Conclusion
The focus of our next podcast episode will be the April 2025 General Conference Applications – Return and Report: Elder James R. Rasband, Elder Vargas, Elder Shumway, and Elder McCune.
As we conclude this episode, we would invite you to refer to the podcast episode details for this podcast episode where we have provided important information for connecting with us and further supporting the General Conference Applied Podcast. The best ways to help us are to like and subscribe to the podcast, to share the podcast with others, to like and share our content on social media, to share your own experiences with us on social media, and especially to contact us on our website.
Please remember that General Conference Applied is meant to be a supplement for your review of General Conference Addresses. We promise that you will get more out of each General Conference Applied episode when you study the General Conference address first.
Thank you for joining us in this effort to become doers of the word and to take action on general conference invitations.
Tags
Church Callings | Preparation | Second Coming | Service