The Savior Taught the Apostles about Leadership

In the world today, leadership is usually something associated with business. Those who have roles of leadership usually have to climb a ladder in a company and have significant experience in that particular business. Things of the world like degrees, awards, achievements can help to promote levels of leadership.

            In the scriptures and in the church we treat callings or leadership opportunities differently. People are not chosen based on a resume or past experience but rather are chosen through inspiration from the Lord. In many cases a bishop from a humble background will be called to a position that requires a lot of leadership. The Lord seems to give us callings and opportunities in the church to grow and all callings are equally important in the sight of the Lord.

            The purpose of using volunteers (members) in callings throughout the church is to follow the Savior’s call to follow Him and serve others. He said, “The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him” (John 13:16).

            My dad is an excellent example of service in the church. He tries to follow what the Savior would do and seek promptings in each calling. One time he remembered a girl’s birthday in my ward and recalled her favorite type of snack. It was really simple but she was really struggling and I think it meant a lot to her to know that he had really been listening to her talk a while back. It showed he cared about her and not just because she was making some poor decisions.

            My mom is also another great example of Christ-like service. She goes above and beyond to reach out to the sisters she visit teaches. I would often go with her to a sister’s apartment or the store where she worked so my mom could see how that sister was doing.