- RL on Non-Member Callings and Part-Member Families: “We have pretty clear lines in callings-meant primarily for adherent members by assignment. I wonder sometimes if we could have more room for less orthodox attenders or involve some selection. I understand we have a way of doing things, but would like more options for attendees who aren’t fully on board. Folks with chastity or word of wisdom issues. Gay partnered folks who still want to come to Church, etc. Along with the original post there seemed to be more room for Jack or cultural members that now has been greatly reduced.” Nov 11, 19:12
- on Non-Member Callings and Part-Member Families: “Anything related to activities could be a good candidate, including things that are more “assignments” than “callings.” Young Men and Young Women’s camps still need a ton of people, Activity Days, sports nights, etc. Also, service. Seems like the “compassionate service committee” got folded into ministering, but they could be asked to participate in or even coordinate the work it did. I’m a little dubious about giving a non-member a solo ministering assignment, as ministers should be able to address spiritual needs. But with a companion, absolutely. Similar reasoning can apply to a member who has lost their testimony but it still attending for their family’s sake, a member who is not attending church but still has some attachment to the community (e.g. they still come play basketball), etc. I completely agree with DaveW that we should gratefully accept whatever anyone is willing to give. If someone wants to be part of a community, at any level, the best way to make them feel like they really are a valued member is to ask them to contribute to it.” Nov 11, 16:18
- on Steadying the Ark: “LHL, yes it’s a difficult process and I’ll note in my upcoming posts. A certain resignation of limited ability seems to be a requirement for sticking at it. KLC, good idea.” Nov 11, 14:26
- on Non-Member Callings and Part-Member Families: “I don’t see the pinky there, sorry. AI is now causing viewers to hallucinate! AI slop is annoying (I’m not even getting into the problems with the teeth on all of the characters in the pic)” Nov 11, 09:22
- on Non-Member Callings and Part-Member Families: “Jonathan Green and E: Great ideas. Because we (rightfully) focus on the religious dimension, we sometimes forget that genealogy has really taken off as a hobby in the US in its own right. There are so many non-LDS genealogy junkies that would love to help people with census records. Dave W: I agree. I mean, within certain obvious limits (Hannibal Lecter should not be given a ministering assignment); one of the benefits of living in a “high needs” ward is that that kind of line drawing doesn’t happen as much. “Brother Smith, great to see you at church after ten years; can you substitute Sunbeams?” Also, the way your energy in your comment slid into that non-sequitur final paragraph responding to Ivan made me lol.” Nov 11, 09:13
- on Non-Member Callings and Part-Member Families: “I would strongly argue that ministering assignments should be given to anyone willing to do them, irrespective of their ability to give priesthood blessings. To do otherwise further stratifies the community. Peter Priesthood is asked to keep watch over more people, while Jack is being told that he’s not worthy enough to be tasked with checking in on his neighbors. (Further, what about every Aaronic Priesthood holder; you know, the ones explicitly called out in the D&C to visit the house of each member and watch over the church away, and be with and strengthen them.) One of the greatest weaknesses of our church is the way we push out people who aren’t 100% in. I’ve been in meetings where the bishopric was clearly conflicted that there was a single YW leader (out of a dozen or so) that didn’t have an active temple recommend. Releasing that woman sends a clear message that if you slide from 100% orthodoxy/orthopraxy for any reason, you’ll be sitting on the sidelines until you reform. And benching people is hardly the way to get them to feel like part of a community. And the guy in the middle clearly has 5 fingertips on his left hand. I can only see 4 on his right, but his pinky can easily be tucked back behind the other fingers.” Nov 11, 09:01
- on Non-Member Callings and Part-Member Families: “Dude in the middle only has three fingers on his left hand.” Nov 11, 07:44
- on Non-Member Callings and Part-Member Families: “Another possibility is family history consultant, for those so inclined (especially if able to help staff a family history center).” Nov 11, 05:01
- on Your Reactions to Church Yesterday, 11/9: “The lesson was on B. Brown’s talk about testimony. I was tempted to tell everyone about my Book of Mormon testimony as an answer to prayer before my mission: It is true enough. I do not think anyone would understand.” Nov 10, 19:28
