My First Church Calling

I attended with my family the branch of the Church in Frankfurt, Germany. We were blessed with many wonderful people in our little branch. One was our branch president, Brother Landschulz. …

One Sunday, President Landschulz asked if he could speak with me. …

[He] invited me into a small classroom—our chapel did not have an office for the branch president—and there he extended a call to me to serve as deacons quorum president.

“This is an important position,” he said, and then he took his time and described why. He explained what he and the Lord expected of me and how I could receive help.

I don’t remember much of what he said, but I do remember how I felt. A sacred, divine Spirit filled my heart as he spoke. I could feel that this was the Savior’s Church. And I felt that the calling he had extended was inspired by the Holy Ghost. I remember walking out of that tiny classroom feeling quite a bit taller than before. …

… I felt honored, and I wanted to serve to the best of my ability and not disappoint either my branch president or the Lord.

I realize now that the branch president could have merely gone through the motions when he called me to this position. He could have simply told me in the hallway or during a priesthood meeting that I was the new deacons quorum president.

Instead, he spent time with me and helped me understand not only the what of my assignment but, much more important, the why. …

… It is an example to me of the motivating power of priesthood leadership that awakens the spirit and inspires action.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “The Why of Priesthood Service,” Ensign, May 2012, 58.

Questions to Ponder

How does accepting Church callings strengthen you and those you serve?
What can you do to prepare yourself to accept a Church calling, even when you are busy?

Consider writing your thoughts in your journal or discussing them with others.

Photo illustration by Ruth Sipus