I'm thinking of asking to be released from my calling. I've thought about it for several months now. It's not that I'm going inactive or anything like that. It's just that I've not been performing some of the duties of my calling for well over two years now, and slowly I've been slacking off on more and more duties. I've brought it up with my RS pres (I'm the VT Coordinator), and she said that if I want a break, to ask, but that she will not release me.
In my pondering of this, I've gotten three distinct impressions 1.) that I shouldn't, 2.) if I did that's up to me, and finally 3.) that I need to repent of not performing my calling, then see what happens after that. All the while I keep wanting to just throw my hands up and quit because the VT program needs someone who will do what needs to be done.
I'm not really asking you if you think I should ask to be released. I just want to know if you've had experience with asking to be released, and how that worked out for you.
2007-07-27
05:01:19
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12 answers
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asked by
Tonya in TX - Duck
6
in
Society & Culture
➔ Religion & Spirituality
For me the pressure of feeling like I just don't want to do it anymore and I want a break, versus, the feelings associated with ASKING, instead of letting it come to an end on it's own and how people may treat me for ASKING to be released, is enormous.
2007-07-27
05:04:50 ·
update #1
Well, here's what I've done. I talked with my RS Pres and told her I needed a break. She said that was fine, that she feels that I know better than anyone else when I need a break. I told her that I still want to serve, and still need and want a calling. I plan on talking with the Bishop on Wednesday about all of this. I've been in this calling for about 3 - 3 1/2 years, and had it in a previous Branch for 2 1/2 years before I moved. I've been thinking and praying about this for months now, but kept feeling guilty about it because I felt if I were REALLY supposed to be released the I would be. Then I prayed during the sacrament yesterday to know what to do. I asked that if it was ok for me to ask, then to please take the guilt associated with this decision away. During Sunday School I thought about it again, and realized that while I was still apprehensive about it, I didn't have any guilt concerning it. So I asked.
2007-07-30
06:30:23 ·
update #2
A few years ago I asked to be released as a financial clerk. I was also teaching a class, but felt I could continue that. It was a difficult decision, but I felt I was at my limit. I don't deal with stress well and besides the usual challenges, several more had just materialized including a near death crisis with one of my children and a serious job threat.
I felt guilty about doing this for some time. I think if I had it to do over, I wouldn't have asked, but then again, I've had time to forget some of the way I felt at the time.
After having gone through this, I can still only conclude that there is no one answer for everyone. Each person and situation is different. My heart and mind say that we must study it out, ask God what to do, and go with what our heart and mind tell us. I definitely believe there are appropriate situations to discuss a release with Church leaders. I also believe we must do what we feel is right, regardless of what Church leaders say. They aren't perfect.
2007-07-27 05:32:59
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answer #1
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answered by Bryan Kingsford 5
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Tonya, you've had some great answers thus far. By the way of your explanation I strongly suggest a talk with the bishop and sort out these problems with him. Perhaps some rearranging can be done to put vigor in your present calling.
My situation isn't the same as yours so there is little comparison. When I was called as the first counselor in the Elders' Quorum, I was already serving as the Gospel Essentials instructor and the Facilities Management Coordinator. I had asked to be released from the Gospel Essentials calling and that was granted. Nevertheless, I've filled in for the instructor on several occasions anyway along with the Sunday School adult class.
Now that I've been called as a stake high counselor I expect to be released from all other callings because the stake president so said.
2007-07-30 08:51:11
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answer #2
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answered by Guitarpicker 7
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The only time I have asked to be released was when I lived in a small ward. Most people in the ward held several callings. I was a primary teacher and the Enrichment night nursery leader (the only calling I have ever depised) I think I did Acheivement Days too. They called me to be in the Young Womens presidency, and obviously they released me from Primary. I asked to be released from The Nursery calling too since it was too much with the Young Women calling. In that ward, the only YW leaders were the Presidency, we had not instructors or camp leaders, we just did it all- so really more than one calling was enough.
The Enrichment night nursery leader was a calling I just hated. I had wanted to be released for some time but could not bring myself to ask to be released, because I worried that no one else would accept the calling. There were only a handful of Young Women and they would not step in and do it for us, like they do in many wards. I felt very Isolated from the Relief Society because on Sundays I was in Primary and on Enrichment Night I was stuck in the Nursery. On Enrichement night, they have kids from 0-15 so it makes it real tough. Some weeks there would be two kids, some weeks there would be 20. I just really wanted to be released and I was grateful for the call to Young Womens so that I could get out of the nursery.
I don't know that is a hard thing. I felt guilty asking, which is why I did not ask until I got the other calling. I also knew that if I was released no one else would do the job. They had been trying to get some one else to be in there with me so that I could trade off months and go to enrichment night, or at least have someone in there to help me, but nobody would accept. I did not even have kids, and I gave up my enrichment nights for other people's kids. Hope that helps.
2007-07-30 12:20:39
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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The only reason I asked to be released was because I was moving out of the ward.
But, I DID turn down a calling once. And it was hard, but I think it was not only the thing to do, but it was a good ting because theh bishop and I had a nice talk about it. And I got a calling that I really enjoyed.
If you pray about it, and you truly believe that you need a break, at least take the RS pres. up on her offer. But, two years is a long time for such a demanding job. But, I doubt you would bget a lot of sympathy from her! ;-)
2007-07-28 05:10:16
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answer #4
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answered by mormon_4_jesus 7
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I think that you should not ask to be released anymore. According to what I have just read, I think that they really like the way that you have been performing your calling, like you've been doing fine, but you, yourself just do not realize it. Unless you have other reasons of why you would like to be released. I feel the same way. Right now I have 2 callings, I'm Young Single Adults representative and Relief Society secretary. Sometimes I feel that I would like to be released from my YSA representative calling because I feel that I have not been doing it really well, my first activity was a trip to Six Flags America, the presidency desired make it to the entire ward.. it messed up and was canceled. I felt really bad about it. 2 of the YSA of my ward have left and guess what.... now it seems like we are only 2 YSAs, me and another 23 years old girl. I just planned another activity to go to the movies on Saturday, we'll meet in church and let's see who goes... However, sometimes I feel like there's not much that I can do about it.
Just pray about it, pray a lot and talk with other people in your ward and your bishop and ask them for some help, they'll be glad to help. ^_^
You'll be fine
2007-07-30 00:40:46
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answer #5
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answered by Love Yahoo!!! wannabe a princess 4
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I have never asked to be released but I was given an option whether to accept another calling. I was in Nursery and they asked if I would like to 1.Stay (with my younger son) 2. Be called to serve as teacher assistant (with my older son) 3. Have a break from a calling.
I chose the latter because I didn't want to serve with my kids. I just felt like they need some independance (They are with me 24/7 and I felt Sunday was a good day for them to interact socially without me)
I have yet to be called again.
Prayer is the best way to know for yourself.
Good luck. :)
2007-07-27 21:39:06
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answer #6
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answered by fishcan'tseewater 3
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If you pray and feel it is right, ask the Bishop to relase you(i dont think the RS pres. has any thing to do about it.) Talk over your conserns with him. He will either help you get a new enthusiasm in your calling or release you and put you in another calling. I am priest hood pianist and can hardly play the piano. I keep having to play the same 3 songs. I get alot of coments about my playing. Most are negitive. I want to get relased, but i feel i have to keep doing it for some unknown reason. Pray. Moroni 10:4-6 (4-5?)
2007-07-27 12:13:23
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answer #7
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answered by DJ_surfer 3
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Past Mormon of 9 years here. Asking to be released from a calling is a big ol' Mormon deal, IMHO, because people have this sense of duty and obligation to carry burdens - which goes more with cultural and social teaching that with religious or spiritual truths. I don't think this is healthy to feel your frelationship with God - all loving and all forgiving - is in jeopardy when you just aren't in a doing place. I firmly believe God feels okay about you if you are in a receiving place in your life right now. He loves you regardless.
If you know you aren't performing your calling, then I do think it is the responsible thing to ask the bishop / or bishopric over your area to be released. The RS Pres isn't in the place to do that for you as it is a different thing for her to ask for you to be released - this indicates she is judging your performance and wishes for you to be released.
When asking the bishopric to be released from this calling, give him an indication of what you would be willing to do as a calling at this time. There is no such thing as taking an extended vacation from any calling in the church - unless you live in a very LDS populated area and they make up callings for people to have. Also let your spouse in on it - I was very surprised when they asked my spouse first and then came to me. It seems to be better recieved if the male says - oh no, not at this time. (skipping my opinions on this)
A note - when the RS president resigned from her calling when I was her 1st counsellor - my heart jumped with joy - there is nothing more pleasant than being released from a calling when your team-members are burdened in their life with the duties associated with your team responsibilities. Meaning - the duties fall on someone - and it is often on others to pick up your slack - and they probably love you - but it's hard on them.
Also VT cooridinator is not a simple calling in the least. Been there - done that.
When I walked away from a calling - I wrote a letter and handed it to the appropriate people. My team members didn't press me - probably because they knew I wasn't in the place to be pushed.
2007-07-27 12:17:23
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answer #8
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answered by jodimode 3
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I personally feel that you would not have the calling if you couldn't do it completely. Pray about it and hang in there. Just remember to pray as if everything depends on your Heavenly Father, but work as if everything depends on you. All will be easier for you if you go at it from that angle. I love my calling even though it's tough sometimes. It's worth every moment I dedicate to it!
2007-07-30 00:26:24
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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I have never asked to be released from a calling, but I'm sure it would be a hard decision to make. I hope all goes well for you.
gw
2007-07-30 10:54:32
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answer #10
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answered by georgewallace78 6
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