Gospel Art Picture Kit
Mark 10:43–45; Titus 1:7–9; D&C 107:68; 108:1
But whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. Mark 10:43–44
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The Savior is the head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through His holy priesthood, Christ gives leaders of the Church the power to act in His name. Bishop is an ordained office in this priesthood, and a bishop of a ward is called by the Lord to administer all the temporal things of that ward (see D&C 107:68). The men who serve in this office devote a substantial amount of time and effort and do so without pay.
As the Lord’s steward over the ward, “a bishop must be blameless, … not self willed, not soon angry, … a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught” (Titus 1:7–9). As a bishop righteously serves the members of his ward, he can be a tremendous force for good in their lives. With love and concern the bishop counsels regularly with each youth in the ward. He interviews ward members before they make covenants with our Heavenly Father—such as baptismal, priesthood ordination, or temple covenants—and conducts yearly interviews with all members of the ward during tithing settlement.
We can turn to our bishop when we need emotional or spiritual help. Not only can he give us encouragement and love, he can also give us direction from the Lord, and we have been counseled to follow his advice (see D&C 108:1).
Summary
A bishop is called and ordained of God. He is appointed to watch over and serve the members of his ward and help them live the gospel. The bishop interviews ward members and counsels with them before they make covenants with our Heavenly Father, such as baptismal, priesthood ordination, and temple covenants.
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