Dilemma about church service - cougarguard.com — unofficial BYU Cougars / LDS sports, football, basketball forum and message board

MikeWaters · 10-23-2005, 07:37 PM

So a couple weeks ago our ward, along with other people in the stake/region sent some men down to do work in New Orleans. I didn't go due to work commitments, but got a report from someone that went.

He said they went to several members homes (not clear if these were homes that were rented or owned), but since they weren't present there was nothing they did. They did however find someone to help, about a half million dollar home in a better neighborhood. They stripped out drywall "so that the insurance adjustors could have an easier time condemning it for demolition." I wasn't terribly impressed with the actual need for their service, but it sounded like they had a good time.

So fastforward to today and the church has requested another work party for this weekend. (they have given very short notice in both instances). While I don't have anything that absolutely conflicts with me going, I do have a general work project that I need to finish. That combined with taking me away from my family, and the dim prospectes of helping wealthy homeowners, is kind of turning me off from going. Yet there is a certain sense of guilt in saying "no, I think my time is better served by serving my own family".

Barring some sort of miracle, our ward will not be able to fill the requested 10 slots.

So the question is, is there a place in saying no to church service/callings? If so, what are those circumstances by which it is justified?

Archaea · 10-24-2005, 01:34 AM

service calls depends on situation.

If there is a problem I would inform the caller of obligations, and sometimes they will not extend it.

As to service call, just go with your heart. Personally, at your stage in life, I don't see you being obligated to go out of town to do that type of stuff.

ute4ever · 10-24-2005, 05:14 AM

Hey service is good, but work and family are important too. In trying to do what's right we don't need to run faster than we have strength. Be obedient to the church, but don't be a freak. I don't think God wants a bunch of whacked out, over-zealous, straight-edger religious freaks running around like a Mormon taliban.

UteStar · 10-25-2005, 05:07 PM

Oh man Mike, I would so NOT be there. The church can be very good at monopolizing our time. I have no problem with true service work, but there needs to be a balance. With really no plans on what kind of service or what is going to be done, I would just say "Sorry, I am not able to make it, but good luck." I would not feel bad about that one at all...

10-23-2005, 07:37 PM	#1
MikeWaters Demiurge Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 36,365	Dilemma about church service So a couple weeks ago our ward, along with other people in the stake/region sent some men down to do work in New Orleans. I didn't go due to work commitments, but got a report from someone that went. He said they went to several members homes (not clear if these were homes that were rented or owned), but since they weren't present there was nothing they did. They did however find someone to help, about a half million dollar home in a better neighborhood. They stripped out drywall "so that the insurance adjustors could have an easier time condemning it for demolition." I wasn't terribly impressed with the actual need for their service, but it sounded like they had a good time. So fastforward to today and the church has requested another work party for this weekend. (they have given very short notice in both instances). While I don't have anything that absolutely conflicts with me going, I do have a general work project that I need to finish. That combined with taking me away from my family, and the dim prospectes of helping wealthy homeowners, is kind of turning me off from going. Yet there is a certain sense of guilt in saying "no, I think my time is better served by serving my own family". Barring some sort of miracle, our ward will not be able to fill the requested 10 slots. So the question is, is there a place in saying no to church service/callings? If so, what are those circumstances by which it is justified?

10-24-2005, 01:34 AM	#2
Archaea Assistant to the Regional Manager Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: The Orgasmatron Posts: 24,338	Callings you should accept service calls depends on situation. If there is a problem I would inform the caller of obligations, and sometimes they will not extend it. As to service call, just go with your heart. Personally, at your stage in life, I don't see you being obligated to go out of town to do that type of stuff. __________________ Ἓν οἶδα ὅτι οὐδὲν οἶδα

10-24-2005, 05:14 AM	#3
ute4ever I must not tell lies Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 5,103	Hey service is good, but work and family are important too. In trying to do what's right we don't need to run faster than we have strength. Be obedient to the church, but don't be a freak. I don't think God wants a bunch of whacked out, over-zealous, straight-edger religious freaks running around like a Mormon taliban.

10-25-2005, 05:07 PM	#4
UteStar Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,817	Oh man Mike, I would so NOT be there. The church can be very good at monopolizing our time. I have no problem with true service work, but there needs to be a balance. With really no plans on what kind of service or what is going to be done, I would just say "Sorry, I am not able to make it, but good luck." I would not feel bad about that one at all...