Jobs in the "Mormon" Church

Being a member of the Mormon church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, requires a lot of time and sacrifice. That's because our leaders do not get paid. As far as the prophet and other apostles and general authorities, I do not know if their living expenses are covered. But for our local leaders and teachers, I know that no money is given in exchange for preaching and teaching. This is a brilliant plan. First, because the money we contribute for tithing can go to build temples and church buildings, to maintain those buildings, and for our activities. Second, because when you have a job, you feel needed. You feel part of a group and your contribution blesses you and others. Because when you serve, you feel the love of God. And because you develop friendships and skills as you serve.

Every member of the church receives a job or calling. This is discussed, prayed about, and issued by the bishopric of the ward.  The ward is the congregation you attend and is determined by geographical boundaries. The bishop is the leader of the ward. He has two counselors and secretaries and clerks that serve with him. There are presidencies for the organizations within the ward. The adult priesthood quorums--high priests and elders--have presidencies. The young men's organization has adult leaders who are in presidencies and then the young men or teenage boys serve in presidencies. This is also true for the young women or teenage girls. They have adult leaders who serve and the teenage girls serve in presidencies. There is the Primary organization that serves the children in the ward, ages 18 months through 11 years. The Sunday School organization consists of a presidency and teachers who teach youth ages 12-18 and adults. The Relief Society serves the adult sisters in the ward. Within those organizations, teachers are called along with musical jobs such as playing the piano and teaching or leading the singing.

Outside of the church, I am currently the conference coordinator for an annual Children's Literature Conference for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) at Boise State University. Check out this year's conference, "Tell Me a Story." I've noticed that the skills I gained in serving in my church job or calling have helped me as the conference coordinator. As a young woman I served in presidencies. That's where I first learned about agendas and meetings and fulfilling assignments. As an adult, I've served as Relief Society President in a student ward, Primary President in a married student ward, visiting teaching coordinator--assigning sisters to visit each other monthly, choir pianist, Compassionate service leader in Relief Society, Primary chorister, Primary counselor, Primary President, as an advisor in Young Women's, a counselor in Young Women's, a Sunbeam teacher--for 3-4 year olds,  the Provident Living Specialist--helping ward members get their food storage, a specialist for Cub Scouts and 11 year-old scouts, a teacher in nursery, a Cub Scout den leader, and now as a counselor in the Stake Primary. A stake consists of about 6-11 wards.

As I've served, I've come to know that my Heavenly Father loves me. He's smart. He knew that as I served teenage girls, it would prepare me for when my own daughters would be that age.  He knew that as I practiced and memorized the primary songs to teach, I would sing them to my own children. He knew that as I served in presidencies I would love the sisters I served with and would feel their love for me. And he knows that as I continue to teach others of Christ, my testimony grows and as I serve, I feel a tiny bit of the love for others that He feels for us.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is true and real. The organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is also true and real and magnificent. The gospel and the church are for us so we can learn and grow and  return to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.