Good morning, my friend…
You don’t need to repent or apologize. Obviously, I need to apologize for being the cause of such feelings in your heart. I hope you can forgive me.
Please know that the phrase in our letter “Will you please consider…” means just that. This was not to be a directive or commandment, but a request that you could either do or not do. We will not be monitoring or chastening those who choose not to comply with our request. We do trust you and know you will make the right choice for your quorum.
Maybe some background will help explain how this even happened.
So why did we even ask such a thing?
There are two concerns that have weighed on me recently:
1. Ministering Overshadowed: It has appeared to me that the emphasis on the wonderful home-centered learning through Come, Follow Me and the reduction in the number of times the RS and EQ leaders are able to meet with their members have affected, even overshadowed, the emphasis we received a year ago on the importance of ministering.
2. Waning Interest in Home-Centered Learning: From observations in Sunday school classes it seems to me members are getting casual about the emphasis on home-centered learning. I don’t know if it’s a case where the novelty of Come, Follow Me has worn off or if it’s because Sunday school is held so infrequently that it seems members are not as engaged in studying the gospel at home like we were earlier in the year.
So when the idea of how to get “two birds with one stone” in addressing my two concerns, frankly I couldn’t resist. In hindsight I probably should have done what you recommended and that’s just share my concerns and ask the presidencies to come up with solutions.
Deep down I was hoping that making such a recommendation would help RS and EQ presidents to see how they can encourage home-centered gospel learning by incorporating Come, Follow Me in their instruction, too, helping to support the idea that Come, Follow Me is a weekly home-study activity and not just something we study the week before the first and third Sundays.
So why was it sent out so late?
Frankly, I didn’t get the idea until Thursday while in my own personal study. I planted the “seed” of an idea and it began to grow throughout the day. I had interviews until 10 pm that night so was unable to draft the message until early Friday. I then sent it to the stake presidency for approval and/or counsel. I received two excellent recommendations and made the changes then sent it out.
Could it have waited? Yes, but I wanted to take advantage of the timeliness of studying Acts 6-9 this week in Come, Follow Me. My hope was that by outlining the discussion would make it very easy for you—no added preparation time.
So why didn’t we send it to presidents only?
I should and would have, except for two reasons:
1. The Church's broadcast email system doesn’t allow me to send to presidents only, only to presidencies;
2. I didn’t know which presidents might be on vacation and not accessing their email.
So, as you can see, there was a whole series of well-meaning blunders along the way. I appreciate your feedback and concerns. I feel badly it has caused within you such deep discontent. Again, I hope you can please forgive me.
Thank you for your patience with me. I take heart in President Eyring’s talk in the Priesthood Session last April when he referenced priesthood leaders as “imperfect human beings.” So I guess I take some consolation in knowing that I’m not alone in my stumblings.
Thank you again for writing and sharing your feelings. You are a mighty EQ president and I am honored to serve with you.
Crismon
P.S. I understand you shared with your son (Name) and his wife the link to the Area Presidency presentation on June 25. That led to both of them raising some questions, even challenges, as to the direction we’re taking in the Spanish branch. As the “father” (grandfather?:) of that fledgling little group, I’m sure you’re still very interested in how your “baby” is doing. We, too, have concerns and are struggling to find answers. But we’re still encouraged. Anyway, I’m going to take the liberty of sharing Corey’s email to me and my response, in case he didn’t share it with you, so you can see what wonderful, out-of-the-box thinking is coming from Corey and Marie—he’s a cut out of the same cloth as his dad. He,too, is going to be an outstanding leader in the Church.
On Jul 12, 2019, at 6:40 PM, Don Hokanson <hokansondm@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear President Lewis,
I am probably out of line for writing this and even more so for thinking it. I recently finished a historical fiction book called the Muddy about early pioneers and polygamy which explored the relationship between individual agency and following the brethren. As I read it I realized that I similarly struggle with the same concept.
I appreciate the selfless sacrifice you give to our stake.
I should probably be faster to heed your counsel. But this is what happens when I get a directive like this.
I read and try to follow the handbook and try to apply the principles behind the handbook.
This week I prayerfully considered a topic and have spent a bit of time preparing for Sunday.
So when I read this email these are the thoughts in my mind:
1. President L doesn't trust us to use our keys.
2. Why is President L varying from the handbook? Is he executing his "On exception the stake president or Bishop may assign..." clause? And if so, why such a short notice? How often will this happen?
3. Why does this kind of micro managing cause such a strong reaction in me? What is wrong with me? Some people are great at just doing.
Just like the people in the Muddy who followed the brethren, sometimes begrudgingly, obedience brings blessings although not always what was hoped for.
I will do my best to work this into the discussion.
I would prefer that guidance from the stake come in the following manner:
- Tell us the problem or concern and let our presidencies and ward councils seek our own inspiration and make our own plan.
- In the event of a crisis or urgency let us know that this is a commandment so that we just do it. Use sparingly.
- Send to the appropriate presiding authority rather than all presidency or council members effectively bypassing key holders and presidents.
- Trust us to do the best we can.
I shall now go and repent and do my best to get my heart in the right spot for Sunday.
(Name)
