One month as church leader

The title is a nod to my good, (for now still) atheistic friend Karl Drabbe. Since I became bishop, he playfully greets me with that title. I laugh along, because he means it kindly and it fits my self-relativization. For nothing is further from the truth. Being a bishop is nothing princely, unless you would somehow make a comparison with the princely nature of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, who came to serve us. That is what I find so wonderful about this calling: to serve.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often uses the image from Apostle Paul's letter to the Corinthians, specifically in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. In this chapter, Paul explains that each member of the Church has a specific role and function, just as each part of the body has a unique and essential function. This image emphasizes the unity and diversity within the church and the importance of each individual contribution. So there are no small and large callings. Who can say that the responsibility of someone teaching a nine-year-old on Sunday is less important than that of a bishop?

However, that does not detract from my experiences. I enjoy serving in this calling. It gives me, and this is very personal, a wonderful opportunity to help others. The nicest thing I heard in recent weeks was “thank you bishop, for taking the time to visit and listen to me”. I can imagine that these words always sound blissful to those who make time for their brothers and sisters. Some do this by picking people up, others by offering a helping hand. Preparing a lesson so that peoplego home spiritually on Sunday. Filling the barbecue with tasty snacks so everyone can enjoy food, drink and good company. When I am grateful that I can serve, I realize that I can share that with many in the church and that latter-day saints recognize that feeling.

I will not deny that it is sometimes challenging. We remain a church where everyone contributes, and I have the task of ensuring that those gears fit together and that the right people are called everywhere. That is a serious puzzle at times. A considerable challenge to take into account all practical limitations and personal wishes. After all, there are still so many responsibilities outside the church and everyone does their best. Some serve because they are best suited for a task, others get the chance togrow. I admit that it has already cost me hours of sleep to solve that puzzle. Without inspiration, it won't work, nor without the willingness of all members. It's not perfect, but I enjoy it and am grateful to see that it works.

The most difficult aspect to live with as a bishop is that although I do my best, I cannot meet all requests. We are only a small group and everyone is busy. Just try to schedule a meeting that suits everyone perfectly… Where there are people, there are human interactions. I always hope that our sense of Christian charity makes us realize that, specifically that mistakes are made. Our community is not a department store where everyone with unlimited choice can find their instant gratification can find. If I refer back to the previously mentioned image of Paul, it also means that we are all dependent on each other. Without the heart, no blood goes to the hands, but the hands also provide the labor needed to have food that gives energy to the heart.

I am grateful for the warm welcome in the Sint-Niklaas neighborhood. Everyone has their style, their bigger and smaller quirks, but it's so nice to get to know everyone and discover what I can do to improve the spiritual experience. Thank you for that opportunity.