Leadership in action: how small gestures make a big difference

Recently I had the honor of participating in an episode of the Leading Saints podcast, in which I was allowed to talk about my experiences as a bishop.

My path to faith

My journey within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began thirteen years ago when I was baptized in 2011. Although I was not raised religiously and my father was even dismissive of religion, I found my way to faith thanks to my wife's curiosity and our shared search for meaning. Reading the Book of Mormon was a revelation to me and confirmed that I had found my spiritual home. Shortly after my baptism, I was asked to serve as a counselor to the branch president, which quickly taught me that leadership is primarily about serving.

The challenges and blessings of leadership

Since June I have been serving as bishop of the Sint-Niklaas district. With an average attendance of approximately 70 people on Sundays and a limited number of active youth members, there are challenges in running a full-fledged program. This requires creativity and a positive approach to maintain and strengthen member involvement.

One of the most important lessons I have learned as a leader is the importance of maintaining a positive tone. Whether it's teaching gospel principles or motivating members, a positive approach makes a world of difference. An example I would like to share is a moment during a testimony meeting where a sister hesitated to share her testimony because she had difficulty walking. Instead of seeing her disability as an obstacle, I got a microphone and gave her the opportunity to speak from her chair. This moment reminds me how important it is to focus on what well possible, and not on limitations.

My approach to the manual

Another important principle I use is my approach to the Church Handbook. Although the manual provides guidance on procedures and guidelines, I see it as my duty to follow the spirit of the law rather than just the letter. For me, it all comes down to one core rule: “How can we bring people closer to Christ?” All other rules support this goal. When I make decisions or am asked questions about how to approach something, I ask myself: Does this contribute to bringing someone closer to the gospel?

An example of this is how I deal with traditions such as wearing a white shirt while administering the sacrament. While it is a beautiful tradition that shows respect, I focus on the main purpose: the heart of the servant and bringing the gospel to others. By showing compassion and understanding and emphasizing love for neighbor and serving God, the message of the gospel remains central.

The power of avoiding disappointment

In my conversations with inactive members, I discovered that disappointment is a common reason why people withdraw. This insight has taught me how crucial it is to approach communication and decision-making with compassion and clarity. When I have to make tough decisions, I always try Why to explain and ensure that no one is left with a negative feeling. Avoiding disappointment contributes to a community in which people feel understood and valued.

Leading through serving

For me, leadership is not a matter of being on top, but of supporting others. My personal experiences, such as raising children with autism and overcoming my own challenges, such as a brain hemorrhage that nearly killed me, have shown me that faith and service are empowering. By helping others and following Christ's example, I have learned that true leadership involves serving and creating an environment where people grow and feel loved.