I stopped this whole blog thing awhile ago because I haven't had much to say, but at last I feel I need to speak up. I have had more than a couple of these bad experiences with leadership and members. The last thing I would want to do is blame the gospel of Jesus Christ for their behavior, we live in two worlds at the same time when we are members of the church. We share spiritual view and share very close social sphere. The two are very different for me, there has been times in my adult life where that social sphere has made me question if I really wanted to go to church or a ward activity but in the end my spiritual religious side decided it was right for me to push forward through the awkwardness of social groups.
Leaders are not therapists, counselors or the answers to all your problems. They can offend and make you feel inadequate, It has definitely happened to me. The thing that makes it easy to forgive off the wall comments and advice is trying to put myself in their shoes, they have families and full time jobs. Then they have huge issues with various members of the ward, and some members trying to come to them with the answers to their problems, it has got to be stressful. they have a lot of things going on all at once. They are bound to make mistakes and if they make mistakes, the service they are giving is their best and I still appreciate them. With that said there are bad people in the world and in the church, if things are way way out of line, report it! It is why we have leaders and stake presidents and counselors. Abuse and misconduct happen in the church and in callings. I think if we all realize that bishops, young women and men leaders can make mistakes it would make it easier for us to be honest and as children report abuse and as adults help us to not get offended as much. We all are human and unless we never talk we will always offend someone, put our foot in our mouth and we all always need to repent and forgive.
