Elder M. Russell Ballard recently spoke at the annual “Evening With a General Authority” broadcast, initially delivered last month to all employees and volunteers within the Church Education System. If by chance you haven’t seen it I highly recommend it, especially if you have anything to do with the young people of the Church. TheContinue reading “Elder Ballard on Teaching Youth in the 21st Century”
Author Archives: Brigham Rupp
Seven Things Worth Doing in Your New Calling
A few weeks ago a good friend of ours was called to be relief society president in her ward. I was genuinely flattered when she asked for advice from my perspective as a bishop. I thought about it for a few days in hopes of providing a worthy and response, then I passed on sevenContinue reading “Seven Things Worth Doing in Your New Calling”
Own Your Words
This post is a bit of a departure. It isn’t related to my study and doesn’t contain a bunch of scriptures or conference talks. It’s just me sharing something I feel strongly about. Hopefully it’s worth a look. On a recent Wednesday evening my seven-year-old daughter Grace asked, “Are you going to help people tonight?”Continue reading “Own Your Words”
We Believe in Being Honest
Baptismal interviews with children are one of the highlights of serving as a bishop. Their simple faith and innocence is so refreshing. I have great respect for the apprehension, excitement, and desire they bring to the interview and their sincerity in answering the questions. The baptismal interview is the first time we are asked aContinue reading “We Believe in Being Honest”
Good Reads: The Power of Everyday Missionaries
This is the first of what I hope will become a series of periodic book recommendations. When I started this blog, I never intended to review books but I thought it might be fun as a repeated feature. While I love to read, I don’t read a lot of “Church” books. I’m busy, they’re expensive,Continue reading “Good Reads: The Power of Everyday Missionaries”
Even as Many as Will
I was recently reading the story of Enos, where Enos describes his “wrestle before God” prior to obtaining forgiveness for his sins. We know so very little of what Enos was thinking and feeling when he went into the forest to hunt that day, besides the words of his Father sinking deep into his heartContinue reading “Even as Many as Will”
Spiritual Growth, The Silver Lining In Sickness
Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. -Psalms 39:4 I had high hopes a glorious Christmas-time blog post. Or maybe a glorious New Year’s post. Then the reality of our annual winter pilgrimage to Utah set in. ItContinue reading “Spiritual Growth, The Silver Lining In Sickness”
Ward Split!
Today our stake made some significant boundary adjustments to reduce the sizes of four wards and create a new ward. As the first significant ward split I’ve encountered since my youth, I thought I would share my thoughts and experience from my perspective as a bishop. * If you were in the meeting by chance,Continue reading “Ward Split!”
“Life is Hard, and Then…
…you die.” The quote is not originally his, but this was my dad’s typical response any time I tried to complain to him during my teenage years. He would say it with a smirk, quickly undercutting whatever complaint I had. What do you say after that? Thanks? Despite being the epitome of hyperbolic pessimism, it stuckContinue reading ““Life is Hard, and Then…”
Prayer of Thanksgiving
A short post after a long week. Hope everyone has an excellent holiday. Growing up, Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday. Of course I love Christmastime, but the traditional Rupp family thanksgiving was always one of my favorite days of the year. The entire clan would overtake a church cultural hall in Salt Lake City for the day.Continue reading “Prayer of Thanksgiving”
Brigham Rupp 