Bishop Interview

Many people have trouble knowing when it is necessary to talk to their Bishop about sin and transgression. Many also have the idea that they must repent first and then see their Bishop as a final act before leaving on a mission. The Bishop is there to help throughout the repentance process. It should not be a surprise to someone who feels that they have overcome their problem, to find out that the Bishop would still like them to meet with him regularly or wait a certain time before receiving the blessings of the gospel, such as temple endowments or the Melchezidek Priesthood. The Bishop's role is to help throughout the entire process. Make an appointment to see the Bishop and discuss with him any struggles that you are having. He can help you steer clear of bad situations, clear up any past transgressions, and break free from temptations and sins you currently face.

When Do You Need to See Him?
If you aren't sure whether or not you need to see the Bishop, then you should see him just in case. The Bishop's role is to help us through repentance, no matter how grievious the sin is. He will also be able to counsel us as to the most effective ways to leave sin and turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart. He has seen through countless interviews and experiences what has worked and hasn't worked for individuals. If we are willing and able to talk with him, then he will help us to set ourselves straight with the Lord. Don't wait until you have overcome the sin. He can help this end a lot more quickly than you can on your own and he is open to guidance of the Spirit where one who is tangled in sin cannot sensitively feel these promptings.

If you're struggling with temptation, then see the Bishop early so he can help you to preven the sin from ever happening. To stay clean while preparing for a mission, let the Bishop know what weaknesses you have that could turn into problems if you aren't careful. He will be able to help you steer clear of bad situations so that you can enter the mission field as a servant of the Lord worthy of His work.

How to Make an Appointment
Don't wait for your annual or scheduled interview. You want to make obvious your desire to overcome this problem and return to the full blessings of the Church as soon as possible. By going to your Bishop as soon as something is wrong, you will show that you are repentant and you will also begin to train yourself to not let the problem go too far before you stop it. Talk to your Bishop as soon as possible so that you are able to stop the sin from escalating into other areas. Remember that the Bishop wants to talk to you.

• Mention to the Bishop when he is in his office or somewhere semi-private that you would like to speak with him. He will either take time out right then to see you or schedule a time for this to happen.

• Call the one responsible for scheduling the Bishop's interviews. This is often the Ward Clerk or Executive Secretary. If you aren't sure, ask the Bishop who is responsible for scheduling his interviews. He will most likely realize that you need to speak with him and make time for you as soon as possible. If he directs you to a person, then simply tell that person that you would like to set up an appointment with the Bishop. He will tell you some times that the Bishop will be in his office and ask if a certain time works for you. If you don't drive yet, let the clerk or Bishop know if you need to see them during church or activity hours so you don't have to get a ride to your interview.

• Call the Bishop at his home. This way it's confidential, no one knows that you're calling.

What to expect
In the Bishop's interview, he will most likely begin by asking general questions about how things are going for you. You might make a little bit of small talk or talk of things that are happening in the ward. He may dive right in. Either way, he will eventually allow an opportunity for you to tell him the reason you wanted to speak with him by asking straight out or by questions leading up to the topic.

After you tell him, he will counsel you on actions you should take to prevent the situation from happening again. He will inform you of Church blessings that you will not be able to participate in for the time being, such as partaking of the sacrament or using your priesthood authority. He will also schedule a way for you to stay in contact with him or set another appointment at a future date.
Note: If the problem is anything addictive, such as pornography, masturbation, sex, drug use or alcohol abuse, you may want to set up a way for you to stay in contact with the Bishop at least twice a week. For example, you could call his office phone or leave a message, just letting him know that you're doing fine for those few days. By making yourself accountable to him on a regular schedule, you'll help to break the cycle of addiction.

It is extremely appropriate to ask the Bishop for a blessing in order to have the strength to overcome your situation.

All that happens in your interview with the Bishop is confidential and kept private. If any action needs to be taken in regards to the calling that you hold, the Bishop will handle it with care and concern. He is aware of how hard it can be to come forward and confess your sins. If you are willing to do what it takes to overcome your problem, then he is willing to help. Don't question or second-guess his decision. He needs to see that you're willing to do whatever it takes to overcome this sin or keep yourself from ever getting involved in it.