If you are wondering what a calling is:
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "calling" is a position or assignment in which members have been asked to serve or perform. Members are called of God to serve each other, and all callings are important. Callings are voluntary, are issued by the proper authority, and are usually for a few years.
What does Proper Authority mean then:
There is a specific process in which callings are issued. First the person who presides over a calling will carefully ponder and prayerfully consider the name of an individual. They submit that person's name to the proper priesthood authority (such as a Bishop) who also prayerfully considers the recommendation. Once spiritual approval has been received the calling is extended to the individual. When a person is extended a calling they either accept or reject it. Members are encouraged to accept callings because they are from God, and the services they will perform are also for their own benefit and growth.
What does Called of God mean:
All callings that have gone through the proper process come from God. The Fifth Article of Faith states this belief:
"We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof."
When a calling is issued the rest of the congregation (usually during Sacrament Meeting) sustains (or supports) that person. After the regular services are over the person is set apart for their calling. Setting apart is when the proper priesthood authorities place their hands on the person's head and give them a blessing.
"We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof."
When a calling is issued the rest of the congregation (usually during Sacrament Meeting) sustains (or supports) that person. After the regular services are over the person is set apart for their calling. Setting apart is when the proper priesthood authorities place their hands on the person's head and give them a blessing.
Callings are Voluntary:
All service in the LDS Church is voluntary because we have a lay ministry, rather than paid clergy, and members do not receive wages or other compensation for their time.
As of a couple weeks ago my calling was a Young Women's adviser in our ward (congregation). I have done this a couple years and really enjoyed it.
If you are wondering what a ward is: In our church all congregations are called wards and wards are determined by where you live. Then there are 8-10 wards in the Stake. We are in the Iowa City Stake, then there is a Cedar Rapids Stake, Des Moines Stake and so on. There are 7 Stakes in Iowa.
Anyway, instead of me having a job with the ward, I was asked to be the 2nd Counselor for the Iowa City Stake Young Women's Presidency.
Anyway, instead of me having a job with the ward, I was asked to be the 2nd Counselor for the Iowa City Stake Young Women's Presidency.
This means I'll be a tad bit busier with 2 Stake meetings a month and then helping with Youth meetings once every other month and then helping with the Huge Stake Youth Activities once every other month. Sound fun, busy, crazy and exciting at the same time. I know I can do it. I'm excited for the opportunity to serve.
When I was being set apart for this calling, I received a blessing. In the blessing an answer to my prayers happened and this was a testament to me that God Lives and Loves each and every one of us individually.
I had been praying in my personal prayers to Heavenly Father asking him if I was really the one he wanted for this calling. I also asked him if I would have enough time to do this.
In the blessing the person giving me the blessing (who has no idea who I am, or had even met me before that I remember), not knowing what I asked Heavenly Father, said, "Michelle you are the right person for this calling, the Lord understands all you have in your life and you will find the time to serve in this calling."
