How I Lead as Assistant Ward Clerk | An Interview With Mikel Roper

Mikel Roper is an Assistant Ward Clerk over Finance, and a Temple Ordinance Worker. Episode Highlights * 4:20 - There is a lot of responsibility that goes along with being called as a clerk * 5:19 - Where were you raised? When were you baptized? Did you serve a mission? Did you attend college? What is your vocation? Are you married and where did you meet? Do you have any children? Who is the most famous Mormon you’ve ever met? What is the first general conference talk that comes to mind? What is your favorite General Conference tradition? If you were to speak in General Conference which would you choose? What makes you a unique Mormon? What callings have you had and what’s your current calling? * 17:00 - Did your technical background help you as a clerk? When the high councilman asked him to do it, he said it’s for the ward and not for the stake. How have you seen that manifest? The Bishop stated he didn’t have to worry about the finances because it’s in good hands. It’s a support to the bishop. * 18:54 - How would you describe the week to week duties? Counting tithing, making sure it’s correct so when audits happen, he knows that everything is correct. * Kindness begins with me: * 20:02 - Kindness doesn’t always come natural, it’s not what you say to people but how you say it. When you’re helping others with finances, it’s very easy to say no, but in the role as a clerk you can build relationships. By helping everyone understand the math involved, it’s * 21:36 - There are policies involved, but seeking to understand helps validate concerns and efforts by others. Interacting with all auxiliaries is part of the calling and be * LISTEN: * 22:34 - God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. If we’re always talking we can’t hear the words others are saying. We may be hearing what is said but not listening. The spirit can help guide. * Provide people with the experience with being free to choose and leave them satisfied with the process that led to their choice: * 23:47 - Coming from a leadership training, we want to feel like our point is valid. When you limit the ability for others to do something, you limit their agency. People don’t have to be satisfied with the choices they make or the consequences, it’s more about the ability to choose. As a clerk, you provide policy advice and help the others understand how to make choices along policy lines. Be sincere and open about choices and consequences. * Manage your stewardship: * 26:58 - Create a process that works for you and be consistent. Having a clean audit and making sure that your process works is important. Making sure that getting reimbursements are out in a timely manner is important as a clerk. Make sure to communicate with members on when reimbursement checks are going to be available. Make sure that your processes help the bishopric work smoothly and that reports are available in a timely manner. Checklists can help get you started with getting everything done that’s necessary and important. * Counsel when appropriate: * 31:20 - Clerks have a responsibility to know the policy and procedures and make sure that the bishopric is aware. The bishop can counsel from there on what the ward can do, but it’s important to make sure that what is under your stewardship is in line with church policy. You can respect priesthood authority by offering information, then the authority can make a better informed decision. * Invite the spirit by following the promptings that come: * 35:24 - Make sure to listen to the voice that suggests you double check your work. The spirit will help you remember work that you need to get done. We need the Holy Spirit in our administrating c...