The Bishop Miracle | An Interview with Brad Agle

Brad Agle is a professor of Ethics and Leadership and holds the
George W. Romney endowed professorship in the Marriott School of
Business at Brigham Young University. Brad recently published The
Bishop Book, talking about the experiences of serving as a bishop
and using quotes from interviews conducted over the past 30 years
with former and current bishops, their wives, and stake presidents.
BYU PHOTO 2010 All Rights Reserved Links TheBishopBook.com The
Bishop Book - Insights from LDS Bishops, Wives, and Stake
Presidents Ethical Dilemmas in Church Leadership | An Interview
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Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights This
podcast reveals the profound impact of being a bishop, with bishops
often feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities and emotional
toll of the role. Brad shares personal anecdotes and stories from
his book, highlighting the unique challenges faced by bishops and
their families. The discussion also touches on the transition from
being a bishop to being released from the calling, a process that
can be emotionally taxing and challenging for many individuals. One
of the key themes that emerge from the conversation is the
importance of family support and the strain that the bishopric role
can place on personal relationships. Brad recounts stories of
bishops who struggled to balance their calling with family life,
leading to moments of reflection and growth. The conversation
provides a candid look at the complexities of serving as a bishop
and the impact it can have on individuals and their loved ones.
Brad offers a deep dive into the experiences of bishops, shedding
light on the sacrifices, joys, and struggles that come with the
calling. His insights and the stories shared in The Bishop Book
serve as a valuable resource for current and future bishops,
offering guidance, empathy, and understanding for those navigating
the challenges of leadership within the Church. 3:15 Brad is a
professor of ethics and leadership. He has written many academic
articles as well as books. He has recently written a book for
bishops. 5:40 The story for this book started 34 years ago. The
bishop is like the CEO of a ward. He started to study what it meant
to be an effective bishop. 9:30 What’s the most difficult thing
that bishops go through? It’s not what most people think. It’s
getting released. 13:00 How has the focus of the book changed over
the past 34 years? 16:55 The bishops in The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints are a miracle! 17:40 Brad’s experience
becoming and serving as a bishop of a brand new ward 21:10 The
interview process of bishops for the book. They also interviewed
the bishops' wives. 23:50 Overinvesting in the members. You can’t
take away someone’s problem. You are there to help and assist but
it’s their problem. 25:00 The different sections and chapters of
the book 25:45 Brad’s experience in the Lubbock temple as he was
working on the book 27:50 The release of a bishop and how it
relates to a retiring CEO. Losing your heroic stature and the
heroic mission. 35:20 The heaviness of the mantle and the job 40:30
The dynamic between husband and wife while he serves as bishop.
Brad shares an experience of a stake president’s wife. 43:20
Balancing being a bishop and your family life. Don’t neglect your
family. Learn to delegate. 47:40 Managing your time well. Being
efficient and effective. The calling will take all the time you are
willing to give it. 49:10 Brad’s protestant minister friend sent
him a little letter about being the perfect pastor. 52:00 Brad
quotes President Hinckley 53:00 Brad shares a quote from a former
bishop. Be a good counselor and proactively help the bishop to take
things off his plate. 58:15 Where to get the bishop book