I have been tremendously blessed over the last twenty years with powerful leaders in the church.

I have had amazing bishops, elders quorum presidents, high priest group leaders, and stake presidents.

These individuals have invited me to live the gospel more fully through powerful example.

For me, a leader is someone who leads in faith and indeed, not just someone who is a powerful communicator.

I love and believe in the statement by Jarom when he said, “But our kings and our leaders were mighty men in the faith of the Lord; and they taught the people the ways of the Lord” (Jarom 1:7).

I have been guided and directed by leaders who have said hard things, and who have lived hard things.

The leaders that have impacted me the most have been the ones who have lived their faith powerfully.

I have had acquaintances and peers who have become bishops and held other significant church leadership who have prided themselves on “not changing” some of their faithless habits.

I do not believe that leads to being “mighty men in the faith of the Lord.” I believe some have forgotten that it is not what you say, but who you are that matters in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

There is nothing inspiring about not being honest in your dealings, doing business under the table, swearing, not keeping verbal or written agreements,  breaking the covenant of the Sabbath, watching inappropriate movies and media, not inviting their children to live the strength of youth, and dabbling in sin.

I feel blessed that leaders I have had have increased my desire to serve more faithfully, attend the temple more regularly, give more freely, live more honorably, and love more deeply the gospel of Jesus Christ and my Savior who made the entire plan possible.

My hope is that we all might be “mighty (men and women) in the faith of the Lord.”

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