Service in the Mormon Church is voluntary. Positions of service are known as callings, because people are “called” through revelation.

Essentially, the idea is that the Lord has called, or asked a person to perform a specific duty in the Mormon Church. For a calling to be seen as legitimate, it must be given by a person that has the authority to give it. For example, on the ward level, a bishop will give the call; on a stake level, the stake president will issue the call.  Church-wide callings (such as mission president) come from the First Presidency.

The Lord requires our hearts and minds and there is no calling that is above another, or more important than another. All are needed and are an important part of Christ’s Church. Some callings may come with more responsibility. For example, a bishop is responsible for the welfare of his entire ward (congregation), while a Relief Society President is responsible for only the women in the ward. But both of the positions are equally necessary to help to further Christ’s kingdom.