How to Love Any Church Calling—Even the One You Didn't Want

Let’s be honest: not every church calling comes gift-wrapped with your name on it.

Some callings make your heart leap for joy. Others make your stomach sink a little. You might have felt thrilled to teach Gospel Doctrine—but overwhelmed when asked to plan the ward Christmas party. Or maybe you’ve prayed for something “meaningful,” only to be called to the nursery.

But here’s the truth: every calling is meaningful when we understand its purpose.

If you’ve ever wrestled with feeling less-than-thrilled about your assignment, you’re not alone. But the good news is—you can learn to love any church calling. Here’s how:

1. Remember Who Called You

It wasn’t just the bishop. It wasn’t just the Relief Society president. Ultimately, your calling comes from the Lord. Leaders prayerfully consider names, and He inspires them—even when the call doesn’t make sense to us yet.

When we accept a calling with humility and faith, we say, “Here am I; send me.” That willingness, even more than skill, is what He honors.

“Whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies.” —President Thomas S. Monson

2. Let Go of Comparison and Aspiration for "Higher" Callings

It’s easy to look around and think, “Her calling is more visible,” or “He gets to do something important.” But in the Lord’s kingdom, there is no backstage. Every act of service contributes to His work. Every quiet act of obedience matters.

Jesus washed feet. That’s our example.

3. Find the “Why” in the Work

No matter the calling, there is always a deeper purpose. Nursery? You’re giving toddlers their first taste of gospel joy. Bulletin board committee? You’re creating an environment that invites the Spirit. Primary pianist? You’re planting truth through music.

Once you connect with the why, the what becomes so much sweeter.

4. Serve People, Not Positions

Callings are about people. It doesn’t matter if you’re teaching adults or tying toddler shoes—there’s someone the Lord wants to reach through you.

When we focus on who we’re serving instead of what we’re doing, our hearts expand. We become less worried about how “fun” or “fulfilling” the calling is for us, and more interested in how to lift someone else.

5. Pray for Love and Vision

Some callings will stretch you. Some will bore you. Some will feel too hard—or too small. That’s when we turn to heaven and ask:“Help me see this the way You see it.”

The Lord can fill your heart with love for a class of teenagers you don’t understand. He can give you vision for how to organize the ward library. He can help you find joy in the repetition, the paperwork, the quiet weeks when no one says thank you.

6. Embrace the Growth

You weren't called because you're perfect for the job. You were called because you have potential. Every calling brings spiritual development—even when it’s uncomfortable. Sometimes, we’re placed somewhere not because we’re already good at it, but because we’re meant to grow into it.

You may not love your calling yet. But if you stay prayerful, faithful, and open, it may become a sacred part of your spiritual journey. You have something to learn and you have something to give.

7. Trust in Timing

Not every calling will be forever. Some seasons are for stretching. Some are for resting. Some are for quiet service while you focus on family or personal healing.

But whatever season you're in, you can find joy by simply showing up, doing your best, and trusting the Lord to consecrate your offering.

8. See What You Might Gain

Try to identify how this calling is helping you. Is it putting you in a position to make or facilitate friendships? Is it teaching you a practical skill that might serve you later, such as playing piano, party planning, or advertising? Are you practicing communication skills? Are you learning to notice where a little extra service is needed? What can you gain from this experience?

He Sees You

Whatever your calling is right now—seen or unseen, exciting, or exhausting—know this: the Lord sees your heart. He sees your quiet sacrifices, your efforts to magnify, your willingness to serve even when it’s hard.

And He honors it.

So go ahead. Love that calling. Laugh through the awkward parts. Make friends with your stewards and presidencies and committees. Learn to ask for help, and learn to help. Pray through the hard parts. And know that every act of service, no matter how small, brings heaven a little closer to earth.

If you have an especially challenging calling and want to share, feel free to comment. Someone else might have some great advice for you.