Church Leadership in the 70s & 80s | Rick Francom, Bill Luker, and Lynn Peterson
Leading Saints Podcast
Reflections on Church Leadership
This chapter explores personal experiences of individuals who served as church leaders, particularly bishops, during the transformative decades of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. It highlights the challenges and emotional dynamics of leadership in a community facing change, including humorous anecdotes and the influence of family in a shared church environment. Through their reflections, speakers convey the impact of mentorship and personal growth shaped by their unexpected leadership roles.
Bill Luker served in the U.S. Army Reserve and was part of one of the first graduating classes in Computer Science from the University of Utah. He worked as a computer engineer/programmer for Sperry UNIVAC, Evans & Sutherland, and The Church. Bill has played the piano since age six and the organ since age 13, studying with two Tabernacle organists. He currently serves as a stake patriarch and assists the Tabernacle organists. He has previously served as a missionary in Ireland, a teacher, ward and stake organist, as a bishop and in multiple bishoprics, and as a stake president.
Lynn Peterson is retired from the U.S. Air Force. He currently serves as a Primary chorister with his wife Cindy, and loves it. He has previously served as a missionary in the North British Mission, a Primary and Sunday School teacher, elders quorum president, stake high councilor, bishop, and in a stake presidency. He has also served three church service missions with the Salt Lake Cannery, Temple Square security, and the University of Utah First Stake.
Rick Francom is Kurt’s father. He served as a bishop twice, once in a newly-formed and highly-transitory ward that was made up entirely of apartments. He was one of the last bishops to be ordained by a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in the regular process of being called as a bishop.
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Highlights
In this episode we take a nostalgic journey back to the 1970s and 1980s, delving into the experiences, challenges, and dynamics of church leadership in a different era. We touch on various topics, including administrative tasks, welfare programs, the emotional toll of leadership, and the sometimes-unconventional challenges bishops faced.
00:06:08 – Lynn Peterson’s Bishopric Experience
Lynn shares his experience of being called as a bishop in 1980 and the transition to the new block schedule.
00:07:40 – Bill Luker’s Brief Bishopric Tenure
Bill discusses his short time as bishop before being called as stake president.
00:08:53 – Rick Francom’s Journey as Bishop
Rick recounts his experience of being called as a bishop at a young age and the challenges he faced.
00:12:26 – Ordination by a General Authority
Rick shares the process of being ordained by an apostle and the significance of that experience.
00:15:35 – Lynn’s Unexpected Call
Lynn reflects on his unexpected call to be bishop and the learning curve that followed.
00:17:09 – Bill’s Stake Presidency Call
Bill shares his experience of being called as stake president shortly after serving as bishop.
00:19:07 – Leadership Challenges
Discussion on the feelings of inadequacy and the reliance on the Spirit in leadership roles.
00:25:26 – Financial Concerns in Leadership
Exploration of the financial challenges faced by church leaders in the 70s and 80s.
00:28:12 – Budgeting and Fundraising
Discussion on the complexities of ward budgeting and fundraising efforts in the past.
00:30:38 – Welfare and Assistance Programs
Insights into the welfare system and how leaders managed assistance for members in need.
00:33:02 – Administrative Tasks and Check Writing
Discussion on the administrative responsibilities of bishops, including cutting checks and managing funds.
00:40:02 – Unique Welfare Experiences
Rick shares a memorable story about using fast offering funds in an unconventional way.
00:42:06 – Personal Challenges of Members
Bill reflects on the personal challenges faced by ward members and the emotional toll on leaders.
00:43:34 – General Authority Visits
Bill shares experiences with general authorities visiting the stake and the insights gained from those interactions.
00:47:19 – Quarterly Conferences and Technology
Discussion on the historical context of stake conferences and the use of early computer technology for administration.
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Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.
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