Church Leadership in the 70s & 80s | Rick Francom, Bill Luker, and Lynn Peterson

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May 24, 2025

Guest

Lynn Peterson

This conversation features Rick Francom, who navigated the challenges of being a bishop in a transient ward, Bill Luker, a former stake president with a rich background in technology and music, and Lynn Peterson, a retired Air Force member now serving as a Primary chorister. They share fascinating anecdotes about church leadership in the 70s and 80s, discussing financial hurdles, community bonds, and the emotional dynamics of guiding congregations. Their nostalgic reflections on church activities and personal connections highlight the evolving role of leaders.

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ANECDOTE

Rick's Early Leadership Challenge

Rick Francom was unexpectedly called as first counselor in a ward made up mainly of young couples in apartments.
He had no prior experience and faced the challenge of a high turnover in ward members.

ANECDOTE

Unique Ordination Experience

Rick Francom was ordained bishop by Elder LaGrand Richards, one of the last to be ordained by a general authority.
The policy changed shortly after allowing stake presidents to ordain bishops.

ANECDOTE

Rapid Leadership Transitions

Bill Luker was called bishop but served for only four months before becoming stake president.
He quickly realized the overwhelming pressure in leadership roles.

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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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