<P> Notable bishops in United Methodist history include Coke, Asbury, Richard Whatcoat, Philip William Otterbein, Martin Boehm, Jacob Albright, John Seybert, Matthew Simpson, John S. Stamm, William Ragsdale Cannon, Marjorie Matthews, Leontine T. Kelly, William B. Oden, Ntambo Nkulu Ntanda, Joseph Sprague, William Henry Willimon, and Thomas Bickerton . </P> <P> In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints, the Bishop is the leader of a local congregation, called a ward . As with most LDS priesthood holders, the bishop is a part - time lay minister and earns a living through other employment; in all cases, he is a married man . As such, it is his duty to preside at services, call local leaders, and judge the worthiness of members for service . The bishop does not deliver sermons at every service (generally asking members to do so), but is expected to be a spiritual guide for his congregation . It is therefore believed that he has both the right and ability to receive divine inspiration (through the Holy Spirit) for the ward under his direction . Because it is a part - time position, all able members are expected to assist in the management of the ward by holding delegated lay positions (for example, women's and youth leaders, teachers) referred to as' callings .' Although members are asked to confess serious sins to him, unlike the Catholic Church, he is not the instrument of divine forgiveness, merely a guide through the repentance process (and a judge in case transgressions warrant excommunication or other official discipline). The bishop is also responsible for the physical welfare of the ward, and thus collects tithing and fast offerings and distributes financial assistance where needed . </P> <P> A bishop is the president of the Aaronic priesthood in his ward (and is thus a form of Mormon Kohen; in fact, a literal descendant of Aaron has "legal right" to act as a Bishop after being found worthy and ordained by the First Presidency). In the absence of a literal descendant of Aaron, a High priest in the Melchizedek priesthood is called to be a Bishop . Each bishop is selected from resident members of the ward by the stake presidency with approval of the First Presidency, and chooses two counselors to form a bishopric . In special circumstances (such as a ward consisting entirely of young university students), a bishop may be chosen from outside the ward . A bishop is typically released after about five years and a new bishop is called to the position . Although the former bishop is released from his duties, he continues to hold the Aaronic priesthood office of Bishop . Church members frequently refer to a former bishop as "Bishop" as a sign of respect and affection . </P> <P> Latter - day Saint bishops do not wear any special clothing or insignia the way clergy in many other churches do, but are expected to dress and groom themselves neatly and conservatively per their local culture, especially when performing official duties . Bishops (as well as other members of the priesthood) can trace their line of authority back to Joseph Smith, who, according to church doctrine, was ordained to lead the Church in modern times by the ancient apostles Peter, James, and John, who were ordained to lead the Church by Jesus Christ . </P>

On his own authority as a bishop a bishop may not