In all the world, there is nothing quite like the office of bishop in the Church, President Boyd K. Packer, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve, said Sunday morning.

"Except for parents, the bishop has the best opportunity to teach and cause to be taught the things that matter most," said President Packer. "And a bishop has the remarkable opportunity to teach parents about their responsibility; then he must allow time for them to teach their children."

President Packer told the story of Emery Wight, who served as bishop of the rural Harper Ward [near Brigham City, Utah] for 10 years. One spring morning when he was out plowing, a neighbor reported seeing his team of horses standing for hours in a half-finished furrow with the reins draped over the plow. Emery was nowhere in sight.

"Oh, don't be alarmed," his wife, Lucille, told the worried neighbor. "No doubt someone is in trouble and came to get the bishop."

President Packer said a bishop is responsible for the young men of the Aaronic Priesthood and for the young women. He receives and accounts for tithes and offerings. He is responsible for the temporal affairs of the Church, to seek out the poor. He is to judge his people, as to their worthiness to receive the ordinances or serve in offices. He is to counsel and correct, and to preach the gospel.

"In all of this, he is to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Crucifixion, the Atonement, the Resurrection, the Restoration," said President Packer.

"Inherent in the ordination to be bishop is both the right and the obligation to be directed by inspiration. Revelation is the one credential that all bishops have in common," said President Packer.

"Bishops are inspired! Each of us has agency to accept or reject counsel from our leaders, but never disregard the counsel of your bishop, whether given over the pulpit or individually. And never turn down a calling from your bishop.

"When we need help, the bishop is there, but be careful not to impose unnecessarily on his time.

"No matter if the Church grows to be 100 million (as it surely will!) it will still be no bigger than a ward," President Packer explained. "Everything needed for our redemption, save for the temple, is centered there — and temples now come ever closer to all of us. . . . This organization, in place across the world, is a product of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This miracle of willing service is possible because of individual testimonies of the Redeemer."

President Packer continued, "It is the responsibility of the bishop to see that each family is bound together in enduring covenants, each individual is safe and happy.

"Whatever happens in the world . . . the Church will grow until it fills the whole earth," declared President Packer. "At once it will remain no bigger than the ward.

"Now and always hereafter, ordinary men will leave their teams standing in an unfinished furrow, the reins draped over the plow, when someone in trouble needs help," he said.

"Sheltered within the plan which He revealed, we, with our families, will be safe."