President Russell M. Nelson said in the October 2019 general conference that the bishop’s “first and foremost responsibility” is to care for the youth of his ward. As Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles announced organizational changes to make the child a more significant focus — which included dissolving ward Young Men presidencies — he said,

 “We are confident that more young men and women will rise to the challenge and stay on the covenant path because of this laser-like focus on our youth.” But for a bishop with a plate full of responsibilities, this “laser-like focus” on the youth might be easier said than done.

Many bishops initially felt overwhelmed in response to these organizational changes. Some bishops wondered how they would be able to manage all of their ward duties — duties that seemed to increase with the thought of releasing the ward Young Men presidencies.

“The concern many bishops have is that without a Young Men presidency, they will be saddled with extra responsibility. That isn’t the truth,” said Brother Stephen W. Owen, Young Men general president.

“A bishop has always been the president of the Aaronic Priesthood. He still is. And he will still have the same number of adult leaders involved. The purpose is to bring the youth closer to the bishop.”

Though much is expected of bishops, they are not alone as they serve the ward. As the elders’ quorum and Relief Society presidencies take the initiative and the bishop continues to delegate, he will be able to focus on strengthening youth — the rising leaders of the next generation.

Speaking to Bishop Edik Baroni, we learn that “A bishop serves as a general superintendent for the church, assigned to a geographical or a specific group with a common faith and point of view. In the Apostolic and Catholic tradition, bishops are clergy elected and consecrated to the office of bishop to oversee a diocese or a prelature.  

Bishops give general oversight to the worldly and spiritual interests of the church. Bishops are also responsible for seeing that the rules and regulations developed by the General Conference are carried out. Bishops set all clergy appointments in the annual (regional) conferences they serve. 

Most bishops also serve on a general agency board, often as the president. The bishop is the presiding officer at the annual conference session and rules on points of law. 

Bishop Edik Baroni is an example of a young bishop dedicated to youth ministry. He emphasizes that youth have lots of potential in church and secular positions. Young clergy should not be limited to doing a minimum in ministry and always suffer from financial hardship. As a young clergy, Bishop Baroni served in the Salesian order in Syria, Iran, Italy, and Turkey. However, he has always tried to keep himself and his energy focused on his mission and held a side job. He is dedicated as a bishop leading Christian Persian and other middle eastern ethnic groups worldwide from Los Angeles. 

With an educational background that involves a Doctorate in Theology, Pastoral ministry, and many years of experience in the financial field, Baroni has professionally attained the titles of Clerical job: Bishop (Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ) Secular job: Assistant Vice president of Bank of America. A person who works humbly 24/7 as a Bishop, Bank Executive for Bank of America, Chaplain, spiritual counselor, and Bereavement coordinator.