A new bishopric was formed in the Liberty Ward, Liberty Missouri Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the church building at 1130 North Clayview Drive. James Ransom was called as the new bishop, Nate Thorne as the first counselor and Aissac Aiono as the second counselor. Bishop Kirk Sanford was released after nearly five years of service.

Bishop Sanford was grateful to serve among the Liberty Ward members and see their love for each other.

“I have seen countless miracles over the last few years,” now-released Bishop Sanford said. ”I have seen your little acts of kindness and sacrifice for each other, and for the way you keep your covenants. The Church works because people are willing to put forth effort and do God’s will.”

Newly-ordained Bishop Ransom said having lived in several places in the Kansas City Metro, they are grateful to have established their home in Liberty.

“I love our ward,” Bishop Ransom said. “We are so lucky to have landed here in this amazing ward.”

Bishop Ransom urged his members to seek personal revelation in their lives.

“We talk to Heavenly Father when we kneel and pray to him. He has opportunities to talk to us through the scriptures. Open yourselves up to revelation by studying [the scriptures].”

Bishop Ransom invited extended family and friends to attend sacrament meeting where he was sustained and set apart as bishop. One visitor not of our faith, who was personally invited by Bishop Ransom to attend, commented on how cute it was to see the surprise and disbelief in the Ransom children’s faces.

Traditionally bishops serve around five years throughout the Church.