Training of Elders Quorum and Relief Society Presidencies

“Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.”
Doctrine and Covenants 107:99
Presidencies, bishoprics and council leaders are to teach, instruct and train those within their stewardship. This training should serve as a time to educate, clarify, and remind those present of the duties and principles requisite to their callings. The focus of the training should be on principles so leaders gain an understanding that will assist them in receiving revelation for their calling. This will empower current leaders and help develop future leaders. Topics and ideas for training may be found in the scriptures, the teachings of latter-day prophets, The Church Handbook of Instructions, Counseling with our Councils, and other Church-approved training materials. Training should occur in all stake, bishopric, presidency, council, welfare and ward council meetings. Other teaching and training opportunities include priesthood interviews, sacrament meeting, and tithing settlement. Training sessions will vary, but can usually be effective in as few as five to ten minutes. Training is separate from a spiritual thought.

“Your obligation is as serious in your sphere of responsibility as is my obligation in my sphere. No calling in this church is small or of little consequence. All of us in the pursuit of our duty touch the lives of others. To each of us in our respective responsibilities the Lord has said: ‘Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees’ (D&C 81:5).” — Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, May 1995

Council chairs and co-chairs need to understand and be trained in their responsibilities, which include:

  • Making all council members feel needed and important.
  • Understanding the ward’s visions and goals as provided by the Bishop.
  • Implementing a program using all council members that will best serve ward members and others.
  • Accomplishing all the housekeeping responsibilities as assigned.
  • Understanding how to conduct a proper council meeting.
  • Understanding how to use an agenda. The agenda should include:
    • An opening hymn
    • Invocation
    • Spiritual thought
    • Training
    • Review of all previous assignments
    • New business
    • New assignments
    • Evaluation of the council’s plan to improve lives of ward members
    • Concerns and ideas from council members
    • Closing prayer

The following are some helpful details:

  • The success of a council is measured by the participation of its council members.
  • The success of an activity is not measured by the numbers but by the needs that are met and by a positive experience of those in attendance.
  • The chair and co-chair should meet with each council member individually in order to establish a working relationship.
  • The chair and co-chair help council members understand the ward’ s vision and goals.
  • The chair and co-chair define a vision for their council. Then with all council members, they use that vision to create and implement a program that will serve the ward members and others. An appropriate scripture that reflects this vision may be used as a theme.
  • Members of the council can have a testimony-building experience as well as learn leadership principles when members serve together.
  • The primary job of the chair and co-chair is to involve council members. A good start is by giving them a chance to have input and be heard. They become part of a problem-solving team. We energize individuals when they feel ownership of the problem and are willing to become part of the solution. Therefore, the council’s program has a greater possibility of success.
  • The council chair is responsible for planning and implementing a weekly council meeting. This meeting helps everyone keep focused on the council’s vision or goal.
  • The chair and co-chair assign the weekly housekeeping responsibilities to every member of the council.
  • The chair and co-chair should be guided by the Spirit to bless the lives of council members and the people they serve.
  • Councils can work together with other councils to achieve small or large projects.

As the high councilor and Relief Society specialist meet with the counselors and secretaries, the training concentrates on the responsibilities that are delegated to these positions by the elders quorum and Relief Society presidents — i.e. managing home teaching and visiting teaching and proper reporting, as well as consulting and ministering to members needs:

  • Consulting and ministering
    • Each counselor consults with those over which they have stewardship, i.e. home teaching and visiting teaching.
    • Obtain permission to call and visit members to develop trust and a lasting relationship.
    • Communicate often to become friends and show a genuine interest.
    • Ask questions and then listen.
    • Spend 30 minutes each day wisely magnifying your calling.
    • Do not be critical or give advice while consulting — the counselor’s job is to listen.
    • Talk about more personal topics after you have built a relationship of friendship and trust.
    • Consulting takes time and effort — take time to listen.
    • Keep a record of contacts made in person or by phone and report them in the monthly report.
  • Stewardship interviews with visiting teachers
    • Establish relationship of trust.
    • Become friends by bringing your heart to theirs.
    • Listen.
    • Finding and reviewing the needs of sisters through visiting teaching.
    • Establish monthly goals and objectives.
    • Pray together for individuals and the Spirit.
  • PPI meetings with home teachers
    • Primary objective of the PPI is to review the needs that were identified during the home teaching visit.
    • Because the needs may have a short shelf-life, the PPI should be conducted promptly following the teaching.
    • During the PPI, create and establish warm, friendly, trusting relationships.
    • Counsel regarding needs that the presidency is aware of that would aid the home teachers.
    • Establish monthly goals and objectives.
    • Pray together for individuals and the Spirit.
  • The 5-10-15-20 = 100% System — Teach home and visiting teachers to:
    • Make contact with the people they teach by the 5th of each month.
    • Make an appointment to visit by the 10th of each month.
    • Visit the people they teach by the 15th of each month.
    • Report by the 20th of each month to the appropriate secretary.
  • Reporting on visiting teaching and home teaching
    • Reason for reporting.
    • Information needed for stake report.
    • Timing for stake report.
    • Secretaries’ responsibilities.
    • Counselors’ responsibilities.
    • Presidents’ responsibilities.
    • Difference between contacts and visits.
  • Establishing quorum and Relief Society unity.

 

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