Related articles from the 2011 broadcast:
Worldwide leadership broadcast: President Henry B. Eyring
Worldwide leadership broadcast: Elder Russell M. Nelson
Worldwide leadership broadcast: Elder Quentin L. Cook
Worldwide leadership broadcast: Elder Bruce D. Porter
November 2010 worldwide leadership broadcast: Special broadcast introduces changes
From lds.org: Serving in the Church
Strengthening the family is the object of the Church, said Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve during the 2011 Worldwide Leadership Training Broadcast on Feb. 12.
“We strengthen the Church to perform its divine mission by strengthening its members and their families,” he said.
Elder Oaks said the purpose of the meeting was to reaffirm the content of the 2010 Worldwide Leadership Training broadcast in November.
“Now all who are receiving this broadcast have had nearly three months to study and apply the new handbook's principles and directions. We have also had the benefit of your questions and other reactions to our November broadcast. As a result, this broadcast – like a second visit to any important subject – will yield new understanding and renewed commitment.”
Elder Oaks asked everyone who received a copy of the Handbook 2 to be familiar with its general principles. “All should understand that this new handbook supersedes with policy directions in prior handbooks.”
He said the handbook is focused on the “salvation of the children of God and the strengthening of their families.”
It is doctrinal and shorter than the prior handbook, “because on many subjects it refrains from stating rules or giving directions. Instead, it gives principles that inspired leaders can apply to administer Church programs according to their local circumstances,” said Elder Oaks.
He continued that the new handbook allows local authorities to modify programs where needed by local conditions, such as newer units or smaller units.
“At the same time the handbook does not sacrifice the uniformity of policies, procedures and programs that is necessary in our worldwide Church,” he said.
Elder Oaks said a major theme of the new handbook is to reduce the workload of the bishop. “Partly this is done by enhancing the role of the ward council and its members.... Bishops, you now have the opportunity to lighten your load. Delegate to ward members and especially to those in your ward council.”
The new handbook, for example, enhances the roles of elders quorum and high priest group leaders to help their members, both spiritually and temporally. “In order to accomplish these increased responsibilities elders quorums may need to reduce some temporal service demands, such as helping members move.”
He reminded Church leaders that in November they were asked to carefully read the three new chapters at the beginning of Handbook 2. “They are doctrinal, based on the scriptures, and they are extremely important,” he said.
He asked leaders to note that the first chapter in Handbook 2 is “The Families and the Church in God's Plan.”
“Family is first,” Elder Oaks said. “We must be careful that our members are not kept so busy with Church programs, procedures, buildings and budgets that they have little time for the spiritual things stressed in this chapter on families.”
Elder Oaks closed by testifying of the truth of things that were taught in the broadcast and of the divine inspiration that went into the handbooks. “And I pray that we will be guided by the Spirit as we seek it, and carry out our responsibilities in the Church.”
