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November 2010 worldwide leadership broadcast: Special broadcast introduces changes
From lds.org: Serving in the Church
During the worldwide leadership training broadcast, Elder Richard G. Scott, Elder Robert D. Hales and Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve participated in discussions and teachings about the responsibilities of the ward council.
The Brethren were joined in the presentation by Elder Craig C. Christensen of the Seventy and by the general presidents of the Church auxiliaries: Sister Julie B. Beck of the Relief Society, Sister Elaine S. Dalton of the Young Women, Sister Rosemary M. Wixom of the Primary, Brother Russell T. Osguthorpe of the Sunday School and Brother David L. Beck of the Young Men.
“Our objective today is to talk about how to use the ward council to meet the needs of the members of the Church,” said Elder Hales. “The Lord's provided us ward councils to help us. To help us in the rescue of those who are coming back, in missionary work, in welfare, and in lifting and strengthening individuals, parents and the family.”
Worldwide examples of how the priesthood and auxiliaries work together to make a difference in wards and branches were shown, via video clips, during the discussion.
The first was the example of Sister Li, a Relief Society president from South Korea who learned the value of preparing spiritually. Sister Li had received an assignment to plan and conduct a weekday Relief Society meeting. She was reminded in the Church handbook of the importance of seeking the Lord's help in prayer. She prayed diligently, studied the scriptures and read the counsel in the Church handbook to help her fellow Relief Society sisters.
Because of her preparation, Sister Li's vision became clearer of what the meeting should be and how it could meet the needs of individual sisters. She was well prepared and confident that the Lord would direct her.
“It's amazing how the Lord looks and waits for ways to bless us,” said Sister Wixom.
Sister Beck added that local leaders sometimes think if they just do more work and planning, that all will go well.
“We don't leave room for the Holy Ghost to help us,” she said. “We saw in the example of Sister Li that she left some space to be influenced by the Lord as she was carrying out her responsibility.”
Elder Andersen reminded those in the discussion that the work of the Church is spiritual work. It can only be done in the Lord's way. Leaders must believe in Him.
“Have confidence that you can be part of the solutions to your little branch or your ward no matter what the calling is,” he said. “Revelation is scattered among us and I know that the Lord answers our prayers.”
The next video clip introduced viewers to the ward council in the Monserrat Ward in Guatemala City, Guatemala, who worked together to rescue a less-active family. The council was unified in its efforts and planning to bring the family back into Church activity. When leaders labor together in the Lord's vineyard, much is accomplished.
“The purpose that [the ward council] had as they combined their faith was really to help this family progress on the path toward receiving the saving ordinances and making the covenants so that they could become an eternal family, so that they could be worthy to be in the temple,” commented Sister Dalton.
Brother Beck noted how the Monserrat Ward's bishop was blessed because he had an effective ward council to turn to.
Elder Christensen added that all the council members listened to each other. They were all engaged in the council process. Revelation can be found in a ward council by simply listening to the observations of the other council members. “The counseling process is both a listening, as well as a participating, experience,” he said.
Elder Scott then spoke on the important role women must play in the ward councils. He noted that sometimes sisters do not participate openly in ward council meetings.
“This is most unfortunate because they have perspectives and experiences that are of immense value,” he said. “When they can be encouraged to take part freely in ward council meetings, their ideas are always helpful and inspirational.”
He said this challenge can be resolved by the presiding officer inviting the sisters to express their feelings. Over time, the sisters will recognize their value to the council in serving the members of the unit.
“There is sometimes a complimentary blessing that come to the homes of priesthood leaders who observe the benefits that result from sister participation in ward council,” said Elder Scott. “These men can become more appreciative of the sacred role of their wives in their own home. This is particularly true where local cultures tend to minimize or ignore the contribution of women in the home.”
The presentation then focused on how the Church handbook can be utilized in watching over and ministering to youth. A video clip was shown of a faithful bishop in England and his prayerful efforts to care for one of his priests.
The bishop was concerned for a priest named Josh, who had become inactive in the Church. The bishop reflected on a principle from the Church handbook that those returning to activity need the love and friendship of active members who accept them and show interest in them. The bishop continued to reach out to Josh, even when he didn't respond. He knew the Savior could lead Josh back.
After six months of ongoing effort from the bishop and others, Josh returned to activity. The bishop and other members of the ward council were essential with their fellowship.
Commenting on Josh's story, Brother Beck noted that the bishop did not delay in his shepherding duties.
“The Spirit spoke to him and he responded...that it was important to intervene earlier rather than later.”
Brother Osguthorpe added that the bishop loved Josh. “He loved this young man and wanted to see him come back.”
The Young Men president added that the greatest resource the bishop has is Josh's parents. The ward council and others can also support the efforts of the parents.
Elder Hales then asked what is Josh's role now that he has returned to activity. To serve and “go and do likewise,” answered Sister Dalton and the others.
Elder Hales closed the segment with his testimony of Christ and the restored gospel.
“I would hope that as we look and look at our callings and the service we can give that we can think in terms of our Savior who spent His life reaching out and blessing and lifting and strengthening others.”
