• “Under the direction of the priesthood and the influence of the Holy Spirit, these councils should feature free and open discussion and clear, concise, communication. Our mutual goals and objectives should always be clearly understood. Everything we do, everything we teach, every plan we make should be focused on helping God’s children enjoy the full blessings of the gospel. In this effort, councils should support families, striving never to be in competition with them. Therefore, our council meetings are about duties and responsibilities not turf. They provide an opportunity for the priesthood quorums and auxiliary organizations of the Church to come together in a spirit of loving cooperation to assist Heavenly Father in accomplishing His very work and glory: “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” Counseling with Our Councils M. Russell Ballard, Page 9-10
  • “President Ezra Taft Benson once said: There is a principle cited in the Doctrine and Covenants which, though directed specifically to the leading quorums of the Church, applies to all councils in Church government. I quote from section 107:…. “The decisions of these quorums (or councils)…are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity” ()….This seems to me to be the pattern by which the Lord would have us operate through priesthood councils at all levels of Church government. We must be one in all aspects of this work…for all things are spiritual to Him whom we acknowledge as Master. (“Church Government through Councils”, 88-89) Counseling with Our Councils M. Russell Ballard, Page 13-14
  • “One important way to increase the unity and effectiveness of our ward and stake councils is to remember that all council members have dual responsibility: not only do they represent the needs and perspectives of the individual organizations they have been called to lead, but each one also serves as a member of the council, sharing equally with the others a sense of stewardship for the success of the Lord’s work in that area. Thus when a subject that pertains to all ward or stake members is discussed, full consideration should be given to the views and recommendations of all council members, both the brethren and the sisters. Such an approach will result in wiser decisions and will generate greater commitment as these decisions are carried out.” Counseling with Our Councils M. Russell Ballard, Page 14
  • “When Church leaders allow those whom the Lord has called to serve with them to become part of a problem-solving team, wonderful things begin to happen. We broaden our base of experience and understanding, which can’t help but expose us to better and more insightful solutions. We energize individuals by giving them a chance to have input and to be heard. We prepare future leaders by allowing them to participate and learn. And when more people feel ownership of the problem, more people are willing to become part of the solution, which greatly enhances the possibility of success.” Counseling with Our Councils M. Russell Ballard, Page 14-15
  • “The hard doctrines…insist that we ask some hard questions.” (Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, May 1994, 89)
  • … And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day.
  • … And ye yourselves know that I have hitherto been diligent in the office of my calling; but I this day am weighed down with much more desire and anxiety for the welfare of your souls than I have hitherto been.
  • The Story of Fellowshipping Sherry’s Family
  • Jacob 1: 19… And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day.
  • Jacob 2: 3… And ye yourselves know that I have hitherto been diligent in the office of my calling; but I this day am weighed down with much more desire and anxiety for the welfare of your souls than I have hitherto been.