An automobile engine will run on only part of its cylinders, but it never will go as far or as fast, nor will the ride be as smooth, as when it is properly tuned. The one-cylinder ward is the ward where the bishop handles all of the problems, makes all of the decisions, and follows through on all of the assignments. Then, like an overworked cylinder in a car engine, he is soon burned out.

God, the Master Organizer, has inspired the creation of a system of committees and councils. If understood and put to proper use, this system will decrease the burden on all individual leaders and

The purpose of developing leadership through councils is to help us more effectively utilize the talents and abilities of each student for the benefit of the whole, build self-worth, create unity, and encourage growth through participation.

Purpose of the Church:

• To accomplish God’s work (see Moses 1:39)

• To perfect the Church members (See Ephesians 4:11-14; note especially the words perfecting, edifying, and unity)

• To edify every member (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:109-110)

CES Objective and Commission:

Note: The aspects of the objective and commission given below are key to the topic at hand.

• Providing a spiritual and social climate where students can associate together

• Preparing young people for effective Church service

• Administering appropriately

Importance of Serving:

• Doctrine & Covenants 58:26-27

• Doctrine & Covenants 64:33-34

Why Councils?

• See Elder M. Russell Ballard’s speech “Strength in Council” (Conference Report, October 1993, pp. 102-106; or Ensign, November 1993, pp. 76-78).

President Stephen L. Richards said: “The genius of our Church government is government through councils. . .I have had enough experience to know the value of councils. Hardly a day passes but that I see the wisdom, God’s wisdom, in creating councils to govern his Kingdom. . .

. . . I have no hesitancy in giving you the assurance, if you will confer in council as you are expected to do, God will give you solutions to the problems that confront you.” (Conference Report, October 1953, p. 86)

All Church councils should encourage free and open discussion by conferring with one another and striving to have clear, concise communication. Councils should discuss objectives and concerns, with mutual understanding being the ultimate goal.

Stake and ward councils are ideal settings for leaders of all organizations to converse together, strengthen one another, coordinate activities and responsibilities, and find ways for Church programs to help members live the gospel in the home. Council meetings should also be used for finding solutions to problems. We need the officers and members of all of these inspired organizations to work together, assisting each other as needed for the benefit of individuals and families.

We each have individual responsibilities, but the responsibility we share with others to come together in council in a united effort to solve problems and bless Church members is just as important. When we act in a united effort, we create spiritual synergism, which is increased effectiveness or achievement as a result of combined action or cooperation. The results of united efforts are greater than the sum of the individual parts.

• See Elder M. Russell Ballard’s speech “ Counseling with Our Councils” (Conference Report, April 1994, pp. 31-34 or Ensign, May 1994, pp. 24-26)

An automobile engine will run on only part of its cylinders, but it never will go as far or as fast, nor will the ride be as smooth, as when it is properly tuned. The one-cylinder ward is the ward where the bishop handles all of the problems, makes all of the decisions, and follows through on all of the assignments. Then, like an overworked cylinder in a car engine, he is soon burned out.

God, the Master Organizer, has inspired the creation of a system of committees and councils. If understood and put to proper use, this system will decrease the burden on all individual leaders and w

• Preparing young people for effective Church service

• Administering appropriately

Importance of Serving:

• Doctrine & Covenants 58:26-27

• Doctrine & Covenants 64:33-34

Why Councils?

• See Elder M. Russell Ballard’s speech “Strength in Council” (Conference Report, October 1993, pp. 102-106; or Ensign, November 1993, pp. 76-78).

President Stephen L. Richards said: “The genius of our Church government is government through councils. . .I have had enough experience to know the value of councils. Hardly a day passes but that I see the wisdom, God’s wisdom, in creating councils to govern his Kingdom. . .

. . . I have no hesitancy in giving you the assurance, if you will confer in council as you are expected to do, God will give you solutions to the problems that confront you.” (Conference Report, October 1953, p. 86)

All Church councils should encourage free and open discussion by conferring with one another and striving to have clear, concise communication. Councils should discuss objectives and concerns, with mutual understanding being the ultimate goal.

Stake and ward councils are ideal settings for leaders of all organizations to converse together, strengthen one another, coordinate activities and responsibilities, and find ways for Church programs to help members live the gospel in the home. Council meetings should also be used for finding solutions to problems. We need the officers and members of all of these inspired organizations to work together, assisting each other as needed for the benefit of individuals and families.

We each have individual responsibilities, but the responsibility we share with others to come together in council in a united effort to solve problems and bless Church members is just as important. When we act in a united effort, we create spiritual synergism, which is increased effectiveness or achievement as a result of combined action or cooperation. The results of united efforts are greater than the sum of the individual parts.

• See Elder M. Russell Ballard’s speech “ Counseling with Our Councils” (Conference Report, April 1994, pp. 31-34 or Ensign, May 1994, pp. 24-26)

An automobile engine will run on only part of its cylinders, but it never will go as far or as fast, nor will the ride be as smooth, as when it is properly tuned. The one-cylinder ward is the ward where the bishop handles all of the problems, makes all of the decisions, and follows through on all of the assignments. Then, like an overworked cylinder in a car engine, he is soon burned out.

God, the Master Organizer, has inspired the creation of a system of committees and councils. If understood and put to proper use, this system will decrease the burden on all individual leaders and

All Church councils should encourage free and open discussion by conferring with one another and striving to have clear, concise communication. Councils should discuss objectives and concerns, with mutual understanding being the ultimate goal.

Stake and ward councils are ideal settings for leaders of all organizations to converse together, strengthen one another, coordinate activities and responsibilities, and find ways for Church programs to help members live the gospel in the home. Council meetings should also be used for finding solutions to problems. We need the officers and members of all of these inspired organizations to work together, assisting each other as needed for the benefit of individuals and families.

We each have individual responsibilities, but the responsibility we share with others to come together in council in a united effort to solve problems and bless Church members is just as important. When we act in a united effort, we create spiritual synergism, which is increased effectiveness or achievement as a result of combined action or cooperation. The results of united efforts are greater than the sum of the individual parts.

• See Elder M. Russell Ballard’s speech “ Counseling with Our Councils” (Conference Report, April 1994, pp. 31-34 or Ensign, May 1994, pp. 24-26)

An automobile engine will run on only part of its cylinders, but it never will go as far or as fast, nor will the ride be as smooth, as when it is properly tuned. The one-cylinder ward is the ward where the bishop handles all of the problems, makes all of the decisions, and follows through on all of the assignments. Then, like an overworked cylinder in a car engine, he is soon burned out.

God, the Master Organizer, has inspired the creation of a system of committees and councils. If understood and put to proper use, this system will decrease the burden on all individual leaders and

We each have individual responsibilities, but the responsibility we share with others to come together in council in a united effort to solve problems and bless Church members is just as important. When we act in a united effort, we create spiritual synergism, which is increased effectiveness or achievement as a result of combined action or cooperation. The results of united efforts are greater than the sum of the individual parts.

• See Elder M. Russell Ballard’s speech “ Counseling with Our Councils” (Conference Report, April 1994, pp. 31-34 or Ensign, May 1994, pp. 24-26)

An automobile engine will run on only part of its cylinders, but it never will go as far or as fast, nor will the ride be as smooth, as when it is properly tuned. The one-cylinder ward is the ward where the bishop handles all of the problems, makes all of the decisions, and follows through on all of the assignments. Then, like an overworked cylinder in a car engine, he is soon burned out.

God, the Master Organizer, has inspired the creation of a system of committees and councils. If understood and put to proper use, this system will decrease the burden on all individual leaders and

An automobile engine will run on only part of its cylinders, but it never will go as far or as fast, nor will the ride be as smooth, as when it is properly tuned. The one-cylinder ward is the ward where the bishop handles all of the problems, makes all of the decisions, and follows through on all of the assignments. Then, like an overworked cylinder in a car engine, he is soon burned out.

God, the Master Organizer, has inspired the creation of a system of committees and councils. If understood and put to proper use, this system will decrease the burden on all individual leaders and will extend the reach and the impact of their ministry through the combined help of others. Future leaders are trained when they are allowed to participate and learn. (Italics mine) Much of the load can be lifted through this kind of involvement. People who feel ownership of a problem are more willing to help find a solution, greatly improving the possibility of success. The best leaders are not those who work themselves to death trying to do everything singlehandedly; the best leaders are those who follow God’s plan and counsel with their councils.

The Spirit continues to bear witness of how vital efficiently run Church councils are to accomplish the mission of the Church. Lives are blessed when leaders make wise use of committees and councils.

Organizing Seminary Councils:

Executive Council

We use a representative from each class for a total of seven or eight executive council members. The executive council trains class leaders, coordinates seminary activities, and gives input for improving the classroom experience.

Class Councils

Some suggested duties for class council members are listed below. These duties, plus others that may meet your individual needs, could be divided among as many councils as you deem necessary.

• Starting class on time

• Making sure there is a devotional each day, as well as sharing ideas about how to improve devotionals and seeing that all class members have an opportunity to prepare one.

• Helping students to feel welcome and a part of the class, promoting goodwill and student recognition.

• Promoting daily scripture study and other good books.

• Keeping track of scripture memorization.

• Keeping a daily history of the class and submitting a written monthly history for inclusion in the Seminary History Book.

• Completing a scrapbook complete with pictures, student histories and testimonies.

• Keeping a daily attendance record.

• Informing and helping students who have been absent with make-up work.

• Keeping minutes of all council meetings.

• Checking daily scripture study.

• Being interested in the welfare of students, both in and out of class.

Having the council leaders discuss service opportunities within their council and dividing assignments among the council members, gives all a feeling of belonging. Each has the privilege of contributing to the group. Council members are encouraged to look for ways to serve and should not wait for someone to tell them what to do. It is important that each member feels responsibility within his council.

All ideas should be cleared with the teacher before they are implemented.

Council Training:

Executive council leaders are prayerfully selected and trained by the teacher assigned to meet with these office