Counseling With Our Councils: Learning to Minister Together in the Church and in the Family

Counseling with With Our Councils, was inspiring and instructive. It changed the way I administer- now and in the future. A must read for church leaders.

I enjoy reading this book. Elder Ballard said, "The Lord's church is organized with councils at every level, beginning with the Council of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and extending to stake, ward, quorum, auxiliary, and family councils." Elder Ballard teaches the importance of counsels to solve problems. A council provides valuable feedback and ideas that have significant impacts in a ward. In one case, a deacon advisor influenced the deacons quoroum to improve attendance, the ward was influenced and attendance increased and eventually impacted was felt at the stake level. Revelation, priesthood authority, and council combine to provide quality service, needed stablity, and needs safely met. Focus on people. Council meetings should keep coordination and calendaring to a minimum. The best resources and talent are available and time is precious, use the time to talk about people's needs. Information discussed in councils should be confidential. Elder Ballard says, "All councils in the Church 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." Sometimes a leader will voice his decision without counseling with his council. Priesthood leaders exercise authority to make decisions. Priesthood leaders lead with love and good example. Leaders have the benefit of the council; spiritual gifts are associated with the responsibilities of the members; and unity and purpose provide a powerful force.

The reviews given are very accurate. May I add that this is a must read for anyone serving in a leadership position in my opinion. Elder Ballard illustrates the how and why we should use councils within the church. He also includes a chapter on using councils within the family that I found very effective. I would also recommend Leadership for Saints in conjunction with this book. I found that Leadership for Saints expanded on leadership topics beyond using councils.

Without exception this book is one of the greatest of its time. Not only does the author give accounts of how the saviour counseled others but how to apply the same principles in our everyday world. A must read for all practioners of the faith.

M. Russell Ballard, a general authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, presents a clear picture that shows how anyone can use the council approach to solve problems. This approach can be used in any kind of organization, with a specific focus on family units and church councils. The main focus of the book is to teach the principles of counseling in councils and to show how anyone can apply those principles in virtually any organization. The book provides concrete examples that show how to counsel in a wide variety of church and family councils. Those examples show how this approach can be used to empower members of councils (including family members), thereby building the overall effectiveness and productivity of all participants.I am working to apply these principles; they work! I recommend this book to anyone who is struggling to find ways to work more effectively, and to include fuller participation and increased productivity of council! s in which they participate.