Help Bishops Focus on the Rising Generation by Delegating to the Ward Council

Instruction from Elder D. Todd Christofferson and Elder Paul V. Johnson

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Youth and leaders are in a church meeting

1. Council Role

The bishop leads two councils: the ward council and the ward youth council. He should use these councils to facilitate his focus on the rising generation (General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7.1 and 7.1.1.3).
Benefits of making full use of the ward council:
- “More hands” means more work gets done.
- With added time and opportunity, the bishop can be more effective in what he handles personally, especially with the rising generation.
- More members gain experience that prepares them for future service (General Handbook, 4.2.6).
The ward council can play a part in helping the bishopric guide the ward through:
- Counseling together and receiving revelation (General Handbook, 4.3 and 4.4.1).
- Principles of working in councils (General Handbook, 4.2 and 4.4).

The ward council represents all the resources of the ward. Bishops can delegate a substantial part of their duties to the council and its members:

Continue to focus on elders quorum and Relief Society roles in the work of salvation and exaltation.
Delegate more (counseling, non-emergency welfare/self-reliance assistance, etc.).
Overcome the cultural roadblocks impeding delegation.
Train council members how to take on delegated responsibilities; stake leaders should assume the lead role in providing training.
Apply principles of delegation (General Handbook, 4.2.5).