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

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

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).