Transcript Bishoprics as the Presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood

How to Improve Your Ward in
Three Easy Steps
The Bishopric as the Presidency
of the Aaronic Priesthood
Augusta Georgia Stake Young Men Presidency
7 September 2006
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Introduction and Purpose
David Carlsen, Stake Young Men President
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Purpose
Assist Bishoprics and Branch Presidencies
in learning how to strengthen families…
…by properly implementing the Aaronic
Priesthood: Fulfilling Our Duty to God
program.
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Important Note
We are not introducing
anything new…
…just trying to assist in the
implementation of existing
programs & guidelines.
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Assumptions
The Duty to God program contains just what the young men
need to help them prepare for missions and parenthood.
The Duty to God program contains just what the parents
need to help them spiritually provide for, protect and nurture
their sons.
Bishoprics who focus on their Aaronic Priesthood Presidency
duties can make a real difference with the young men.
When Bishoprics (especially the Bishop) set priorities and
communicate them to the Saints, many of the members will
alter their priorities to match.
Bishoprics should spend the majority of their time with the
youth.
Bishoprics will help families feel the importance of the Duty to
God program by introducing each level in the home.
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The Process
Focus on
Aaronic
Priesthood
Presidency
Duties
Spend more
time with the
Young Men
Concentrate on
the Duty to God
Program
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The Three Easy Steps
1.
2.
3.
Using the principle of delegation.
Interviewing young men.
Using the Young Men Secretary.
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Using the Principle of Delegation
Doug Lowry, Stake Young Men 1st Counselor
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The Problem
I have to do it ALL!
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Solution
Resource
Management
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Woodrow Wilson
“I not only use all the
brains I have, but all I can
borrow.”
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Resources
Ward Council
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Relief Society President
Elders Quorum President
High Priest Group Leader
Primary President
Sunday School President
Young Men & Young Women Presidents
Activities Committee Chair
Seminary Teacher
Teachers Quorum President
Deacons Quorum President
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Secret Weapons
The Sisters are often the most
overworked yet under-utilized resource in
the Ward / Branch.
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William Feather, American Author
“Next to doing a good job yourself, the
greatest joy is having someone else do a
first-class job under your direction.”
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Goethe, poet / philosopher
“Treat people as if they were what they
ought to be and you help them to become
what they are capable of being.”
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Humility
Let the Holy Ghost help you know who
should be handling problems.
There may be someone out there who
can handle it better than you.
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Delegation
Barriers
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Bad reflection on you
Don’t want to overload them
Perfectionist
Keys
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More what & why and less how
Delegate whole tasks not just pieces
Things you don’t do well
Ronald Reagan Concept
Skill Matching
Micro Managing is not delegation
Delegate to develop
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Delegation Perfection
“This is My Beloved
Son. Hear Him.”
JS History 1:17
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Interviewing Young Men
Brenden Taylor, Stake Young Men 2nd Counselor
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Interviewing Tips
Since an interview often turns into a counseling session, there
are some things you need to do:
Understand feelings.
Appeal to the Spirit.
Be willing to learn.
Pinpoint specific needs.
Identify courses of action.
You needn’t always have answers.
Keep the confidences.
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Beginning the Interview
The beginning can be the hardest part. Help them feel that they
have a part to play and plan in advance to shift the emphasis
from you to the other person:
Explain the purpose of the interview.
Encourage them to participate.
Give them time to prepare.
Prepare yourself.
Begin with prayer.
Don’t ask simple “yes” or “no” questions.
Focus on their interests and activities.
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Getting to the Real Issue
Sometimes the person’s real problems
and concerns remain unclear. The
individual may avoid talking about
their real problems because:
They fear a possible negative reaction.
They can’t put their feelings into words.
Show them that you respect them
regardless of what they say, and
that you really want to understand the
way they feel.
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Listen to Learn
Reflect the individual’s feeling
as they express them. This
process is harder than it
sounds.
Refrain from expressing surprise,
concern, and disappointment.
Pay special attention to the
feelings behind the words.
Withhold comment or
reassurances until more is known.
Put yourself in their place.
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Decisions, Decisions…
When a need has been identified, the next step involves
deciding on a possible course of action.
Don’t concentrate on just one solution.
Clear choices between right and wrong should be explicitly
pointed out.
When a decision between alternatives must be made, allow
the individual to think, study and pray to better decide for
themselves.
The amount of time set aside for the interview may be too
short to accomplish what you desire.
End each interview end on an uplifting note that reinforces
the individual’s sense of worth and dignity.
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Using the Young Men Secretary
Max Molgard, Stake Young Men Secretary
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Young Men Secretary
Unfortunately, his can become the
“forgotten” or “neglected” calling.
When properly trained, he becomes an
invaluable resource for:

Training Aaronic Priesthood Quorum
Secretaries
 Keeping the Aaronic Priesthood and Young
Men Leaders up-to-date on the progress of
each young man
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The Young Men Interview Packet
Duty to God progress
Scouting progress
Missionary Recommendation Forms
Recent trends in attendance (Sunday
and Mutual)
Reasons for non-attendance
Goals set and reached
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Each Calling is an Opportunity
You have as great an opportunity for
satisfaction in the performance of your duty as I
do in mine. The progress of this work will be
determined by our joint efforts….
…Whatever your calling, it is as fraught with the
same kind of opportunity to accomplish good as
is mine. What is really important is that this is
the work of the Master. Our work is to go about
doing good as did He.
(President Gordon B. Hinckley,
April Conference 1995)
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Summary and Questions
David Carlsen, Stake Young Men President
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Why is this statement true?
“A Bishop who spends 75% of his time
with the youth will have a successful
ward.”
Mentoring of future leaders
Building a relationship of trust
Empowering MP & RS Leaders
Offering a righteous example
Being there during teaching moments
Gaining the respect of parents
Reducing the Prospective Elder pool
Stephen D. Nadauld,
1C, YM Gen Presidency & 70
(Augusta Georgia Stake
Priesthood Leadership Meeting
17 February 1996)
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Questions ?
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