Just some thoughts I've had as I've read the
numerous comments on "Boring the Youth". I think working with Young Women and
the youth is one of the greatest callings there is! I understand too there are challenges
we all face, trails we have to work on in our own wards! Mine might not be the same as
yours and some may be! We all get down sometimes, and other times we are up! But this is
what I always look at when I'm struggling with a problem, whether it's in-activity, the
youth too busy for activities, you know the trails we faces as leaders.
This is found in Gospel Teaching and Leadership pages 306-307! "Leaders in the Church
help individuals and families become converted, "[laboring] diligently [to] persuade
them to come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness of God, that they might enter into
his rest" (Jacob 1:7). Some fundamental principles in the Church are outlined in this
section.
Follow
the Savior's Example as a leader
Leaders should study the life of the Savior and strive to lead as He led (see 3 Nephi
27:21,27). The following instructions can help leaders follow His example.
Love and Obey God
The Savior loved and obeyed His Father (see Matthew 26:39; John 5:19,30 3Nephi 9:15;
18:27). Leaders in the Church should put God first in their lives, loving Him and
submitting to His will.
Love Others
Jesus ministered personally to people, lifting the downtrodden, giving hope to the
discouraged, and seeking out the lost. By His words and actions, He showed people that He
loved, understood, and appreciated them. (See Luke 19:1-10, John 10:14; 3 Nephi Nephi
17:5-23) He recognized the divine nature and eternal worth of each person. Even when
calling people to repentance, He condemned sin without condemning the sinner (see John
8:3-11; 3 Nephi 9:13-14, 20-22; D&C 1:31-32). Like Jesus, Church Leaders
should love the people they serve, showing care and concern for each person (see 1
Corinthians13:1-2; Moroni 7, 44-48).
Prepare Spiritually
and Serve Diligently
Jesus prepared Himself spiritually for His earthly mission (see Joseph Smith Translation,
Matthew 4:1-2, see also Matthew 14:23). As Church leaders prepare themselves spiritually
by drawing close to the Lord through prayer, scripture study, and obedience to His
commandments, they are better able to bless the people they serve.
The Savior was diligent in fulfilling His earthly mission.
He emphasized the importance of this for Church leaders when He admonished,
"Wherefore now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is
appointed, in all diligence" (D&C 107-99; D & C 105:10)
Build Unity
Jesus emphasized the need for unity (see John 17:6-11, 20-23; 3 Nephi 11:29-30). In a
latter-day revelation He said, "If ye are not one ye are not mine" (D&C
38:27) Leaders should seek to build unity among themselves and among the members they
serve.
Communicate Effectively
Successful communication requires listening attentively to others as the Savior did.
Listening with full and sincere attention also helps convey a leader's love and
concern." (Gospel Teaching and Leadership Pg. 306-307)
As we knelt for Presidency meeting we always ask that we will be guided and directed to
run the YW program in our ward as the Lord would want. That His will will be done. We go
to the Temple once a quarter and other times when needed as a Presidency for that extra
inspiration. We struggle with things just like all of the rest of the wards, but when we
seem to focus more on the Savior, and asking the what the Lord wants to be done and going
to the Temple, our prayers are always answered.
Leadership
