Counseling With Our Councils, Revised Edition: Learning to Minister Together in the Church and in the Family by M. Russell Ballard

by M. Russell Ballard

Genres: Religion

Paperback

Published January 1, 1762

About the author

President M. Russell Ballard has served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints since October 6, 1985. He was set apart as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by President Russell M. Nelson on January 14, 2018.

He was born to Melvin R. and Geraldine Smith Ballard. He attended the University of Utah. He served as a counselor to the president of the British Mission. He has been a bishop twice and a high councilor in two stakes. In 1974, he was called as president of the Canada Toronto Mission, where he was serving when he was called to the First Quorum of the Seventy in April of 1976. He served as a member of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy from Feb. 21, 1980, to Oct. 6, 1985.

Prior to his call as a General Authority, Elder Ballard had interests in automotive, real estate, and investment businesses. He has served on many civic committees and boards. He is the author of two books.

He married Barbara Bowen in the Salt Lake Temple Aug. 28, 1951. They have two sons, five daughters and forty grandchildren.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Come now, and let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18). I received this book from my bishop in conjunction with my new calling as Sunday school president. This is an important message about how to utilize councils in church and families to more effectively minister to others. I like the term “spiritual synergy” where we harness the collective gifts, perspective, and inspiration of all council members to solve problems, better serve, and ultimately witness miracles (which he shared many examples of). I appreciated the repeated message throughout the book on the particular importance of seeking the voice, inspiration, and perspective of women. While the message of this book needs to be understood by all leaders and parents, some aspects are a bit dated (like using the term priesthood to refer to men instead of God’s power).

-Leaders needs to start with a plan/vision
-Leaders need to ask questions and really listen (and be intentional about listening to others before sharing their own thoughts)
-Focus on ministering to people and bringing individuals to Christ (not programs); meetings without this focus will lose meaning and fulfillment
-Importance of delegation
-Council member speak from their own perspective as individuals and not just as representatives of their organizations

-Family councils – “Parents are missing valuable insight and inspiration if they choose not to give due consideration to the ideas their children bring to the family council.” p. 164

-“Governance through councils is more than just a good idea; it is God’s plan. It is how we share the burden of gospel responsibilities. It is how we accomplish the mission of the Church.” p. 180

[Aaron Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book on assignment from my bishopric, and it was really excellent in how counseling in our church leadership organizations, classes, and families can make a difference in decision making rather than one person governing it all. Really applicable material.