Family Councils and Women in the Church

I am so impressed by the Council method that the Church has used. It is a pattern that many families and even businesses could follow. I think my favorite part is picturing the Twelve Apostles munching on cookies while chatting. There are a few steps before we get to the cookies.

1. They set a specific time and place each week for their meeting. It is a sacred place that is free from interruptions.
2. They distribute an agenda before the meeting so that those that will attend will have time to ponder and pray about the items to be discussed.
3. They begin the meeting by expressing love and concern for one another. This is a great step for a family that may struggle with expressing love verbally.
4. They open with prayer.
5. Each item is brought up to discuss member by member.
6. Each item is discussed by each member.
7. The discussion continues until consensus is reached by the Spirit.
8. Future steps are taken according to the decision that was reached.
9. After the meeting is finished they have a snack together.

Family councils each week can follow this pattern also. It is a wonderful relationship building tool that helps families work together to get through this life. There is a book that teaches about the whole council concept. It is by M. Russell Ballard and is called “Counseling with Our Councils: Learning to Minister Together in the Church and in the Family”.

One area that some people have an issue is women in these councils. I really believe that women are important in the church and in the function of the church. Men and women are designed by God to work together and fill in the areas that each other lack. Some women get the concept of equality into their heads. They want to do everything that men do. I believe that women are not made to do what men do nor are men made to do what women do. We each have our own strengths and can complement each other. Women, remember your worth and do your best.