Worldwide leadership broadcast: Elder Quentin L. Cook
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Related articles from the 2011 broadcast:
Worldwide leadership broadcast: President Henry B. Eyring
Worldwide leadership broadcast: Elder Russell M. Nelson
Worldwide leadership broadcast: Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Worldwide leadership broadcast: Elder Bruce D. Porter
November 2010 worldwide leadership broadcast: Special broadcast introduces changes
From lds.org: Serving in the Church
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve said Feb. 12 that Church leaders are deeply appreciative for the inspired way local leaders have responded to the introduction of the new Church handbooks.
Speaking during the 2011 Worldwide Leadership Training Broadcast, Elder Cook clarified a few key principles of Handbook 2.
He said the Handbook is “doctrinally based, facilitates ministering and revelation and provides flexibility and simplification.”
Elder Cook asked Church leaders to use common sense and guidance from the Spirit as they determine how to best utilize PEC and ward council meetings.
Bishops should follow three principles with theses meetings: “decrease the burdens on bishoprics, increase delegation and revelation through councils and avoid regimentation that interferes with inspiration.”
And even though welfare meetings will no longer be held, “welfare principles are essential and are emphasized more than ever in this handbook.”
When speaking about the youth, Elder Cook emphasized two principles:
-- First “parents have the first responsibility for the spiritual and physical welfare of their children. The bishopric and other Aaronic Priesthood leaders support but do not replace parents in this responsibility.”
-- Second, “with increased delegation of many other responsibilities, the bishopric as the presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood in the ward will have more time to spend watching over the youth.”
Elder Cook also spoke about the fact that there are no longer formal ward activities committees.
“Normally, when an activity is for the entire ward the bishop will assign one or more organizations for the specific activity or event or he will assign responsibility to other individuals or a temporary committee that would work under the direction of the ward council.”
He asked local Church leaders to follow the guidelines listed in the handbook with regard to planning activities. “In today's world the heartbreak and liability that come with any Church related tragedy make this a serious matter,” he said.
Elder Cook closed by saying he is “confident that increased inspiration, revelation and the blessings of the Spirit will attend our efforts as we righteously treasure and utilize these handbooks.”
