An LDS classic. It’s also really interesting to revisit when you have a role on a church council. That is especially the case now as the rampant changes to church programs are in place. You can see the ideas that Elder Ballard wrote about decades ago in their book being put into programmatic effect today. The idea of ministering is basically outlined in this book only to be implemented years after its publishing.

A solid book about councils in the church and how we can use councils more effectively. It isn't anything groundbreaking or that I haven't heard before, but maybe I've been fortunate in being a part of good councils in the past. The writing was fine--nothing fancy, to the point, and without embellishment. I think this probably could have been written in a few pages rather than an entire book. I wonder, especially for General Authorities, what the criteria is for writing entire books rather than some other format.

Anyway--I would recommend this to anyone who is on a council and wants to understand how they work, why we have them, and how they can be better. This includes councils at the ward and stake level, as well as presidency and family councils. I feel guilty not giving it more stars, but it was simply a good, instructional book. Nothing more, nothing less.

Took this from Brenda’s shelves in Albuquerque and gutted it on a Sunday afternoon. Some good insights on assembling a presidency.

I first read this (gratefully) as a relatively new, and often less than effective, Bishop. With tremendous insight, doctrinal support, and wonderfully pragmatic instruction, Elder Ballard laid out how to use counselors and councils in accomplishing the work of the gospel. At the same time, I was serving as the chairman of the Management Department at my university, and I found this wonderful book equally helpful there as well. True principles are effective, regardless of where they are applied! Among the topics addressed in this book are:

1. How to plan and conduct a ward or stake council meeting.
2. What individual council members can bring to their assignments.
3. How to make better use of the accumulated wisdom, inspiration, and experience of all council members.

Highly recommended for anyone in a leadership position in the Church (or out), whether young or old, male or female, etc.

Perhaps I have not been called to a calling where I am in a ward or stake council, but I loved the insights of this book pertaining to the family council. I know that when we communicate openly and with love to figure out problems, the Spirit of the Lord will help us find answers to our problems. I can't wait until I have my own family so I can enjoy these blessings and experience the things taught in this book.

This was a fantastic, well laid out book about the need for actually counseling in our counsels than directing one's own agenda.
Elder Ballard has written a book that should be in every households library, leader or not.
I found it a font of wisdom and crucial for success in the time in which we live.

I first read this (gratefully) as a relatively new, and often less than effective, Bishop. With tremendous insight, doctrinal support, and wonderfully pragmatic instruction, Elder Ballard laid out how to use counselors and councils in accomplishing the work of the gospel. At the same time, I was serving as the chairman of the Management Department at my university, and I found this wonderful book equally helpful there as well. True principles are effective, regardless of where they are applied! Among the topics addressed in this book are:

1. How to plan and conduct a ward or stake council meeting.
2. What individual council members can bring to their assignments.
3. How to make better use of the accumulated wisdom, inspiration, and experience of all council members.

Highly recommended for anyone in a leadership position in the Church (or out), whether young or old, male or female, etc.