THE LEADERSHIP COURSE SYLLABUS Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so. Amen. (D&C 107:99-100)
The Church Handbook of Instructions is inspired of God and written intentionally for latter-day shepherds. The reader will immensely benefit from its abundant supply of ideas. In recommending a personal leadership development reading program for bishoprics and other auxiliary leaders, I would like to present a rationale of this syllabus. I believe a systematic reading program instead of random reading will maximize the benefit it provides.
MINISTRY Leadership Your speed as the bishop determines the speed of the ward. The ward will adopt your personality for better or for worse. The ward’s rise and fall is dependent upon you. Therefore, your ability to lead people, motivate those whom you lead, effectively delegate responsibility to others, create momentum, and sustain the work despite overwhelming obstacles is crucial to your success. You must first learn how to be an effective leader. Teaching the Gospel Effectively As a bishop, you are a teacher. You need to teach and teach and teach correct principles until your people learn how to govern themselves. While other members of the bishopric are other ward teachers have also been called to this noble calling, you as the bishop have to be the most effective teacher. Positive changes and results are only produced through deliberate and intentional teaching. Interviews & Counseling You have marvelous one-on-one opportunities to teach members through interviews and counseling sessions. You minister to your people individually in this manner. Your ability to listen, discern members’ needs, ask the right questions, provide helpful counsel, and follow-through will nourish their souls. This is true ministry in action. Calls & Releases Calling people into church callings means to match their abilities with responsibilities and stretching them towards achieving their real potential. To call someone to fill a position in the church is not simply a matter of giving the handbook and then leaving them on their own. You have coaching and mentoring responsibilities as well. To release someone from a church calling has to be handled with care in order to sustain member’s progress.