Church Councils

According to the General Handbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “Heavenly Father has established councils as an important part of receiving inspiration, making decisions, and accomplishing His work.” The primary purpose of councils is to help members work together in seeking divine guidance about matters that will bless individuals and families. Members of councils counsel together in doing the Lord’s work. Councils provide opportunities for council members to receive revelation as they seek to understand the needs of God’s children and plan how to help meet them.

The Church of Jesus Christ is governed by councils at every level. For example, the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Area Presidencies, stake presidencies, and bishoprics are all councils. In addition to stake and ward councils, each presidency of a Church organization, quorum, or class is also a council.

Parents lead their individual families in family councils. They come together to pray, listen, discuss, and plan things together. President M. Russell Ballard explained,

I believe there are at least four types of family councils:

First, a general family council consisting of the entire family.

Second, an executive family council consisting of a mother and father.

Third, a limited family council consisting of parents and one child.

Fourth, a one-on-one family council consisting of one parent and one child.[1]

“A family council that is patterned after the councils in heaven, filled with Christlike love, and guided by the Lord’s Spirit will help us to protect our family from distractions that can steal our precious time together and protect us from the evils of the world.”[2]

Source: General Handbook

See also: "Family Councils" and "To Sit in Council"