“The Lord governs His kingdom by the principle of councils” (Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders’ Guidebook, 21).

“All councils in the Church should encourage free and open discussion by conferring with one another and striving to have clear, concise communication. Councils should discuss objectives and concerns, with mutual understanding being the ultimate goal. . . . [Participants have the responsibility] to be prepared [and] to share” (M. Russell Ballard, “Strength in Counsel,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 76, 78).

“Successful communication requires listening attentively to others as the Savior did. Listening with full and sincere attention also helps convey a leader’s love and concern” (Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, 307).

Purposes of the bishopric youth committee:

• Identify needs and interests of individual youth in the ward. Plan how to meet those needs.
• Determine how to encourage individual youth to participate in Church meetings and activities, including seminary.
• Plan and report on fellowshipping efforts.
• Schedule and plan youth activities that are consistent with the needs that have been identified.
• Evaluate past activities to see if youth relationships were strengthened and if the intended purposes were fulfilled.
  (See Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, 318–19.)

Additional Helps

• Doctrine and Covenants 81:5; 108:7
• Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, 306–9, “Follow the Savior’s Example as a Leader,” “Ministering to New Members and Less-Active Members,” and “Bishopric Youth Committee”
• Gospel Art Picture Kit, picture 215, Go Ye Therefore
• Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders’ Guidebook, 21, “Councils”