Spotlight for Church Handbook of Instructions Book 2
Leadership in the Church
Leaders in the Church help
individuals and families become converted, "[laboring] diligently [to] persuade them
to come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness, of God, that they might enter into his
rest" (Jacob 1:7).
Follow the Savior's Example As A
Leader
Leaders should study the life of the Savior and strive to lead as He led. The
following instructions can help leaders follow His example.
Love and Obey God
The Savior loved and obeyed His Father. Leaders in the Church should put God first in
their lives, loving Him and submitting to His will.
Love Others
Jesus ministered personally to people lifting the downtrodden, giving hope to the
discouraged, and seeking out the lost. By His words and actions, He showed people that He
loved, understood, and appreciated them. He recognized the divine nature and eternal worth
of each person. Even when calling people to repentance, He condemned sin without
condemning the sinner. Like Jesus, Church leaders should love the people they serve,
showing care and concern for each person.
Prepare Spiritually and Serve Diligently
Jesus prepared Himself spiritually for His earthly mission. As Church leaders
prepared themselves spiritually by drawing close to the Lord through prayer, scripture
study, and obedience to His commandments, they are better able to bless the people they
serve. The Savior was diligent in fulfilling His earthly mission. He emphasized the
importance of this for Church leaders when He admonished, "Wherefore, now let every
man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all
diligence"
Build Unity
Jesus emphasized the need for unity. In a latter-day revelation He said, "If ye are
not one ye are not mine". Leaders should seek to build unity among themselves and
among the members they serve.
Delegate Responsibility & Ensure Accountability
The Savior recognized the potential of others and called them to help in the work
of His kingdom. Leaders should help others grow by giving them meaningful assignments and
callings. Leaders cannot and should not attempt to do everything themselves. Counselors,
clerks, secretaries, and others are called to help. Leaders are more effective when they
delegate responsibilities to those who serve with them.
Effective delegation includes the following steps:
1. Clearly outline the assignment in your mind.
2. Prayerfully determine who should be given the assignment
3. Meet with the person to explain the assignment and its purpose. Explain the assignment
and its purpose. Explain the time and other limits within which the assignment should be
completed. Ensure that the person understands the assignment and the accountability for
it. Allow the person to help develop the plans to carry out the assignment.
4. Allow the person to complete the assignment. Provide assistance, advice, and
encouragement as needed.
5. Periodically ask the person to report on the assignment. Do not expect perfection; be
willing to accept the person's best efforts. Give special attention to the good things he
or she has achieved. If necessary, help redirect or renew efforts to complete the
assignment.
Communicate Effectively
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
Leadership
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