Bishop's Youth Council helps all of the youth

The purpose of the ward youth council is to help individuals build testimonies, receive saving ordinances, keep covenants, and become consecrated followers of Jesus Christ. Items to discuss could include ministering, spiritual and temporal welfare, missionary work, convert retention, activation, temple and family history work, and gospel learning and teaching. These council meetings should provide leadership opportunities and instruction for youth.

Recently I was able to observe one of these councils. The Bishop warned that this probably wouldn’t be a good example. It was a great council meeting. As I reflected on the meeting, there were many highlights.

1. There was an agenda that was sent out in advance so the youth knew what would be discussed.

2. They used the Handbook for training.

3. The Young Men and Young Women alternated conducting each month.

4. They followed up on assignments.

5. They discussed individuals and how they could reach out to them.

6. There was youth led discussion- especially regarding how they could reach out to one particular youth. Everyone had thoughts on how they could minister to this youth.

7. The youth received great encouragement from their adult leaders.

Did everything go great? No- but that is okay. There were awkward moments of silence after a question was asked- but that is okay as well. Will every ward youth council look like this? No- but that is okay, too. The main thing that matters is that we let the youth lead out in the things that matter the most- the work of salvation. You may have to explain to them what the work of salvation looks like, but that too is okay. It may not look perfect to you, but if the youth are learning and leading, it is a success. I know this one was definitely a success.