Executive & Individual Councils
There are two other types of councils that directly support the Family Council. These are the Executive and Personal councils
The executive council generally comprises the heads of household, father, mother and God, there are exception to the standard model. But the functions and issues are the same. The other council is a personal council which comprises, member of the head of household, child and God. These councils can take the form of a personal interview with the child - formal or informal.
Executive Council
The father, mother and God make up the members of family Executive Council. A man together with his wife and God when equally yoked together form one of the most powerful and stable units in the world--an equilateral triangle relationship. This equilateral triangle should be the model for all Executive Councils. As Paul wrote: "Nevertheless, neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man in the Lord….”NT I Corinthians 11:11
This Executive Council with husband and wife is the capstone council within the family. Without unity at this level the other councils are a challenge. Husband and wife should discuss their plans, goals, ideas and concerns on family issues and activities in regular meetings prior to a Family Council meeting. (They can use the standard agenda as outline topics for discussion.) An Executive Council may also include an expression of appreciation for the mother or father’s efforts in a particular family project or may focus on the problems of a particular child or family issue.
Sometimes items may also come up in Family Council that needs to be referred to the Executive Council before a decision is made. In this instance the father and mother should signal each other to defer any decision. Husband and wife counseling together with the Lord will insure that the Family Council takes the right and unified direction.
This executive committee of the family should meet together often in both formal and informal sessions. They should pray about their decisions and then move forward in faith with God’s help.
Personal Council
A Personal Council is a “one-on-one” meeting between a parent/s and child. As with executive council, supplication to God is critical. Reviewing performances, examining attitudes and feelings, discussion of moral values and interpersonal relationships plus establishing goals for future actions can be subject of these councils. Bishop’s do this type of personal interview with teenagers every six months. This recommendation is appropriate as well for families unless more is needed. Bedtime with small children is a good time for informal visits.
The Personal Council is again patterned after the Lord’s example. Find a quiet spot with father (or mother) and child. Always begin and end with vocal prayer. Prayer is and can be a great measure of spiritual insights and strength. (Note: Sometimes an informal meeting and setting are best. Let the spirit be the guide.)
Interviews, while somewhat unstructured may cover:
a. How the person feels about themselves.
b. How they feel about relations with other family members and what they would change.
c. How they feel about their relationship with God- Are their prayers getting though?
d. Relationships with friends.
e. Current challenges – school, work etc.
f. Goals in area of personnel perfection.
(Use areas of focus from Primary “Faith in God” or YW “Personal Progress” and YM “Duty to God” and/or scouting programs)
g. Specific helps
h. Admonition and encouragement
i. Expressions of love
Conclude with kneeling prayer and a big hug
Remember parents are on the Lord's errand to raise their children in light and truth. Many times parents can be part of the solutions to a family members needs. You are in many instances an instrument in God’s hands in meeting the needs of a child as you listen to them and their prayers.
Note: Information critical to family life from either of these two types of councils, which do not break confidences, should be included and discussed in the Family Council
Return to FC PROCEDURES
The executive council generally comprises the heads of household, father, mother and God, there are exception to the standard model. But the functions and issues are the same. The other council is a personal council which comprises, member of the head of household, child and God. These councils can take the form of a personal interview with the child - formal or informal.
Executive Council
The father, mother and God make up the members of family Executive Council. A man together with his wife and God when equally yoked together form one of the most powerful and stable units in the world--an equilateral triangle relationship. This equilateral triangle should be the model for all Executive Councils. As Paul wrote: "Nevertheless, neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man in the Lord….”NT I Corinthians 11:11
This Executive Council with husband and wife is the capstone council within the family. Without unity at this level the other councils are a challenge. Husband and wife should discuss their plans, goals, ideas and concerns on family issues and activities in regular meetings prior to a Family Council meeting. (They can use the standard agenda as outline topics for discussion.) An Executive Council may also include an expression of appreciation for the mother or father’s efforts in a particular family project or may focus on the problems of a particular child or family issue.
Sometimes items may also come up in Family Council that needs to be referred to the Executive Council before a decision is made. In this instance the father and mother should signal each other to defer any decision. Husband and wife counseling together with the Lord will insure that the Family Council takes the right and unified direction.
This executive committee of the family should meet together often in both formal and informal sessions. They should pray about their decisions and then move forward in faith with God’s help.
Personal Council
A Personal Council is a “one-on-one” meeting between a parent/s and child. As with executive council, supplication to God is critical. Reviewing performances, examining attitudes and feelings, discussion of moral values and interpersonal relationships plus establishing goals for future actions can be subject of these councils. Bishop’s do this type of personal interview with teenagers every six months. This recommendation is appropriate as well for families unless more is needed. Bedtime with small children is a good time for informal visits.
The Personal Council is again patterned after the Lord’s example. Find a quiet spot with father (or mother) and child. Always begin and end with vocal prayer. Prayer is and can be a great measure of spiritual insights and strength. (Note: Sometimes an informal meeting and setting are best. Let the spirit be the guide.)
Interviews, while somewhat unstructured may cover:
a. How the person feels about themselves.
b. How they feel about relations with other family members and what they would change.
c. How they feel about their relationship with God- Are their prayers getting though?
d. Relationships with friends.
e. Current challenges – school, work etc.
f. Goals in area of personnel perfection.
(Use areas of focus from Primary “Faith in God” or YW “Personal Progress” and YM “Duty to God” and/or scouting programs)
g. Specific helps
h. Admonition and encouragement
i. Expressions of love
Conclude with kneeling prayer and a big hug
Remember parents are on the Lord's errand to raise their children in light and truth. Many times parents can be part of the solutions to a family members needs. You are in many instances an instrument in God’s hands in meeting the needs of a child as you listen to them and their prayers.
Note: Information critical to family life from either of these two types of councils, which do not break confidences, should be included and discussed in the Family Council
Return to FC PROCEDURES