"When each man sets his own house in order, the whole world will be in order". John A. Widtsoe

Introduction

COUNCILS: THE SALVATION OF FAMILIES

In today's world, the stress on the family, its members, and the need for quality family values is well document. However, concrete solutions are rarely provided.

This website outlines a model and method of dealing with the challenges of family life through the family council. It also provide suggested forms that can be used in the council.

It is my conviction that by implementing a regular council meeting in your home. It can become a place of peace and refuge where love and concern for each other is the key to meeting family challenges. The family council has provided such a refuge for our family.

Many years have past since the eventful day when the need for a family council came into our family. My wife, Susan, delivered twins, a boy (Kenneth) and a girl (Kristine), and added to our little family of two little girls, Kathryn ages 3 and Karen age 2. We felt the awesome responsibility of caring for these children and being able to manage our lives. A year passed and family's management challenges and problems had not eased.

One Sunday at Priesthood meeting for the men of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the lesson was on families. It was suggested that a family meeting or council could be used to manage the family affairs. "This meeting could be separate and apart" from the regular Family Home Evening of the Church held each Monday night in the home for religions instruction purposes.

I came home like Archimedes of old and announced excitedly; "Eureka! I have found it. Councils are the answer to our problem." Susan was agreeable to try anything that might work even though we had no clear idea how to start.

As we began our family council, I asked my wife to be the secretary of the council and record the minutes. They were brief note with tasks and person assigned.

Over the years Susan and I have also had the opportunity to serve in many of the Church councils in different parts of the world. I learned early to take the eternal governing principles used in these councils home so they could bless our family. Further, talks given under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost to congregations have added to the body of knowledge on councils. Personal insight has also been added through experience. I commend that to you as well.

God governs His family through councils (ref. Moses 4:1-4). We can do the same in our own families. Family Councils are a real life adventure into personal and family perfection. The family can be no greater than its individual members.

The ideas presented in this workbook and forms are time tested. Over the years adjustments have been made to meet our situation as the children have grown, but we have come to know the value of the family council. We trust you will catch the vision of councils in your family. Try councils for three months and you'll see their value. For us, two weeks without a council finds love and peace replaced by frustration and confusion. We are available to consult on the web at gmtmt@msn.com and staylor45@hotmail.com.

Our family prayers are for your success as you try the governing approach of God - Councils.

Love Gordon and Susan