Types of Councils and General Roles

"The three council functioning in a traditional family include:

1. The executive council comprising father, mother and God.
2. The family council with father, mother, children and God.
3. The personal council with father or mother, child and God.

While this site is about the family council, the other types of councils that the family members may participate in are equally important. They form key links in support of the family council. (Note: All three councils can also function with some modification in non-traditional family units as well.)

The 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. The equilateral triangle is the symbol and model for the executive council supporting the family council. As Paul wrote: "Nevertheless, neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man in the Lord…." 1 Cor 11:11.

This executive council with husband and wife is the capstone councils within the family. Without unity at this level the other council 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. (Note: Sometimes items may also come up in family council that need to be deferred and referred to the executive council before a decision is made. Parents need to signal each other when this is the case.) Husband and wife counseling together with the Lord will insure that the family council takes the right and unified direction. An executive council may also include a father's expression of appreciation for the mother's efforts in a particular family project or may focus on the problems of a particular child or family issue.

This executive committee of the family should meet together often at both formal and informal sessions. Praying together in council on issues morning and evening is not too often.

The Family Council

The family council (FC) involves the whole family. At this meeting it is appropriate to discuss goals, recognize achievements of family members, or encourage greater attention to the general education and welfare of the family. The council is also the time to organize and calendar family and individual activities. In the family council the members can effectively treat issues centered in the three major needs of the individuals- temporal and spiritual perfection, service and family ties including genealogy.

The family council is the basic council for governing of our families. Under the direction of the father and mother, family councils may discuss family matters/challenges, discuss family finance, make plans and support, define family rules and strengthen family members. (President Spencer Kimball) have stated that "an atmosphere of listening, honest communication, and respect for the opinions and feelings of others is vital to the success of these meetings." Teachings of Kimball p. 343.

Each family member should have a significant role in the family council. Individuals will grow into their roles. They can also learn how to use the council concepts to perfect their personal lives and provide service to others. All family members need to be taught their responsibility in the maintenance of the family as an eternal organization.

The Personal Council

A personal council is a one on one meeting with a family member and the Lord. Reviewing performances, examining attitudes and feelings, and interpersonal relationships and establishing goals for future actions can be subject of these councils. Bishop's do this type of personal interview with teenagers every six months so we recommend at least that frequent but more if needed. (Reference from Family Guide Book xxxxx) Bedtime with small children is one a good time to visit. Remember you are in many instances an instrument in God's hands in meeting the needs of a child if you listen to them and their prayers.