Priesthood Quorums' Table

W[PRIESTHOOi> QUO JC* -RUMS' TABLE ui m

Activities of the Priesthood Quorums

Organization

Every person in each ward who holds the Priesthood should be enrolled in the proper class, regardles of whether he has been received as a member of the quorum which has jurisdiction in the ward, and encouragement should be given all the members of all classes to attend rgularly. Let the priests be presided over by the bishop personally, that they may have his watchful care and fatherly guidance during the critical period of their lives. Let the bishop encourage them to perform their duties with precision and faithfulness; commend their good works, and by his personal influence and example lead them in the way that will make for high ideals in temporal and spiritual affairs. A faithful priest who develops in his calling, will become a valuable elder, seventy and high priest. All who have received the Priesthood should be looked after, and efforts made to keep them interested in their callings. When any begin to grow indifferent or neglectful, a personal labor ought to be taken with them. In some instances returned missionaries have been assigned to this duty. If they are filled with the missionary spirit, and are diligent and earnest in their labors, realizing that the salvation of man is just as important at home as abroad in the world, they can do much good, and will be amply rewarded for the efforts they put forth. Men specially called to this labor will visit the homes of delinquent brethren and labor with them just as they visited the homes of delinquent members or investigators while in the mission field. The same missionary service rendered at home will produce larger results than in the mission field. Abroad the elder seldom ceases to visit the investigator until he converts him or finds that his visits are not desired, and at home he should persevere until the delinquent brother is interested in his Priesthood duties and activities, and takes part with the other members of the quorum in the work of the ministry. Another successful method is for the class instructor to call to his aid another faithful member of the class, and together take up a personal labor with the delinquent members of their class. Such work performed under the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit is usually effective, if persisted in with patience and love. In some wards the bishopric takes a direct- interest in the indifferent members who hold the Priesthood. A list of these is made up, and divided among the members of the bishopric, each one taking the names of those whom he knows he will have the most influence with, and labor with them in a serious heart to heart way. Of course, the teachers should always be alert to their duties in this matter. Just as the bishop is the father of the ward, they are the fathers of their districts, and exercise an influence over those whom they visit. From time to time let Priesthood work and duties be made the special subject for the month.

Selecting a Leader

Some men cannot be persuaded to attend their classes out of a sense of mere duty. Such men can usually be reached by making the classes worth

268 IMPROVEMENT ERA

their while. To do this a man who is a real leader must he selected as class instructor, and must possess a goodly measure of those qualities that go to make a real teacher. Too much stress cannot be given to the selection of one to fill this important place. The leader must be well prepared with his subject, and by his example encourage the members of the class to prepare the lesson in advance. He must let the mmbers of the class do the work, he acting simply as their teacher and guide. It is also his duty to see that the lesson is confined to the subject assigned, and prevent as far as possible rambling and unprofitable discussion. Social functions among the Priesthood classes and quorums will also serve to arouse interest. Such occasions should be made pleasant and agreeable in every way for all who attend. But the best way to keep up interest is to give every man who holds the Priesthood something to do, and encourage him to perform his duties faithfully. Wenaturally take the most interest in those things in which we are engaged. By making a careful study of each man's character it is usually possible to find something that will interest him, and his sympathy can be won and his help secured by appealing to this side of his nature first. The Presiding Bishopric are very much interested in the work of the Priesthood classes and quorums and desire to help solve the problems that arise. Therefore, they offer these suggestions, and shall be glad to hear about the conditions in the wards and stakes, and the difficulties which have to be overcome and how the officers are overcoming them.

Ward Priesthood Record Each ward should be provided with a roll and minute book for ward priesthood meetings, and in this should be kept a roll of the officers and instructors. Each class of priesthood should be provided with the new form of roll book, which has been designed for class purposes. Each class of high priests, seventies, and elders should furnish the ward clerk, monthly, a report of its class business and labors, and it will be the duty of the ward clerk to see that this report is transmitted to the president of the qurum having jurisdiction in the ward. Weekly Priesthood Meetings In every ward of the Church a priesthood meeting should be field on Monday evening, or at such other time as may be designated by the stake presidency. Every person in the ward holding the priesthood should be enrolled, and it is his duty to attend. These meetings begin for the year's work in January, and continue until the end of the year. The bishop will preside at the weekly priesthood meeting, and he should preside in person over the priests of the ward. All who attend should meet in general assembly for the opening exercises; following these exercises, brief and timely instructions may be given by the bishopric, and the ward clerk should read that part of the current number of the Improvement Era which gives instructions on priesthood matters; then the members should adjourn to their class rooms, and proceed with their regular lessons. In very small wards where the number holding the priesthood will not justify having six separate classes, it is suggested that the high priests, seventies and elders might meet in one class.

Attendance at Quorum and Class Meetings At a recent stake Priesthod meeting of the Ensign stake, Elder John "Wells, of the Presiding Bishop's office, gave an enlivening talk on how to improve the attendance of Priesthood quorum and class meetings. We be-

PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS' TABLE 269

lieve the following synopsis of his remarks will be of interest and value to teachers, officers, and members generally:

Quorum Presidency Priesthood means service. Every person holding the priesthood should be actively engaged. The officers should feel a personal responsibility for the success of the quorum. They should be aggressive; should act as shepherds. Organization Assign to each member of the presidency, for personal visits where needed, one-third of the members of the quorum. In the case of Seventies, one-seventh. Arrange visits according to personal convenience. Each member of the presidency should have a small pocket roll book. He should ascertain the attitude of each member about prayers, lessons, sacrament meetings, discussions in quorums; also should have the address, telephone number, occupation, etc., of each member assigned to him.

Secretary He should keep the authorized roll and record book, and have it always ready for inspection, and at the presidency's council meetings. Three days before the council meeting, he should, under their instructions, send post cards, write letters, or in any other manner co-operate with the presidency in securing attendance of the members.

Council Meetings The presidency and the secretary might meet the day prior to the regular meeting and consider the absentees. Every name should be looked over; the program prepared, and a member of the presidency assigned to lake charge of the meeting. Thoroughly consider the lesson.

Visiting

Use the telephone to remind members; arrange for post card notices to those who prefer that method; or letters to those who prefer letters. Each member of the presidency should do this himself. Make personal visits when necessary, learn the cause of constant absence and adjust, if possible. Every person absent or excused the previous meeting should be reminded. Encourage members to come, although they may take no active part. Where the visit of one member of the presidency does not bring results, all three should call. Enter into this work with the missionary spirit, and don't be discouraged if immediate results are not apparent.

Roll Call Call every name on the roll; register as instructed. Each member of the presidency should be prepared to report the cause of absence of those in their charge. Don't accept the word "excused ;" find out why. Enquire of members during the roll call of the reasons for the person's absence; encourage the habit of reporting the cause of absence; make the best possible use of the moral effect of a roll call. Let the impression be given that every week every person will be asked about and accounted for. Every meeting can be made interesting if the presidency will make proper preparation.

Quorum Meetings Be prompt, make every minute count. Instructor should take charge immediately after roll call. Don't whisper or hold consultations; discourage long talks; encourage brief outline of lesson; encourage discussion. Let the quorum members do the work; don't waste time on questions you are