INFO

There is a lot of info here, but these are the responses from the bishops and Ward Mission Leaders (excluding Bro. Lusk)

The Training went great! We all left with a renewed sense of motivation to work with the Ward Council. It was great! I was so relieved! Well Transfers happened and I am staying for another transfer. This will be 7 1/2 months here! I'm so excited! Tyler came to church this week!

It was awesome! We are working harder then ever! We have rededicated ourselves to finding people to teach! We are lacking that, since we have put so much emphasis on Tyler. We realized we were at a loss when we weren't teaching Tyler. We had an amazing FHE last night a the High-Priest Group Leader's home. Tyler really felt the spirit and admitted he finally understand what a testimony is! I love seeing the progress he is making! Well, thank you for all the input on my training, it helped a lot! I am training this coming Friday on effective follow-up with the Ward-Council Members.

 

 

When was the last time you were handed a progress record? Last Sunday.  Do you wish to receive them?  Yes, for several reasons.  1.  They are a record of accountability and either increase or decrease my confidence in the companionship.  2.  Receiving the progress record creates a basic connection between missionaries, the work they are doing, and me.  3.  I get an update of the full-time missionary work that is happening in the ward in a concise format. 

·        How often do the full-time missionaries communicate with you?  Not often enough.  I would prefer some interaction at least several times per week.  Text, phone call, in person communication is all important.

·        Do you feel the Ward Council members know how to utilize the Missionaries to their full extent?  Some are better than others but I would say it is not part of our culture.

·        What are effective ways for the missionaries to facilitate direction in the Ward Council, and then motivate the council members to act?  Effective planning is vital; starting with the companionship planning what to discuss ahead of time in missionary coordination meeting, and planning ahead of time what to share in ward council.  Time is limited in these meetings so prioritizing discussion topics and presenting in a way that engenders input from the council and ultimately ends with a commitment for someone to act is crucial.  The format should follow the pattern: discuss, delegate, act, account.  Repeat as necessary.  Inspired discussion should lead to assignments, then actions, then return and report.  Commitments lead to covenant making and covenant keeping by both members and investigators.

·        How often would you expect the missionaries to follow up on action items? depends on the task but I would give a deadline with each action item which should include a weekly update.  Do the missionaries do this well?  Always room for improvement.

·        Do you feel the auxiliaries are taking action and responsibility with the action items developed in Ward Council?  Always room for improvement.

·        What would you constitute as an effective use of the time allotted to the full-time missionaries during Ward council? If this is not being demonstrated what would you suggest be improved upon?  Use the format on the Progress Record to concisely develop actions.

·        As a Bishop what do you need from your full-time missionaries? I need the missionaries to feel united in the work with the ward council and the ward.  If you feel you are working alone, we are doing something wrong.  "If we're united we all things can do..."  Strengthen newly baptized, visit less active, help with VT/HT.  Are they meeting this need? 
Always room for improvement.

·        What are your priorities at this time:

o   Youth, Recent-Concerts, Less-Active Families, Investigators, Active Members, Prospective-Elders, Un-Endowed Members

·        How often is the Ward Mission Plan discussed?  Not very often right now.

·        Are there any other improvements the missionaries serving in your ward could make to aid you in your calling or bless the lives of others?  Work more closely with me.  Prioritize teaching in members homes or with members present.  Set a high goal of teaching discussions each week.  Focus on teaching these discussions to less active/part member families.

·        What do you appreciate about the missionaries serving in your ward?  We have a great legacy of hard working, righteous, service-oriented, dedicated missionaries working in our ward.  Keep and build upon this high standard.