June: How can I participate effectively in councils in the Church?

All printables, handouts and videos found HERE

Introduction:

• Quickly did our monthly scripture chart drawing.
• What is a council?
• Types of Councils Match Game
• I put a colored piece of paper or cardstock behind each picture and word strip. 
• I also put the pictures on one side and the word strips on the other side of the chalkboard. I didn't want it to take too long by having them turn over two pictures or two word strips on their turn.

Making it Personal:

• Have the youth share their experiences participating in council settings at Church or at home. 
• What did they do to prepare for the meeting?
• What did they do to participate?

Likening the Scriptures:

• Before class write these scriptures on the board:
• Matthew 18:20
• Moroni 6:4-5
• D&C 38:27
• D&C 88:122
• Have the youth pick one of the scriptures and answer the question, "Why does the Lord use councils to accomplish his work?"
• Read the heading/description of this lesson in the Sunday School Manual. I have one you can print out in the link above.

Learning Together:

• Watch "Participate in Councils" video
• Have the youth write down what they learn is needed for a successful council on the index cards in the printable link above.
• Have they seen any of these principles applied in a council?
• Mock Ward Council Activity
• I put a table in the middle of the room and had the youth sit around it.
• I had them draw a prompts/problems that could be facing the ward. Using what they learned from the video and their experiences with council, they are to work together to find a solution to the problem.
• If you want, you could assign specific roles such as: Elder's Quorum President, Bishop, Relief Society President, Primary President, Sunday School President, etc. But I decided not to because of my age group and I only have 2 boys and 4 girls in my class. 

Conclusion:

• Why would it be less effective if one person made all the decisions without counseling others?
• How did the council help accomplish the Lord's work?
• What makes councils such an effective way to do the Lord's work?