Lesson Summary: September 8, 2013

Sara G. taught the lesson this week from "Chapter 18: Church Leadership and Selfless Service" in the Lorenzo Snow manual.


The lesson started out with a summary of when President Lorenzo Snow was called to be president of the London England Mission. He recounted a letter he had written to 2 branch presidents, which described an experience he had with a branch leader.

Elder Snow described this leader as having “no external faults.” The man was “ambitious in promoting the cause” and had the ability to ensure “that everyone [was] in his place, and doing his duty.” He was diligent, “labour[ing] in the work himself more industriously than they all.” But despite this man’s outward appearances of faithfulness, the branch consistently had problems that seemed to center on him...
“I accordingly prayed that the Lord would give me a spirit of discernment in the case. My prayer was answered; I found the brother possessed of a kind of half-hidden, concealed spirit of self-exaltation which was directing him in many of his movements..."
Anxious to promote the cause of God, but always in such a way that his own hand might be plainly seen in all things. Ambitious to give good instructions but careful to put his whole name in full length at the bottom of them...
Elder Snow did not write this letter to condemn the local leader. His purpose in writing was to help other leaders—that the prideful spirit he described “may be seen, known, and avoided” among them.


We were then divided into 5 different groups to discuss how we can provide service in the church.

Group 1) How can we magnify our calling without magnifying ourselves?
- pray to love those we serve
Reference scriptures: Mark 10:42-45, Matthew 23: 5, Matthew 6:24, Matthew 20:25-28


Group 2) What have church leaders done to "feed" you? What character traits do you admire in these leaders?
- people over programs
- individual focus

The Lord has given leaders in His Church a divine mandate: “Feed my sheep.”

Let every man who stands in an official station, on whom God has bestowed his holy and divine priesthood think of what the Savior said to the Twelve Apostles just before he went into the presence of his Father—“Feed my sheep.” [John 21:16–17.] And he continued to say this until his apostles felt sorrowful that he should continue to call upon them in this manner. But said he—“Feed my sheep.” That is, “Go forth with your whole heart, be devoted wholly to my cause. These people in the world are my brethren and sisters. My feelings are exercised towards them. Take care of my people. Feed my flock. Go forth and preach the gospel. I will reward you for all your sacrifices. Do not think that you can make too great a sacrifice in accomplishing this work.” He called upon them in the fervor of his heart to do this work. And now I call upon all who hold this priesthood, the presiding officers of [the] stake, and the Bishops, and the High Council, to go forth and feed the flock. Take an interest in them. … Work for them, and do not confine your thoughts and feelings to your personal aggrandizement. Then God will give you revelation upon revelation, inspiration upon inspiration, and teach you how to secure the interests of the Saints in matters pertaining to their temporal and spiritual welfare.² [See suggestion 2 on page 222.]

 Reference scriptures: Mosiah 2: 1, Mark 10: 42-45, 3 Nephi 27:27, John 13: 13-17

Group 3) Why should we examine our motives as we give service: Prayerfully consider your motives for serving in the church.
Reference scriptures: Matthew 6: 24, Matthew 20: 25-28, Matthew 23: 5, 2 Nephi 26:29


Group 4) What results have you seen when church members with different talents and experiences have worked together, toward a common goal?
- example given about creche exhibit--> many working together towards common goal--> successful event

From the fact of [a leader] having established himself in the hearts of the people, and his being known by them for his integrity and honesty, and his disposition to work for the interests of God and the people, willing to make any sacrifice that might be required of him, he possesses their confidence, and when once in possession of so sacred a trust, what then might he do in order to satisfy the minds of the people, which are, more or less, inclined to be progressive? Let such a man call to his aid those of his brethren who are the most capable, letting them share his responsibilities. Because you will find, as a general thing, that talent is diffused through the many and rarely combined in single individuals; and it only needs opportunity in order to be developed. He might say to one, “Here, Brother So and so, you are better adapted to fill this or that position than I am;” or, to another, “You are the man best fitted for this department;” and so on until he gets the talents of all brought out, and instead of diminishing the public confidence in himself, such a course would add to it.⁵ [See suggestion 4 on page 222.]

Reference scriptures: D&C 46:7-11, 1 Corinthians 12:12-25


Group 5) What are some possible results of authoritarian rule by church leaders? by parents? What are some possible results of humble leadership?
- Humble leaders--> feel loved
- Authoritarian leader--> may feel like you want to do bare minimum, can lead to rebellion and resentment

Authorita[rian] rule is not the proper rule by which to govern Saints, but rather seek to administer in the spirit of humility, wisdom, and goodness, teaching not so much by theory as practice. Though one teach with the eloquence of an angel, yet one’s good practices, good examples, one’s acts, constantly manifesting wholeheartedness for the interests of the people, teach much more eloquently, much more effectually.

Thank you Sara for the great lesson