Bishops—Shepherds over the Lord’s Flock

Understanding the Role of Bishops

Elder Cook outlines the five principal responsibilities of a bishop, which include presiding over the ward as the high priest, acting as president of the Aaronic Priesthood, serving as a common judge, coordinating the work of salvation and exaltation, and overseeing records, finances, and the use of the meetinghouse. He emphasizes the bishop's role as a spiritual leader and a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.

The bishop has five principal responsibilities in presiding over a ward: 1. He is the presiding high priest in the ward. 2. He is president of the Aaronic Priesthood. 3. He is a common judge. 4. He coordinates the work of salvation and exaltation, including caring for those in need. 5. And he oversees records, finances, and the use of the meetinghouse.

In his role as presiding high priest, the bishop is the ward’s “spiritual leader.” He is a “faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.”

• What are the five principal responsibilities of a bishop?
• How does a bishop serve as a spiritual leader in his ward?
• How have you seen your bishop fulfill his responsibilities in your ward?
• What can you do to support your bishop in his role?

Supporting the Rising Generation

Elder Cook emphasizes the importance of bishops in supporting and guiding the youth in their wards. He shares personal experiences to illustrate how bishops can influence the lives of young members and help them make significant decisions. He also explains that bishops have a doctrinal responsibility for the priests quorum and the young women of the same age.

The bishop has a paramount role in serving as a shepherd to guide the rising generation, including young single adults, to Jesus Christ.

The bishopric supports parents in watching over and nurturing children and youth in the ward.

Bishops, please know that a relatively short time spent with a young priest, young woman, or young adult can help them understand the power available to them through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

• Why is it important for bishops to spend time with the youth in their wards?
• How can bishops support parents in watching over and nurturing the youth?
• How has your bishop or a bishop you know supported the youth in your ward?
• What can you do to support the youth in your ward?

Resolving Family Conflicts

Elder Cook discusses the unique position of bishops in helping resolve conflicts within families. He suggests that bishops can provide an eternal perspective and help both parents and youth understand what is most important. He also recommends that bishops delegate certain responsibilities to spend more time with the youth.

Bishops can help both view things with an eternal perspective and resolve issues of more or less importance.

In order to spend more time with youth, wherever they are, including at school events or activities, bishoprics have been counseled to delegate appropriate meetings and counseling time with adults.

• How can bishops help resolve conflicts within families?
• Why is it important for bishops to delegate certain responsibilities?
• How has your bishop or a bishop you know helped resolve conflicts within families?
• What can you do to help resolve conflicts within your own family or families you know?

Counseling with Youth

Elder Cook encourages youth to counsel with their parents and bishops when making important decisions. He reminds them of the need for daily repentance and invites them to speak with their bishop about any matter in which they need assistance.

Many of you precious young people may not have a clear vision of who you are and who you can become. Yet you are at the threshold of the most important decisions you will make in your lives. Please counsel with both your parents and your bishop about important choices that are ahead of you. Allow the bishop to be your friend and counselor.

Please talk to your bishop about any matter in which a common judge can assist you in getting your life in order with the Lord in preparation for the “great work” He has for you in this final dispensation.

• Why is it important for youth to counsel with their parents and bishops?
• How can bishops assist youth in getting their lives in order with the Lord?
• How have you sought counsel from your bishop in making important decisions?
• What can you do to build a stronger relationship with your bishop?

Expressing Gratitude for Bishops

Elder Cook expresses gratitude for the service of bishops in the Church. He acknowledges the adjustments they have been asked to make and the significant contribution they make to the kingdom of God. He affirms their sacred calling and assures them of the Savior's support in their service.

We express our deep gratitude to you. With the adjustments that you have been requested to make in recent years, dear bishops, please know how much we love and appreciate you.

Bishops, we sustain you! Bishops, we love you! You are truly the Lord’s shepherds over His flock. The Savior will not forsake you in these sacred callings.

• Why is it important to express gratitude for the service of bishops?
• How are bishops sustained in their sacred callings?
• How have you expressed gratitude for your bishop's service?
• What can you do to sustain your bishop in his sacred calling?