As we explore the concept of membership councils, it would always be wise to get very familiar with this section in the General Church Handbook.
However, like most things, the Handbook focuses more on the administration of membership councils rather than the human side of the experience.
In this series, I am looking to gather the experience of others, both leaders who have helped facilitate membership councils and individuals who have been the subject of membership councils.
I want to know what has been helpful or not so helpful as we strive to give individuals the best chance to turn to Jesus Christ for forgiveness and healing.
As I reflect on my experience being involved with membership councils here are a few points that come to mind.
Shame Helps Nobody
The repentance process really isn’t about repentance as much as it is about shame.
Once shame is moved out of the way, repentance is beautiful and easy.
In short, shame is present when someone is negatively identifying themselves because of what they have done or because they are experiencing a formal church process.
They can’t feel redeemed until they feel redeemable.
The best membership councils I have been involved in are those where the bishop has taken the time to help this member process the shame they are feeling before a formal membership council is even considered.
This isn’t possible in every case, but definitely in the vast majority of cases.
It Isn’t About Punishment
In recent updates to the handbook, recent general conference talks, and Elder Neil L. Andersen’s book The Divine Gift of Forgiveness it has been taught over and over again that repentance isn’t about punishment.
A successful membership council needs to communicate that all punishment for sin was taken on by our Savior.
That doesn’t mean repentance should be easy, without pain, and have zero painful consequences, but nobody but Jesus is paying for the sin.
Nobody needs to suffer just enough so that they never think about sinning again.
The Result Shouldn’t be Shocking
If the final decision of the membership council leaves a member feeling shocked or surprised, that’s typically an indicator that they were not prepared enough in advance.
There are some rare cases when this can’t be avoided like when an individual has not been cooperative during the entire process.
However, generally speaking, when I have seen someone be notified that their church membership is being removed, most well-prepared individuals receive that news with gratitude as they look forward to getting back in the font in the coming years.
Membership councils have been some of the most spiritual and healing meetings I have ever witnessed in the Church, especially when these points above have been considered.
Now it’s your turn.
What have you seen leaders do to make membership councils a more positive experience for all involved?
What have members experienced during their own membership council that has made for a more positive experience?
Sincerely,
Kurt Francom
Executive Director
Leading Saints
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