In the realm of ministering interviews, one of the most impactful yet controversial approaches I advocate for is that elders quorum and Relief Society president conducting all ministering interviews with no help from their counselors.
Does that feel overwhelming?
Well, it really isn’t when that is just about the only thing the leader does.
I just can’t emphasize enough how impactful this is on the personal relationships the leader develops with each individual in the group.
This perspective is reinforced by insights from the book Super Communicators by Charles Duhigg, particularly in the first chapter.
Duhigg recounts a compelling narrative of a CIA agent’s efforts to recruit a Russian spy.
I can imagine how difficult it would be to convince someone to conduct treason against their home country.
The recruitment process faced repeated failures until a breakthrough occurred when the recruiter established a personal, one-on-one connection with the potential asset.
This approach led to the CIA agent becoming one of the agency’s most successful recruiters for years to come.
The CIA recruitment story offers valuable insights for conducting ministering interviews:
When the president of the quorum or Relief Society dedicates time to meet individually with each member, it creates a unique opportunity for personal connection.
This is difficult because the leader must surrender the pressure to “get the interviews done” and focus on building personal relationships.
This approach fundamentally alters the relationship between the leader and the members of the quorum or Relief Society.
Not only is a relationship built, but the leader will begin to see all positive indicators increase.
Suddenly, individuals are more likely to offer buy-in when vision and purpose is established.
When service assignments arise and help is needed, they are much more willing to serve the leader who knows them deeply.
Each individual feels part of a team, strengthening the overall unity of the quorum or Relief Society.
When members feel heard, connected, and valued through these personal interactions, they become more fully “recruited” into the quorum or Relief Society.
This approach not only enhances the spiritual experience of individual members but also contributes to the overall strength and effectiveness of these vital organizations within the Church.
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Sincerely,
Kurt Francom
Executive Director
Leading Saints
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