A. Overview

Following the example of Jesus Christ in how we communicate and interact with others has always been important to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The early Saints were encouraged to “lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30). Additionally, the dedicatory prayer for the Kirtland Temple states “that their prejudices may give way before the truth, and thy people may obtain favor in the sight of all” (Doctrine and Covenants 109:56). This suggests the importance of communicating about the restored Church.

Often, our communication is focused on external audiences such as friends of the Church or people who may not be familiar with the Church. Other times, it is directed toward internal audiences, or members of the Church. In both cases, we can follow the example of Jesus Christ by meeting people where they are.

As Area Presidencies, Area Seventies, and stake presidencies, you are not alone in communicating God’s love to His children. The Spirit will help you provide a vision for communication efforts within your stewardship. The communication council will support that vision with their skills and resources by building relationships, engaging in activities, and sharing messages with internal and external audiences.

Church leaders are blessed to work with leaders of governments, organizations, and faith groups worldwide. These relationships often begin at the local level, and priesthood leaders and communication councils can help them grow. Genuine and enduring relationships are built as we find common ground and seek to do good in our communities together.

Through your efforts, you can help everyone have a positive experience with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This will help create opportunities for members to share their love for Jesus Christ and invite the Spirit to communicate the truthfulness of the Savior’s restored gospel.

With the help of communication councils, priesthood leaders provide vision and support for the JustServe initiative, where implemented. (See General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5.2.2 and 22.10.2.) The website JustServe.org is a free community resource designed to help individuals, families, missionaries, and other groups find opportunities near their homes to help people in need and improve the quality of life in their communities. For more details on how JustServe affects the structure of communication councils, please refer to the JustServe Community Service Guidebook.

This guide for priesthood leaders will help you understand the direction in section 6.2.1.7 of the General Handbook, “Communication (Public Affairs).”