Church leaders are grateful for the response from regional representatives around the world to a charge given them two years ago, President Howard W. Hunter said at the Regional Representatives Seminar.
At that time, the focus of the presentations made during the regional representatives seminar was the mission of the Church, said President Hunter in his address during the seminar."On that occasion, we said we hope regional representatives will teach the mission of the Church at the ward and stake levels and that it will be felt by all members, both active and less-active. We are gratified by the response from you brethren in carrying that responsibility."
Referring to a June 1987 broadcast over the Church satellite system titled, "Accomplishing the Mission of the Church," President Hunter said suggestions and 11 key points were stressed in accomplishing the mission of the Church.
"The first . . . of these points was thatT . . . new programs, new organizations, or new meetings are not needed. What is needed are new attitudes and a renewed focus on the mission of the Church.
"The available Melchizedek Priesthood resources should be more fully and effectively utilized," President Hunter counseled. "The emphasis on Melchizedek Priesthood Quorum committees . . . is not new. The counsel to have quorum committees is long standing and we will simply show you how these committees can be more effectively organized to accomplish the mission of the Church. Local inspiration and flexibility will provide the most suitable approach in organizing quorum committees. Activated members and converts should have appropriate assignments at once. Effectively utilized quorum committees can do much to alleviate some of the burden presently placed upon bishops and can be of great help to Melchizedek Priesthood quorum and group leaders."
President Hunter also urged the regional representatives "to continue to minister to those sheep who have so recently entered the safety of the master's sheep fold. Do not allow them to wander away because of neglect. In the words of the Savior, `Continue to minister and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them.' "
President Hunter counseled the regional representatives to give greater emphasis to the calling and installation of Melchizedek Priesthood quorum leaders. (See separate story on this page.)
"We believe that the work will prosper if Melchizedek Priesthood leaders are given more visibility and recognition in their respective assignments," explained President Hunter.
Training those leaders is also important, he noted. "Melchizedek Priesthood leaders and group leaders will rise up and accept the responsibilities that are theirs if we properly train and instruct them."