The Quorum as a Support Group

One of the advantages of participating in a support group is that the underlying premises include emotional honesty. No one needs to play the "pretending game" because everyone is there for the same reason -- to discuss issues honestly and openly and to seek help and support from others in the group.

One of the disadvantages of participating in a support group is that it makes a person aware of how poorly we provide help and support to each other. The contrast makes a person wish that openness and emotionally honesty were easier to find.

I maintain that the priesthood quorum is the support group of choice. But, unfortunately, it sometimes does not function as effectively as it should. I raised this issue in my own priesthood group a couple of weeks ago. Surprisingly, many agreed with me. One, in expressing his agreement, remembered having that strong feeling of support from the men in his military unit. I suppose we all wondered how to achieve that same feeling in the priesthood quorum.

At the suggestion of a friend, I made a proposal to our group leadership of an activity for the next group social. The suggestion was not unlike what transpires in a support group meeting: discuss questions of a more personal tone, instead of having some activity followed by conversation with no specific direction.

The questions and related introduction were as follows:

Introduction and instructions
Often we are reluctant to share our feelings and experiences with others because we are uncertain of their reaction. We would rather not share personal feelings and experiences unless we are sure that they will be appreciated. This evening we will consider a number of questions. You are not required to participate. If you choose to participate, we ask that you share only what you are comfortable sharing. As you listen, respect the trust that is shown by those who speak.

Select from one of the following:

Give a brief account of your life.

Tell the story of how you and your spouse met and were married. (It would be most entertaining, if you both selected this item. Tell the story from your perspective.)

Relate the story of an experience in your life that was particularly difficult, meaningful, or life-changing. Share what you learned from that experience.

Tell the story of your conversion.

The social was last evening. The discussion was entertaining, as all of the participants selected the courtship story option. As the evening progressed, I observed feelings of unity, appreciation, and bonding that were unusual, only in that I have not seen them in this group like this before. If everyone felt as I did (and my wife concurred), it was a very successful evening.

Moral (if there is one): A priesthood quorum (including spouses) can be an effective support group.

We have a ways to go yet, but if the first pass is any indication, this could be good.

Summary of the Issues

I recently read the following, which provides a good summary of some of the issues.

www.peoplecanchange.com

Moroni's Perspective

I found this article which presents another perspective.

http://www.meridianmagazine.com/articles/050210poverty.html

On Priesthood Quorums

The following is also found in the David O. McKay manual, regarding priesthood quorums.

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Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, 12: Priesthood, the Responsibility to Represent God, pp. 116-118

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Strictly speaking, priesthood as delegated power is an individual acquirement. However, by divine decree men who are appointed to serve in particular offices in the priesthood unite in quorums. Thus, this power finds expression through groups as well as in individuals. The quorum is the opportunity for men of like aspirations to know, to love, and to aid one another.

If priesthood meant only personal honor, blessing, or individual elevation, there would be no need of groups or quorums. The very existence of such groups established by divine authorization proclaims our dependence upon one another, the indispensable need of mutual help and assistance. We are, by divine right, social beings.

[The Lord] realized that these [priesthood holders] need companionship, fellowship, the strength of the group; and so he organized quorums and designated the number in each from the deacon to the seventy.
These groups meet together, first, to instruct and to edify, to improve in knowledge generally, and particularly to instruct in moral and religious knowledge, in faith, in holiness, but also to obtain mutual strength, to act uprightly. These groups supply a need that is felt among mankind generally. … Priesthood quorums … will supply every yearning for fellowship, fraternity, and service if men will but do their duty.

Members in the Aaronic priesthood, and members of the quorums in the Melchizedek priesthood, we have a duty to build up our quorums; let us not tear them down by being absent from [priesthood] meeting, or by non-preparation, or by negligence of duty. Let us feel, every one of us, … that it is our duty to do something to build up the Church, as the Church’s duty is to build on truth and redeem mankind from sin. Men of the priesthood, let us be one in this upbuilding; let us fall into the class of benefactors; and let no man, from the high priest to the deacon, in this great priesthood movement … , fall into the class of malefactors [evil doers] or murmurers.