"There is safety in the handbooks," President Monson said, warning against aberrations that can creep into Church programs when leaders aren't familiar with Church policies and procedures. "They will be a blessing to you and to those you serve as you read them, understand them, and follow them."
The handbooks provide greater simplification and flexibility to avoid two great dangers, according to President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
The first is the danger of regimenting the influence of the Holy Ghost out of Church programs. "It is a spiritual work that we are about," he said, "and a spiritual work must be guided by the Spirit."
The second is the danger of "establishing the Church without establishing the gospel," he said.
"We need to have the Church in the lives of the members and the gospel established in the hearts of the members."