The handbooks elevate the ward council by suggesting what the bishop can delegate and expanding the roles of council members to assist him.
"The primary effort of the ward council is the work of salvation in the ward," Elder Cook said. "Many issues now come directly to the bishop. Hopefully this will change as bishops delegate more matters in ward council meetings and/or privately to individuals, including such items as welfare, retention, activation" and so forth.
Elder Cook explained that while the bishop will continue to handle "problems that require a common judge in Israel," he can, with the consent of the member seeking repentance, delegate to others "the extensive counseling that may be necessary" to assist members recovering from addictions or who need help with financial issues, family matters, or other problems.
"Members of the ward council do most of their work outside of ward council meetings," Elder Cook said. "They work with their counselors and with home teachers, visiting teachers, and others in reaching out and ministering to those … who need assistance."
He urged priesthood and auxiliary leaders to identify and resolve concerns that can be appropriately handled within the quorum or organization to alleviate the burden on the bishop and ward council.