Leadership for Saints: Part 38

The Stewardship Reporting Interview

by Rodger Dean Duncan and Ed J. Pinegar

The stewardship reporting interview is—or should be—the most common interview in the Church. The doctrine of returning to report our stewardships is an eternal principle. When the principle is faithfully embraced, mighty work is accomplished. When the principle is only casually observed or altogether ignored, the work flounders.

The Lord’s way is to organize, to delegate, and to require an accounting. In a revelation to the Prophet Joseph he clarified this doctrine:

It is wisdom in me; therefore, a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall organize yourselves and appoint every man his stewardship;

That every man may give an account unto me of the stewardship which is appointed unto him (D&C 104:11-12).

When we fill a vacancy in the organizations of the Church, the member being called must be taught at least three things:

·         His specific duties and specific areas of responsibility. In other words, the new stewardship responsibilities now his by virtue of the calling.

·         The level of effectiveness expected of him.

·         Where and/or from whom he may receive help, as needed.

The member being called to service also needs to be informed:

·         He will be expected to “return and report” on his stewardship.

·         How he will do his reporting—that is, in writing, orally in public, orally in private, or a combination.

·         Where, when and to whom he will report.

This implies a strong need for well-conducted stewardship reporting interviews.

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Some Basics

One element necessary to a successful stewardship interview is that both the one reporting and the one receiving the report must have a clear understanding of the stewardship being discussed. Such clarity of understanding requires deliberate focus. Both individuals must study and understand the appropriate handbooks and guidelines.

The substance of every successful stewardship reporting interview includes:

·         A feeling of appreciation, helpfulness and learning, all guided by the influence of the Holy Spirit.

·         A review of past commitments.

·         A specific report on progress made, goals accomplished or on-going work being done.

·         A formulation of future commitments and plans.

·         The strengthening influence of encouragement, personal faith and testimony.

The stewardship reporting interview is ever-present in the Church. General authorities interview stake presidents. Stake presidents interview bishops, quorum leaders, high councilors and stake auxiliary leaders. Bishops interview auxiliary leaders. Quorum leaders interview home teachers. Relief Society leaders interview visiting teachers. Mission leaders interview ward missionaries. Parents interview their children.

For the purpose of illustration, let’s consider the case of a priesthood quorum leader conducting a stewardship interview with a home teacher. The general principles are common to every other stewardship accounting situation.

It is a reality of human nature that we perform best when we feel constantly accountable. A key to effective home teaching is constant accountability. Constancy is facilitated by frequency. Home teachers should receive a stewardship interview every month.

Note: this is not the brief telephone conversation in which the home teacher reports that he has visited the families assigned to him.

By interview we refer to a private, face-to-face meeting with the home teacher and his companion. This meeting should be unhurried, and in a setting devoid of distractions or interruptions. The interviewer should sit eye-to-eye and knee-to-knee with the home teacher. A prayer should be offered at the beginning of the interview. This helps establish the proper tone, and it underscores mutual trust and common vision.

Prayer also reinforces the feeling of brotherhood that should prevail in our work together.

In the interview, the home teacher reports on experiences and commitments. He reviews the current needs of the people he’s assigned to serve and teach. He reviews new plans and commitments (this is a great place to use SMART goals as we discussed in earlier installments of this book). There is discussion of how the quorum leader can help. And there is instruction, inspiration and encouragement from the quorum leader.

The stewardship reporting interview is a good setting for training. Training is more than just telling. It also consists of showing, allowing the home teacher to try under supervision, commending progress, correcting mistakes, and making needed check-ups.

A relatively inexperienced home teacher can benefit from being teamed up with a more seasoned worker. Where both home teachers are somewhat green, a quorum leader might accompany them on a home visit or two to model effective home teaching. The stewardship reporting interview is then an excellent place to review what is learned, what progress is being made, and what needs further adjustment.

Quotes Worth Remembering

… and of every one shall be demanded a strict and personal accounting for his stewardship, a report in full of service or of neglect, of use or abuse in the administration of the trust to him committed. – James E. Talmage

A side benefit from talking about goals and plans is that it teaches our children principles of stewardship. They enjoy reporting back on assignments. –  Brent D. Cooper

In short, if we want responsible people and children, we must give them responsibility and hold them accountable. –  Stephen R. Covey

Note: The excerpts of Leadership for Saints posted on Meridian are only a fraction of the contents of this 349-page book. To learn more about this ground-breaking book and to order copies, click here.

© by Rodger Dean Duncan & Ed J. Pinegar, All Rights Reserved

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