Advisors to Growth and Accountability Groups

© Noriko Cooper - FOTOLIA

Each group should have at least one advisor who may, or may not, have a professional background in counseling, human relations, communications, or other fields that prepare them to lead a group process. Some groups may choose an individual because he or she is a positive role model who, through commitment to spiritual ideals and Christian service, can model healthy attitudes to members of the group. In areas with strong support from Church leaders, an individual may be called to this position or serve as a Church service missionary.

If the group is sponsored by a local Church unit, the advisor serves as a liaison between the Church sponsor and the group. He/she assures that the group maintains standards and practices that will keep it safe and effective. The advisor serves as a mentor, as an example of good fathering or mothering, as a friend, and as a supporter. He/she is in charge, to the extent that he/she has a responsibility to the sponsor, but the advisor takes a back seat to the group leader, so that the group leader and members maintain that important sense of ownership in the group.

General Duties of an Advisor

1. Willingness to support and enforce the Evergreen mission statement, the group mission statement, and the group rules of conduct.
2. Support the doctrines of the Church and encourage the group members to be faithful to Church standards.
3. Show compassion for those dealing with same-sex attraction issues.
4. Read and study materials about same-sex attraction and how individuals can overcome their problems.
5. Provide continuity and stability to the group and group leadership.
6. Interview potential participants to see if they are ready, capable, and willing to commit themselves to the goals of the group.  Click here for more information.
7. Interface with local Church leaders, LDS Family Services, and therapists as necessary.
8. Intervene in cases of sexual contact between members of the group, breaches of confidentiality, and other serious problems. Click here for more information.

While advisors can provide leadership and an example to individuals in the group, they must be careful not to give counsel that is outside the scope of their professional training. The advisor may help design the rules of the group and control the process for safety and effectiveness. It is the job of the advisor to keep the group on task, moving to meet group goals. Click here for examples of group goals along with sample lessons that may prove helpful.

The advisor must accept the same conditions of confidentiality required of all members of the group. If an individual confesses or reveals information that should come to the attention of the individual’s priesthood leader, the advisor can encourage that confession, but cannot betray the confidence by speaking for the individual. The advisor is responsible for the overall conduct of the group, but each individual is responsible to his/her individual bishop for matters of personal conduct.

In a case of criminal activity, the advisor has a responsibility to notify legal authorities. Please contact Evergreen headquarters if these situations occur.

An Effective Advisor

You are ready to be an advisor if:

1. You are not currently dealing with the issue of homosexuality in your own life. If erotic same-sex attraction has ever been a concern in your own life, it would be better if you shared advisor duties with another individual who has no issues surrounding homosexuality both for your safety and the safety of others.
2. You can devote the time necessary to attend all the group meetings, conduct interviews, and take an occasional telephone call from a participant.
3. You have the understanding and cooperation of your spouse and your family. You will become identified with the group, and having the support of those close to you will sustain your efforts and your commitment to helping others with their healing process.
4. You can surrender the need for personal recognition for your efforts. The blessings are many, but the praise of the world is unlikely.
5. You can share responsibility with the participants, be prepared for a long-term commitment, and gain a personal reward from serving the Lord and helping others grow.

Return to the Growth and Accountability Groups page.