Part 1: The Unwritten Order of Things—A Review

Jun 28, 2025

Kurt Francom dives into the intriguing concept of the 'unwritten order of things', highlighting its origins and influence on church leadership. He urges leaders to critically evaluate informal norms instead of blindly following them. The discussion navigates the historical context of these unwritten rules and their relevance today, prompting listeners to reconsider traditional practices. Kurt also stresses the need for clarity and local adaptation in leadership to foster a more effective and inclusive community.

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INSIGHT

Unwritten Order Concept Explored

The phrase "unwritten order of things" often hides unwritten cultural norms not found in official church handbooks.
This phrase can be wrongly used to enforce traditions without clear scriptural or organizational basis.

ANECDOTE

Mission President's Unwritten Rules

A mission president taught his missionaries elaborate unwritten rules about church leadership practices.
These hidden norms were never written down but deeply influenced leadership behavior.

INSIGHT

Leadership Before Public Handbooks

Church handbooks were once inaccessible to most leaders, creating a leadership culture based on unwritten rules.
Availability of handbooks today shifts leadership from hidden rules to more transparent governance.

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Kurt Francom, Executive Director of Leading Saints, shares his thoughts on the unwritten order of things—a term popularized by Elder Boyd K. Packer in a BYU devotional in October 1996. This phrase has influenced leadership culture in the Church, often being used as a trump card to justify certain practices or norms that are not explicitly documented in church handbooks.

Listen to a reading of the original devotional.

Links

Is Aspiring Wrong?
Church Doctrine, Policy, & Leadership | An Interview with Anthony Sweat
Y Religion: Defining Church Doctrine, with Michael Goodman
The Role of Doubt and Faith | An Interview With Prof. Michael Goodman
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Highlights

Kurt explores the context of Elder Packer’s talk, highlighting the challenges of leadership in the 1990s when handbooks were not publicly accessible. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the principles behind leadership practices rather than blindly adhering to unwritten rules that may not serve the best interests of the community.

He outlines the ten unwritten orders of things mentioned by Elder Packer, assessing whether each principle is supported by the church handbook. While some of these principles align with current guidelines, others are not formally recognized, raising questions about their validity and application in modern leadership.

Kurt encourages listeners to consider the implications of using the unwritten order of things as a means of manipulation or control, and advocates for a more open dialogue about leadership best practices, urging leaders to communicate their expectations clearly rather than relying on vague traditions. He invites listeners to engage in this conversation, share their experiences, and contribute to a culture of effective leadership where the church can more-effectively draw people to Christ.

00:02:47 – Context of Elder Packer’s Talk
00:04:11 – The Unwritten Order of Things Explained
00:05:24 – Weaponization of the Unwritten Order
00:06:05 – Importance of Context in Leadership
00:07:51 – Changes in Handbook Accessibility
00:09:05 – Elder Packer’s Teaching Style
00:10:08 – Challenges in Communicating Leadership Guidelines
00:11:22 – The Role of General Authorities in Leadership
00:12:03 – Misinterpretation of the Unwritten Order
00:13:40 – Elder Packer’s Ten Unwritten Orders
00:14:01 – Analysis of Each Unwritten Order
00:19:05 – The Role of Personal Counsel in Leadership
00:20:30 – Observing Church Customs and Traditions
00:21:23 – Setting a Tone of Dignity in Meetings
00:22:06 – The Balance of Leadership and Followership
00:23:20 – Binding Nature of the Unwritten Order
00:24:03 – Current Unwritten Orders in Leadership
00:25:07 – The Tyranny of General Authority
00:26:20 – The Importance of Local Leadership Autonomy
00:27:34 – Principles vs. Prescriptions in Leadership
00:29:41 – Establishing Best Practices in Leadership
00:30:57 – Conclusion: Moving Beyond the Unwritten Order

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