A L E A D E R ’ S G U I D E T O W E L F A R E PROVIDING IN THE LORD’S WAY

Wilt thou be made whole?. . . Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. John 5:6, 8

A L E A D E R ’ S G U I D E T O W E L F A R E PROVIDING IN THE LORD’S WAY

The real long term objective of the Welfare Plan

is the building of character

in the members of the Church, givers and receivers,

rescuing all that is finest down deep inside of them,

and bringing to flower and fruitage

the latent richness of the spirit,

which after all is the mission and purpose

and reason for being of this Church.

J. Reuben Clark, Jr.,

Special meeting of stake presidents, 2 Oct. 1936 Cover painting: Infirm Man at the Pool of Bethesda, by Carl Bloch (see John 5:1-9) Painting on page 2: All the City Was Gathered Together, by James J. Tissot Painting on page 4: The Widow’s Mite, by Alexandre Bida Painting on page 10: Christ and the Rich Young Man, by Heinrich Hofmann

Copyright © 1990 by Corporation of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints All Rights Reserved Printed in the United States of America Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Salt Lake City, Utah CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1

PART 1: PROVIDING IN THE LORD’S WAY 3

PART 2: INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES 5 Becoming Self-reliant 5 Education Home Storage Health Resource Management Employment Social, Emotional, and Spiritual Strength

Caring for the Poor and Needy 7 Fasting and Contributing Fast Offerings Other Ways to Care for the Needy

PART 3: PROVIDING CHURCH WELFARE ASSISTANCE 11 The Lord’s Storehouse 11

The Scope of Church Welfare Assistance 11

Duties of the Bishop 12 Provide Welfare Assistance in the Proper Spirit Administer the Lord's Storehouse

Duties of the Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums and Relief Society 15

Duties of the Ward Welfare Committee 16

Duties of the Stake President 16 Teach Welfare Principles to Stake Members and Leaders Train and Counsel Bishops

Duties of the Stake Welfare Committee 17

Duties of the Stake Bishops’ Welfare Council 18

Duties of the Area Presidency 19

Duties of the Regional Welfare Committee 20 1 INTRODUCTION

his leader’s guide is for the use of all Part 3 explains the responsibilities Tmembers of stake and ward welfare that Church leaders have in providing committees, area welfare directors (in Church welfare assistance. The infor- the United States and Canada), direc- mation in part 3 should be discussed tors for temporal affairs (in other and used as training in ward, stake, areas), Regional Representatives, and and regional committee meetings and Area Presidencies. area meetings. Part 1 explains the way the Lord has Leaders should study the scriptures revealed for his Saints to care for quoted and referred to in this guide themselves and the poor and needy. and use these scriptures and others Part 2 discusses principles of the gospel related to welfare in their teaching and that apply to welfare and the welfare training. responsibilities of each member of the Providing in the Lord’s way for Church. ourselves and others is a sign of the The leaders who read this guide true Church and evidence that we are should teach the principles and disciples of Christ. Church leaders responsibilities discussed in parts 1 and should teach and testify of the princi- 2 to the leaders and members under ples contained in this leader’s guide by their jurisdiction. They should encour- precept, by personal example, and by age the members to fulfill their welfare ensuring that the cries of the poor and responsibilities and suggest ways in needy do not go unheeded. which they can do so. They should encourage parents to teach welfare principles to their families. One of the primary responsibilities of ward and stake welfare committees is to see that members understand and apply welfare principles.

1 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. . . . Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Matthew 25:35–36, 40

2 P A R T 1:

PROVIDING IN THE LORD’S WAY

he responsibility to provide for our- and needy in the Lord’s way means Tselves, our families, and the poor that the giver helps those who are less and needy has been part of the gospel fortunate by giving according to what since the beginning of time. As disciples he has received from God. He gives of Christ, we should give of ourselves— freely and with a true spirit of love, our time, talents, and resources—to care recognizing that his Heavenly Father is for those in need. We are better able to the source of all his blessings and that fulfill this responsibility if we are he is responsible to use those blessings striving to become self-reliant, for we in the service of others. cannot give what we do not have. The receiver accepts the offered help When we wisely use those things that with gratitude. He uses it to release the Lord gives us, we become more himself from the bondage and limita- Isn’t the plan beautiful? able to give to the Lord’s work and tions of his need and become more able Don’t you thrill to this provide for others. to rise to his full potential, both tempo- part of the gospel that When Jesus Christ came to earth, he rally and spiritually. He then reaches spent much of his ministry caring for out to help others. causes Zion to put on her the poor and needy. He commanded his Providing in the Lord’s way humbles beautiful garments? When disciples to do the same. He explained the rich, exalts the poor, and sanctifies viewed in this light, we that when we care for others, we are both (see D&C 104:15–18). Both are serving him: blessed as they keep the Lord’s can see that [welfare] is not “For I was an hungred, and ye gave commandments (see D&C 130:20–21). a program, but the essence me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me Both become more able to give as of the gospel. It is the drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Christ gives. me in: The Church is organized to help gospel in action. It is the “Naked, and ye clothed me: I was all members become more self-reliant crowning principle of a sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and provide for the poor and needy in Christian life. and ye came unto me. . . . the Lord’s way. The Lord’s way “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto embraces welfare. Welfare means Spencer W. Kimball, in one of the least of these my brethren, ye temporal and spiritual well-being. As have done it unto me” (Matthew we apply welfare principles in our Conference Report, Oct. 25:35–36, 40). lives, we become more like God the 1977, pp. 123–24 In our day, the gospel has been Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, and restored to the earth in its fulness we prepare ourselves to live with through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The them eternally. Lord has once again commanded his people to care for the poor and needy. He said, “And remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple” (D&C 52:40). The Lord has established a way for his Saints to care for the poor and needy and thereby bring blessings into their own lives. Providing for the poor

3 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

Mark 12:41–44

4 P A R T 2:

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Each member of the Church has Report, Oct. 1977, p. 124; or Ensign, welfare responsibilities. These are to Nov. 1977, pp. 77–78). become self-reliant and to care for the When we accept the responsibility poor and needy. for our own and our family’s well- being, we are better able to sustain ourselves in our everyday lives. We are BECOMING SELF-RELIANT better prepared to endure times of adversity without becoming dependent e are children of a Heavenly upon others. We also honor the sacred W Father, and we rely upon him to relationships that the Lord has estab- sustain us in all that we do. All things lished between husbands and wives, on earth and in heaven belong to him, parents and children (see Mosiah and he has given us everything we 4:14–15; 13:20; D&C 83:2, 4). have—our talents and abilities as well There will be times in our lives as our material goods. He has given us when we will not be able to meet our a stewardship over the things with needs without the help of others. In which he has blessed us (see D&C these circumstances, we should turn 104:11–14). He never forsakes us, but first to our families for help. If neces- Let us work for what we he does not do for us what we can do sary, we can also turn to the Church. for ourselves. He has commanded us need. Let us be self-reliant As part of his Church, the Lord has to use the things we receive from him organized a way to help members as and independent. Salvation to take care of ourselves and our they work to regain their self-reliance. can be obtained on no other families. When we do so, we are Members who need this kind of self-reliant. principle. Salvation is an assistance should call upon their The Church and its members are bishops. individual matter, and we commanded to be self-reliant and We should receive necessary help must work out our own independent (see D&C 78:13–14). in the proper spirit. We should not be salvation, in temporal as Latter-day prophets have explained proud, but we should be willing to the responsibility each of us has to be well as in spiritual things. graciously accept the help that some- self-reliant: one else offers. We should receive the “The responsibility for each person’s help with humility, thanking the Lord Marion G. Romney, in social, emotional, spiritual, physical, or for his goodness and the goodness of Conference Report, Oct. economic well-being rests first upon our fellowmen (see D&C 56:18; 78:19). 1976, p. 167 himself, second upon his family, and We should determine that we will use third upon the Church if he is a faithful the help we receive to become more member thereof. self-reliant and more able to give “No true Latter-day Saint, while to others. physically or emotionally able will We cannot be self-reliant without voluntarily shift the burden of his own being willing to work. Work is physical, or his family’s well-being to someone mental, or spiritual effort. The Lord has else. So long as he can, under the inspi- commanded us to work (see Genesis ration of the Lord and with his own 3:17–19; D&C 42:42; 56:17), for work is labors, he will supply himself and his the source of happiness, self-esteem, family with the spiritual and temporal and prosperity. It is the way we accom- necessities of life. (See 1 Timothy 5:8.)” plish good things in our lives. (Spencer W. Kimball, in Conference

5 In clarifying the purposes of welfare, love for them. The Lord has com- in 1936 the First Presidency of the manded us to gain knowledge (see Church made this statement about the D&C 88:77–80, 118; 93:53; 130:18–19; importance of work in helping Church 131:6). To become self-reliant, we members to help themselves: should— “Our primary purpose was to set ■ Improve our ability to read, write, up, in so far as it might be possible, a and do basic mathematics. system under which the curse of ■ Study the scriptures and other good idleness would be done away with, the books. evils of a dole abolished, and indepen- ■ Learn to communicate effectively dence, industry, thrift and self respect with others. be once more established amongst our ■ Take advantage of opportunities to people. The aim of the Church is to gain more knowledge. help the people to help themselves. Work is to be reenthroned as the ruling HEALTH principle of the lives of our Church One of the reasons we came to earth membership” (in Conference Report, was to obtain bodies, a necessary step Oct. 1936, p. 3). in becoming like our Father in Heaven. The Lord has commanded us to keep our bodies and minds healthy (see Knowing a trade has 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; D&C 88:124; 89). helped me provide for my When we do, we are better able to take own needs and those of my care of our own needs and serve others. To become self-reliant, we should— family. Through the years, ■ Obey the Word of Wisdom. I have had the opportunity ■ Exercise regularly. to help others in the ward ■ Provide for adequate medical and learn the skills needed to dental care, including appropriate insurance where possible. support their families. ■ Keep our homes and surroundings Doing so has fulfilled my clean and sanitary. desire to serve and has ■ Shun substances or practices that abuse our bodies or minds. brought me joy.

EMPLOYMENT

As we work toward self-reliance, When we have honorable employ- we should prepare ourselves in the ment, we are able to provide for following areas: education; health; ourselves, our families, and others by employment; home storage; resource working as the Lord has commanded. management; and social, emotional, Suitable employment also gives us and spiritual strength. The following opportunities to improve our talents material describes some characteristics and develop the divine attributes of a person who has become self-reliant within us. We are happier if our and suggests areas of effort and employment suits our interests and achievement. abilities and meets our needs. The Lord has commanded us to work and EDUCATION provide for the needs of ourselves and our families (see Genesis 3:17–19; When we have knowledge and 1 Timothy 5:8; D&C 42:42; 56:17). To wisdom, we are able to discern truth become self-reliant, we should— from error and make better choices. We are better able to understand God and ■ Prepare for and carefully select a our fellowmen, and we have a deeper suitable occupation.

6 ■ Become skilled at our work through 59:16–21; 104:11–18, 78–79; 119). To training and experience. become self-reliant, we should— ■ Be diligent, hard working, and trust- ■ Pay tithes and offerings. worthy. ■ Avoid unnecessary debt and save ■ Give honest work for the pay and for the future. benefits we receive. ■ Satisfy all of our promised obligations. HOME STORAGE ■ Use our resources frugally and In order to be self-reliant, we should avoid wasting them. have sufficient food, clothing, and ■ Use our time wisely. shelter. We are therefore counseled to ■ Be willing to serve those in need by store, use, and know how to produce sharing our time, talents, and I ask you earnestly, have and prepare essential items. We are resources with them. more secure if we are able to provide you provided for your family for ourselves in times of adversity SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, AND SPIRITUAL a year’s supply of food, (see D&C 38:30). STRENGTH clothing, and, where possible, Church leaders have never given We should strive to live righteously, an exact formula for what members fuel? The revelation to to develop good relationships with should store. But they have suggested family members and others, and to feel produce and store food may that we begin by storing what would good about ourselves (see Matthew be as essential to our tempo- be required to keep us alive in case we 7:1–2, 12; Luke 10:27; D&C 64:9–10). To did not have anything else to eat. ral welfare today as boarding become self-reliant, we should— Depending upon where we live, those ■ Study the scriptures and the teach- the ark was to the people in basics might include water, wheat or ings of the living prophets. other grains (corn, rice), legumes (dried the days of Noah. ■ Obey God’s commandments and beans, peas, lentils), salt, honey or heed the counsel of Church leaders. sugar, powdered milk, and cooking oil. Ezra Taft Benson, in ■ Exercise faith in Christ and cultivate When we have stored enough of these Conference Report, Oct. humility. essentials to meet the basic needs of our ■ Pray frequently and fervently. 1987, p. 61 families for one year, we may decide to ■ Strengthen our relationships with add other items that we are accustomed family members, neighbors, and to eating. We should regularly use and friends. replace all stored items in order to keep ■ Shun things that are morally and them from spoiling. spiritually degrading. Most Church members have the ■ Work toward worthy goals. means to store a year’s supply of the ■ Do the best we can to adjust to basic items needed to sustain life. Some, change and recover from however, do not have the money or misfortune. space for such storage, and some are prohibited by law from storing a year’s supply of food. These members should CARING FOR THE try to store as much as they can accord- POOR AND NEEDY ing to their circumstances. All members can provide themselves with added s we prepare ourselves in the six security by learning to produce and A areas just discussed and become prepare basic food items. more able to care for ourselves and our families, we also become more able to RESOURCE MANAGEMENT care for others. As disciples of Christ, We should be wise stewards by we should honor our covenants to exercising good judgment in managing consecrate ourselves—our time, talents, and replenishing the resources with and resources—to build up the which the Lord has blessed us (see kingdom of God and to care for those Matthew 25:14–30; 2 Nephi 9:51; D&C in need.

7 Nearly all of us can give something retain a remission of our sins (see to others, no matter how little we have. Mosiah 4:26), our confidence grows When Jesus saw rich people contribute strong in the presence of God (see D&C large amounts of money to the temple 121:45–46), and we are filled with joy treasury and a poor widow contribute (see D&C 11:12–13). We become more a very small amount, he said to his like our Father in Heaven and his Son, disciples: our Savior. “Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all FASTING AND CONTRIBUTING FAST they which have cast into the treasury: OFFERINGS “For all they did cast in of their There are many ways in which we abundance; but she of her want did cast can give to the poor and needy. One of in all that she had, even all her living” the most important ways that the Lord (Mark 12:41–44). has established is by fasting and contributing fast offerings. Fasting, accompanied by prayer, is I am thankful that a form of true worship. The Lord has Aaronic Priesthood holders commanded us to fast in order to help us draw close to him, overcome come to my home each month worldliness, gain spiritual strength, and give me the opportunity increase our compassion, and prepare to contribute a fast offering. ourselves for service. Fasting is funda- mental to our temporal and spiritual I feel that the Lord blesses me well-being. when I do my small part to The Lord, through the prophet help care for those who are Isaiah, described the true nature of the fast as well as the blessings that come less fortunate than I am. to those who fast: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wicked- ness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye Those who have little are blessed break every yoke? because they have the desire to give. In “Is it not to deal thy bread to the the Book of Mormon, we are taught: hungry, and that thou bring the poor “I say unto the poor, ye who have that are cast out to thy house? when not and yet have sufficient, that ye thou seest the naked, that thou cover remain from day to day; I mean all you him; and that thou hide not thyself who deny the beggar, because ye have from thine own flesh? not; I would that ye say in your hearts “Then shall thy light break forth as that: I give not because I have not, but the morning, and thine health shall if I had I would give. spring forth speedily: and thy righteous- “And now, if ye say this in your ness shall go before thee; the glory of hearts ye remain guiltless” (Mosiah the Lord shall be thy rereward. 4:24–25). “Then shalt thou call, and the Lord When we strive to give and serve as shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he Christ did, we are abundantly blessed. shall say, Here I am. If thou take away We overcome selfishness and greed, from the midst of thee the yoke, the and we temper our appetites and putting forth of the finger, and speak- passions. We develop the desire to give ing vanity; all that we have to the building of the “And if thou draw out thy soul to Lord’s kingdom (see D&C 42:31), we the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted

8 soul; then shall thy light rise in obscu- administer of your substance unto him rity, and thy darkness be as the that standeth in need; and ye will not noonday: suffer that the beggar putteth up his “And the Lord shall guide thee petition to you in vain. . . . continually, and satisfy thy soul in “. . . I would that ye should impart drought, and make fat thy bones: and of your substance to the poor, every We hope that through thou shalt be like a watered garden, man according to that which he hath, and like a spring of water, whose such as feeding the hungry, clothing the the payment of liberal fast waters fail not” (Isaiah 58:6–11). naked, visiting the sick and administer- offerings there will be more When we fast, we follow the pattern ing to their relief, both spiritually and than enough to provide set by the Savior. We set aside food, temporally, according to their wants” drink, and worldly concerns. We (Mosiah 4:16, 26). for the needs of the less commune with our Father in Heaven When we have love in our hearts, fortunate. If every member and turn our hearts to him and to the we do not need to be told all the ways of this Church observed the welfare of others. in which we should care for the poor The Church has designated one and needy. Some opportunities for such fast and contributed gener- Sunday each month as a fast day. On service will come to us through Church ously, the poor and the this day, members of the Church who callings and assignments. Other oppor- needy not only of the Church, are physically able go without food and tunities are present all around us in our but many others as well, drink for two consecutive meals. They homes, neighborhoods, and communi- attend the fast and testimony meeting ties if we are willing to see them. There would be blessed and and give to the Church a fast offering. are no limits to what a person may provided for. Those who have little can give an offer- freely offer. Examples include service ing at least equal to the value of the to the homeless, the disabled, the Gordon B. Hinckley, food that they would have eaten. Those emotionally and spiritually distressed, Special Budget Fireside, who are in a position to do so should be the widows and fatherless, and other very generous and give much more poor and needy people. 18 Feb. 1990 than the value of two meals. If we begin to reach out to those These fast offerings are used by the who are less fortunate, we will become bishop to feed the hungry, shelter the more conscious of their needs. We will homeless, clothe the naked, and relieve become more compassionate and eager the afflicted. Fast offerings are one of to relieve the suffering of those around the most important ways in which we us. We will be guided by the Spirit of care for those in need. the Lord to know whom to serve and how to best meet their needs. OTHER WAYS TO CARE The Lord taught, “By this shall all FOR THE NEEDY men know that ye are my disciples, if There are many other ways in which ye have love one to another” (John we can show compassion for the poor 13:35). The measure of our love for the and needy. We can minister to them Lord is the love we show to our fellow- using our time, talents, spiritual and men by serving and blessing them in emotional support, and prayers of faith. their times of need. The Book of Mormon explains some of our responsibilities to the poor: “Ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will

9 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Luke 18:18–22

10 P A R T 3:

PROVIDING CHURCH WELFARE ASSISTANCE

THE LORD’S STOREHOUSE distributes the Saints’ offerings to the poor and needy. He is assisted by the hen members are doing all that priesthood quorums and Relief Society. W they can to provide for themselves He is trained and supported in his and their families and still cannot meet responsibilities by stake, regional, and their basic needs, the Lord’s Church area leaders. stands ready to help them. The Lord As the bishop administers the has declared that he will hear their resources of the Lord’s storehouse to cries and will not forsake them (see help the poor and needy, he should The Lord’s storehouse Isaiah 41:17). ensure that organized Church welfare includes the time, talents, To help these members meet their assistance does not replace personal, needs, the Lord has commanded his compassionate caring of individuals skills, compassion, conse- Saints to offer their resources to the for one another. crated material, and poor. In the Doctrine and Covenants, financial means of faithful he explained that the Saints should give their offerings for the poor to the THE SCOPE OF CHURCH Church members. These bishop. These offerings are to be kept WELFARE ASSISTANCE resources are available to by the bishop “to administer to those the bishop in assisting who have not, from time to time, that here are many reasons why Church every man who has need may be amply members do not have the resources those in need. T supplied and receive according to his to meet their basic needs. They may be wants.” These offerings are to be kept elderly, handicapped, or otherwise Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, “in [the Lord’s] storehouse, to admin- disabled. They may have made unwise Sept. 1986, p. 5 ister to the poor and needy” (D&C choices, either deliberately or because 42:33–34; see also 42:29–36; 78:3–7, their families or cultures have taught 13–14; 82:14–19). them incorrect values and habits. They The Lord’s storehouse receives, may have been deprived of necessary holds in trust, and dispenses consecrated resources because of natural disasters offerings of the Saints. In form and or because of economic and political operation, the storehouse is as simple problems in their nations. or sophisticated as circumstances Church leaders should do what require. It may be a list of available they can to help meet the basic needs services, money in an account, food in a of members in any of these circum- pantry, or commodities in a building. A stances and to help the members storehouse is established the moment become self-reliant. But in their work faithful members give to the bishop of as Church leaders, they should not their time, talents, skills, compassion, concentrate on solving economic and materials, and financial means in caring political problems in their communities for the poor and in building up the or nations. Church welfare initiatives kingdom of God on the earth. by ward and stake leaders should The Lord’s storehouse, therefore, concentrate on helping people over- exists in each ward. The bishop is the come those causes of welfare need agent of the Lord’s storehouse. Guided which the individual or family can by the inspiration of the Lord, he remedy.

11 Individual Church members, as enough for him to respond only when citizens, may work toward solving asked for help. To serve effectively, he economic and political problems by must seek out the poor. In this responsi- participating in worthy projects bility, he may be assisted by priesthood sponsored by their communities. quorum leaders and Relief Society leaders, home teachers and visiting teachers. DUTIES OF THE BISHOP Study the Circumstances he office of bishop in the Aaronic The bishop should determine the Priesthood carries with it a special T causes of members’ need and what the mandate to care for the poor and needy members have done to provide for (see D&C 84:112; 107:68). The bishop is themselves and their families. He lists the Lord’s agent in distributing the the members’ needs and the resources resources of the Lord’s storehouse, and that are available to help the members he is also a common judge in Israel using the Needs and Resources (see D&C 107:74). Analysis form (32290; a copy of this

form is included at the end of this guide). The bishop authorizes the As a bishop, I have Church’s distribution of any goods and learned that ward members services to needy ward members. receive temporal and spiri- When appropriate and without breaking confidences, he may involve tual blessings when they the Relief Society president in his study give and serve freely. of the members’ circumstances. He may

Recently, members of our assign her to visit members to determine their needs and find ways to resolve ward built a ramp for an the needs (see “Guidelines for Family elderly sister now confined Needs Visits,” Relief Society Handbook to a wheelchair. As we were [31462], pp. 36–37). finishing, one of the priests Use Discernment said to me, “Thanks, Bishop. Through his priesthood office and I hope I don’t ever forget calling, the bishop determines to whom, how good it feels to really when, how, and how much shall be PROVIDE WELFARE ASSISTANCE IN THE given to any member of his ward as help somebody.” PROPER SPIRIT Church welfare. To enable the bishop to The bishop provides welfare assis- properly discharge his responsibilities, tance to members to help them develop the stake president ensures that the spirituality, become self-reliant, and bishop understands welfare principles. learn to provide for others. If he Though individual circumstances vary, provides help in this spirit, he will be the bishop, as a common judge, must successful in blessing the lives of the live worthy to receive guidance from needy. The following guidelines will the Lord for each situation. help him provide welfare assistance Assist with Necessities properly. The Church helps needy members Seek Out the Poor and Needy by providing them the goods and The bishop should know the tempo- services necessary to sustain life. It does ral circumstances of his ward members not provide members the means to and ensure that proper care and atten- maintain affluent living standards. tion are given to those in need. It is not Members who are temporarily unable

12 to provide for themselves may need to ADMINISTER THE LORD'S STOREHOUSE alter their standards of living until they Administer Fast Offerings are able to provide fully for themselves. Fast offerings are a primary resource Members should not rely upon Church of the Lord’s storehouse. The bishop welfare to insure them against tempo- should use fast offerings to provide rary hardship or to allow them to necessities to the poor and needy. To continue their present standards of the extent possible, he should give living without interruption. members goods rather than cash. If Give Members the Opportunity necessary, he may buy the goods with to Work fast offerings. The members can then use their own cash to pay their obliga- The bishop should give members tions. If the members do not have the who receive Church welfare assistance cash to pay all of their immediate and opportunities to work to the extent of essential obligations, the bishop their ability for what they receive. When normally makes payments directly members work for assistance, they Whom should I assist? to the provider of the goods or remain industrious, maintain their self- services. How much assistance respect, and increase their ability to be In some circumstances, the bishop should I give? How often self-reliant. The bishop considers the may decide to give cash directly to following guidelines when making and how long should I reliable, faithful members being work assignments: assist? No hard-and-fast assisted. They can then use the cash to ■ Assign meaningful work that will pay their obligations or make necessary rule will ever be given in help the members being assisted purchases. answer to these questions. learn to provide for themselves and The bishop should not loan fast

As the common judge, you their families. offerings to members, and members are ■ Ask the members to commit them- not required to repay welfare assistance [the bishop] must live selves to fulfilling the assignments. that they receive from the Church. If worthy to get the answers If they refuse to work, help them members wish to repay the assistance, for each case from the only understand that the assignments are they may do so by making a contribu- given to bless them. source provided—the tion to the fast-offering fund. ■ See that the members are trained to Normally, the bishop should not use inspiration of heaven. fulfill their assignments. fast offerings to pay off members’ ■ Assign tasks that benefit other consumer debt or obligations incurred Marion G. Romney, in members, thus enabling those in in business failures or speculative Conference Report, Oct. need to serve others. ventures. ■ Have the ward welfare services 1979, p. 140 When fast-offering expenditures committee compile a list of work will exceed donations, the bishop and opportunities. stake president should counsel together beforehand to ensure that correct Keep Needs and Assistance principles are being applied. They Confidential should discuss whether the bishop and The bishop keeps confidential the the ward members, both those who needs of members and the help the give and those who receive, correctly members receive. He is careful not to understand and apply the principles of embarrass those needing assistance. If self-reliance and providing for the poor the bishop calls upon the Relief Society and needy. The current instructions for president or others to help, he shares ward and stake financial clerks outline only that information needed to enable the procedures for obtaining additional them to fulfill their welfare duties, thus fast offerings from the Church or remit- safeguarding the privacy and dignity of ting surplus fast offerings to the those being assisted. Church.

13 The bishop encourages members to Relief Society leaders; by asking fast each fast Sunday for two consecu- families, home teachers, and visiting tive meals and to donate a fast offering teachers to serve the needy in particular at least equal to the value of the food ways; and by using resources made they would have eaten. He encourages available to the ward by the stake those who are in a position to do so to welfare committee. be very generous and give much more than the value of two meals. (See Use Services of Church Welfare pp. 8–9.) He teaches members that Operations, Where They Exist fasting and donating fast offerings will In some parts of the world, the bless their lives as well as the lives of Church has established welfare opera- the needy in their ward and in other tions. These include Church employ- wards and stakes. He sees that these ment offices, Deseret Industries stores, principles are taught in priesthood storehouses, canneries, grain storage quorum, Relief Society, and other facilities, and a variety of commodity I am satisfied, my auxiliary meetings; home visits; and production projects. The Church also sacrament meeting talks. He should brethren, that there is enough contracts with LDS Social Services to teach these principles in temple provide counseling, foster care, assis- of expertise, of knowledge, recommend interviews and tithing tance to unwed parents, and adoption of strength, of concern in settlement interviews. services to members. every priesthood quorum to Under the direction of the bishop, Where they exist, these welfare Aaronic Priesthood holders, especially operations and contracted services assist the troubled members deacons, contact every household in the provide resources that bishops can use of that quorum if these ward each month and give the family to help the poor and needy. In many resources are properly or individual the opportunity to donate cases, the operations also provide work a fast offering. Where distances or other opportunities and training for those administered. circumstances make it necessary, needing Church assistance. If a bishop Melchizedek Priesthood holders may desires information about any Church Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, assist. Some members may decide to welfare operations in his area, he Nov. 1977, pp. 85-86 contribute by using the envelopes for should contact the chairman of the tithing and other offerings rather than stake bishops’ welfare council or his by donating through visiting Aaronic stake president. Priesthood holders. The priesthood holders should continue to give non- Help Needy Members Obtain contributing members the opportunity Health Care to donate. The bishop may arrange and pay for The bishop makes sure that all fast health care for needy members of the offerings are promptly accounted for ward. In order to decide whether the and deposited in the bank according to Church should pay for health care, he current instructions for ward and stake should determine— financial clerks. ■ Whether the health care that the Administer Other Ward member requests is necessary. ■ Resources Whether the member is fully using insurance benefits. In caring for the poor and needy, the ■ Whether family members can assist. bishop directs the use of ward resources other than fast offerings, including the If the bishop feels that the Church time, talents, skills, compassion, and should assist the needy member, he materials of ward members. He does should— this as chairman of the ward welfare ■ Ask the healthcare providers if they committee by directing the committee’s will reduce their fees. efforts; by counseling, as appropriate, ■ See that the Church promptly pays with priesthood quorum leaders and its obligations for health care.

14 ■ If a member’s medical expenses that treatment services. The bishop should will be paid by the Church are become familiar with the resources expected to exceed $1,000, obtain available in the community and help the approval of the stake president members understand how they can before making a commitment to maintain gospel standards while using healthcare providers. If these such services. expenses are expected to exceed Latter-day Saints have the responsi- $5,000, contact the stake president, bility to provide for themselves and who will contact the Area their families. Individual members, Presidency for instructions. however, may find it necessary to receive assistance beyond that which Assist Transients the family can provide, in which case The bishop may assist members or they may turn to the Church for help. In others who are transients, but he some instances, individual members should be discerning about the type may decide to receive assistance from and amount of assistance he gives. other sources, including government. In Whenever possible, he should contact all such cases, members should avoid the transient’s home ward bishop becoming dependent upon these before providing assistance. When sources and strive to become self-reliant. several wards are close together, the Where possible, they should work in stake president may appoint one return for assistance rendered. bishop to handle all requests from The bishop should advise members transients, thereby avoiding duplica- to comply with any laws that regulate tion or confusion. the receipt of non-Church aid, especially while receiving Church welfare assistance. Our ward has many poor people. The bishop DUTIES OF THE MELCHIZEDEK alone cannot help everyone. PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS AND Through the priesthood RELIEF SOCIETY quorums and the Relief hile the bishop is responsible to Society, we help those who W help ward members meet imme- are less fortunate and are diate needs, the priesthood quorums blessed for our efforts. We and the Relief Society have the respon- sibility to help members resolve long- no longer view welfare as term needs. To fulfill this responsibility, help from outside but as an priesthood quorum leaders and Relief opportunity to share help Society leaders should become well- acquainted with members and regularly among ourselves. visit their homes. They teach members to live providently, provide for them- Become Familiar with Community selves and their families, and care for Resources others. They direct priesthood quorum Members may choose to use and Relief Society members in teaching services in the community to meet their new skills to the needy and helping basic needs. Such services include them to become self-reliant. They are hospitals, physicians, or other sources assisted in these duties by home of medical care; job training and place- teachers and visiting teachers. ment services; services for the The bishop may direct priesthood handicapped; professional counselors quorum leaders and Relief Society or social workers; and alcohol or drug leaders to help him fulfill his responsi- bilities for the poor and needy. Without

15 breaking confidences, these leaders similar plans in the stake, region, should tell the bishop about members’ and community. Ward leaders welfare needs and may assist the should report to stake leaders the bishop in finding work opportunities condition of members and Church for those being helped. property during an emergency. They Priesthood quorum leaders are should understand that civil author- instructed to organize a committee to ities have priority in directing advise them on temporal and spiritual efforts to respond to emergencies welfare matters (see the Melchizedek that involve the community. Priesthood Leadership Handbook [31184], pp. 10, 15). The quorum presidency looks to this committee to suggest Ward Welfare Committee welfare topics for instruction, arrange service opportunities for members, Bishopric suggest ways to meet needs of members, High priests group leader The family . . . seeks first and help with the ward employment Elders quorum president program. The committee reports to a to solve its own problems, Ward mission leader member of the priesthood quorum seeking assistance, when leadership and meets as often as Young Men president necessary, through the needed. Relief Society presidency Priesthood quorum, the Ward executive secretary Relief Society, and the ward. DUTIES OF THE WARD WELFARE Ward clerk When each of these units COMMITTEE has exhausted its ingenuity he bishop is chairman of the ward and resources, the reserves welfare committee. This committee The bishop may call welfare special- T ists to assist the ward welfare committee of the stake are utilized. consists of the priesthood executive committee and the Relief Society presi- as needed. These specialists should be Henry D. Moyle, dency. It meets at least monthly, either ward members who can assist other members in such things as finding Improvement Era, Dec. in place of or in addition to one of the priesthood executive committee meet- employment, improving nutrition and 1937, p. 787 ings. This committee makes sure that sanitation, storing food, obtaining the following things are done: health care, improving literacy, manag- ing finances, meeting social and ■ The efforts of the priesthood emotional needs, or any other welfare quorums and Relief Society are needs. coordinated to meet the specific needs of ward members. ■ Ward leaders and members seek out DUTIES OF THE STAKE the poor and needy and help them to provide for themselves. PRESIDENT ■ Those receiving Church assistance TEACH WELFARE PRINCIPLES TO STAKE are given work or service MEMBERS AND LEADERS opportunities. ■ Members are taught to provide for he stake president should make sure themselves and their families. T that stake and ward leaders and ■ Members are taught to fast and to members know how to be self-reliant contribute a generous fast offering. and care for the poor and needy, as ■ Members are taught to prepare for outlined in this guide. He should teach unexpected adversity. leaders and members in stake welfare ■ The ward has a simple written plan committee meetings, stake priesthood for responding to emergencies. This and auxiliary meetings, and personal plan should be coordinated with interviews.

16 When fast-offering expenditures Sometimes bishops will exceed donations, the bishop and struggle with how to best stake president should counsel together beforehand to ensure that correct meet the welfare needs of principles are being applied. They ward members. The final should discuss whether the bishop and decisions about whom, when, the ward members, both those who give and those who receive, correctly how, and how much to help understand and apply principles rest with the bishops. But I related to self-reliance and providing have found that as a stake for the poor and needy. The current instructions for ward and stake finan- president, I can help the cial clerks outline the procedures for bishops in my stake to obtaining additional fast offerings from discern the will of the Lord the Church or remitting surplus fast by counseling with them offerings to the Church. The stake president should instruct about difficult welfare He instructs ward leaders to search the bishops in the stake to contact him problems. the scriptures to learn their welfare if a needy member’s medical expenses responsibilities so that they know how to be paid by the Church are expected to provide for the poor and needy in to exceed $1,000. In this situation, the Lord’s way. He also instructs ward bishops will need the stake president’s leaders to teach welfare principles in approval before making a commitment quorum and auxiliary meetings. They to healthcare providers. If a needy can use welfare-related lessons in member’s medical expenses to be paid priesthood and Relief Society personal by the Church are expected to exceed study guides and other curriculum $5,000, the stake president should materials. contact the Area Presidency for He should see that stake and ward instructions. welfare committees are organized and When several wards are close functioning and that committee together and many transients are in members understand their responsi- need of assistance, the stake president bilities for welfare. may appoint one bishop to handle all requests from transients, thereby avoid- TRAIN AND COUNSEL BISHOPS ing duplication or confusion. The stake president should train and counsel bishops in the principles DUTIES OF THE STAKE WELFARE and practices outlined in this guide. He COMMITTEE makes sure that each new bishop learns his welfare duties by watching the he stake president is chairman of videocassette Caring for the Needy T the stake welfare committee. This (53257) and studying the accompanying committee consists of the stake priest- guide (32294). (This videocassette is hood executive committee, the stake also useful for training stake and ward Relief Society presidency, and the priesthood leaders and Relief Society chairman of the stake bishops’ welfare leaders.) council. It should meet at least quarterly, In personal interviews with each either in place of or in addition to one bishop, the stake president inquires of the stake priesthood executive about the welfare of individual ward committee meetings. This committee members, discusses the use of fast does the following things: offerings and the welfare assistance ■ given to members, and teaches welfare Sees that priesthood quorum leaders principles that the bishop needs to and Relief Society leaders are consider in making decisions. trained in their welfare duties. 17 ■ Sees that welfare resources within welfare needs. These specialists may be the stake are made available to the invited to attend stake welfare commit- wards as needed. tee meetings as needed. ■ Develops ways to encourage members to be self-reliant. ■ Develops ways to provide help to DUTIES OF THE STAKE BISHOPS’ members with special needs. WELFARE COUNCIL ■ Provides opportunities for the chair- man of the stake bishops’ welfare he stake bishops’ welfare council council to report on welfare matters Tincludes all bishops in the stake. The during the stake welfare committee stake president appoints one bishop to meeting. be chairman of the council. In consulta- What kind of organiza- ■ Sees that resources within the stake tion with the stake president, the tion will we have to have, to are available to assist the bishop chairman arranges meetings, prepares [set up a welfare program]? who handles all requests for assis- agendas, leads discussions, and arranges for instruction. The council . . . Nothing is greater than tance to transients, if a bishop has been appointed. meets at least quarterly and more often the priesthood organization. ■ Sees that the stake has a simple when circumstances require. All in the world you need to written plan for responding to do is to put the priesthood emergencies. This plan should be coordinated with similar plans in Stake Bishops' Welfare Council to work. the region and community. Stake leaders should report to their priest- Chairman (a designated bishop) Harold B. Lee, Welfare hood leaders the condition of Bishops Agricultural Meeting, members and Church property Stake clerk 3 Oct. 1970 during an emergency. They should understand that civil authorities have priority in directing efforts to respond to emergencies that involve To ensure that the bishops can the community. discuss welfare matters freely and The stake president may call welfare openly, the stake president attends specialists to assist the stake welfare council meetings only occasionally to committee as needed. These specialists give instruction. The council enables should be stake members who can bishops to do the following: assist other members in such things as ■ Receive training in welfare responsi- finding employment, improving nutri- bilities. tion and sanitation, storing food, ■ Exchange ideas and experiences obtaining health care, improving liter- relating to welfare responsibilities. acy, managing finances, meeting social ■ Review agencies and services in the and emotional needs, or any other community and determine which ones could be used to assist members. Stake Welfare Committee ■ Review trends in fast-offering contributions, welfare needs, and Stake presidency welfare assistance. High council ■ Discuss ways to encourage members to serve each other. Stake bishops’ welfare council chairman ■ Identify work opportunities for those Stake Relief Society presidency who receive welfare assistance. Stake executive secretary ■ Discuss ways in which the priest- Stake clerk hood quorums and Relief Society can help to meet welfare needs in the stake.

18 ■ Evaluate the services and manage- foster care, assistance to unwed ment of Church welfare operations parents, and adoption services to where they exist. members. Church welfare operations and The stake bishops’ welfare council contracted services provide resources does not make policy. The council that bishops can use to help the poor should refer policy matters to the stake and needy. In many cases, the opera- president. tions also provide work opportunities and training for those needing Church DUTIES OF THE assistance. AREA PRESIDENCY APPROVE REQUESTS FOR CHURCH- SERVICE WORKERS he Area Presidency sets welfare T priorities for the area, clarifies An Area Presidency may call full- welfare policies, and oversees Church time or part-time Church-service welfare operations. workers to assist in welfare operations Under the direction of the Area or in other specialized welfare tasks in Presidency, the Regional Representative the area or any of its regions. The provides training in welfare principles Area Presidency may also approve and practices. He may do so in area and requests to call such workers from the regional training meetings, in regional area welfare director or director for welfare committee meetings, and in temporal affairs, a regional welfare stake conferences he attends. committee, or the president of a stake The area welfare director (in the that has been assigned to be the agent United States and Canada) or the direc- stake for a Church welfare operation. tor for temporal affairs (in other areas) Area Presidencies should make is the welfare specialist assigned to the every effort to use Church-service Area Presidency. He helps make plans workers in Church welfare operations, for meeting welfare needs in the area; avoiding the use of paid personnel to trains local leaders as requested; gives the extent possible. advice on technical issues such as If Church-service workers are called government regulations, safety matters, to serve for twenty or more hours a or financial procedures; and supervises week, the Area Presidency will normally the management of Church welfare extend the call to them through a letter. operations where they exist. All other Church-service workers are normally called by their stake OVERSEE CHURCH WELFARE presidents. OPERATIONS If Church-service workers must Church welfare operations include relocate in order to serve, they are Church employment offices, Deseret called by the First Presidency as Industries stores, storehouses, can- missionaries with additional assign- neries, grain storage facilities, and a ments in welfare. variety of commodity production APPROVE REQUESTS FOR projects. The Area Presidency oversees MISSIONARIES WITH ADDITIONAL the work of these welfare operations ASSIGNMENTS IN WELFARE through the area welfare director or the director for temporal affairs, and A mission president may request through presidents of agent stakes that full-time missionaries with assigned to individual Church welfare additional assignments in welfare be operations where they exist. assigned to his mission. He sends a The Church contracts with LDS request for such missionaries to the Social Services to provide counseling, Area Presidency for approval, using the

19 form entitled Mission President’s GIVE WELFARE TRAINING IN AREA Request for Missionaries with TRAINING MEETINGS Additional Assignments (31984). If the Area Presidencies train stake presi- Area Presidency approve the request, dents in area training meetings. At they forward it to the Missionary least annually, they should train stake Department of the Church. presidents in welfare matters. When practical, the area welfare director or the director for temporal affairs should As missionaries with attend these meetings when welfare is additional assignments in discussed. Welfare training could welfare, we have many include the following:

■ opportunities to help needy Instruction on welfare principles and practices. members of the Church learn ■ Discussion of trends in fast-offering the basic skills needed for contributions and welfare assis- self-reliance. We are tance. ■ Discussion of ways in which stake assigned by our mission presidents can train stake and ward president to work in many leaders and members in welfare branches where these basic principles and practices. ■ Planning and approval of area and skills are needed. regional welfare activities. ■ Discussion of recommendations to be made to the General Welfare These missionaries may be either Committee. couples or single sisters. The mission president is responsible for their welfare and for supervising their proselyting Area Training Meeting efforts. With the help of the area welfare director or the director for temporal Area Presidency affairs, he may also give direction to (or member of the Presidency) their additional assignments. (See the Regional Representatives Mission President’s Handbook [31153], Stake presidents pp. 21–22.) These missionaries may Area welfare director or director for help priesthood leaders and Relief temporal affairs (attends when welfare Society leaders to train members in is discussed) welfare practices such as those outlined in the Basic Self-reliance lessons (32293).

OBTAIN APPROVAL FOR DUTIES OF THE REGIONAL HEALTH CARE WELFARE COMMITTEE A stake president should contact the Area Presidency if a needy member’s n the United States and Canada and in medical expenses to be paid by the I other areas where Church welfare Church are expected to exceed $5,000. activities need to be coordinated above The Area Presidency should seek the stake level, Area Presidencies approval for the proposed health care should organize a regional welfare from Church headquarters through committee in each region within their Welfare Health Services, 50 East North areas. This committee consists of all Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah, stake presidents, all chairmen of stake 84150. bishops’ welfare councils, and all stake

20 Relief Society presidents in the region. presidents of agent stakes or others The Area Presidency appoints one stake who are responsible for the president to be chairman of the commit- operations. tee. The committee meets at least twice ■ Review the services of Church a year and more often if needed. welfare operations. Recommend needed improvements in the services provided by these opera- I am grateful my welfare Regional Welfare Committee tions and suggest to the presidents roots go deep into the soil of of agent stakes, bishops, and others Chairman (a designated stake president) ways to use the services most the Pioneer Stake and the Regional Representative effectively. Pioneer Welfare Region, (attends when practical) When a regional welfare committee where giants of our time . . . Stake presidents is organized, the Area Presidency taught, testified and inspired. Stake bishops’ welfare council chairmen appoints a regional welfare agent. The There is currently a pressing Stake Relief Society presidents regional welfare agent should be a Melchizedek Priesthood holder with Regional welfare agent (executive secretary) need for members of regional welfare experience. He reports to the and area councils to assume committee chairman and serves as their full responsibility and executive secretary to the committee. He may serve as the regional welfare The committee has the following be similarly taught and agent to more than one regional responsibilities: inspired. welfare committee. ■ Implement instructions from the Although the Regional Thomas S. Monson, General Welfare Committee and the Representative is not a member of the Church News, Area Presidency. committee, he may attend occasionally ■ Encourage stake and ward leaders 26 May 1990, p. 8. to convey messages from the Area to train members and other leaders Presidency and to assist in training in welfare practices. stake and ward leaders and members ■ Review the production and labor in welfare principles and practices. assignments of Church welfare operations for consistency and fairness. Recommend any adjust- ments in assignments to the

21

Needs and Resources Analysis Self-Reliance Plan Name of member

Address Te lephone

Ward Stake

Where employed Occupation Te lephone

Names and ages of dependent family members

Instructions The bishop helps the individual with immediate needs as the ward welfare committee, including the priesthood quorum and Relief Society leaders, assists with a plan leading to self-reliance. 1. Determine individual and family needs. 2. Identify individual, family, Church, and other resources. 3. Help the member develop a self-reliance plan. 4. Make work assignments so the recipient can work to the extent of his or her ability. Immediate Needs Resources to Meet Immediate Needs Determine with the member his or her Resources from individual, family, ward welfare committee, other Church resources, and immediate needs. Needs should be listed community. below and may include: food, clothing, and 1. Individual resources housing; money for medical or utility bills; or other needs.

2. Family members and how they can help (parents, children, siblings, others)

3. Other resources and how they can help

Complete reverse side of this form 5/00. Printed in the USA. 32290 Self-Reliance Needs Plan to Meet Self-Reliance Needs Determine with the member what is needed to Determine with the member a self-reliance plan which includes how to obtain needed become self-reliant. Needs should be listed resources and timelines. below and may include housing, employment, job training, education, and so on.

Work or Service to Be Performed Note below the assignments accepted by family members to work to the extent of their abilities for commodities or services received.

Signatures Signature of member Date Signature of bishop Date

Note: The terms bishop and ward on this form refer also to branch president and branch. INDEX

A serve on the stake bishops’ welfare Aaronic Priesthood holders, collect fast council, 18 offerings, 14 study the circumstances, 12 use discernment, 12 Agent stake, president of use the services of Church welfare oversees Church welfare operations, 14 operations, 19 requests Church-service workers, 19 Bishopric, 16 Area Presidency’s responsibilities C for area training meetings, 20 Caring for the Needy, 17 for Church welfare operations, 19 for Church-service workers, 19 Church welfare operations for health care, 20 Area Presidency oversees, 19 for missionaries with additional bishops may use, 14 assignments in welfare, 19–20 Church-service workers in, 19 for regional welfare committees, 20 regional welfare committee reviews, 21 Area training meetings, 20 stake bishops’ welfare council Area welfare director or director for evaluates, 19 temporal affairs, responsibilities Church-service workers, approved by for area training meetings, 20 the Area Presidency, 19 for Church welfare operations, 19 for Church-service workers, 19 Common judge, bishop as, 12 for missionaries with additional Community resources, 15 assignments in welfare, 20 as welfare specialist assigned to the Confidentiality, 13 Area Presidency, 19 D B Director for temporal affairs. See Area Bishop’s responsibilities welfare director or director for administer fast offerings, 13–14 temporal affairs administer other ward resources, 14 E assist transients, 15 assist with necessities, 12 Education, 6 become familiar with community Elders quorum president, 16 resources, 15 Emergencies, plans for responding to, direct quorum and Relief Society 16, 18 leaders, 14–16 give members the opportunity to Emotional strength, 7 work, 13 Employment, 6–7 help needy members obtain health care, 14–15 F keep needs and assistance Family’s welfare responsibilities, 5 confidential, 13 for the Lord’s storehouse, 11–15 Fast offerings, bishop and stake presi- provide welfare assistance in the dent counsel about, 13, 17 proper spirit, 12–13 Fasting and fast offerings seek out the poor and needy, 12 bishop’s responsibilities for, 13–14 serve as chairman of the ward for poor and needy, 8–9 welfare committee, 16 Food storage, 7 serve as common judge, 12

25 G provide training in welfare Giving, 3, 8–9 principles, 19 Government assistance, 15 Regional welfare agent, 21 Regional welfare committee H members and responsibilities, 20–21 Health care requests Church-service workers, 19 Area Presidency’s responsibilities Relief Society leaders’ responsibilities, for, 20 12, 14, 15–16 bishop’s responsibilities for, 14–15 Resource management, 7 stake president’s responsibilities for, 17 S Health, 6 Scriptures, use of, 1, 17 High council, 18 Self-reliance, 3, 5–7, 11, 15 High priests group leader, 16 Social, emotional, and spiritual Home storage, 7 strength, 7 Home teachers and visiting teachers, Specialists. See Welfare specialists 12, 14, 15 Spiritual strength, 7 L Stake bishops’ welfare council, 18–19 LDS Social Services, 14, 19 Stake bishops’ welfare council chairman, 18, 20–21 Lord’s storehouse, 11 Stake clerk, 18 Love, 9 Stake executive secretary, 18 M Stake presidency, 18 Member’s welfare responsibilities, 5 Stake president’s responsibilities Mission president, 19–20 for area training meetings, 20 Missionaries with additional assign- as chairman of the stake welfare ments in welfare, 19–20 committee, 17 for fast offerings, 17 N for health care, 17 for regional welfare committee Needs and Resources Analysis meetings, 20–21 form, 12, 23 for stake and ward welfare Needy. See Poor and needy committees, 17 for stake bishops’ welfare P council, 18 Poor and needy for teaching welfare principles, 16 bishop’s responsibilities for, 12–15 for training and counseling caring for, 3, 7–9, 11 bishops, 17 for transients, 17 Priesthood quorum committee on welfare, 16 Stake Relief Society presidency, 18 Priesthood quorum leaders’ responsi- Stake Relief Society presidents, 21 bilities, 12, 14, 15–16 Stake welfare committee, 17–18 Providing in the Lord’s way, 1, 3 Stewardship, 5 R Storehouse, the Lord’s, 11 Receiving, 3, 5 T Regional Representative’s Transients responsibilities bishop’s responsibilities for, 15 attend area training meetings, 20 stake president’s responsibilities attend regional welfare committee for, 17 meetings, 21

26 V Visiting teachers. See Home teachers and visiting teachers

W Ward clerk, 16 Ward executive secretary, 16 Ward mission leader, 16 Ward welfare committee bishop directs efforts, 14 members and responsibilities, 16 Welfare committee. See Stake welfare committee; Ward welfare committee Welfare operations. See Church welfare operations Welfare responsibilities family, 5 member, 5 Welfare specialists stake, 18 ward, 16 Welfare definition, 3 scope, 11 Work and self-reliance, 5–6 for assistance, 13, 15, 16

Y Year’s supply, 7 Young Men president, 16

27 32296 3/91