Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders'

Home , Branch president, Mission president, Priesthood (LDS Church), Setting apart, Seventy (LDS Church)

PRIESTHOOD AND AUXILIARY LEADERS’

GUIDEBOOK PRIESTHOOD AND AUXILIARY LEADERS’

GUIDEBOOK

Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Salt Lake City, Utah Contents Introduction 1 Priesthood 4 Auxiliaries 11 Curriculum and Teacher Improvement 15 Leadership 17 Obtaining Church Materials and Locating Information on Family History 22

Distribution The Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders’ Guidebook is for priesthood and auxiliary leaders who are new to the Church and have limited Church experience. It will also be useful for leaders in more established areas. It explains principles and practices to help priesthood and auxiliary leaders fulfill their callings.

The Church prepared this guidebook Share the Gospel to help priesthood and auxiliary leaders learn the responsibilities of their callings and how to fulfill them. All leaders and other Church members are to help accomplish the mission of the Church, which is to invite all people to “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him” (Moroni 10:32). To accomplish this mission, leaders help members: •Proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Share the gospel by bearing testimony as prompted by The Lord asks Church members to the Spirit. share the gospel. Leaders are to do so themselves and should encourage and •Perfect the Saints. Help new con- inspire other members to do so. Some verts progress in the Church by ways to share the gospel include: ensuring that they have a friend and an assignment and are nour- • Setting a good example of living by ished by the word of God. Receive gospel principles. the ordinances and make the •Telling friends and family members covenants of the gospel, strive to about the gospel and the blessings keep the commandments as they it brings into their lives. have promised, serve their fellow- men, care for the poor and needy, • Assisting district or full-time and fellowship one another to build missionaries. the community of Saints. •Planning activities and programs •Redeem the dead. Identify deceased to introduce the gospel to others. ancestors and perform temple ordi- Another way to share the gospel nances for them as far as reasonably is to help members prepare to serve possible to prepare for family full-time missions. Leaders can help exaltation. youth prepare to serve, encourage

1 parents to prepare their children the gospel and urging them to live it. for missions, and encourage retired They should encourage members to couples to serve missions. Further, draw close to the Lord by praying, they can counsel members to fasting, partaking of the sacrament, save money to pay for their own and studying the scriptures and the missions and to support missionaries teachings of latter-day prophets. financially. They should provide opportunities to serve, ensure that Church meetings Under the direction of the branch are spiritually edifying, and show president, the branch mission leader love by ministering to members (when called) coordinates missionary individually. work in the branch. Efforts to perfect the Saints should focus on individuals and families. Perfect the Saints The Church strengthens and supports Perfecting the Saints includes encour- families and homes. The home is the aging and helping each member live most important place for gospel the gospel each day to prepare for teaching and leadership. Leaders exaltation. Perfecting the Saints has are to encourage family members to love and serve each other and are both a spiritual dimension and a tem- to emphasize that parents have a poral dimension. responsibility to teach the gospel to Spiritual Preparation their children and to hold family home evenings regularly. All members of the Church should prepare to receive the blessings of the temple. Members’ responsibilities for doing this are outlined in the Family Guidebook (31180). Leaders can help members prepare to receive temple blessings by teaching them about the temple. Leaders are to encourage members to live worthily to obtain and always have a valid temple rec- Leaders should pray continually for ommend and to receive their temple inspiration to know how to help endowments and temple sealing ordi- members increase their spiritual nances where reasonable. A worthy strength. Leaders can help members person is one who has entered into prepare spiritually by teaching them covenants with the Lord, such as the

2 baptismal covenant, and is striving Temple Ordinances and diligently to keep these covenants. Family History

Physical and Temporal Preparation Leaders can help members prepare to meet physical and temporal needs by teaching them to be self-reliant and to prepare for unexpected events. Leaders can teach members to live the law of tithing and the law of the fast, encourage them to live within their means, and assign home and visiting teachers to watch over and help them. Leaders should seek out and help In addition to receiving their own care for the poor and the needy in the temple ordinances, members help branch and teach branch members to redeem the dead by identifying their do likewise. ancestors and performing temple ordinances for them. They should For more information about how concentrate initially on the first four members can meet their physical generations of their ancestors. needs, see the Family Guidebook. Leaders can help members by teaching them the doctrines relating to the redemption of the dead, encouraging them to submit names for temple work, and encouraging them to perform temple ordinances, where possible, for their ancestors and for others who have died.

3 Priesthood

The priesthood is the power and sengers restored priesthood authority authority of God. Through it, He to the earth through the Prophet accomplishes His work and glory, Joseph Smith. which is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses Melchizedek Priesthood 1:39). Jesus Christ permits worthy The Melchizedek Priesthood is the male members of the Church to greater priesthood. Its name comes hold His priesthood. When they are from the name of a great high priest ordained to the priesthood, they can who lived during the time of Abraham be authorized to do the Lord’s work, (see D&C 107:2–5). Brethren who hold such as preach the gospel, perform this priesthood have the power and priesthood ordinances, and minister, authority to hold positions of leader- as called, in the kingdom of God on ship in the Church and to direct the earth. preaching of the gospel. They may “There are, in the church, two priest- preside, as called, over missions, hoods, namely, the Melchizedek and districts, branches, and quorums. Aaronic” (D&C 107:1). Heavenly mes-

4 Before a man can be ordained to an mission or district presidency, as office in the Melchizedek Priesthood, guided by the Spirit, may organize an he must first have the Melchizedek elders quorum in the branch, calling Priesthood conferred upon him. Then and setting apart a quorum president he is ordained to an office in that from among quorum members. As priesthood. These offices are elder, the number of elders in the branch high priest, patriarch, seventy, and increases, the mission presidency may apostle. Mission or district priesthood call and set apart two counselors to leaders organize brethren who hold the elders quorum president. Each the Melchizedek Priesthood into quo- elders quorum may consist of up to rums of elders in the mission or dis- 96 members. The quorum provides trict. A president presides over each example, help, and direction to elders quorum. He teaches quorum fathers and other quorum members. members their duties and encourages The elders quorum president serves brotherhood among quorum mem- under the direction of the district or bers. All brethren in the branch who mission president and is accountable hold the Melchizedek Priesthood are to him. The quorum president works members of the elders quorum. also under the direction of the branch Elder and Elders Quorum Presidency president as a member of the branch priesthood executive committee and Elders are to teach, expound, baptize, as a member of the branch council. and watch over the Church. In addi- The quorum president presides over tion to having the authority and re- quorum members in the branch and sponsibilities of Aaronic Priesthood sets an example for them. He works offices, elders may bestow the gift with the branch president to organize of the Holy Ghost, administer to the and administer home teaching to en- sick, and perform other ordinances sure that the Church remains in active (see “Priesthood Ordinances and contact with all branch members. Blessings” in the Family Guidebook). When authorized by their priesthood The quorum president teaches quo- leaders, elders may preside over rum members the gospel and their Church meetings when no authorized Melchizedek Priesthood duties (see high priest is present. (See D&C D&C 107:89). He encourages them to 20:42–45; 107:11.) serve with joy and humility, especially in their responsibilities as husbands When a branch has worthy men who and fathers. He teaches them how to bear the Melchizedek Priesthood, the perform priesthood ordinances, and

5 plans service projects and activities The quorum president encourages that assist members and build quo- quorum members to participate in rum brotherhood. He is responsible Church meetings and activities and for the spiritual and temporal well- to give service. He helps unordained being of quorum members. men and those over 18 years of age who hold the Aaronic Priesthood The elders quorum president prepare to receive the Melchizedek assigns home teachers who hold Priesthood and temple ordinances. the Melchizedek Priesthood and Home teachers help with these efforts, adults (19 and older) who hold the but often the president needs to Aaronic Priesthood, and with the minister personally to his quorum approval of the branch president, he members. assigns young men as home teachers who are teachers and priests in the High Priest, Patriarch, Seventy, and Aaronic Priesthood. Home teachers Apostle are assigned in companionships of For information about the offices of two during private interviews. As high priest, patriarch, seventy, and approved by the branch president, apostle, see Gospel Principles, chapter the elders quorum president may 14. assign the wife of a man who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood to accom- Home Teaching pany her husband on visits where a couple is specifically needed. The quorum president teaches quorum members the purposes of home teaching (see pages 6–7) and inspires them to fulfill them well. A member of the quorum presidency interviews home teachers regularly to receive an accounting of their visits and to learn of members’ needs. Home teachers are brethren who bear The elders quorum president super- the priesthood and are called to help vises home teaching and keeps the priesthood leaders watch over and branch president informed of home strengthen branch members. Males teaching visits and of member needs who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood and concerns learned through home and Aaronic Priesthood, with the teaching visits. exception of deacons, may serve as home teachers. 6 Home teachers are to visit members •Help members to have faith in regularly, showing love for them, Jesus Christ by sharing a message teaching them the gospel, and invit- from the scriptures or from the ing them to come unto Christ. Home living prophets as contained in teachers should encourage fathers to the First Presidency Message, Liahona, pray and take proper care of their or Ensign. families. Home teachers help mem- • Pray with and bless those they visit. bers in times of illness, loss, loneli- ness, unemployment, and at times of •Inform the family of meetings, other special needs. (See D&C 20:51, quorum and branch activities, and 53, 59.) special projects, and help them participate. Home teachers represent the Lord, branch president, and quorum •Report to the elders quorum presi- president as they visit their assigned dent (or to the branch president families. They learn about the inter- if the branch does not have an ests and needs of family members elders quorum) on the progress and show a genuine interest in them. of members. Under the inspiration of the Spirit, • Encourage and help family mem- home teachers seek to teach the bers receive all essential gospel gospel and to develop and strengthen ordinances and keep the associated the faith of the individuals and family covenants. members they visit. If possible, each home teacher should have a • Encourage members to do mission- companion. ary work and family history and temple work. Home teachers: • Stay in active contact with each Ordinances and Blessings assigned member. Priesthood ordinances are sacred acts revealed by the Lord and performed • Recognize the father as the head of by the authority of the priesthood. the family (or the mother or single Priesthood blessings are given for member where no father is in the healing, comfort, and encouragement. home) and help him lead his family Baptizing and blessing and passing members on their journey toward the sacrament are examples of priest- immortality and eternal life. hood ordinances. Some ordinances

7 may be performed by brethren who See the Family Guidebook for instruc- hold the Aaronic Priesthood, but most tion on specific ordinances and ordinances are performed by men blessings. who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood (see “Aaronic Priesthood” in this Aaronic Priesthood guidebook and the Family Guidebook). Branch presidents and elders quorum presidents are to teach the brethren how to perform ordinances. These leaders should help fathers prepare and be worthy to perform ordinances for family members. Brethren who perform ordinances and blessings are to prepare themselves by living according to gospel principles and striv- The Aaronic Priesthood “is an ing to be guided by the Holy Spirit. appendage to the greater, or the They perform each ordinance and Melchizedek Priesthood” (D&C blessing in a dignified manner. Each 107:14). It is named after Aaron, ordinance should be performed: Moses’ brother, because it was con- 1. In the name of Jesus Christ. ferred on him and his descendants. Brethren who hold the Aaronic 2. By the authority of the priesthood. Priesthood have authority to perform 3. With any necessary procedures, certain priesthood ordinances. Priests such as specified words or conse- may perform baptisms, bless the crated oil. sacrament, and ordain priests, teachers, and deacons. Priests and teachers 4. With authorization of the desig- may prepare the sacrament. Priests, nated priesthood leader who holds teachers, and deacons may pass the the proper keys, if necessary. sacrament. (See D&C 107:13–14, 20.) Ordinances that require priesthood leader authorization are naming and When the Aaronic Priesthood is blessing children, performing baptisms conferred on a person, he is ordained and confirmations, conferring the to an office in that priesthood. The priesthood and ordaining to a priest- offices are deacon, teacher, and priest. hood office, blessing and passing the As guided by the Spirit and as num- sacrament, and dedicating graves. bers warrant, the branch president, who is president of the Aaronic

8 Priesthood in the branch, organizes When the branch president organizes brethren who hold the same office Aaronic Priesthood quorums, he calls, into quorums of deacons (ages 12–13), as guided by the Spirit, and sets apart teachers (ages 14–15), and priests a man who holds the Melchizedek (ages 16–18). Priesthood or the office of priest in the Aaronic Priesthood to serve as The branch president, holding the Young Men president. The Young keys of presidency of the Aaronic Men president works with the branch Priesthood, is president of the Aaronic presidency and Aaronic Priesthood Priesthood in the branch. He is presi- quorum presidencies to help each dent of the priests quorum and may quorum member strengthen his faith call two worthy priests to serve as his in Jesus Christ and increase his under- assistants in the priests quorum. He standing of and commitment to live may call a worthy teacher and a wor- in harmony with the principles of the thy deacon to serve as presidents of restored gospel. the teachers and deacons quorums, respectively. He or an assigned coun- The purposes of the Aaronic selor may call two counselors to the Priesthood are to help each one teachers and deacons quorum presi- ordained to that priesthood: dents to complete the presidencies of • Become converted to the gospel these quorums. When quorums have of Jesus Christ and live by its a sufficient number of young men, a teachings. member of the branch presidency may call a young man in each quorum to • Serve faithfully in priesthood callings and fulfill the responsibilities serve as quorum secretary. The branch of each priesthood office. president sets apart his assistants in the priests quorum and the presidents • Give meaningful service. of the teachers and deacons quorums. •Prepare and live worthily to receive A member of the branch presidency the Melchizedek Priesthood and sets apart counselors in quorum temple ordinances. presidencies and secretaries. •Prepare to serve an honorable full- Following the opening exercises of time mission. priesthood meeting, the Aaronic • Obtain as much education as Priesthood meets, under the direction possible and prepare to become of the branch president, separately a worthy husband and father. from those who hold the Melchizedek •Give proper respect to women, Priesthood. girls, and children.

9 The branch president works with A deacons quorum may consist of Aaronic Priesthood quorum presiden- up to 12 deacons (see D&C 107:85). cies to plan quorum meetings, service projects, and activities to help accom- Teacher plish these purposes. Activities are to A worthy young man may be provide a wholesome environment in ordained a teacher when he is at which young men can make friends, least 14 years old. In addition to all provide service, and develop skills of the authority and responsibilities with others who share similar beliefs of deacons, teachers prepare the sacra- and standards. ment and serve as home teachers. Aaronic Priesthood quorum presiden- A teachers quorum may consist of cies and Young Women class presi- up to 24 teachers (see D&C 107:86). dencies, in cooperation with Aaronic Priesthood and Young Women adult Priest leaders, may plan combined Aaronic Worthy brethren may be ordained Priesthood and Young Women activi- priests when they are at least 16 years ties under the supervision of the old. Normally, adult male converts branch president. The combined are ordained priests until they have activities are called Mutual. had sufficient experience to be ordained elders. Deacon In addition to all of the authority and A worthy young man who has been responsibilities of deacons and teach- baptized and confirmed may be or- ers, priests may baptize and adminis- dained a deacon when he is at least ter the sacrament and may conduct 12 years old. Deacons usually are meetings when no one who holds the assigned to pass the sacrament, care Melchizedek Priesthood is present for Church buildings and grounds, (see D&C 20:46–51). help care for the needy, and complete special assignments, such as gather- A priests quorum may consist of up ing fast offerings. to 48 priests (see D&C 107:87–88).

10 Auxiliaries

In a branch, the priesthood organiza- Relief Society tion is established first. As the num- The Relief Society assists priesthood ber of members increases and as leaders by encouraging adult sisters leaders and meeting places become (18 and older) to build faith in the available, the branch president may Lord Jesus Christ. The Relief Society organize auxiliaries to the priesthood helps women and their families come as he determines they are needed. The unto Christ and live worthily to re- auxiliaries are Relief Society, Young ceive the guidance of the Holy Ghost. Men, Young Women, Primary, and Relief Society sisters teach and learn Sunday School. the doctrines of the gospel, provide Until the branch has sufficient women, charitable service, develop home- young women, and children to divide making skills, strengthen family into separate auxiliary groups, they relationships, and serve and support meet together for instruction under each sister. the direction of the Relief Society When a branch has at least two president. women members, the branch president may organize a Relief

11 Society. Under the direction of the to the gospel of Jesus Christ, honor branch president, the Relief Society their parents, prepare to make and president: keep sacred temple covenants, become worthy wives and mothers, and •Directs or conducts a class for adult give service. Young women receive women (18 and older) on Sundays gospel instruction in Sunday meetings while the men and young men are and in weekday activities. in priesthood meeting. Young women 12 through 17 may •Works with the branch president to meet separately from the Relief advise him of the needs and activi- Society when the branch president ties of women, young women, and determines that enough young children. women live in the branch. He may • Helps the branch president identify organize them into Beehive (ages and care for those in need. 12–13), Mia Maid (ages 14–15) and Laurel (ages 16–17) classes. He may Young Men call and set apart a worthy young See “Aaronic Priesthood” on pages woman in each class as class presi- 8–10 of this guidebook. dent. A member of the branch presidency may call and set apart Young Women two additional young women as counselors to each president and a class secretary when enough young women are in the class. Under the direction of the branch president, the Young Women presidency (adults) works with the branch presidency and with the Young Women class presidencies (girls) to strengthen each young woman’s faith in Jesus Christ and to increase her The branch presidency has essentially understanding of and commitment the same responsibility for young to live in harmony with the principles women 12 through 18 years of age as of the restored gospel. Sunday gospel for young men of that age. instruction and wholesome weekday activities may help to achieve these The Young Women organization helps goals. girls (12 through 17) become converted

12 Young Women class presidencies and •Teach children that they are chil- Aaronic Priesthood quorum presiden- dren of God and that Heavenly cies, in cooperation with the Young Father and Jesus Christ love them. Women and Aaronic Priesthood adult • Help children learn to love leaders and under the supervision of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. the branch president, may plan combined Young Women and Aaronic • Help children prepare to be bap- Priesthood activities. The combined tized, receive the Holy Ghost, and activities are called Mutual. keep their baptismal covenants and promises. Primary • Help children grow in their understanding of the gospel plan and provide opportunities for them to live gospel principles. •Help boys prepare to receive the priesthood and be worthy to use the priesthood to bless and serve others. • Help girls prepare to be righteous young women, understand the blessings of the priesthood and the The Primary teaches children (ages 3 temple, and serve others. through 11) the gospel of Jesus Christ Priesthood and Primary leaders and and helps them learn to live it. In teachers help parents teach their chil- Primary, children feel welcome, feel dren the gospel of Jesus Christ as they the Savior’s love, and feel the joy the seek and are guided by the Spirit. gospel brings. Each child in Primary needs to be The Primary theme is “All thy chil- loved by caring teachers and leaders, dren shall be taught of the Lord; and especially children who come from great shall be the peace of thy chil- homes that lack strong support for dren” (3 Nephi 22:13). The Primary gospel living. assists priesthood leaders in accom- When the number of children is plishing the mission of the Church sufficient, they meet separately from by encouraging children to study women and young women for class the scriptures, pray, and follow the instruction and sharing time during example of the Savior. The objectives the Sunday School and the Relief of Primary are to: 13 Society and Young Women time •Study the scriptures. periods. Branches may organize • Obey the commandments. occasional activities for Primary-age children on a day other than Sunday. • Receive the essential ordinances More instruction regarding sharing and keep the associated covenants time and weekday activities is avail- of the gospel. able through priesthood leaders. The Sunday School presidency over- Sunday School sees the Sunday School. The president recommends potential teachers to the The Sunday School helps members branch president. The branch presi- and investigators 12 and older learn dency calls and sets the teachers apart the gospel of Jesus Christ and live to teach Sunday School classes. Youth according to gospel principles by and adults meet together where they providing edification and instruction are few in number, but when numbers in Sunday meetings. Sunday School justify doing so, they may meet sepa- teachers encourage members to: rately for class instruction.

14 Curriculum and Teacher Improvement

Curriculum The First Presidency Messages, Visiting Teaching Messages, and resources in The Church provides priesthood the Liahona provide material to refresh quorum and auxiliary curriculum and enrich lessons in curriculum materials. The Area Presidency pro- manuals. These materials are avail- vides instructions regarding the able in print and in electronic form materials to be used each year. The on the Church’s official Internet site, instructions are provided with the www.lds.org. Where the Liahona is annual shipment of materials from available, each family in the branch the Church distribution or service should subscribe. center. The publication Information for Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders on Teacher Improvement Curriculum (36363), which is available through priesthood leaders, contains Parents, leaders, and teachers have an overview of Church curriculum. a sacred responsibility to teach the Leaders and teachers are encouraged gospel of Jesus Christ. Through their to use only approved Church instruc- efforts, others can learn how to apply tional materials and to avoid using gospel truths in everyday living. commercial products. The Lord said: “I give unto you a 15 commandment that you shall teach branch. When the branch has suffi- one another the doctrine of the king- cient strength, the presidency calls a dom. Teach ye diligently and my brother or sister to serve as the branch grace shall attend you” (D&C teacher improvement coordinator. 88:77–78). For more information on teaching and The branch presidency is responsible teacher improvement, see the Teaching for the quality of teaching in the Guidebook.

16 Leadership

The Savior’s Example As leaders follow the Savior’s example, He will increase their ability Our Savior, Jesus Christ, has set the to do His work. He will inspire them perfect example for members to fol- to know what they should say and low as leaders in their families and do (see D&C 100:6). Leaders will truly in the Church. He loved His Father become His fellow servants in build- and loved the people He served. ing the kingdom of God. They will He lived to serve others, lifting the become students of the scriptures, downtrodden and giving hope to learn the doctrines and principles of the discouraged. the gospel, and strive to teach them Jesus understood His calling and was to those they serve. prayerful and diligent in fulfilling it. He always did His Father’s will and Character Traits of Leaders gave Him the glory, seeking none for Himself. He sacrificed everything for Faith mankind, giving His life on the cross During His mortal ministry, the and atoning for the sins of all people. Savior admonished His disciples to exercise faith (see Matthew 17:14–21;

17 Luke 8:22–25). Leaders in the Church Heavenly Father’s will (see Matthew must have faith that Jesus Christ is 26:39; John 5:30). Leaders need to our Savior and Redeemer. They de- obey the Lord’s commandments so velop this faith through prayer, scrip- they can set an example for others ture study, obedience, and repentance. and be worthy to receive guidance As we nourish the seed of faith, it will from the Holy Ghost. Obedience grow within us and bear fruit that is shows love for the Lord (see John most precious and sweet (see Alma 14:15). 32:42). The Lord’s commandments are re- Love vealed in the scriptures, through Church leaders, and through the The Savior said: “A new command- promptings of the Holy Spirit. As ment I give unto you, That ye love leaders obey these commandments, one another; as I have loved you, that the Lord will help them fulfill their ye also love one another. By this shall callings. all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John Unity 13:34–35). Leaders should love the In His great intercessory prayer, the people for whom the Lord has given Savior prayed that those who believe them responsibility. As leaders love in Him might be one, even as He and the people, they will want to serve His Father are one (see John 17:20–23). them, teach them, and help them Unity is essential for success in every work for their salvation. organization of the Church. Priesthood In the world, people seldom think and auxiliary presidents should not of leaders as servants. But the Savior work independently of their coun- taught by His words and example selors. Presidencies can accomplish that leaders should serve the people much more when they are unified and they lead. He told the Twelve, counsel together. ”Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew Sacrifice 20:27). When we serve others, we A rich young man asked the Savior are serving the Lord (see Matthew what he must do to inherit eternal life. 25:31–40; Mosiah 2:17). “Keep the commandments,” the Lord told him. The young man said he had Obedience kept the commandments from his Jesus Christ set the perfect example youth, then asked, “What lack I yet?” of obedience and submission to Jesus, knowing what was in his heart,

18 told him to sell his possessions, give Leaders can encourage members to to the poor, and come follow Him. set and reach personal goals. Leaders But the young man “went away sor- may suggest goals for individuals, but rowful: for he had great possessions.” they should set their own goals and (See Matthew 19:16–22.) make plans to reach them.

In this incident, the Lord teaches that Planning and Delegating leaders must be willing to sacrifice all The following steps will help both things in following Him. Like the rich priesthood and auxiliary leaders plan young man, leaders may be called on meetings, activities, service projects, to sacrifice their possessions, or they and goals for doing the Lord’s work may be asked to sacrifice their time, and can be useful in fellowshipping talents, and personal pursuits to fur- members and friendshipping non- ther the Lord’s work. As leaders sacri- members. These steps will help lead- fice for the Lord and His kingdom, He ers organize home teaching and Relief promises to bless them in all things Society visiting teaching, and will (see Matthew 19:29; D&C 97:8–9). help priesthood leaders in calling Leadership Tasks members to serve in branch positions. 1. Plan and organize. Leaders plan all Setting Goals meetings, activities, and goals to Leaders learn that seeking direction have a gospel purpose. In making from the Lord prayerfully about what these plans, leaders ask others, such He wants them to do is essential in as their counselors, to share ideas their callings. Setting goals, with the and help with organization. guidance of the Spirit, will help them do the work the Lord has given them. 2. Pray. Leaders pray for guidance through the promptings of the When setting a goal, a leader needs Spirit as they make and implement to plan how to reach it. For example, plans. They also pray for guidance a district president may set a goal to know whom they should call to to increase attendance at sacrament help with the work. meetings in the district. His plan might include asking the branch 3. Delegate. A good leader invites presidents to invite all branch mem- others to help because he knows bers to commit themselves to attend he cannot and should not do every- sacrament meetings. thing himself. He delegates to help others enlarge their abilities by

19 giving them experience. He value of what has been done, explains the plan to them. He then and may give the person another delegates (assigns) specific tasks assignment. to each person, explaining the duties and blessings of accomplish- Preparing an Agenda ing the task. An agenda is a plan for a meeting. It may include prayers, hymns, talks, 4. Help and support. After a leader announcements, business, reports on plans, prays, and delegates, he sup- assignments, new assignments, and ports those to whom he has dele- other significant items. A written gated responsibility. He teaches agenda helps a leader make sure the them what they need to know and most important matters are consid- offers to help but does not do the ered and helps ensure that the meet- tasks he has asked them to do. He ing time is used wisely. It also helps expresses his love and confidence him direct the meeting in an orderly and encourages them to use their manner. own ideas and inspiration rather than insisting that things always be The person who presides or is in done his way. He redirects them or charge usually prepares the agenda. has them change what they are He or she ensures that it includes doing only when necessary. everything necessary to accomplish the purposes of the meeting. The one 5. Follow through. After giving an who prepares the agenda determines assignment, a leader periodically how much time each agenda item asks for a progress report. He may should take. If too little time is avail- do so in a casual conversation, dur- able to discuss all of the items, he or ing a meeting, or in a private inter- she puts some of them on the agenda view. During the report, the leader for the next meeting. thanks the person and gives sincere praise and encouragement. He also Conducting Meetings may discuss how the assigned The person who conducts a meeting work could be done better. acts as the leader of that meeting. He 6. Evaluate. When the assigned work or she announces the names of those is finished, the leader evaluates it who will pray, speak, lead the music, with each assigned person. He and do other things in the meeting. expresses thanks, discusses the The one conducting the meeting

20 should be reverent and should con- • Focus on individuals and how to duct the meeting as guided by the strengthen them in the gospel, Spirit of the Lord. remembering to always keep confidential information safely guarded. The person who presides at the meeting may conduct it or may ask some- •Promote free and open expression, one else to conduct it under his or giving all a chance to be heard. her direction. For example, a branch Leaders must listen as well as speak. president may ask one of his coun- • Sustain and help carry out the selors to conduct a sacrament meet- decisions of presiding leaders. ing, or a quorum president may ask • Lead with love and a caring concern one of his counselors to conduct a for the needs and well-being of all. quorum meeting. The same principle holds true for auxiliaries. Keeping Confidences Councils Leaders must not reveal confidential information to anyone, whether it comes up in formal interviews or informal conversation. Information resulting from interviews and confes- sions and such information as the amount of tithing and donations a person pays must be kept completely confidential. A leader must not discuss private matters about a person with others, including counselors and spouse, unless the person gives per- The Lord governs His kingdom by mission. A leader who is careless the principle of councils. Those con- about keeping confidential matters ducting council meetings, such as strictly confidential can weaken the branch council meeting, priesthood testimonies and faith of those he or executive committee meeting, and she serves and diminish their trust priesthood and auxiliary presidency and confidence in him or her. meetings (see the Branch Guidebook), should apply the following important principles: •Focus on gospel doctrines and principles, not speculative matters.

21 Obtaining Church Materials and Locating Information on Family History

Local leaders and other members may Information on family history work is obtain Church materials, including available on the Church’s family his- scriptures, courses of study, Church tory Internet site, which is located at magazines, garments, and temple www.familysearch.org. clothing, from their Church distribution center or service center, from the Salt Lake Distribution Center, or through the Church’s official Internet site, which is located at www.lds.org.

22 ENGLISH

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