Resources for Relief Society Leaders

Child of God

Foundational Commandment and Foundational Truth:

• Russell M. Nelson, "Choices for Eternity," Worldwide Young Adult Devotional, May 2022

• D. Todd Christofferson, "The First Commandment First," BYU Speeches, March 22, 2022

Child of the Covenant

Ministering:

• My Covenant Path

• Gerrit W. Gong, "Ministering," Apr. 2023

• Jeffery R. Holland, “Be With and Strengthen Them,” Apr. 2018

• Jean B. Bingham, "Ministering as the Savior Does," Apr. 2018

Priesthood Power:

• Russell M. Nelson, "The Everlasting Covenant," Liahona, Oct. 2022

• Russell M. Nelson, "Overcome the World and Find Rest," Oct. 2022

• Russell M. Nelson, "The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation," Oct. 2021

• Russell M. Nelson, "Spiritual Treasures," Oct. 2019

• Camille N. Johnson, “What must women and men do to have access to priesthood power?” Church News, Oct 30, 2022

Disciple of Christ

• Camille N. Johnson, "Jesus Christ is Relief," Apr. 2023

Councils and Unity:

• To Sit in Council (article on RS homepage)

• Counseling Together in Relief Society Sunday Meetings - Church News, 16 Nov. 2022

• How Relief Society and Elders Quorum Presidencies Counsel Together -- RootsTech 2023

• Church News -- Videos about Councils

• 2010 Worldwide Leadership Training - Elder Bednar's portion

• "Learning from God's Pattern of Councils," Liahona, June 2022

Resources for Counseling Adults as a Relief Society President or Presidency:

• General Handbook: 9.3.2.2- 4th bullet includes a 3-minute video and a link to Counseling Resources; see also sections 22.12 and 22.13.

• Life Help tile on the main Gospel Library page

Teaching Temple Covenants:

• David A. Bednar, "Put on Thy Strength, O Zion," Oct. 2022

• David A. Bednar, "Temple Ordinances: Preparing to Return to God's Presence," July 2022

• The Temple Garment: A Sacred Reminder of the Lord Jesus Christ (ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

• "Wearing and Caring for the Garment," General Handbook 38.5.5

• The Power and Protection of the Temple Garment - (video)

Welfare and Self-Reliance Resources:

• Welfare and Self-Reliance Resources - Toolkit

• Welfare and Self-Reliance Resources: One Page Overviews

• Discussion Guide: How Can I Minister to Others During a Crisis?

• Facing Challenges: A Self-Help Guide

• Sexual Abuse Resources: Family Services offers counseling for a variety of challenges, including healing from the impact of sexual abuse. According to demand, Family Services offices offer a “Healing from Sexual Abuse” group for adults which connects gospel and therapeutic principles.  When a Relief Society president learns of a sister who may benefit from counseling or from participation in a support group to help the sister heal from the effects of sexual abuse, the Relief Society president may recommend to her bishop that the sister receive these services through Family Services. More information about Healing from Sexual Abuse groups and their availability can be learned by contacting your local Family Services office (please note that groups are not yet available in all areas). There is also information online on abuse in the Life Help section on the Church website/Gospel Library app.

• Self-reliance Resources: Many Church members could benefit from improving their self-reliance. Self-reliance groups are small, action-oriented councils. During each group meeting, participants spend time reviewing doctrinal principles of self-reliance. They also learn practical skills such as managing personal finances, finding a better job, increasing education, building emotional resilience, or starting and growing a small business. They meet together to help build the skills and faith of each participant. For more information visit https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/self-reliance. Local welfare and self-reliance managers can advise stake or district leaders on offering self-reliance groups in their units.