Apostles Share Counsel about Family History

Elders Bednar, Stevenson, and Renlund testify of the truthfulness, divinity, and reality of temple and family history work.

Elder David A. Bednar (center), Elder Gary E. Stevenson (left), and Elder Dale G. Renlund stand together at the conclusion of a leadership instruction meeting on temple and family history work.

Three members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—Elder David A. Bednar, Elder Gary E. Stevenson, and Elder Dale G. Renlund—shared their testimonies and counsel about the “truthfulness, the divinity, and the reality” of temple and family history work at a leadership instruction meeting held in the Conference Center Theater on February 28.

The meeting was streamed live and is available for viewing on ChurchofJesusChrist.org in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. Transcripts in other languages will be available soon.

The instruction will benefit anyone looking for help with temple and family history responsibilities, such as ward temple and family history leaders and consultants or anyone interested in knowing more about how family history and temple service can strengthen families and wards. Helper resources are also available.

Elder Renlund asked that wards clarify leadership patterns, simplify ward temple and family history plans, and make good use of short coordination meetings. “As you do,” he said, “the Lord will hasten His work on both sides of the veil, and you will be blessed in the process.” (Watch Elder Renlund’s remarks.)

Elder Stevenson spoke about the promised blessings of family history work, temple service, and creating personal connections with ancestors. “The home, the family, and the temple are inseparably connected—one leads to the other,” he said. “In no other work are we more home centered than in temple and family history work.” (Watch Elder Stevenson’s remarks.)

Elder Bednar led a panel discussion with a ward council about how to develop a ward temple and family history plan. They also discussed the role of coordinating meetings in temple and family history work. Elder Bednar, with others, then concluded the evening’s instruction.