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37.

Specialized Stakes, Wards, and Branches

37.0

Introduction

A stake president may propose creating specialized stakes, wards, and branches to serve members as outlined in this chapter.

37.1

Language Wards and Branches

A stake president may propose creating a language ward or branch for stake members (1) who do not speak the local native language or (2) who use sign language.

37.7

Groups in Stakes, Missions, and Areas

Groups are small authorized gatherings of members overseen by a bishop, branch president, or mission president. The stake or mission president may recommend creating a group in the following circumstances:

• Travel for its potential members to meet with a ward or branch is difficult.

• A small number of members speak a language that is different from those in the ward or branch.

• Members in the military are best served by being in a group.

A group must have at least two members. One must be a worthy priest in the Aaronic Priesthood or a worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holder.

In stakes, the stake president assigns a bishop or branch president to organize and supervise the group. In missions, the mission president assigns a branch president to organize and supervise it.

The stake president, mission president, bishop, or branch president calls a group leader and sets him apart. The group leader organizes and conducts group meetings, which include the administration of the sacrament.

A group leader does not hold priesthood keys, and he is not authorized to:

• Receive tithes and offerings.

• Counsel members about serious sin.

• Give informal or formal membership restrictions.

• Perform other duties that require priesthood keys.

Typically, groups use the Basic Unit Program.

Membership records of group members are kept in the ward or branch that supervises the group.

Church headquarters does not assign a unit number to groups.