Primary
Responsibilities


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woman teaching children

My Calling as a Counselor in the Stake Primary Presidency

Responsibilities

The Lord is grateful for your willingness to serve in His Church. Below is an overview of the responsibilities for your calling.

Purpose of Primary

Primary helps children feel their Heavenly Father’s love; learn about His plan of happiness; live the gospel of Jesus Christ; and feel, recognize, and act on the influence of the Holy Ghost. Primary is also a time to prepare for, make, and keep sacred covenants as children participate in God’s work of salvation and exaltation. (See General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 12.1.)

Stake Primary Counselor

Stake Primary counselors serve in the stake Primary presidency. Members of the presidency have multiple responsibilities that include assisting the stake presidency, serving on the stake council (president only), orienting newly called ward Primary presidencies, offering ongoing support and instruction, and visiting ward classes in the stake. When invited, they may attend coordinating council meetings and speak in sacrament meetings and other settings (see 6.7.1).

Meetings and Councils

The stake Primary presidency should counsel together regularly. They may be invited to serve on additional councils. (See 6.7.1.1.)

Primary Activities

The stake Primary presidency may occasionally plan stake activities for children ages 8 to 11. These activities could be for girls, boys, or both (see 6.7.1.3).

Guidelines and Policies

All adults who work with children and youth must complete the Protecting Children and Youth training within one month of being sustained (ProtectingChildren.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Guidelines and policies regarding children with special needs, safety requirements, the Children and Youth program, and others are found in section 12.5 of the General Handbook.