My Calling as a Counselor in the Stake Relief Society Presidency

Getting Started

From the Relief Society General Presidency

relief society general presidency

Dear Counselor in the Stake Relief Society Presidency,

This is an exciting time to serve in Relief Society! President Russell M. Nelson has lifted our vision to a higher and holier way to serve, and he has called on every sister to be an active participant in the work of salvation and exaltation. As you think about your new responsibilities, you will realize that your calling is not a list of things to do but a sacred opportunity to minister with love and help women prepare for the blessings of eternal life.

When you are set apart, you will be given authority through priesthood keys to lead and to fulfill this calling. As you humbly seek Heavenly Father’s will, you will receive revelation to guide you. Your presidency, the stake council, and the stake president are also sources of support. Heavenly Father will magnify your efforts as you minister with love to His daughters, doing His work in His way. We pray that you will feel joy and peace as you serve the Lord to the best of your ability.

With love,

The Relief Society General Presidency

You Are Not Alone

You have been called to minister to Relief Society sisters and ward leaders. As a newly called counselor in the stake Relief Society presidency, you will likely feel a range of emotions about your responsibilities. Remember that you are not alone. This calling is a partnership with the Lord. As you seek the Lord’s guidance in serving the sisters in your stake, He will magnify your efforts at home and in your calling. You will feel His love for you, for the sisters, and for their families.

Where to Start

Before You Are Sustained

After you have been called, there will be a short time before your name is presented to the ward congregations for you to be sustained. Here are some things you might do during that time:

• Counsel with the member of the stake presidency who called you about where to begin.

• Seek guidance from the Spirit through prayer, scripture study, fasting, and, if possible, temple attendance.

• Read “Stake Organizations,” in General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6.7 (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

• Read “Relief Society,” chapter 9 in the General Handbook, especially the purposes of Relief Society (see 9.1.1).

• Review chapters 1–4 in the General Handbook, which summarize the doctrinal foundation of God’s plan and give more guidance.

• Seek to understand your responsibilities as a counselor in the stake Relief Society presidency and the responsibilities of the stake Relief Society presidency (see General Handbook, 6.7.1–6.7.1.1; 9.5).

After You Are Sustained and Set Apart

• With so many responsibilities, remember that your family is your first priority.

• Continue to pray for guidance about your service.

• Counsel with the stake Relief Society president about your responsibilities and how she would like you to support her. Remember to give the president your best counsel on Relief Society matters and then support the decisions she makes.

• Participate in presidency meetings. (See “Participate in Presidency Meetings” under “What Should I Focus On?”)

• Participate in stake council meetings and on stake committees as invited by the stake Relief Society president. (See “Participate in Stake Council Meetings and Committees as Invited” under “What Should I Focus On?”)

• With the other members of the presidency, meet regularly with the stake president to discuss the work of the Relief Society in the stake.

• Access reports and lists on Leader and Clerk Resources (LCR) or in the Member Tools mobile app to help your presidency be aware of the strengths and needs of ward Relief Society organizations.

• Under the direction of the stake president, provide training and support to ward Relief Society presidencies. (See “Know and Minister to Ward Relief Society Presidencies” under “What Should I Focus On?”)

• To ensure the safety of children and youth, complete the online training course found at ProtectingChildren.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. You are required to renew the training every three years.

• Study the principles in Teaching in the Savior’s Way (2016).