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.)

President and Presidency

The Primary presidency helps parents prepare children to enter and progress along the covenant path. This is one of their most important responsibilities. The president serves as a ward council member. She and her counselors meet together regularly and also have meetings with the bishop or his assigned counselor. The presidency oversees Primary meetings, ministering to individual children, teachers and leaders, and the administrative needs of the Primary. (See 12.3.2.)

Classes and Singing Time

It is a sacred privilege to teach children. Primary leaders love and teach children in the Savior’s way. Primary classes are organized by age and the number of teachers available (see 12.1.3). Singing time helps children feel Heavenly Father’s love and learn about His plan of happiness (see 12.1.4).

Meetings and Councils

The Primary president represents the needs of the children while meeting and counseling with leaders in the ward. This includes ongoing meetings with the bishop or assigned counselor, ward council, presidency and secretary, parents, and others. (See 12.3.2.)

Teachers and Leaders

Teaching God’s children is a sacred privilege. The Primary presidency provides support to Primary teachers and leaders during classes, nursery, and singing time (see 12.3.5). The Primary presidency recommends to the bishopric men and women to serve in Primary and nursery callings.

Primary Activities

Primary activity leaders plan fun and engaging activities that help accomplish God’s work of salvation and exaltation. Service and activities should build testimonies, strengthen families, and provide opportunities to bless others. Primary activities are generally held two times a month for children ages 8–11. (See 12.3.6.)

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.