Getting Started

From the Relief Society General Presidency

Dear Sister,

How we love you! We are so grateful that you have accepted the call from your Heavenly Father to serve as a Relief Society president. He desires to use you as an instrument to bring His beloved daughters closer to Him.

Remember that you are not alone. Your Heavenly Father loves you and knows your unique gifts and talents as well as your challenges and weaknesses. You can feel peace knowing that He has inspired your call to serve at this time. As you humbly seek divine guidance and direction, He and His Son, Jesus Christ, will reveal Their will to you.

This is an exciting time to serve in the Relief Society. President Russell M. Nelson has lifted our vision to a higher and holier way to serve. As you ponder 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. Pray earnestly to receive the gift of charity. Your love for your sisters will touch their hearts and help them feel the love of the Savior.

We express our confidence in you. Start where you are, with the gifts and talents the Lord has given you. When you are set apart by one with priesthood keys, you will be given power and authority to lead and fulfill this calling. Heavenly Father will magnify your efforts as you move forward, a step at a time, with a desire to do His work in His way as you minister with love to His daughters.

With love,

Jean B. Bingham

Sharon Eubank

Reyna I. Aburto

Relief Society General Presidency

Where to Start

Before You Are Sustained

Review with the bishop a list of sisters in your Relief Society. Counsel with him about sisters to serve as your counselors and secretary. Review the list on your own, and pray about which sisters to recommend to the bishop to be called to these positions. You will see and feel the Lord’s influence as you recommend sisters who will be a blessing to you and to those you serve. (See David A. Bednar, “The Spirit of Revelation,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 87–89; see also Alma 17:2–3.)
Read the “Relief Society” chapter in Handbook 2: Administering the Church (chapter 9). Give special attention to the purpose of Relief Society (see 9.1.1) and to your responsibilities as president (see 9.2.2). Also review chapters 1–5, which summarize the doctrinal foundation of God’s plan and give additional guidance.
Seek guidance from the Spirit through prayer, scripture study, fasting, and, if possible, temple attendance.

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.
Hold regular presidency meetings. Work with the Relief Society secretary to prepare an agenda, and ask her to record notes and assignments. (See “Plan and Conduct Presidency Meetings” under “What Should I Focus On?”)
Attend ward council meetings.
Access reports and lists on Leader and Clerk Resources (LCR) or in the LDS Tools mobile app to help your presidency get to know members of the Relief Society and be aware of their strengths and needs.
Under the direction of the bishop, participate in training from the stake Relief Society presidency and in other training as available.
Study the principles in the Teaching in the Savior’s Way booklet.